Our Commitment to Christian Principles
Who are we at All Saints’ Tacoma and what do we believe?
We are followers of Jesus Christ in the Episcopal tradition. It is our goal and purpose to create a beloved community of those who share our values. We are committed to Christian Principles, focusing on the basic equality and inclusion of all peoples.
Our lives as followers of Jesus are based on the historic creeds and the two great sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. We strive accordingly to be a place of refuge and sanctuary for all people. In our often divisive world, our congregation is based on love, compassion and hospitality. We believe the first step in making the world better is creating a church where people can be valued for who they are and who live our lives in imitation of Christ.This involves these practices:
- Eucharist. All baptized Christians are welcome to partake in the Eucharist, and all non-baptized visitors are welcome to receive a priestly blessing.
- Baptism and confirmation. Baptisms usually take place at the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day or the Sunday following, and at the First Sunday after Epiphany. Confirmation, effectively an adult profession of faith in Jesus, is offered by the laying on of hands by the Bishop.
- Marriage. We practice marriage equality, meaning we marry straight and LGBTQIA+ couples so long as the couple meets the requirements of the Book of Common Prayer. For specific information, see our vicar.
- Participation and leadership. We are a small church with a diversely talented congregation. Our members in all their differences are what make our church special. Should you choose to make All Saints’ your home, we would welcome your service and your unique talents.
What Makes Us Unique
We draw people from throughout Pierce County, Washington, giving us the diversity of a “destination” congregation.
We welcome and incorporate into our worship the creativity of our members, both visually and spiritually.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion that grew out of the Church of England. This Communion contains about 70 million members in 100 countries.
Our worship is Biblically-centered, designed to bring to remembrance the mighty acts of God throughout history. It is highly participatory, both modern in its language and ancient in its connection to worship practices in the early centuries of the Church.
Our Sunday liturgy reflects the changes in our liturgical seasons, as well as the emphases in the appointed readings from Scripture. Every Sunday we read a portion from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament letters and the Gospel.
All Saints’ has a particular ministry to the people living on the streets of Pierce County. We maintain contact with them, bringing food and water when needed and offering pastoral care and support.
We incorporate young people in our worship, other than through traditional acolyte roles.
Our Sunday liturgy reflects the changes in our liturgical seasons, as well as the emphasis in the appointed readings from scripture.
Our Priest
Father Jim Warnock came to All Saints’ having retired from 17 years of service at Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Marion, Indiana. Prior to ordination in 1999, he earned a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Washington and taught at the college level for several years. Father Warnock has long been involved in reconciliation ministry, first working in the Middle East with the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy. In Marion his parish was active in racial reconciliation while also sponsoring events dealing with immigration, human sexuality, poverty, and other contemporary issues. Father Warnock is a Board member with the North American Chapter of the Community of the Cross of Nails and with the Pierce County League of Women Voters. He is married to Kresha and has two grown children, Anne and David, and a granddaughter, Zahava.
Compassion & Hospitality
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
—Hebrews 13:2