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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
March 11, 2023
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The search for a new diocesan bishop for our diocese has shifted into a new phase. It is very important all of us who are interested in the future of our diocese be aware of where the process is and how to be involved in the process.
Our Canons and Constitution require us to form a Joint Board for Bishop Transition, consisting of two members of the Standing Committee and two members of the Diocesan Council. This group has launched our official transition website and the opened applications for our Bishop Search Committee. The website has very important information about the Bishop Search process including the actual application forms for joining the search committee. The deadline to apply for the search committee has been extended to March 31, 2023.
The address for the official transition website is https://olympiabishopsearch.ecww.org/. Please note that the information at the website is currently being translated into Spanish and that will be added to the site and soon as possible. The actual application will also be available in Spanish. If you want to be considered for the Search Committee, you must complete and submit an application by March 31st. The application can be found at the Bishop Search website.
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Why is it so important to apply for the Search Committee? Because the work of the Search Committee is critical to the process by which our next diocesan bishop will be selected. After the names of nominees for the position of diocesan bishop are gathered, the Search Committee will design a process to narrow the field of nominees to a group of semi-finalists, preferably eight or fewer. This group will be invited to a mandatory discernment retreat from February 15-17, 2024. From that group of semi-finalists, the Search Committee will choose no fewer than three and no more than five candidates to present to the Joint Board for Bishop Transition. If that list is approved, that will become the official slate from which the diocese, in an electing convention, will select a Bishop Elect.
You can see how important the work of the Search Committee is. Therefore, it is critical that this committee reflect the diversity of our diocese. So I encourage everyone who is reading this newsletter, especially people of color, to consider seriously applying for the Search Committee.
Please note that all applicants must also have a Reference Form completed for you by another member of the diocese in order foryour application to be considered. Please visit the links below as they contain important and detailed information regarding the process of applying for the Search Committee.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Edie Weller and family
Our community lifts prayer for the Rev. Edie Weller, whose husband John Weller passed in January. We mourn with the Weller family, hold them in our prayers, and stand with them in their grief as they prepare for his memorial. We pray especially for Edie, Bryan, and Liz, the rest of their family, as well as all who knew and loved John. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Edie shares her gratitude and love for Circles' support. John's service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 18th, at Saint Mark's Cathedral. Reception to follow in Bloedel Hall downstairs.
Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community continues to lift prayer for the Jessetts, their daughter Victoria who passed in December, and her children. We pray for comfort and God's presence to be apparent to them as they journey with grief. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
If you'd like to send a card of sympathy, the Jessetts' address is 5309 South Myrtle Ln. Spokane, WA 99223.
Vinh Do and family
Our community lifts prayer for Vinh's mother who is recovering in a rehab facility now. We praise God she is out of the hospital and pray for her continued recovery, health, and strength so she can return home. We pray also for Vinh and the rest of the family as they navigate insurance and future care needs during this difficult time. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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Timi Vann and family
Thank you for your continued prayers for Timi and her family. Timi shares: "I continue to mend well and, although I still tire very easily, I am feeling stronger every day. The Vann Family is grateful for the love and support of our brothers and sisters in this faith family. I'm now free of all of the wound drains (yay!) and have started physical therapy. I am scheduled to begin a gradual return to work later this month. I will continue to put out an occasional update via the Meal Train site as I continue to mend and my "next steps" for full recovery are revealed."
If you'd like to send a card, the Vanns' address is 5056 36th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. You can find more updates and ways to support the Vanns via their Meal Train.
Carlos and Julianna Caguiat
Our community lifts prayer for Carlos and Julianna as they continue to deal with various health concerns. We pray especially for Julianna and those who care for her, that answers would become clear as to why she has had trouble walking and that she would experience ease in walking again. We pray also for Carlos and his medical team as they continue treating his condition. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
If you have additional prayer requests, please send them to Adrienne.
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Check this space as we highlight Clergy of Color, Circles members, and other offerings from the community!
If you would like to spotlight yourself or others, or would like to highlight resources, books, events, liturgies, or anything else, please send them to Adrienne.
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A Message of Encouragement to the Circles
I know at times it seems as if getting the Episcopal Church to change is frustrating. I just want you to know that change can and will happen.
When I was ordained in 1961 no one was seriously talking about ordaining women. It was not being considered in most of the church at all. Many parishes would not even allow women on their vestries. Female acolytes and lay readers were unusual. Women were not allowed as deputies to General Convention until 1970. They then were able to push for ordaining women which followed in 1973.
And at that time there was no place for LGBTQIA+ people in the church at all, unless they denied who they were and remained celibate. It took the Holy Spirit a long time to change the church, but it did happen and it can again. So we can't stop working and praying for God's will to be done in the church as well as the world.
And may God bless us all,
Fred+ Jessett
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Lift Every Voice and Sing Available | |
Anyone interested in the Lift Every Voice and Sign hymnal? There is one regular pew copy and one accompanist version at D-House that needs a new home. It can be mailed to you by Sue Tait in our Resource Center!
Email Sue at Resource@ecww.org for more info.
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Cross-Cultural Ministry in El Salvador
Rev. Paul Moore recently returned from a full and amazing week working with the Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador and Cristosal. He recently began a Lenten sermon series at St. Paul's/Resurrección, Mt. Vernon highlighting the trip. Stay tuned for additional updates as well as invitations to learn and support these partnerships!
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Diocesan Bishop Search Committee
As the diocese looks to call its next Bishop, applications are now open for the Bishop Search Committee. The deadline has been extended to March 31st, 2023.
- If you would like to apply to join the search committee, you can find the application form here.
- You can read the Charge to the Bishop Search Committee here.
- You can visit the transition website here.
We invite Circles members to prayerfully consider applying to represent and bring the perspective of people of color in our diocese to this important search. The Transition Committee who will begin work in the fall will also be an important committee for Circles members to be a part of.
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Rev. Carla is taking a Lenten break from her preaching schedule and will be back on the road for Easter season. | |
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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Diocesan Youth Confirmation Program: 2023
Sundays, February 5 - April 16 @ 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Online
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The Diocesan Youth Confirmation Program is back for a second year!
All youth, ages 13 to 18 (seniors in high school), are invited to come along on this Confirmation journey as we explore, learn, grapple, and discover what we believe and why. This is a 10-week series.
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"Is Christianity Worth Saving?" A One-Day Interactive Event with Brian McLaren
March 17 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral, $39
| Join renowned leader Brian McLaren for a dynamic interactive event exploring the future of Christian faith in the 21st century. Brian will engage in a series of civil and substantive exchanges with special guests - subject matter experts, practitioners, advocates, critics, and folks in the audience. Is Christianity Worth Saving? | | | |
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
March 25 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | St. Margaret's, Bellevue
| Where can I get information to help me make good decisions about residential options as I (we) age? Or, as a younger adult how can I assist my parent(s) in making these decisions? Join St. Margaret's, Bellevue where you will be Exploring Residential Opportunities, Legal Considerations, Financial Considerations and Difficult Conversations! | | | |
Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Zoom (registration required) & in-person at Saint Mark's Bloedel Hall
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Join The Reverend Canon Carla Robinson, the Saint Mark's Cathedral Queer in Christ ministry, and others from across the diocese in observance of Transgender Day of Visibility.
Learn about why this observance is important, and hear from transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals and allies from our diocese about what the church can do to increase awareness and support of the transgender community as well as what the church can learn from trans people and their experiences. All are welcome!
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Cathedral Day - Save the Date!
April 22 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
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Cathedral Day is a celebration of the community of the Diocese of Olympia--a "family reunion" for Episcopalians from across western Washington. Cathedral Day is a time for connecting across communities, experiencing your cathedral in a new light... and a lot of fun. There's something for everyone-no matter your age!
This year, Cathedral Day is also Earth Day. Share you what kind of Creation Care activities or food trucks you would like to see this year in this short survey.
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Western Region UBE/Province VIII Black African Ministries Conference
Envisioning a Spiritual Mosaic: The African Diaspora Ablaze in our Beloved Community
April 20 - April 22 | Church of the Epiphany, Tempe, AZ
| Please join the AZ Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) and Province VIII Black African Ministries for the Western Regional Conference, April 20-22, 2023, in Tempe, AZ. There will be special guests and featured speakers, and the opportunity to connect and fellowship. More information is below. | | | |
AAPI Leaders Retreat
April 26-29 | Austin, TX
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The retreat has reached its capacity and registration is now closed.
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Next Full Circle Meeting
with Commission on Ministry (COM) Co-chairs
Diana Bender and Roberta Newell
Wednesday,
April 5, 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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New Spanish, French prayer book translations now available | |
New, certified Spanish and French translations of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer are available online. Created using dynamic equivalence, with an eye toward inclusive language throughout, the translations support the liturgical and pastoral needs of Spanish- and French-speaking Episcopalians.
There are three editions: a pew edition for church use and a personal edition, that are currently available. A bilingual edition featuring selections from the Book of Common Prayer in English and Spanish, will be available in May.
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Volunteer Search Committee for Episcopal Church LGBTQI+ and Women's Ministries Staff Officer
The Episcopal Church, the Department of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care
| The Episcopal Church Office of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care invites volunteers for the search committee for a new staff officer for LGBTQI+ and Women's Ministries, as mandated by the 80th General Convention. If interested, learn more about the process and how to apply below. | | | |
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For the competitive Circle members amongst us (let's leave baseball out of this!), check out this fun Lenten practice! It is included as a resource offered by The Episcopal Church for Lent through Forward Movement.
This year's bracket features a few BIPOC saints, including Chief Seattle! Get your scorecard in order, vote for your favorite saints, and learn more about these faithful ones. Lots of info on the site!
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Episcopal Church launches campaign to pay off $2M in medical debts | |
"The Lord's year of debt cancellation has been announced!" Deuteronomy 15:2
Read more about the innovative way that Christ Episcopal Church, Cody, is walking alongside their community. In a campaign with RIP Medical Debt, they seek to abolish $832,000 of medical debt across our home state of Wyoming, and an additional $1.25 million dollars of medical debt for their neighbors in Montana. Every one dollar donated forgives $100 of medical debt for poor folks.
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