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Special meeting called to welcome Samoan church

The Family of Christ Full Gospel Church (FOCC) in Tacoma has engaged in a prayerful process of discernment regarding becoming a member church of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Members met with UCC representatives and answered questions. The congregation and its leaders wish to move forward.

Members of Family of Christ Full Gospel Church sing and dance. Photo courtest of the church

On Aug. 24, 2025, a UCC delegation—with Roselynne Savini Selix, co-chair of the Committee on Local Church (COLC), Bruce Wilson of the Committee on Ministry and Mana’o Vaovasa, also of the COLC visited FOCC for Sunday worship and fellowship.

The delegation experienced the congregation’s worship, preaching, prayer, leadership, youth participation and hospitality. The visit provided an opportunity for UCC representatives to learn from the congregation and for FOCC to encounter the UCC directly.

After worship, the congregation conversed with the UCC delegation. Questions of the pastor, assistant pastors, elders, deacons, secretary and youth representatives demonstrated their desire to understand the opportunities and responsibilities of UCC membership.

• What is the United Church of Christ, and what are the requirements for membership?

• What are the expectations on attendance, dues and the UCC’s “5 for 5” practice?

• What is the process for ordination into the UCC?

• What opportunities and resources are available for youth, leadership development, pastoral care and spiritual growth?

• How can the UCC help the congregation serve its community, including people experiencing homelessness?

After prayerful consideration and discussion, the leaders and congregation of 134 members, decided unanimously to pursue membership in the UCC. The pastor, assistant pastors, elders and youth leaders all supported joining the UCC and aligning with the UCC mission, values and fellowship.

FOCC completed the initial membership forms and affirmed its commitment to continue the process toward UCC membership and covenant development. The visitation reports describe the congregation as unified, engaged and committed to serving God and the wider community through its relationship with the UCC.

FOCC’s discernment has included worship and relationship-building, direct education and dialogue with UCC representatives, questions from the congregation—including youth—and prayerful, collective discernment resulting in unanimous support to move toward UCC membership.

The Board of Directors have given their unanimous support along with the Committee on Local Church and requests that the clergy and delegates of the PNC affirm the Family of Christ (FOC) Full Gospel Church for membership in the UCC at a Special Conference Meeting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10 on Zoom.

The COLC calls for a vote to accept the FOC Full Gospel Church in the PNC at a special meeting of the PNC-UCC Conference at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10 on Zoom.

Registration is at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Fblw3IdiSsep4Ym-JCmDYg#/registration.

 

Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ Conference News © October 2026

 

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