
We are the New Community Coordinators. We have been attending RLFC for five years now. We have two boys, Josh, 20 and Jeremy, 18. We have been married for 25 wonderful years. Britt came to have a personal relationship with our Lord when he was 20 and Theresa when she was 14 years old. We have been a part of many ministries throughout our journey with Jesus. We have had the privilege of working with youth, hospitality and now Community Groups. We love our church family and enjoy
ministering with them. Our prayer is that through New Community you are able to get connected and grow!
Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 PM
1501 E 128th St. Tacoma, WA 98445
253-531-0858
Carl Tankersley – ctankersley2@comcast.net
We will be watching and discussing videos on biblical subjects. This study teaches you about biblical events from the viewpoint and culture of the people in the Bible. We also go over other videos of similar interest about the Bible.
I started going to church when it was called Collins Community Church at 12 years old (1965). Over the years I have served on the Board of Elders and as the secretary/treasure. I have helped out in the youth ministries, taught in Bullfrogs and butterflies and the Royal Rangers and been a Sunday school teacher for many years. I am currently in the IT and community group ministries.
Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:30 PM
14609 24th Ave. E. Tacoma WA. 98445
253-548-0684
Steven & Joanna Oliver – oliverjoanna@hotmail.com
This group will review the message delivered by the pastor from the week before and go deeper into it. It is amazing how God works in each of us individually. During this class you will see how the message spoke to different members of our church body, and it will help us all to learn and grow together.
We have been married for 12 years and have four daughters. We have been attending RLFC for 3 years, but have led Community Groups for several years. We are passionate about teaching and growing through the Word of God and are looking forward to leading a dynamic Community Group that learns and grows together, encouraging each other along the way.

(This is a women's only group)
Mondays 6:30 – 8:30 PM
19528 71st Ave E Spanaway, WA 98387
Lina Asher 253-255-5005 – ltasher@comcast.net
Karen Spackman 253-846-9208 – karenspackman@comcast.net
Through this healing curriculum entitled "Breakthrough" women will learn to recognize the root of their hurt and pain and allow the Lord to heal that hurt. They will understand their identity in Christ. They will learn to walk in the victory that is meant for them as daughters of the King! We look forward to seeing lives changed and transformed through this 10 week course.
Lina: I have been a Christian for 18 years and have attended RLFC for 10 years. I am blissfully married to the love of my life and that funny guy, Pastor Troy Asher for the last 18 years. We have 3 amazing children. I am looking forward to being a part of the healing ministry at RLFC.
Karen: I have been married to Scott for 19 years and we have an awesome daughter who is 18. I have been going to RLFC for 4 1/2 years. I have served in Thrive, and the Women’s Ministry. Currently I serve on the prayer team and am taking INSTE. I also serve at Celebrate Recovery as a leader.
By John Ortberg
Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM
9019 161st St Ct E Puyallup, WA 98375
253-845-8049 or 253-961-6775 –
ccclowning@msn.com
Like cards and tokens at a board game's end, life's rewards - - - houses, cars, promotions - - - all get "put away" after we take our last breath. Discover how to make the temporary a servant of the eternal, and exchange "having" for the riches of being! John Ortberg's six sessions will help you leave this life with the only prize that matters.
We have been married for 43 years and have been attending RLFC for 7 years. We have two daughters and one grandson. Randy is a professional entertainer and Joyce works in the Admitting Department at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Thursdays from 7:30 – 9:00 PM
5316 203rd St Ct E Spanaway, WA 98387
253-847-0338
Donivan and Kelley Taylor – donivantaylor@gmail.com
This group will review the message delivered by the pastor from the week before and go deeper into it. It is amazing how God works in each of us individually. During this class you will see how the message spoke to different members of our church body, and it will help us all to learn and grow together.
We have been joyfully married for 10 years and have two children. Ethan is 5 and Eliana is 2 and a half. We have attended Real Life Family Center for 5 years. When not working, Donivan likes to read and play games, and Kelley likes to do photography, read, and do Zumba. We love to talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives, and we love to encourage others in their faith.
by Bill and Pam Farrel
(This is a women’s only group)
Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 PM
613 S. Sheridan Ave, Apt A Tacoma, WA 98405
253-228-2100
Sue DeRome – susanderome@yahoo.com
Men process life like waffles. Women process life like a plate of spaghetti. This will be a fun and innovative approach to the differences between men and women.
Sue has attended Real Life Family Center for over 14 years. She has served in several ministries, most recently retiring from the ICU/Debt Reduction Ministry. Semi-retired from teaching and enjoying empty nest, she continues to pursue her passion for education and healthy families by regularly instructing a Parenting Seminar for Superior Court. She and husband, Fred, have been married for 7 years and greatly enjoy spoiling their four-legged
family member, Widgit.
(This is a women’s only group)
Thursdays 9:30 – 11:00 AM
17224 9th Ave E Spanaway, WA 98387
253-273-2955
Vashti Makupson – vvmakupson@msn.com
In the "Excellent Wife"Martha Peace paints a picture of what it means to be a godly wife in very practical and challenging ways. Please join me as we strive to be the Excellent Wife that God has called us to be. The challenge is great but the reward is greater.
I have been married for a little over 9 years and have learned some very hard truths about what God desires from me as a wife. In a world that comes against marriages and downplays the importance of what it is to be a godly wife, it's refreshing to get a godly perspective of what the role of a wife is.
Sundays 10:30 – 11:45 AM
RLFC – Rainier Room
17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
208-599-0020
Tim & Jennifer Wood – woodtjjg@gmail.com
We are studying the book of Romans from the NavPress Life Change series. In Romans, Paul unfolds God's way to righteousness-how we can be reconciled to God and transformed into the people He means us to be. Sin, salvation, grace, death, and resurrection-no other biblical book illumines so many classic, life-changing truths.
We have been married for 22 years and have been attending RLFC for 2 years. We have two grown children attending college in Idaho. We are passionate about studying God's Word, applying it to our lives, and teaching others how to do the same.
Sundays 10:30 – 11:45 AM
RLFC – Creativity Suite
17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
253-221-5211
Dave Frlan – dfrlan@msn.com
Foundations is a 12 week course that covers the primary biblical principles of the Bible, God the Father, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, The Church and community.
I am a 12 year member of RLFC with a background in administration, organizational growth and small group development in the last 28 years of my spiritual walk. I am currently an RLFC Board member and involved in the Real Life Warriors Advance Leadership team.
Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 PM
3004 24th Ave. Ct. St. E. Puyallup, WA 98374
253-848-4769
Bill and Lola Thwing – lola.thwing@comcast.net
In the book of Colossians, Christ is highlighted as God, Head of the Church. Paul talks about our union with Christ and what Christ has done for us.
Bill and Lola have been married for 37 years, have 3 kids, 2 grandkids and relationships with many others who have been part of their household over the years. They are currently active in manyparts of Real Life Family Center and have been since its inception. They live in the southeast part of the City of Puyallup.
Sundays 9:00 – 10:30 AM
RLFC – Creativity Suite
17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
Bill Thwing
In the book of Colossians, Christ is highlighted as God, Head of the Church. Paul talks about our union with Christ and what Christ has done for us.
Bill has been part of Real Life Family Center since its start and is currently one of the Elder Board members. He is a member of the 301 Team, he is an alien to earth, sent here temporarily by God. He would like anyone to join this group, who would like to learn more about being one of God's kids and being His ambassador of grace and mercy to earth.
Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 PM
RLFC
17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
253-273-1928
Scott Spackman – scottspackman@comcast.net
As Men we face challenges daily. None more important than facing what has shaped our lives thus far. Having experienced the first year of Men’s Fraternity, we have the opportunity to invite other men to take the challenge of Men’s Fraternity, Quest for Authentic Manhood. We covered so much in the first year and made some significant discoveries along the way. Now we have the opportunity to come alongside a fellow brother to encourage and guide him through the Quest. The challenge: Be authentic, bring someone to Be authentic. We are going to laugh, learn and be challenged to grow. Ultimately, each of us is going to grow better in our understanding of what it means to be a Man. This will be time very well spent. Please invite your neighbors, co-workers, family and friends to join us as well.
Mondays 9:30 - 11:30 AM and 6:30 - 8:30 PM
RLFC - 17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
Renee Christensen – scottspackman@comcast.net
Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman is a study of the Old Testament book of Esther. This study, written by Beth Moore, will guide us through tragedy and triumph, as we learn to trust in God's guidance and care for us even through the toughest of times.
For questions contact Michelle Stocking at 253-241-9301.
Tuesdays 5:45 – 8:30 PM
RLFC
17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
253-273-1928
Sheri Carlson – sherim@rlfc.org
All of life's hurts, habits, and hang-‐ups are addressed through this one curriculum.
What do you need to Celebrate Recovery from?
Overworking? Overeating? People Pleasing? The need to control? Gambling? Abuse? Pornography? Lying? Hurtful relationships? Codependency? Procrastination? Drugs? Rage? Grief? Divorce? Guilt? Alcohol? Anger? Anxiety? Fear? If you can identify with any of these things, Celebrate Recovery is for you!
(College Age 18 - 24)
Friday 8:00 PM
RLFC 17708 28th Ave E Tacoma, WA 98445
Jesse Holcomb – 253-549-8601
Stefanie Holcomb – 253-293-4951
We are a group dedicated to the spiritual growth of young people. We see a need within our church and community for a group that extends what Thrive (our Youth Church) does. We are excited to see growth in our community and to impact those in colleges and in our church who are too old for Thrive and have nowhere left to go.
Josh Gonzales – 253-209-8175
Breezy Gonzales – 253-302-1706
Joanna Oliver – 253-548-0684
Pacesetters is a group of age 50+ adults that meet once a month for prayer, fellowship in order to build relationships, find ways to invest in the younger generation, and have fun together.
We will not rest until every marriage in our community has been restored back to God’s original design and equipped to reach one more.
Original Design:
Danny and Vashti Makupson
We have been married for 9 years. We are a blended family with 7 kids (6 of them still in the home) and 1 grand baby. We have been attending RLFC for almost 4 years. We desire to equip husbands and wives with great tools that have helped us to learn more about ourselves and each other in this journey called marriage.
Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:30 PM
at David and Erin Ellingwood's house
1830 187th St Ct E Spanaway, WA 98387
Michael and Melissa Boos
Laugh Your Way To a Better Marriage Small group is "hilarious, practical, and gives straight-forward advice about relationships through a twelve week study. Laugh and learn as you explore the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships. These life-changing marriage truths are related in a way that both challenges and conflicts, without being preachy, and confronts the harmful and destructive messages - from both the secular world and from churches - that have brought such devastation to marriages.
We have been attending RLFC for 13 years. We have been married for 8 years and have been trying to have a family for 7 years and are currently in the middle of our 2nd round of fertility treatments. We have been involved in various other ministries and are very excited about being a part of the Operation Restoration Ministry.
Sundays at 2:00 – 3:30 PM
7913 194th St Ct E Spanaway, WA 98387
253-405-9756
Rich and Christa Clark
We invite you to participate in this powerful DVD series. Scores of books have been written that offer guidance for building the marriage of your dreams. Yet, what if God's primary intent for your marriage isn't to make you happy . . . but holy? And, what if your relationship isn't as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God? In this popular six part DVD series, Gary Thomas uncovers how your marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God and each other.
Don't let the 'newly-wed' term fool you. We are a newly blended family, but both of us have spent several years as individuals in marriage, parenting, divorce prevention and recovery classes. We both know the pain of divorce and never want another family to have to go through what we have. We have such a heart to pay forward what we've been given and what we've learned. We open our humble home and offer several, small marriage classes throughout the year. God is so faithful to payback what the enemy tries to steal, we are living proof and a beautiful testimony of that.
Fridays 7:00 PM
19614 113th Ave E Graham, WA 98338
253-740-7937
Ken and Sue Rogers
We went through the Love and Respect small group and it helped us understand one another and our marriage in a fresh way. It was one of the most enlightening Small Groups we have ever been involved in. In fact it helped us heal our marriage. You can always strengthen your marriage no matter how long you have been married. This Group is Bible based, with God's instruction for husbands and wives. The Group is able to discuss the materials in a very lighthearted manner. We invite you to join us and look forward to seeing you there.
We have been attending RLFC for two years. We have been married for 30 years. Our children are grown. We have a blended family. We are actively involved in the Operation Restoration Ministry.