Welcome

We are 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 1 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. Please join us in person on June 18 for a service project honoring Juneteenth. For the summer, will be moving to weekly vespers with no Sunday morning service. Visit Vespers for more information.


STUDY WITH US

Our Decolonizing Bible study takes place weekly on Wednesday mornings at 11:30 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 first and third Monday of each month from 2:30 - 5pm. They are also open on the last Saturday of each month. 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 recently partnered with neighbors who formed The People's Assembly and their friends. 


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). 

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

Community Care during Covid-19


We continue to fellowship online using the Zoom platform and worship together twice a month. Some groups may gather together if they 1) stay masked the whole time 2) leave a name and contact number for contact tracing and 3) continue to space out while indoors.

Solidarity at the center

Our Partner Socials have been beautiful times of seeing one another face-to-face, of dreaming and scheming a little bit on what's possible if more of us shared porous boundaries around our work in Tacoma. These beginning steps of our Solidarity Hub are so important! Contact the office to be notified of our next Partner Social.

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 the Lived Experience Coalition.


We feel honored by the presence of Black and Brown-led organizations here.


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


Our 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.

 

videos of our emerging partnerships

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