Food for the Kitchenless
Jan
1
to Dec 31

Food for the Kitchenless

Tom Spadoro, a lay leader in our church has identified a need for non-perishable, single-serving, food items for the kitchenless and folks without homes in our community. The Food for the Kitchenless Project has now assembled 51,000 bags of food since April 2020! Donations continue to be needed for these nonperishable, single serving items. There is a box in the foyer to receive donations. A list of the specific items needed can be obtained at Connection Central. Volunteers assemble the bags of food on Monday evenings at 5:00 PM. All are welcome to participate. Talk to Tom Spadoro for more details.

The most food insecure people in our communities are the houseless that don’t have cooking, storage or refrigeration capabilities. The kitchenless need food and beverage items they are able to carry on their person (backpack), in a cart or a vehicle. Nonperishable food items, food that can go unspoiled for several days, in “one serving” sizes are needed to meet this critical need. Canned food should be small in size and have pull-top lids. Protein items are priority. No glass containers.

Items Needed
Bumble Bee, Snack On The Run, Tuna or Chicken Kits (or similar brand)
Protein bars
Granola bars
Cereal bars
Energy bars
Trail mix bars or pouches
Individually wrapped peanut butter or cheese crackers
Applesauce or fruit in squeeze pouches
Fruit snack pouches
Individually wrapped snack size packs of crackers
Individually wrapped snack sized packs of cookies

For those that want to contribute food items directly, we have found the most cost-effective places to purchase the Tuna Salad Kits are at Dollar Tree and all the other items at Costco. Monetary donations to the projects can be made at the church by including the term “Food for Kitchenless” on your check memo line. Checks can also be sent to Genuine Concern For Others Inc at PO Box 41223, SB, CA 93140 and a receipt will be mailed to the donor for tax usage.

LEARN MORE

* Please note that this is an ongoing ministry for our church, dates above represent the range of time that we will be promoting this.

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Young Adult Mental Health Fund
Jul
10
to Dec 31

Young Adult Mental Health Fund

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Young Adult Mental Health Fund

Supporting healing, growth, and hope—together.

At the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, we believe that mental and emotional well-being are essential parts of God's desire for wholeness in our lives. For young adults ages 23–29 in our church and wider community, we are honored to offer a Mental Health Fund to support you in your journey toward healing.

Whether you’ve already begun therapy or are taking your first courageous step, this fund provides up to $500 in reimbursement for sessions with a licensed therapist or mental health provider.

This isn’t just financial support—it’s a tangible expression of our commitment to walk with you through life’s challenges with grace, confidentiality, and care. Your privacy matters deeply to us, and all applications and documentation are handled with discretion by our designated pastoral and administrative staff.

This fund is one of the ways we are striving to be a compassionate and responsive spiritual home for young adults.

If you or someone you know could benefit, we invite you to apply and let us journey with you toward deeper healing with Christ. 

This is now an accessible page on our website. Learn More HERE

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Multi-Church Worship Night
Nov
7
6:30 PM18:30

Multi-Church Worship Night

All are welcome to a Multi-Church Worship Night on November 7th at SB Community Church. There will be tea and other refreshments provided at 6:30pm, then worship will begin at 7:15pm in the main sanctuary. Come praise, celebrate God's faithfulness, and be refreshed! 

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Church Wedding Shower for Nikki and Alex
Nov
8
2:00 PM14:00

Church Wedding Shower for Nikki and Alex

Let’s Shower Pastor Nikki & Alex with Love (and Laughter!)

The whole church family is invited to celebrate the soon-to-be newlyweds, Pastor Nikki and Alex! We’ll enjoy games, charcuterie, sweets, mocktails and a sweet time of prayer as we send them into married life with joy. 

No gifts, please—just bring your smiles, your blessings, and maybe a card to share your love.

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Missions Marketplace
Nov
16
8:00 AM08:00

Missions Marketplace

MISSIONS MARKETPLACE

On November 16th, from 8:00am - 12:30pm in the Upper Room, MISSIONS MARKETPLACE will be offering you the opportunity to find gifts for the Christmas season, and beyond, while supporting and partnering with some great global ministries. 

 There will be products from Heavenly Treasures (East Africa, etc), "Turn the Page Uganda,"  Touch of Love (India), and Sarobidy Creations/ Sarobidy Birth Center (Madagascar).

Come and shop with a purpose!

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Service of Gratitude + Thanksgiving Meal
Nov
23
10:15 AM10:15

Service of Gratitude + Thanksgiving Meal

Join us on November 23rd for a Service of Gratitude at 10:15am under the tent. In this service we will worship, reflect on the things we are grateful for, and rejoice in God's faithfulness together. Immediately following the service we will share a Thanksgiving meal together prepared by Chef Michele and her team.

To contribute to the meal, we ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share with everyone (please include serving utensils). Drop it off in the kitchen foyer before the service.

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Fall Family Festival 2025
Oct
25
11:30 AM11:30

Fall Family Festival 2025

Our annual Fall Family Festival is happening Saturday, October 25th, from 11:30am-2:30pm! Our parking lot will be transformed into a “fun zone” with bounce houses, games for all ages, a cotton candy machine, prizes, Trunk or Treat, and more! Lunch is also available for purchase during this event. This is a free event for the community, so all are welcome to attend. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and dress up in something fun (no scary or violent costumes, please).

We look forward to seeing you there!

VOLUNTEER AT FFF
Can you help us put on this party for our community? Volunteers serve food, set up and decorate, spend an hour running games for the toddlers/preschoolers or elementary school children, monitor the bounce houses, set up their cars for Trunk-or-Treat, and help tear down/clean up. Can you share an hour of your time for the children of our community?

VOlunteer HERE

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FFF Prep Night
Oct
22
5:30 PM17:30

FFF Prep Night

Women! We could use your help preparing for our annual Fall Family Festival. Meet at Pastor Nikki’s house at 5:30pm for some pizza, then everyone will head to the church to do some last minute prep for this amazing event. It’s a fun time of fellowship and service, so we hope you will join.

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Family Supper Club
Oct
19
4:00 PM16:00

Family Supper Club

Supper Club is a chance for parents to gather once a month to share life together. The children play in the backyard with babysitters while we open the word and pray together. When the kids come back inside, we enjoy a potluck dinner. All are welcome!

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College Campfire Night
Oct
18
6:00 PM18:00

College Campfire Night

College students, come hang out around the fire pit in Joe and Pat Wheatley’s backyard with us! Enjoy a s’more (or two), some apple cider, and the chance to meet someone new. Kate Overton-Smith will be sending a reminder with the Wheatley’s address next week! If you need a ride there, talk to Kate!

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Fall 2025 Encounter
Sep
21
11:45 AM11:45

Fall 2025 Encounter

Encounter Fall 2025 | Blessed are the Peacemakers

When: Sundays Starting September 21st

Time: 11:45am-12:45pm

Location: Upper Room

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

In Christ’s kingdom, peacemakers are blessed—so blessed that they are called children of God. Do we take this Christian call to peacemaking seriously? Do we recognize the tools we have, as followers of Christ, to pursue peace? Christians are not only called to keep the peace but also to make it. What does it mean to be peacemakers in our current political climate? To seek peace with our enemies? How do we understand peace in the midst of heartbreaking violence and conflict around the world? And what does peace look like in our closest relationships, or even within our own souls? Christ is our Prince of Peace, and so we journey with Him—asking for His guidance, power, and love to lead us into peacemaking in every area of our lives.

FALL ENCOUNTER SCHEDULE

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Men's Retreat 2025
Sep
20
9:00 AM09:00

Men's Retreat 2025

FMCSB MEN'S RETREAT

September 20, 9am-4:30pm, Toro Canyon Park

"Strength Through Surrender: Finding true strength in reliance on God." with speaker, Pastor Charles Latchison

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

$25 General Admission | $10 for College students/young adults 30 & under (Use code COLLEGE)

REGISTER HERE

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Vitalant Blood Drive
Sep
13
9:00 AM09:00

Vitalant Blood Drive

Vitalant is bringing their bloodmobile on Saturday, September 13th from 9:00am-12:30pm for a blood drive! Whether you have given many times before, or this would be your first time, Vitalant makes it easy. Your donation helps replenish the blood supply- a continued need in our county and beyond. We hope you will consider donating.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

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All Church Picnic
Sep
7
4:00 PM16:00

All Church Picnic

We are excited to invite you all to our All Church Picnic on September 7th at 4:00pm at La Mesa Park.

It will be a great time of connection with one another as we share a delicious meal made by Chef Michelle, play some yard games, and chat with one another. There will also be a bounce house for the kids!

Please bring ready-to-serve dessert to share with everyone and the utensils that may be needed to serve the item.

We could use some extra hands to help make the picnic run smoothly. We need help with some food and drink prep, managing the dessert table, throwing away trash, helping with the grill, etc. If you are willing to help, please contact Cara, cara@fmcsb.org! Thanks!

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Young Adult Worship Night
Sep
5
6:00 PM18:00

Young Adult Worship Night

Young adults from seven churches will be coming together for worship on Friday, September 5th. The evening will start with dinner at 6pm out on the deck*, then we will transition in side for singing. The band will be playing songs that feel like home for each church. We can't wait to worship God together as one body and one Church.

*As we will be eating outside on the deck, please bring a beach chair for a place to sit!

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Care Package Assembly Night
Aug
19
7:00 PM19:00

Care Package Assembly Night

Join us on August 19 as we create care packages for immigrant youth, young adults, and families supported by SBILDC’s Sanación y Conexión program. This is a meaningful way to show compassion during a difficult season for our immigrant neighbors. Alysse Mastromarino, a young adult in our congregation brought this idea to us and we are humbled to support her and her work in the community.

The YALL team will be providing items for the care packages, but additional donations are welcome. Some ideas include notes of encouragement in Spanish, gift cards, or baked goods. Reach out to Alysse (alysse@sbimmigrantdefense.org) or Nikki (nikki@fmcsb.org) for additional ideas or with any questions. 

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Welcome Back to the Winslow Family
Aug
3
8:30 AM08:30

Welcome Back to the Winslow Family

WELCOME BACK TO THE WINSLOW FAMILY

Keith, Julie and their family will be with us on Sunday, August 3 to update us on their work in Asia. We have been partners with them for many years and are grateful for the ways they are teammates with the local people in that setting.

They will be sharing an update in both morning services and we will be offering "Extra Time" with them in the Upper Room from 11:45am-12:30pm. All are welcome. 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support. We are honored to be on the team with them. 

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Welcome Back to the Shattenberg Family
Jul
27
8:30 AM08:30

Welcome Back to the Shattenberg Family

WELCOME BACK TO THE SHATTENBERG FAMILY

Jamie, Alissa Shattenberg and their family will be with us on Sunday, July 27 to update us on their work in Madagascar and Kenya. We have been partners with them for many years and are grateful for the ways they are teammates with the local people in each of those settings.

They will be sharing an update in both morning services and we will be offering "Extra Time" with them in the Upper Room from 11:45am-12:30pm. All are welcome. 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support. We are honored to be on the team with them. 

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FM YOUTH: Golf N' Stuff
Jul
23
6:00 PM18:00

FM YOUTH: Golf N' Stuff

FM Youth are going to Golf' N’ Stuff on Wednesday, July 23rd, from 6-9:30pm. Sign up to attend by contacting Pastor Doug (doug@fmcsb.org) by July 20th! The cost is $25 for an all-park pass that includes 1 game of golf, 4 rides, and Arcade tokens. Bring extra money if you want snacks!

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Softball Tournament
Jul
19
9:00 AM09:00

Softball Tournament

It’s almost summer, and you know what that means: Softball! Come on out to Pershing Park on July 19th from 9am-1pm for a time of friendly competition with other churches in our community. Sign up at Connection Central if you are interested in playing, or just come out cheer us on!

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FM KIDS: Sunday' School
Jul
6
10:15 AM10:15

FM KIDS: Sunday' School

For Sunday’s Cool this Summer, FM Kids will be learning about how “Jesus is Our Path To Peace” through a “Camp Chaos” theme. On Sundays at 10:15am they will begin in the sanctuary with worship and then will be released to the upper room for a skit, lesson, craft, and other fun activities! Questions? Email Sandy Patterson at sandy@fmcsb.org.

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CDCC Fundraiser Move-A-Thon
Jun
28
9:00 AM09:00

CDCC Fundraiser Move-A-Thon

On June 28th, we are having a great morning to raise funds for Cliff Drive Care Center by having a move-a-thon for our kids in the church parking lot. Starting at 9:00am, we will have a silver stream air trailer with delicious coffee along with breakfast pastries made by Chef Michele for purchase. We have a silent auction with over $6000 worth of amazing donations from around the community. Please come and cheer on the little kids, spend a few dollars in treats, bid on auction items and “opportunity drawing” tickets. If you can’t make it in person, but you would like to give to Cliff Drive, feel free to give online or drop a check in the offering plate! We will also have the opportunity to sponsor a child who will be participating in the move-a-thon.

Some of the children’s move-a-thon activities include:

1 year olds-2 year olds: Tricycles or Obstacle course
2-4 year olds: Tricycles or bicycle (feel free to bring your own)
Pre-K- 6th Grade: Pick 2 (basketball hoops, throwing, soccer, jumprope)

Here are the Opportunity Drawing and Silent Auction items for you to check out before the day.

See you there!

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Growing in Childlike Faith- Summer Small Group
Jun
26
to Aug 14

Growing in Childlike Faith- Summer Small Group

This summer, we are going to offer a unique time to gather and read books about God for kids. Each week, we will read a children's book together and then talk about the story it tells. Along the way, we will talk about spiritual formation, the role a community plays in raising up children, and what various people in the field say about it. If you want to enjoy some good books with others, think through how to talk to the kids in your life about Jesus, or if you want to rediscover a childlike faith, please come and join us!

Here are the details:

Begins June 26th
Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm at a home on the Mesa
Dinner provided!

Led by Pastor Colleen and Mary Woodyard

If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Mary Woodyard at woodyard.marylinda@gmail.com

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NO FM KIDS June 22nd & 29th
Jun
22
to Jun 29

NO FM KIDS June 22nd & 29th

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There will be NO FM Kids (Millie’s House through 5th grade) Sunday, June 22nd and June 29th. Children are welcome in the sanctuary for worship! There is a Kids Cart in the foyer full of activities that they can use during the service, and Pastor Colleen’s office (located in the foyer) can be used as well.

Sunday’s Cool begins on July 6th!

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FM YOUTH: Lake Casitas Water Adventure
Jun
21
10:00 AM10:00

FM YOUTH: Lake Casitas Water Adventure

FM Youth is headed to Lake Casitas for a Water Adventure on June 21st from 10am-3pm. Drop off and pick up are in the lower church parking lot and the cost is $25 for the Lazy River, Water Slides, and other fun activities! Bring extra money for snacks or lunch (you can also bring your own!).

Sign up with Pastor Doug and fill out the release form by Wednesday, June 11th.

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Baptism Sunday
Jun
15
1:00 PM13:00

Baptism Sunday

Baptism Sunday is happening on Sunday, June 15th! In our service you will share why you are choosing to be baptized, then, after the 10:15am service we will head down to the east end of Leadbetter Beach by the catamarans to gather for an ocean baptism. All are welcome to come and celebrate with us, either from the beach, or in the water. If you are interested in being baptized, reach out to one of our Pastors, or email pastors@fmcsb.org. One of them will meet with you before this day.

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Pilgrims in the Park: Small Group with our Houseless Neighbors
Jun
11
to Aug 13

Pilgrims in the Park: Small Group with our Houseless Neighbors

Wednesdays, 5:30pm Starting June 11th and ending August 13th

Meeting at Pershing Park 

Leaders: Kate Overton and Nikki Ramage

We had such an amazing experience spending Maundy Thursday with our neighbors at Pershing Park that we wanted to host a small group with them. Kate Overton and Pastor Nikki will be co-leading this group focused on Ignatian spiritual formation. We want to experience God through our hearts, minds, imagination, emotions, and five senses. We will take inspiration from spiritual exercises the church has practiced through the ages. We also want to be formed by connecting with our neighbors without homes. We are confident that we will find mutual encouragement through seeking God together.  Come at 5:30pm and join in for dinner (there will be enough food) and then at 5:45pm we will start our study and it will end around 6:30pm. 

What should I bring? 1. Bring a chair or towel to sit on 2. Writing utensil 3. Hard surface to write on 4. Sunglasses/hat

For any questions or if you are interested in joining the group please contact Pastor Nikki (nikki@fmcsb.org); 949-241-7851

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Dessert Potluck for the Leons
Jun
5
6:30 PM18:30

Dessert Potluck for the Leons

Time with Dennis and Kyle Leon, our missionary partners in Costa Rica

Dessert Potluck
Thursday, June 5, 6:30-7:30pm, Upper Room

You are invited to join us for extra time with the Leons as we hear more about their ministry in Costa Rica and pray for them. Bring a dessert to share and we'll provide table service, decaf coffee and water. 

For more info contact Pastor Doug, doug@fmcsb.org

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Vitalant Blood Drive
May
31
9:30 AM09:30

Vitalant Blood Drive

Vitalant is bringing their bloodmobile on Saturday, May 31st from 9:00am-1:00pm for a blood drive! Whether you have given many times before, or this would be your first time, Vitalant makes it easy. Your donation helps replenish the blood supply- a continued need in our county and beyond. We hope you will consider donating.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

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Easter Sunrise Service
Apr
20
6:00 AM06:00

Easter Sunrise Service

We are grateful to gather for our annual Easter sunrise service. Meet us at the Leadbetter Beach picnic area at 6:00am to watch the sunrise as we worship and hear from God’s Word. Pack a blanket and/or chair to sit on and dress warmly. A continental breakfast will be provided after the service.

We will continue our time of worship in the sanctuary at 8:30 and 10:15am (+ 8:30am livestream).

We hope to see you there!

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Easter Egg Hunt
Apr
19
9:00 AM09:00

Easter Egg Hunt

All children up through the 5th grade are welcome to an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19th, at 9:00am at La Mesa Park. Come for a great time of fellowship, singing, crafts, and an epic egg hunt. Please bring one dozen candy-filled eggs for the hunt, and please invite your friends and family to join us for this event!

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Service of Tenebrae
Apr
18
7:30 PM19:30

Service of Tenebrae

In our Tenebrae service we remember the great love Christ showed for us on the cross. We will read through the story leading up to the cross, and will slowly extinguish candles until we leave in darkness. Join us for our 7:30pm service in the sanctuary, or watch online.

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