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 at 10am on First and Third Sundays

Our Sunday worship services are guided by liturgy that is printed out on a bulletin. There are no set roles outside of communion and preaching, so one can always participate by reading sacred text. We practice our commitment to undoing white supremacy in the way we embody appreciation, foster a culture of learning, and lower barriers to participation. No experts here! Fellow pilgrims on a journey toward liberation. To stay up-to-date on all things with the congregation, please read our recent newsletter which can be accessed through our newsletter archive.

Advent and Christmas are over and these Epiphany star words will guide us for the year. Join us on 1st and 3rd Sunday mornings for in-person worship.

STUDY WITH US

Another way to deepen our discipleship is through regular study of scripture. Our Decolonizing Bible study has been on hiatus since July 2024 but will return in the new year. It is an exploration of scripture and the world with the Enfleshed liturgy commentary as our guide.

To join any of our community gatherings, Bible study or worship, please email Rachel Ahrens in the office to be added to the listserve and receive log in instructions for joining via Zoom when applicable.

BUILD POWER WITH US

We understand our work as disciples is to re-organize the world, and that means building power among the "powerless" of the world. From Ched Myers: "The 'fishers of people' idiom was a divine summons to working folk to join Jesus in overturning the structures of power and privilege in the world, in order to restore both Creation and justice to the poor." We do this through Common Good Tacoma.

church updates

supporting migrants

The crisis at our southern border has (rightly?) come to our backyard and we are being invited to host migrants in Tacoma. Riverton Park UMC has been overwhelmed with responding to this humanitarian crisis and it's time we stepped up. Learn more about what's taking place in Tukwila here. If you'd like to contribute to a temporary migrant shelter in South Tacoma with our partners at The Bridge, please donate today. Select the amount first then select "Migrant Support in Tacoma" next.

Building leaders as discipleship formation

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. In the manner of Jesus, we gather around a meal, we flatten hierarchies, and elevate the truth that emerges from the margins. Our Coalition gatherings take place on the 4th Thursday evening of the month.

opportunity for solidarity

Since 2020, we've welcomed new partners to the building like VT Radio Universal, Power of Two, Children's Wisdom Center, Artist Jaymes Junio, 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. These relationships demand we divest from white supremacy and reconfigure our priorities.

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. There is no longer a Saturday distribution. 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.

Power of Two

Dakoda Foxx with Power of Two is here to support any individuals or families of any age in Pierce County. Please contact her at poweroftwo14atgmail.com or text at 253-257-8067.

THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

The People's Assembly no longer shares our space but we have deep appreciation for their work and vision.

We continue the practice of preparing meals for neighbors on Sunday mornings from about 9:30-11:00am in the Church basement. To show solidarity with neighbor, enter through the double doors facing the parking lot. We would love any donations of clam shells and pantry-stable donations.

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:

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

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.

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.

videos of our emerging partnerships