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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.  
Sunday School & Confirmation 
We’re so excited to start up in-person Sunday School again!  For ages 3 and up, 
Sunday School begins at 9:45 AM with our Bible story for the day. We’ll break at 10 AM for music with Ralph Nelson. At 10:15, we return to our classroom for a game or craft and a snack.  Confirmation Class also starts on Sept. 11 at 1 PM for youth and parents together. Questions?  Please call Pr. Aaron.

Forum: Studying Christian Nationalism
Sundays 9:30-10:30 AM, hybrid format
Christian nationalism is the belief that the United States is, and should be, a Christian nation. This belief distorts both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy. Join us in person in Sodergren Library, 9:30-10:30 on Sundays, or by Zoom. 

Starting Oct. 9, we’ll discuss the book Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Andrew Whitehead & Samuel Perry. Books are free through a Thrivent grant—to order yours, email pastormelinda@firstimmanuelluth.org. Written from a sociological viewpoint, this book identifies three essential themes of Christian nationalism: power, boundaries, and order. 
Oct. 2: Discuss Red State Christians, Chap. 1
Oct. 9: Taking America Back for God, pp. ix-21
Next Baking Day: Sun, Oct. 23, 3:30 PM
Apple Turnovers!
Join us on Oct. 23, when a member will lead us in making apple turnovers! Celebrate the flavors of fall with this classic dessert. You'll need apples (Lynn recommends Granny Smiths), Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, butter, sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. We'll meet via Zoom at 3:30 PM, so that Confirmation class participants can also join the fun. Meanwhile, enjoy these yummy photos from our last baking day on Aug. 28.

quick glance

SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 11 AM
Join us for hybrid worship, in which some people worship in person and others join simultaneously online via Zoom. To learn more about all our church activities, subscribe to our weekly enews on this page.

TO WORSHIP IN PERSON:
For worship in the church sanctuary, we are able to welcome participants who are masked and distanced, with vaccination strongly recommended. We can provide free N95 or KN95 masks. Please consult the health protocols detailed to the right on this page. There's plenty of room for you!

TO WORSHIP ONLINE VIA ZOOM:
Zoom link opens 15 minutes early
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 Sunday, Oct. 2 here

​Choir and Bell Choir are back!
New members welcome
If you're interested in singing or ringing this year, I’d love to talk to you. We're always happy to have new members in the Choir and Bell Choir. We rehearse in the sanctuary on Thursdays through the school year, with Bell Choir meeting from 6 PM-7PM, and Choir meeting from 7 PM-8:30 PM. Bell Choir starts tomorrow, Sept. 15. Please feel free to come and check us out! Contact Ralph Nelson (ralphandsusannelson@yahoo.com).

​​More recent sermons:
Pr Aaron's sermon for Oct 2 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Sept 25 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Sept 18 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Sept 11 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Sept 4 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Aug 28 here
​Pr Melinda's sermon for Aug 21 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for July 24 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for July 3 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for June 26 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for June 12 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for June 5 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for May 29 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for May 22 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for May 8 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for May 1 here
Pr Melinda sermon for April 24 here
Pr Aaron Easter Sunday here
 ADDRESS
1816 NW IRVING ST
PORTLAND, OR. 97209
503.226.3659
office@firstimmanuelluth.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 11 AM
(Summer Worship 10 AM)

Our school-year schedule resumes in full on September 11, 2022:
​
WORSHIP with Holy Communion 
every Sunday at 11 AM 
followed by refreshments
​SUNDAY SCHOOL for kids 3 & up 
   Class with music -- 9:45AM-10:45AM
   (Sodergren Hall building, 19th & Irving) 
ADULT CLASS   9:30AM-10:30AM 
   (Sodergren Hall Library & on zoom)  
CONFIRMATION  certain Sundays after   church, contact office
BELL CHOIR PRACTICE 6 PM Thursdays
CHOIR PRACTICE  7 PM Thursdays
FILC’s In-Person Worship Protocols 
We would like to thank everyone who has attended worship in person for wearing masks and following our protocols. We want to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible. We are delighted that the pandemic situation has improved so that we can offer our full Sunday School and Worship experiences this fall! Here is a summary of our health and safety protocols:
  • All youth and adult worshipers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated children who can mask are welcome.
  • Masks are mandatory for the entire service. N95 or KN95 masks are recommended and provided free.
  • For Communion, worshipers may choose an individual Communion kit or come forward to receive bread and wine in a "low-touch" manner.
  • Ushers will distribute bulletins and handle offering plates.
  • Restrooms are available for use.
The Covid Task Force will evaluate and adjust protocols, as needed. It is likely these practices will change as safety conditions improve and health recommendations are updated.

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
 "A Welcoming Community, Centered in Christ's Love, Joyfully Reaching Out Together"