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

The season of Lent is here and we will gather weekly for worship on Sundays at 10am. Our most recent newsletter can be accessed through our newsletter archive.


Learn more about our lenten theme of "Bearing Witness" here


STUDY WITH US

Another way to deepen our discipleship is through regular study of scripture. Our Decolonizing Bible study takes place weekly but alternates between midday at 11:30am and evenings at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. 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. 


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.

FOOD ASSISTANCE


MY SISTER'S PANTRY

Whether you're able to donate or are in need of receiving food assistance, My Sister's Pantrya 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.

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

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. To show solidarity with neighbor, enter through the double doors facing the parking lot. For any questions or to bring donations, please contact them at

thepeoplesassembly253@gmail.com.


DONATE TO THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY


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.


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


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

LOADING PLAYER…