First United Methodist Church of Tacoma

Welcome

First United Methodist Church of Tacoma is a small, queer-affirming fellowship with a history of social justice activism. Who knows who we are becoming as we shift from traditional modes of doing church to being the church that is responsive to neighbor; deepens relationship and builds power with the most vulnerable, in the manner of Jesus?

If this sounds like a community you'd like to explore, we would like to connect with you! Click here to connect with Pastor Shalom or find us on Facebook.

Building Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm where you can reach us by phone: 253-627-0129 or email: admin@fumcot.org.

gather WITH Us

As of May 21, 2023 we have updated our masking policy. Please read and commit to this Pledge of Care before joining our community. As always, your health and the most vulnerable are important to us.

WORSHIP WITH US

We are in the season after Pentecost where we come alive with energy and passion for the things that build communities of peace with justice. The worshiping community gathers on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 10am.

That means on September 3 and 17, October 1 and 15, and November 5 and 19 we will gather for worship and Eucharist at 10am.

The season of Advent begins in December and we will gather weekly for Evening Vespers at 5pm. December 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 5pm.

STUDY WITH US

Another way to deepen our discipleship is through regular study of scripture. Our Decolonizing Bible study takes place weekly on Wednesday mornings at 11:30am and is largely a conversation with the Enfleshed liturgy commentary.

To join any of our gatherings online, including worship and bible study, please email Rachel Ahrens in the office to be added to the list serve where you will receive log in instructions for joining via Zoom.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

MY SISTER'S PANTRY

Whether you're able to donate or are in need of receiving food assistance, My Sister's Pantry, a food bank housed in our building, is here for you. Their website outlines various ways to give in food and financial assistance.

My Sister's Pantry distributes groceries on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Mondays of each month from 2:30 - 5pm. They are no longer open on Saturdays. For more details please click here.

**These are difficult times, if you or someone you care for are in need of any food assistance, please reach out even if the Pantry is closed.

THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

We've partnered with neighbors who formed The People's Assembly since December 2022.

Although they've existed for and by community empowerment since 2014, their commitment to feeding neighbors accelerated in the pandemic.

They regularly prepare meals for neighbors every Sunday morning from about 9:30-11:00am in the Church basement (entry through parking lot) and would love for you to join! For any questions or to bring donations, please contact them at

thepeoplesassembly253@gmail.com.

Give now

Even after the worst of the pandemic, we continue to support community through concrete ways. Your giving on Sundays (and any day) goes to these vital things:

offer gathering space for new groups and community events at low cost/free
support an ecumenical youth group
subsidize the rent of Black and POC creatives and leaders of color
pays the mortgage and utilities of our large building
continued staffing of our ministries

Even before the pandemic changed our lives, First UMC of Tacoma was in the process of transformation from a small, inward-looking congregation to a multi-cultural, multi-racial ecosystem that builds the common good with community groups. If that vision aligns with you, join the work and please contribute in presence and financial gifts!

Please consider giving by clicking on the donation button below or send us a check in the mail.

church updates

staying connected

Please subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you are aware of all that is emerging inside and outside of the building and congregation. You can sign up for the listserve here.

Solidarity at the center

Common Good Tacoma is our organizing arm and allows for face-to-face dreaming and scheming on what's possible if more of us shared our work in Tacoma. Our Coalition gatherings take place on the 4th Tuesday evening of the month.

New partners in our work

Since 2020, we've welcomed new partners to the building like VT Radio Universal, Power of Two, Children's Wisdom Center, Jaymes Junio (artist), The People's Assembly Meal Program and La Resistencia.

We feel honored by the presence of Black and Brown-led organizations who work to meaningfully improve the living conditions of neighbors in Tacoma.

HOW TO VISIT US

First UMC of Tacoma is located on Tacoma Ave South, between 7th and 6th. Until more people are vaccinated and we lower the cases of infection, we encourage groups to only gather with distance and masks and for short periods of time. Please contact the office phone if you're in need of assistance: 253-627-0129

Street parking is available on Tacoma Avenue. There is no time limit for street parking on Sundays (there's a 90 minute limit Monday-Saturday until 4pm).

Those with low mobility will find this the easiest access point.

Please park clear of the bus stop.

Visitor parking is available on Court E, around the back of the church. All spaces across the alley from the church are reserved for our tenants during the week, but the entire parking lot is available for parking on weeknights and Sundays.

Pierce Transit Bus we are located directly in front of Route 1 bus stop.

Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-1pm.

Mailing Address:

621 Tacoma Ave. S.

Tacoma, WA 98402

Pastor/Developer

Rev. Shalom is an ordained elder who has served the Pacific Northwest Conference since 2008. She is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and her formation as a follower of Christ was shaped by the Upper Room's Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation. Shalom has offered pastoral leadership to several churches in both central and western Washington and enjoys facilitating retreats. In her most recent position, Shalom was able to resource and support the growing number of planters and innovators who are repurposing buildings and creating new expressions of United Methodism in the Northwest through community engagement and relational organizing.

July 1, 2020 marked her first year of listening to the city of Tacoma and its people; intentionally partnering with community healers and peace/place-makers to transform the church building into a community-responsive space. Curious about where we're headed? Stay tuned for more and visit Common Good Tacoma to learn about our transformation.

Pastoral care / TEaching

Rev. Katie Ladd provides pastoral support to Pastor Shalom and teaching and pastoral care to the community. She also founded an intentional community called The Well in Seattle. The community grew out of her passion to create a safe and generous space for small intentional communities to orient around the Judeo-Christian principle of Sabbath, which is a biblical measure for justice, compassion, joy, and community. She helps people develop patterns of spiritual practice that keep people connected to these principles. And, she believes that generous public dialogue is not only possible, but that it is necessary and fundamental for communities.

Pastor Katie also serves as pastor for Queen Anne

United Methodist Church.

videos of our emerging partnerships