Following Jesus with Our Hearts and Hands
First United Methodist Church sits on Bancroft Avenue in San Leandro and wears its tagline plainly: Following Jesus with Our Hearts and Hands. The congregation enthusiastically proclaims Christ as Lord and Savior, and that confession shapes everything else - how the sanctuary is opened, how the children are taught, and how neighbors are welcomed at the door. The church's own statement of welcome is unusually broad, extending an embrace to people of every age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, marital status, political conviction, faith journey, economic circumstance, educational background, and physical or developmental ability.
That openness is rooted in a simple conviction: the people of San Leandro who gather here are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, to passionate prayer, and to spiritual accountability, working to build what the church calls "a true heaven on Earth." Ministry, fellowship and worship are the three pillars named in the church's mission, and the congregation sees itself as more than a Sunday destination - it is a community that practices God's word, celebrates Christ's love, and shares those gifts beyond its walls.
A Place for Children and Youth
The church invests deliberately in its youngest members. The children's ministry is built around the idea of providing a safe, nurturing space where kids and teens can develop healthy self-esteem, learn the truth of life through the word of God, and make memories that last. A dedicated Bible study program for youth meets on the fourth Sunday of each month, from 11:00 to 11:50 AM, and uses guided discussion to help young people think through life-related themes and develop their own convictions.
Young members of the congregation can also apply for the Sherman Tuition Scholarship, a tuition award that the church offers to its own students. Application forms are made available to qualifying young people and their families each academic year, with clear guidelines for eligibility and submission.
Worship, in Person and Online
Sunday worship is at the heart of life here, and the church keeps a digital door open as well. For members at home or away, services are offered online via Zoom, using a standing meeting link with ID 868 8613 6567 and passcode 215225. A Sunday bulletin is published to help everyone follow along, whether they are in the pews on Bancroft Avenue or joining from a laptop.
Music remains an important part of congregational worship. The choir is directed by Loren Peters, and the program carries on a long tradition of congregational singing that complements the spoken word and the prayers of the people.
Leadership and Wider Connections
The congregation is shepherded by Pastor Rev. Dr. Myeong Shin Nam. Around the pastor, the life of the church is shaped by a Board Chair, a Lay Leader, a Lay Delegate to the annual conference, a Choir Director, a Facility Manager, and an Administrative Assistant, each carrying a particular piece of the work. The church belongs to the Cal-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church and is affiliated with United Women in Faith, connecting it to a wider network of Methodist witness and service across the region.
The church office, located at 1600 Bancroft Avenue, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Visitors and members can reach the office by calling 510-483-0606 or emailing office@fumcsl.org.
Giving
Support for the church's ministry and mission can be offered in several ways. Donations are accepted electronically through Zelle, using donate@fumcsl.org as the recipient. Personal checks, made payable to First United Methodist Church, can be mailed to the Bancroft Avenue address or dropped into the mailbox at the entrance to the church office. Cash gifts are also received in person during Sunday worship.
First United Methodist Church of San Leandro continues a long, proud history of serving its community, holding onto the simple habits of prayer, scripture, hospitality and steady generosity that have marked Methodist congregations for generations.