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We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Together, in our diversity, we seek to embrace the love of God and welcome ALL people in Christ Jesus.  
FILC’s Reopening Plan for Hybrid Worship
Members of the FILC Covid Task Force are pleased to share information with the congregation about plans in place for a “soft re-opening.”  The projected opening of in-person services is Sunday, October 3, 2021. Worship will continue to be broadcast simultaneously via Zoom. Here are some preliminary details:
  • Out of an abundance of caution, a maximum of 25 worshipers will be allowed to attend services in the sanctuary.
  • All youth and adult worshipers are expected to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated children who can mask are welcome.
  • Masks will be mandatory for the entire service.
  • Attendance will be by reservation only on a first-come-first-reserved basis. Members can make their reservation via email (office@firstimmanuelluth.org) or by phone (503.226.3659). Debbie Rehn will oversee the reservation process and notify members if their reservation is confirmed.
  • Attendees will be asked to sign in upon arrival and provide contact information in the event contact tracing is needed.
  • Seating arrangements will align with all protocols associated with physical distancing.
  • Church bulletins and the offering plate will be located at the back of the church.
  • Communion will be dispensed using individually packaged wafers and juice.
  • A limited number of FILC Choir members will be allowed to sing during worship (observing safety protocols).
  • Hymns will be sung by masked choir members while congregation hums.
  • No childcare will be available, and children’s play bags will not be handed out for those children attending service with their families in the sanctuary.
  • All hymnals will be removed from the sanctuary until further notice.
  • Restrooms will be available for use.
  • Coffee hour will remain suspended until further notice.
The Covid Task Force will evaluate the “soft opening” and adjust protocols, as needed. It is likely these practices will change as safety conditions improve and health recommendations are updated.

To confirm, members who prefer to attend Sunday services virtually will still be able to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns about in-person services, please contact Lauren Kim (laurenhhkim@gmail.com) or James Bash (jdwbash@yahoo.com).

FILC Covid-19 Task Force: Lauren Kim, Becky Shoemaker, Bobbi Varnes, Chia Stockwell, James Bash, Pastors Aaron Couch & Melinda Wagner

quick glance

Join us for Worship by Zoom, Sundays at 11 AM during the school year  -- details & links are frequently updated on this home page. To receive regular church updates, subscribe to our weekly E-news on this page. 

We are now preparing to begin hybrid worship in which some people worship in person and others join online. We hope to have a "soft reopening" on Oct. 3.  Please take a look at the health protocols and reservation procedures detailed on this page.

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 11 AM
Zoom link opens at 10:45
Phone option available
Stay after for virtual coffee hour 

Each week we celebrate Holy Communion together (please have ready some form of bread and wine/juice). ​On Sunday morning, CLICK THIS LINK to join the Zoom worship. To phone in for audio only, dial 253-215-8782 Meeting ID: 733 824 909, Password: 891242.

Hymns & liturgy will appear on Zoom screen, or you may download them:
Worship bulletin for 9/19 here

​​Recent sermons:
Pr Aaron's sermon for Sept 12 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Sept 5 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Aug 29 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Aug 22 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Aug 15 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Aug 8 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for May 23 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for May 16 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for May 9 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for May 2 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Apr 25 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for April 18 here
Pr John Beck's sermon for Apr 11 here
Pr Aaron's Easter sermon here
Maundy Thursday sermon here
​Pr Melinda's sermon for March 21 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for March 14 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for March 7 here
​(Also available under "Get Inspired" tab)
Upcoming Events

Forum class via Zoom on Sundays, 9:15-10 AM
Book study of Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
This brilliant book explores how America has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Class schedule linked here.  To get your free book, email pastormelinda@firstimmanuelluth.org, then join us this Sunday, 9:15-10 AM, by clicking this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 861 9315 8598, Passcode: 878861). Read for this Sunday Sept 19: Arbitrary Human Divisions, Part 2, Chapters 4-6  (pp. 39-72)

What’s next in racial justice work?
Reckoning with Racism info session, this Sunday Sept. 19
Could this be for you? Sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Reckoning with Racism teams statewide learn about Oregon’s history of systemic silencing and violence toward people of color; listen to voices and stories of Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities of color; and work to dismantle racism locally. Meets twice monthly in three trimesters during the 2021-2022 school year. An online info session happens Sunday, Sept. 19, 7:30-8:30 PM and sessions start Oct. 5. Learn more at this link. If you are interested, please attend the info session (RSVP to commontable@emoregon.org) and contact Pastor Melinda. 

Synod Day of Learning, Sept. 25 online
Facing Our Histories of Racism
Scholarships now available!
The Oregon Synod Day of Learning takes place by Zoom on Saturday, Sept. 25, 9:15 AM to 3:45 PM. Sessions will follow the Oregon Synod theme: Faithful in the Fray and focus on faith and racism. Local leader and author Pr. Lenny Duncan will be the keynoter. Workshops will include themes such as: antiracist reading of the Bible, facing the climate crisis with honesty and hope, hidden stories from the margins and our own lives, crafting new liturgies as sacred collective action, how to have tough conversations in congregations, and honoring our grief around the history of racism in our state and world. Full information and registration here. We are delighted to offer up to 5 scholarships from the FILC Adult Education fund, to cover the $50 per-screen registration fee (event is free under age 21). Contact pastormelinda@firstimmanuelluth.org or keep your registration receipt for reimbursement.

Baking day is back!
Sunday, Sept. 26, 1:30 PM
Learn to make chocolate zucchini cake
Is your garden producing zucchinis? Put them to good use at our next baking day. Tammy VanDeGrift will show us how to make her grandmother’s chocolate zucchini cake. All bakers, young and old, experienced and new, are welcome. Feel free to come for the conversation, too. Join us at this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 845 2864 7291, Passcode: 388155) on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 PM. You will need a 9” x 13” baking pan or glass baking dish. Ingredients: butter, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, milk, 1 large zucchini (or 2 medium) to make 2 cups of grated zucchini, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts (optional).

Book Group Selection for Oct. 3
Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever by Kareem Rosser
Conversation and good company await at book group on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 PM. Join us at this Zoom link, Meeting ID: 876 4326 5565, Passcode: 372883.

Book Summary: Kareem thought he and his siblings would always be stuck in "The Bottom," a West Philadelphia neighborhood devastated by poverty and violence. A chance meeting leads them to an after-school job at a stable in exchange for riding lessons, in time discovering a passion for polo. Kareem earns his place among the typically exclusive players in college, becoming part of the first all-Black interscholastic polo championship team―all while struggling to keep his family together.
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ADDRESS
1816 NW IRVING ST
PORTLAND, OR. 97209
503.226.3659
office@firstimmanuelluth.org

Our usual school-year schedule is below (currently on hold as we meet by Zoom until conditions change):

WORSHIP with Holy Communion 
every Sunday at 11 AM  
followed by coffee hour
​
SUNDAY SCHOOL for kids 3 & up 
MUSIC -- 9:45AM-10:00AM
CLASS -- 10:00AM-10:45AM 
CHILDREN's CHOIR --10:00AM- 10:15AM
(Sodergren Hall building, 19th & Irving) 

ADULT CLASS   9:45AM-10:45AM 
(Sodergren Hall Library, 19th & Irving)  
 "A Welcoming Community, Centered in Christ's Love, Joyfully Reaching Out Together"