A Word from Pastor Doug

Dear friends, 
 
As our Nominating Committee has begun the important work of discerning the direction of our congregation for the coming year and who among us God may be calling lead, I am drawn to the famous poem by Robert Frost: "The Road Not Taken." Much of my own faith and understanding of who Jesus is and what he called his people to do is tied to the theme of this poem in which we are invited to consider the paths we choose in life. While it may sometimes feel more convenient and comfortable to take the road that has been clearly laid out from travelers past, what Frost challenges us to consider is the adventure and the growth that is to take place when we put on our best hiking boots and trek through the thick of the forest. I wonder what paths God is calling us to consider taking that have not necessarily been laid out for us ahead of time. While it may not always be the easiest, I wonder what we might have to gain in taking the road not traveled as a congregation. In other words, how can we be the church for today in ways we perhaps couldn't have in the past? What new relationships and community is there to form if we lean into trusting the Spirit to guide us, rather than simply "doing what we've always done"I'm excited about trekking the road not travelled with you, and to seeing what glorious discoveries await us. 
 
With love, 
Pastor Doug 

11th Sunday After Pentecost
 August 8, 2021

Sermon: 
"Getting to the Root" 

Scripture
Ephesians 4:25-5:2

This week, we're taking a look at some of the "rules for the new world" Paul had in mind for the church in Ephesus, and for us. Though we are no doubt in an entirely different context than the original recipients of his letter, I'm amazed at how refreshingly to-the-point and forward-thinking his words are. Join us this Sunday as we get to the root of the Gospel and imagine God's vision for our community at work. 


 

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.

 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.
 

JOYS & CONCERNS FOR OUR PRAYERS
                                                                                                                                                         

PRAYER CONCERNS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY 
  • Claralene Ray who has entered at-home hospice care. Please also pray for her family during this tender time and for all who are giving her care.
  • Jerry & Darlene Gones, 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 grand niece 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 Call, struggling to recover from eye surgery.  
  • September Peterson, 15-year-old participant diagnosed with stage 3 cancerous tumor.
  • Marc Masters, friend of Martha Redford, suffering from severe arthritis in his feet. 
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 supplies will be 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.

FCC Tacoma's First Digital Album

Click here to read the fundraiser for the Center for Spirituality and the Arts in honor of Pastor Barbara.   Enjoy our first digital album.
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