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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.”  In-person services began on October 3, 2021, and procedures are continually being evaluated. 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).
  • Congregation may sing along quietly with hymns while remaining masked.
  • 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 Hybrid Worship held simultaneously via Zoom and in person, 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. 

SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 11 AM
We have begun offering Hybrid Worship in which some people worship in person and others join online via Zoom.  

TO WORSHIP IN PERSON:
We are offering limited in-person worship, with up to 25 participants vaccinated, masked and distanced. Please take a look at the complete list of health protocols and reservation procedures detailed on this page. To attend in person, RSVP ahead to office@firstimmanuelluth.org or 503-226-3659

TO WORSHIP ONLINE VIA ZOOM:
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 10/24 here

​​Recent sermons:
Pr Aaron's sermon for Oct 24 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Oct 17 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Oct 10 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Oct 3 here
Pr Aaron's sermon for Sept 26 here
Pr Melinda's sermon for Sept 19 here
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

NEW ZOOM LINK for Forum 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. 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: 779 9370 1820, Passcode: P83zhU). Please note this is a NEW ZOOM LINK for Forum.
Read for this Sun Oct 24, The Tentacles of Caste: Part 4, Preface thru Chapter 12 (pp. 167-201)

Next baking day is on Halloween,
Sun., Oct. 31 at 1:30 PM
Join us for a great way to spend your Halloween afternoon. Lynn Akerman will teach us how to make apple turnovers. All you need are 4 apples (Granny Smiths are a good choice), one package of frozen puff pastry (Pepperidge Farm), butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and confectioners sugar. You'll have a wonderful treat to enjoy after you trick-or-treat! Join the fun here via Zoom on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1:30 PM. All bakers, watchers, listeners, and talkers are welcome to join the group!

Church cleanup next week!
We hope to do some weeding and general cleanup from 10 AM to 1 PM on Friday, Oct. 29 or Saturday, Oct. 30. This is a weather-dependent opportunity. If rain is forecast, the cleanup won't happen. The date will be decided by Oct. 27.

​2021 Endowment info & application

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"