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Sermon Library

The Reverend Emily Tanis-Likkel
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel sensed the call to ordained ministry when she was eight years old, baptizing her baby dolls and creating worship services for her family. She was ordained in 2005 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Bainbridge Island.

Her roles over nearly two decades of ministry across several denominations have included associate pastor, church planter, children and family minister, teacher and workshop/retreat leader. When the congregation unanimously called Emily as Pastor of Alki UCC, she came home to her denomination and home to pastoral ministry. 

Emily believes it is essential for churches to be a beacon of hope in their communities, acknowledging that each person is of infinite worth and value. Humanity bears the image of God. Beautifully unique in our diversity of race, culture, disability and ability, personality, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, we reflect God, who is wonderfully reflective of all. Everything that we are, God is.

Emily lives in West Seattle in a multigenerational household with her creative-techie spouse, Brett, daughter and college student Eva (who works as tech deacon at Alki UCC), son and high school student Day, and her parents, Marti and Keith Tanis. The Tanis-Likkel family is known for their giant popcorn bowl, frequently filled to the brim.

 Emily writes, teaches, preaches and leads from a foundation of embodied spirituality, expansive theology and wonder. She loves walking labyrinths and reading novels. She is trained in Nia, a holistic movement practice, which has informed her own spiritual practice of embodying Scripture. Learn more about Emily at emilytanislikkel.com.

Worship Video

March 24 2024
Palm/Passion Sunday
"Songs of Loudest Praise"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 09:21

March 17 2024
Fifth Sunday in Lent
"Teach Me"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 05:16

March 10 2024
Fourth Sunday in Lent
"I’m Fixed Upon It"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 04:41

March 3 2024
Third Sunday in Lent
"Praise the Mount"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 05:16

February 25 2024
Second Sunday in Lent
Rescue Me from Danger
Matthew 14:22-33
In lieu of a sermon, Alki UCC presents
The Spiritual Travelers
in "Simon Peter"
written by Rev. Joan Carter
"Simon Peter" begins 04:28

February 18 2024
First Sunday in Lent
"Jesus Sought Me"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 06:02

February 11 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

"Recap and Response"
Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom, Guest Preacher
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 05:18

February 4 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

"Emotions can Liberate"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel, Alki UCC Pastor
Rev. John Helmiere, Guest Preacher
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 04:18

January 28 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

"Love Cares about Harm"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 06:07

January 21 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

"Goodness” is a Problem
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 05:15

January 14 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

"Grace Undoes Shame"
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 07:24

January 7 2024
Anti-Racist Christian Theology 
for Majority White Congregations: 

Introduction
Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom, Guest Preacher
Stephen Anthony Rawson, Music Director
Sermon begins at 06:08