FIRST FIJIAN UMC
In 2020, the Fijian ministry assumed the leadership role of this church through its participation at the church’s administrative committees. Marika Tabualevu became the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Siga Bari became the chairperson of the Finance committee, Iva Codrokadroka became the chaiperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
In 2022, the California-Nevada Conference recognized this church as the First Fijian Charter Church of the conference – a milestone for the Fijian Ministry of our conference.
First UMC of San Rafael (First Fijian Charter Church)
The First United Methodist Church of San Rafael first opened its doors for worshipers to gather and to praise God in 1859. The worshipers started gathering at the San Rafael Elementary school in town along fourth street before the first church building was completed in 1871 on 912 Fourth Street.
Later the second church site was biult at 1426 Fourth Street, San Rafael before the church shifted to its current location in 1950 on 9 Ross Valley Drive, San Rafael, 94901. CA. The first church service on this site was on Easter Sunday 1950.
In 1999, Rev John Auer who was the pastor of the church invited a group of less than ten Fijian worshipers [ mostly women ] to join the church. From then on, more and more Fijians became part of the Fijian ministry at San Rafael UMC.
The European American congregation at this church provided a worship time for the Fijians at church through the formation of the Fijian Ministry. The late Tomu Vunakece was appointed as the first Fijian Lay Leader at San Rafael UMC, who was followed by Sokula Kubunavanua, Apete Naitini, Emosi Niukula, Penijamini Vuakatagane, Alifereti Malo and Luke Vakaliwaliwa.
Other names that had been part of the Fijian ministry journey since its formation, include Mere Savali, Alena Vunakece, Vuli Thompson,Titilia Bulivou, Maca Malugu and many others.
Board Members (Leading Minister)
First UMC San Rafael Staff and Leaders.
1. Pastor – Rev. Tevita G Koroi
2. Administrative Secretary – Valerie Chew.
3. Chair of the Board ofTrustees – Atunaisa Keve Bolabiu
4. Chair of the Finance Committee – Josua Buliwalaga.
5. Chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee – Luke Vakaliwaliwa.
6. Chair of the Nominations and Development Committee – Rev. Tevita G Koroi.
Time of the Sunday Service Start
Times of Worship.
Combined worship [ English & Fijian Worship ] on every first Sunday of the month at 10.30 am.
English worship on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday of the month.
Fijian worship on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday of the month.
Bible study sessions [ in the Fijian language ] Wednesdays from 8 -9 pm on zoom, and on Sundays from 6 -7 am on zoom.
Our Church Council meetings are on the first Sunday of the month from 3- 5pm.
Our committee meetings are on Tuesdays from 8=9 pm on zoom;
First Tuesday – Board of Trustees meeting
Second Tuesday – Staff Parish Relations Committee meeting
Third Tuesday – Finance Committee meeting.
Fifth Tuesday – Nominations & Developement committee meeting.
Third Sunday of the month – Lay Speakers meeting at 12 noon
Support Our Mission
For those who need God`s help, we are happy to see you at our group meetings. Find a new purpose in life, start a new path by taking His Word and transforming it into the light that will lead you through the darkest times.