About
First United Methodist Church of Tacoma is a small, queer-affirming fellowship with a history of social justice activism. We are shifting 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 something you’d like to explore, read on and let’s connect!
Worship With
We gather for worship every 1st and 3rd 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.
Study With
Another way to deepen our discipleship is through regular study of scripture. It is an exploration of scripture and the world with the Enfleshed liturgy commentary as our guide. Our Decolonizing Bible study has been on hiatus since July 2024 but will return in soon. Our former lay leader who led this, Nora Hacker, died recently and we’re waiting to see who else would like to facilitate this time.
Build Power With
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.
Visit the calendar to see what’s happening
Rev. Shalom
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.
July 1, 2025, Shalom began a concurrent role as a member of a three-person superintendency team serving the Sea-Tac District of the Pacific Northwest Conference.
Curious about where we're headed? Stay tuned for more and visit Common Good Tacoma to learn about our transformation.
Make an impact today
Support the mission of First Church Tacoma by making a financial contribution.
Instructions to give:
After clicking on the link, select the contribution amount,
Select the designation (Offering, Mutual Aid Meals, Common Good Tacoma, Migrant Support, or Other). If you would like to make the gift recurring, you may select “Set Recurring” on this page.
Select the “Give Now” button.
You’re done! Thank you for your contribution to the work of First Church Tacoma.
