A Word from Pastor Doug

Dear friends,  
 
As I've begun reflecting on the scripture for this Sunday in the book of James (James 1:17-27), I can't help but think about the church God is calling us, FCC Tacoma to be. It reminds me of a bumper sticker I once saw which read: "If your religion causes you to hate any group of people, then it's time to find a new religion." I love this text from James because it makes no qualms about the things that need to be focused on and that which should be discarded. In other words, at the end of the day, are we practicing what we preach? Is what we believe and hear from the Word of God being modeled in our daily lives? If not, what needs to change? I look forward to reflecting on this question with you as we do our best to be the living church God envisions for us.  
 
One way to be a "doer of the word" is to consider bringing school supply donations this Sunday which will go to students in need at Delong Elementary School. On September 5thwe'll bless those items in worship and distribute them in time for the first day of school. Let's send them a heap of supplies and help this school year get off to the right start!  
 
With blessing and love, 
Pastor Doug 

14th Sunday After Pentecost
 August 29, 2021

Sermon: 
"Losing my religion"

Scripture
James 1:17-27

This Sunday, we're reflecting on a book in the Hebrew scriptures that often doesn't get much attention in our tradition: James 1:17-27. In it is a shockingly modern message which calls its readers to take stock of the religion they choose to follow; "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." I love the clarity of the message - "Ya gotta DO things in response!" So we've heard the word of God. Now what do we DO? 


 

May you be blessed. ~ Ben (on behalf of the Music Ministry Team at FCC Tacoma). Here's a link to our YouTube Channel.  If you like this please remember to subscribe and like the videos as you watch them.


Office will be closed on September 6, 2021 in observance of Labor Day.  
 Worship Participation/Ushers

We are looking for a few individuals who would like to participate in Sunday worship, by reading the call to worship and scripture reading.  We are also looking for individuals who would be willing to usher those who will be attending worship to designated locations.  If you wish to participate please contact the office or email Cassie here.
 


Staff Vacation
Please note that Cassie Tripp, will be on vacation Wednesday, September 1 to Sunday, September 5. Thank you for your patience as email and calls will be returned beginning on Tuesday, September 7.
JOYS & CONCERNS FOR OUR PRAYERS
PRAYER CONCERNS FOR THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WE REMEMBER
Claralene Francis Ray, passed away on August 18, 2021, surrounded by family.

JOYS AND THANKSGIVING
Dr. Max Ebengho-Bokelo, received his Ph.D. In Public Health Community Health from Walden University.
 
PRAYER CONCERNS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY
  • Patricia McDaniel who is in the hospital undergoing testing and recovering from a series of symptoms.
  • Toby & Family, grandson of Mary Morford.  Toby is currently in ICU from Covid.  The rest of the family are ok, but Toby's wife just lost her father.
  • Kathie Call's granddaughter has been trying to see a doctor at several hospitals, but is able to get into Good Sam.
  • Eyrnne Simpson, Sue Simpson's stepdaughter, who recently was diagnosed with cancer.
  • Jerry & Darlene Goens, cousin of Esther Freeman.  Jerry is having pain problems and is not expected to live long.  Family is asking for prayers for both husband and wife as they cope during this difficult time.
  • Stacie, friend of Phyllis Jacobson who is dealing with more health issues.
  • Emma, 14-year-old grandniece of Martha Redford, was diagnosed with rare form of cancer.
  • Rachel Haney's mother, memory issues.
  • Haley Branton, 13-year-old neighbor of Betty Alvarado, who has been re-diagnosed with cancer after being cancer free for 2 years.
  • Anastasia Cox, mother of Lela Cox, is back home.  Please continue to pray for her and for Lela as they navigate next steps for her medical care.
  • Lisa Rollins, daughter of Arnie Rollins.  We're glad to share that her doctors have been able to rule out kidney cancer as a diagnosis. Arnie asks that we continue to lift her in prayer as she awaits further results from a biopsy to determine the best next steps.
  • Bear, partner of Melissa Peabody, who is having some health issues.
  • Steve Johnson is making progress, but it's still a long recovery process.
  • Kathy Callstruggling to recover from eye surgery.  
  • September Peterson, 15-year-old church participant diagnosed with stage 3 cancerous tumor.
  • Marc Masters, friend of Martha Redford, having health issues. 
Please remember our homebound friends:
  • Helen Bosley 
  • Elaine Jonson 
  • Harry and Margaret Lobberegt 
  • Mereidene Moore
  • Jane Nelson
  • Jim and Kay Thompson
  • Verena Reese 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
MISSION AND MINISTRY:
Back to School Supplies for Delong School drive started on Sunday, August 1.  A trunk to collect donated back to school supplies is in the narthex.  Tacoma School District furnishes a general list of supplies; copies of that list can be found in the trunk.  
 
Specific supplies requested by Delong are
  - spiral notebooks    - crayons    - pencils (regular and colored)
     -  backpacks        - glue sticks       - Kleenex tissue
 
The drive continues through Sunday, September 5th.
 
Cash donations are also accepted and will be used toward purchasing copy paper for Delong.  Please make any checks out to Disciple Womens Ministries, noted for copy paper.  Either can be placed in offering trays.  
 
Backpacks will be blessed Sunday, September 5th, before delivery to Delong.
SUMMER TIME IS 
HUNGRY TIME


Hunger doesn't stop when schools are closed ---whether it's a pandemic or just the summer break. Here in Washington state, one in six families is struggling to put food on the table.
 
34% of Nourish Food Bank Clients are children.
Issues facing hungry children can be quite complex, but solving the problem of their hunger is simple. Nourish is continuing to provide food for nourishing meals, and the need is greater than ever. Help feed  hungry children by donating to Nourish.
 
For every dollar you donate, Nourish is able to distribute $7 worth of food.  Your donation will be matched by our church budget, doubling the amount of your gift.  To give online, 




Also join us on Facebook or Youtube 
for our Live service on Sunday at 11am
Click Here to Donate

Did  you know you can donate your regular giving or special offerings online? Click on the button to the left to head to our donation page.  Should you have questions please email us at [email protected]

 
 
 

























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 Phone:  (253) 752-7734 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.fcctacoma.org