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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
May 13, 2023
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On the same weekend that we celebrated Cathedral Day, our diocese had the honor of a visit from the Rt. Rev. Joseph Muchai, Bishop of the Diocese of Nakuru in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Bishop Muchai was the preacher for the service which took place at All Saints Goshen in Tacoma. The bishop gave his blessing to Geoffrey Kasero, a seminarian lay leader who will be serving under the supervision of the Rev. Paul Karume. Geoffrey will work primarily with the new Kenyan start which is meeting at Christ Church, Puyallup. Geoffrey will also be continuing to work with the Office of the Bishop and the Commission on Ministry to determine his formal status in The Episcopal Church and to lay out the next steps as he aspires to the priesthood. | The bishop also enrolled several women into The Mothers’ Union. |  | |
The Union’s Motto is: I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me, drawn from Phil. 4:13. Its aim and purpose is to be concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life.
The Mothers’ Union in Kenya is united in its prayer, motto, objectives and commitment to God and humanity. The mothers are involved in different activities which include fellowships, prayers, mentorship programs, micro-finance, campaigns against domestic violence, child marriages and female genital mutilation; advocating for the protection of children, efforts to reduce and manage the spread of HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted infections, work with those dealing with drug and substance abuse, family planning, agri-business and supporting caring centers for needy children.
It was a delight for me to be present at this service with some of my peers. Our Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Arienne Davison attended and I got to serve with her at the table and at the font.
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Also serving in that liturgy were the Revs. Mary Bol and Paul Karume and several pastors from the Kenyan community. It was a further joy to have members of St John’s South Sudanese Episcopal Church there to add to the great music at the liturgy.
Later that afternoon I was in Renton at The Reverend Adult Care LLC for the dedication and blessing of that facility. Bishop Muchai officiated at the dedication.
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The Rev. Agnes Kuria, a priest in our diocese who also comes from Kenya, founded this Adult Care facility, and she has a particular vision for the place. She sees it as a place that cares for the whole person: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She also hopes that the adult care home will become a place where immigrants can find work in the medical field as caregivers, gaining skills and experience to help them get established in the States. | |
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community lifts prayers for Fred and his family as he recently fell. We heard last week from Kris who shares: "Fred is still in rehab for his injuries which are significant, and he will be there for awhile. The damage is like that of a stroke only caused by the fall. So he needs quite a lot of physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Thank you for all the prayers from people in the circles. Being part of the circles meant so much to him."
Let us continue to pray for Fred, Kris, the rest of their family, and all who care for him. We pray for comfort, healing, and wisdom for the Jessetts and Fred's medical team, as well as smooth navigation of insurance and all other logistics. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
If you'd like to send a card, the Jessetts' address is 5309 South Myrtle Ln. Spokane, WA 99223.
Vinh Do and family
Our community lifts prayer for Vinh's mother and the rest of their family. Vinh shares, "This is Vinh writing to thank all of you for your heartfelt concern and prayers for my Mom, me, and my family. Mom has been at home for six weeks since her discharge from both hospital and rehab. She's been transitioning closer to independence. It's been amazing progress in 6 weeks given the nearly 3 months in hospital and rehab. There have been real tentative moments in the hospital and rehab and without the love and concern of all, I don't know if we would be the same. Thanks to all."
We pray for Vinh's mother's health and the rest of the family as they all continue easing back into everyday activities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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Edie Weller and family
Our community continues to lift prayer for the Rev. Edie Weller and her family as they settle into this next chapter following John's memorial. Edie shares her gratitude and love for Circles' support. We are grateful that it was a time of fullness and love, and pray for their community's continued embrace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Timi Vann and family
Thank you for your faithful prayers for Timi and her family. Timi is back gradually getting back to work and other elements of life and we continue to pray for an excellent recovery and smooth transition for her and the whole family.
If you'd like to send a card, the Vanns' address is 5056 36th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. You can find Timi's last update on the Meal Train.
Carlos and Julianna Caguiat
Our community lifts prayer for Carlos and Julianna as they continue to deal with various health concerns. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
If you have additional prayer requests, please send them to Adrienne.
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If you would like to highlight resources, books, events, liturgies, or anything else, please send them to Adrienne. |
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Circles of Color Retreat *Postponed*
After learning that Rachel and our previous visioning facilitator, Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, will be unable to join us June 9th-11th, we've decided to postpone our retreat. New date and location to be announced!
Please hold Saturday, June 10th, from 10-11:30 am for a Zoom discussion on what characteristics we're looking for in our next bishop.
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Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | |
AANHPI Month Resources for 2023 | |
Check out Building Faith's list of books, films, articles, podcasts, virtual exhibits, and church resources highlighting our AANHPI communities.
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A New Music Compilation by Asian American women and non-binary artists and musicians for Meditation, Mindfulness, and Collective Healing.
You can find other AANHPI resources here.
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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: Stories, Facts, History | PBS | |
Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers. Enjoy this selection of films, some premiering in May as well as some gems to revisit. These documentaries celebrate the light and love in our diverse AANHPI communities.
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April 26-29, 2023 | Austin, TX
Some of our Circle segued into AANHPI Heritage Month in the company of Asian/Pacific Islander lay and ordained leaders from across our church in Austin, TX late last week. Vinh, Katya, Adrienne, and Maria traveled to meet up with Tina (a postulant at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin) and about 35 others.
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Circles Media
Share with the community any podcasts, music, books, or other media you've enjoyed lately.
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Prophetic Voices: Preaching Rogation Days
Jeremiah 14:1-9, Romans 8:18-25, Mark 4:26-32
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In this second episode of season 7 of Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community, we continue our focus on Creation Care, speaking with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Rogation Days (I).
Guests include The Rev. Kerri Meyer, The Rev. Glenna Huber, and Dr. David O’Hara.
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Madang podcast feat. Dr. Christena Cleveland | |
Grace Ji-Sun Kim spends time with public theologian and popular author Dr. Christena Cleveland about her new book, God is a Black Woman. We discuss her understanding of whitemalegod, fatherskygod, Black women’s beauty, imagination as theology, Black Madonnas, her pilgrimage in France, how God is a Black Woman takes readers on a journey of discovering who God is and more!
This is a great listen as we prepare for the next book study on 5/24 and for Dr. Cleveland's visit 6/3.
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Born in 1926 to Korean indentured servant parents in Cuba, Jeronimo joins the Cuban revolution and crosses paths with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, before turning to his Korean roots and identity. Watch the documentary on Vimeo or Apple TV. | | | |
Summer Camp Chaplain Needed
Camp Huston is looking for a chaplain for the week of July 30-August 5. Contact Katie Sue Eichner, the Program Director and Conference Coordinator.
Some glowing reviews:
"What a refreshing way to experience church! Sign up today! Huston is a magical and special place." - Malcolm+
"Your presence will be a gift to the kids, to the church and to yourself." - Jo+
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Announcing Members of the Bishop Search Committee | |
The Joint Board for Bishop Transition is excited to announce the members of the Bishop Search Committee. Please pray for this committee and the work they are about to undertake.
We pray especially for Circles members Timi Vann and Lillian Springer, as well as Allies chosen for the committee. Thank you again to all who applied. There will be opportunities to serve on the Transition Committee this fall. You can read the full announcement at the link below.
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South Sudanese Bishop’s Visit
A few weeks ago, we were blessed to welcome The Rt. Rev. David Kiir Mayath to Seattle and D-House. Bishop Mayath is the bishop of the Diocese of Panrieng in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan. We are grateful for the growing ministries of the Rev. Mary Bol and the Rev. James Ayuen which allow us to engage with Episcopal siblings in South Sudan!
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Celebrating Doreen Tudor's 101st Birthday
Doreen is a longtime Saint Mark's parishioner and church "mother" to many in Seattle, particularly in the BIPOC community. Doreen is living history and her stories about Black Episcopalians in Seattle and her experiences within that community and the larger church demonstrate such deep faith and resilience.
Let's show her some birthday love! Sign the card and contribute to a gift if you'd like! Small group visit details TBD.
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Cross-Cultural Ministry in El Salvador
Stay tuned for additional updates as well as invitations to learn and support ongoing partnerships with the Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador and Cristosal!
Jo+ also uplifts the work of the SHARE Foundation which strengthens solidarity with and among the Salvadoran people in El Salvador and the United States in the grassroots struggle for economic sustainability, justice, and human and civil rights.
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Rev. Carla is resurrected after a Lenten fast from preaching and is back on the road!
5/14
St. John the Baptist, West Seattle
5/28
St. Margaret's, Factoria
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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Dr. Christena Cleveland and the Black Madonnas: The Pilgrimage of a Womanist Theologian
May 24 @ 6:45 - 8:15 pm | in person at Saint Mark's Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom
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The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson will lead a discussion of the book God Is a Black Woman by Dr. Christena Cleveland, as seen through the lens of pilgrimage.
This two-part series is intended to help people prepare for the material Dr. Cleveland will present when she comes to Saint Mark's in June.
Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family).
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The 42nd Annual Clergy Institute with Jonathan Greenblatt
May 25 @ 9:30 am - 1 pm | Temple De Hirsch Sinai, online | $18
| The Clergy Institute for Interfaith Learning is an annual opportunity for interfaith study and discourse. This year's keynote is Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). | | | |
Table Turning: The Prophetic Tradition in the time of Neofascism with Dr. Cornel West
May 28 @ 11:00 am | Rainier Arts Center, Seattle & online
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Valley and Mountain Fellowship welcomes Dr. Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, considered one of the greatest public intellectuals our time. Dr. West will off a reflection during their Sunday morning Celebration / service as part of their "Set Us Free From Fear" speaker series.
Find more about the event and Dr. West here.
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Underhill House Listener Training
May 31 @ 12:00 - 2:30 pm | Underhill House, Seattle
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Looking for a new way to serve? Consider sharing your gifts with Underhill House, a quiet place to pause for prayer. Our Listeners come 1-2 times per month, on a Thursday, to sit in sacred silence and pray. Roles include greeting guests and, if desired, listening to what brings them in that day and offering a prayer. The next Listener Training is Wednesday, May 31 from 12:00 – 2:30 pm at Underhill House, on Capitol Hill near Broadway and Republican. Come and discern — no commitment necessary to attend the training.
If you have questions or would like to sign up, please contact Susan Dean at susan@underhillhouse.org. Click here to learn more.
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Mothered by God: Divine Feminine and the Black Madonna: A Saturday Workshop with Christena Cleveland, Ph.D.
June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:30 pm | in person at Saint Mark's Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom; registration required
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The Divine is not limited to one gender or race, but for many people the dominant image of God they've experienced is that of a white male.
Such a poverty of metaphor limits not only our understanding of the Holy One who overflows all human categories but also reinforces white supremacy and patriarchy. Join Dr. Christena Cleveland as she explores the Divine Feminine, especially in the context of her 400-mile walking pilgrimage across central France in search of ancient Black Madonna statues.
Cost: $65. Scholarships available. Includes a light lunch and snacks for those participating in person. Registration required.
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Archdeacon Gen's Farewell Gathering
June 10 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | D-House
| Join us as we say Bon Voyage and Thank You to The Ven. Gen Grewell for her nearly 14 years as Archdeacon of the Diocese of Olympia! The Office of the Bishop is pleased to host this gathering along with the Community of Deacons. We hope you will join us in celebrating Gen and Gary. | | | |
Juneteenth Liturgy + Potluck BBQ
June 17th @ 12:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral
The Black/African-American Circle has been planning a wonderful Juneteenth liturgy + potluck BBQ celebration. We will need volunteers from all our Circles to make it happen!
Worship: Beverly+, Malcolm+, and Carla+ have been planning the liturgy. All are welcome to help as a lector, usher, or as a musician. If interested, please contact Carla.
Potluck: Guests will be asked to bring salads, side dishes, or desserts to go along with a meat entree that will be provided. We will also need non-alcoholic drinks. If you'd like to bring certain items, or help day-of, please contact Roberta.
Set up / clean up: We'll need two crews to help before and after the event. Please contact Adrienne if you'd like to help.
More details and potluck RSVP to come!
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Why Serve 2023
June 22-25 | The School of Theology at the University of the South: Sewanee, TN, $75
| Young Adults (ages 18-30) from the African Descent, Asian, Indigenous and Latino communities of The Episcopal Church, are invited to attend three days of fellowship, training, discernment, self-care, fun, and laughter as they explore this question: Why Serve? | | | |
55TH UBE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & CONFERENCE (ABMC)
June 24-26 | Montgomery, AL
| UBE is headed to Montgomery, Alabama! Our theme is So Flows Our River: NIA – Purpose, IMANI – Faith and UMOJA – Unity. We will visit the National Lynching Museum and the Legacy Museum, as well as offer an optional trip to Selma for crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge. | | | |
It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement - The Episcopal Church
July 9 - 12 |Baltimore Convention Center, register by May 15 for Early Bird rate of $185
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"It’s All About Love” is a churchwide festival featuring three Jesus Movement festival “tents” – Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation.
Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton and Rev. Carla will both be presenting workshops on Healing Relationships with Indigenous People and Co-Powering People of Color in Diocesan Life, respectively.
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2023 Summer Teaching Faculty - Holden Village
June 11-September 1| Holden Village
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Located in the North Cascade Mountains, Holden Village welcomes all people to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other. Join them this summer to learn the basics of watercolor, practice creative writing, and engage body, mind, and spirit through discussing many of the most salient issues of our time.
The Week 9 (August 6-11) focus hosts Latine teachers covering immigration, liberation theology, climate justice, and other intersectional topics. Take a look, there are some really great speakers and topics featured every week!
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Convene 2023 - Save the Date!
September 30 | Everett Community College
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Reconnect with Episcopalians from across the Diocese, and join us for this exciting new event open to everyone! Gain new resources and support, and spend time learning from and networking with churches from every corner of Western Washington!
Circles will be presenting some workshops! Let us know what you'd like to see, offer, or support!
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Next Full Circle Meeting
{budget & bishop search processes}
Wednesday,
May 17, 2023
3:00 pm
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Alzheimer's Support Group
If Alzheimer's has touched your life in some way, you're not alone. A group of Circles members meets Saturday mornings to share in community together.
Contact Jerry Shigaki for more info.
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"Love God, Love God's World" curriculum - The Episcopal Church | |
"Love God, Love God's World" is a nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry-from newcomers looking to take their first step to seasoned leaders seeking a transformative small-group experience.
Rev. Rachel Taber Hamilton and Adrienne Elliott are both session authors. Please email Adrienne if your church would like to pilot a few sessions!
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Honor LGBTQ+ forced migrants in June through Episcopal Migration Ministries' Rainbow Initiative | |
Episcopal congregations seeking ways to observe Pride Month and World Refugee Day in June have a special opportunity to focus on LGBTQ+ and refugee communities through Episcopal Migration Ministries’ new Rainbow Initiative.
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Task force survey seeks to identify language needs across Episcopal Church | |
The General Convention Task Force on Translation and Interpretation, formed by Resolution A024, has released a survey to help its work of developing recommendations for determining and prioritizing written materials that should be translated and meetings where interpretation should be provided within The Episcopal Church.
The survey is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin (Chinese-Traditional).
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