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! Email us here to be connected to pastoral staff or visit 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.



CONNECT WITH Us

Following the latest guidelines from the CDC and the State of Washington, our building is closed to public events; including worship and community support groups (PFLAG, Narcotics Anonymous, etc).


Pierce County is currently in Phase 2 of our state's Safe Start Washington: Phased Re-Opening. This means we require face masks to be worn upon entering the building, no gatherings greater than five people, and the continued practice of 6 ft physical distance from others in combination with good hand washing practice. 


During pandemic restrictions, stay connected with us through  Facebook where you can find pre-recorded devotions/homilies.


To join us in live worship gatherings and midweek prayer liturgy, please email Rachel Ahrens to be added to list serve where you will receive a password protected Zoom link.

church updates

Community Care during Covid-19


We've received three new donations in the last week which will allow us to continue to host and maintain the portable toilet on our lot into the month of June. 

We've also reached out to Coalition partners from the Needle Exchange and they've donated eight cases of toilet paper and paper towels! PRAISE BE!

If you are able to donate toward this essential service to the community, know that it is appreciated!

HOW TO VISIT US

First UMC of Tacoma is located on Tacoma Ave South, between 7th and 6th. Until we reach Phase 3 and 4 of Washington State's Safe Start Re-Opening, we discourage groups from gathering inside the building. 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). This is the most handicapped-accessible option, as it avoids the hills. Just keep the bus stop clear.



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 are 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


Give now

In the midst of this pandemic, God's spirit continues to work in our community and through our church. 

Through your giving, we are able to

  • provide a portable toilet for neighbors living on the street to use
  • subsidize rent for tenants and community groups
  • support Thyme Well Spent Catering in feeding essential workers
  • and continue to staff our ministry


Church is not canceled and your generosity continues to inspire new ways of being together, even while we are apart.

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


FOOD ASSISTANCE

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.

 

During quarantine restrictions, My Sister's Pantry will be distributing groceries on the first and third Monday of each month from 3 - 5pm, and the 4th Saturday from 9 - 12:30pm. 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!

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 marks 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. 


Pastor Shalom will be on personal leave from July 5-the end of August. Please contact the church office for connection to virtual worship and lay-led community work over the summer.