|
Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
_______________________________________________
Diocese of Olympia
| |
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
May 27, 2023
| |
|
As AAPI Month ends, I’ve been reflecting on my exposure to and experience with the broad spectrum of human experience and culture that is represented in the letters AAPI.
Growing up in an all-Black neighborhood of Cleveland Ohio in the early 1960’s, I had no personal experience of the AAPI community. From grade school through high school, I did not know anyone of Asian descent.
Anytime I heard any reference to people from Asia it was because something bad was happening--either natural disaster or war. If it was a disaster, they would need help because they were poor. If it was war, they would need help from America because they were weak or they would be fighting America because they were bad people.
I was in college before I began to be exposed to the rich cultures and various peoples of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
| |
|
I remember thinking “How could people who are poor, weak, helpless, and bad produce such stunning art, such beautiful music, such remarkable architecture, such deep philosophy and so many other wonderful things?” It occurred to me that, as the full truth had not been told to me about my own folk, so the full truth had not been told to me about AAPI folk. I was carrying prejudice about Asian peoples built on sketchy and spurious information.
That light bulb moment helped me to see a connection between the children of Africa and the children of Asia that I hadn’t seen before. It was the start of a personal opening to people from cultures and expressions quite different from my own. It was the start of a new understanding of the universal love of God. It was the start of a changed way of thinking about Pentecost. It became for me the manifestation of God’s deep yearning to pour out the Spirit upon all of God’s children around the world.
I still have so much growing to do. I still have so much to learn from my AAPI siblings. Fortunately, I have many good teachers.
A blessed Pentecost to you all.
| |
|
In love and service,
Carla+
| |
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.
| |
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.
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.
| |
If you would like to highlight resources, books, events, liturgies, or anything else, please send them to Adrienne. |
|
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.
| | | |
|
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 and at the Absalom Jones resource center site. PBS also has a great page.
| | | |
Reflections on the AANHPI Retreat by Maria Weber | |
Austin, Texas | April 2023
...In place of the nervousness, however, I felt the unfamiliar flutter of… anticipation. After all, I would be in the company of nearly 40 people who shared two parts of my identity as a person of Asian descent, and as an Episcopalian. These two intersections, I have observed, form a small and loving community, and it was into this welcome that I emerged as soon as we stepped off the plane in Austin...
| | | |
Celebrating Doreen Tudor's 101st Birthday
May 28 @ 9:00 am | Saint Mark's Cathedral
Doreen will be at the 9 am service this weekend. Hisako is ordering a cake and hopes many can come to surprise Doreen!
Sign the card in the meantime and stay tuned for future info on visiting her.
| |
BAM/UBE Western Regional Conference Summary | |
Tempe, AZ | April 2023 | by Sherina James
"Envisioning a Spiritual Mosaic," Western Regional conference was held at the Church of the Epiphany in Tempe, AZ from April 20-22, 2023. A gathering of approximately 45 individuals came together to explore the theme of the African Diaspora in our beloved community...
| | | |
Circles Media
Share with the community any podcasts, music, books, or other media you've enjoyed lately!
| |
Madang podcast feat. Reggie Williams, Ep. 26 | |
Here in the 26th episode of Madang, I converse with ethicist Reggie Williams about his book Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus.
Rev. Dr. Reggie Williams is Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary. Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus was selected as a Choice Outstanding Title in the field of religion, and it is now out in a second edition.
We had a lively conversation about Bonhoeffer, Black Jesus, racism, sexism, evil in society, and more—in front of a live audience.
| | | |
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+
| | | |
The Bishop Search Committee Has Begun Its Work! | The Bishop Search Committee has begun its work! We met for the first time during our retreat on May 12-13. The time together was spent in getting to know one another and to further clarify and define our role(s) in the search process. | | | |
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.
| | | |
|
Rev. Carla is resurrected after a Lenten fast from preaching and is back on the road!
5/28
St. Margaret's, Factoria
6/4
St. Matthew San Mateo, Auburn
6/18
All Saints, Pasadena
7/2
Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
Taize Liturgy honoring Pauli Murray
7/16
St. Bede's, Port Orchard
7/30
Holy Apostles, Bellevue
Bishop's Visit
8/6
Christ Church, Anacortes
8/27
St. Paul's, Port Townsend
| |
|
Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
| |
Table Turning: The Prophetic Tradition in the time of Neofascism with Dr. Cornel West
May 28 @ 11:00 am | Rainier Arts Center, Seattle & online
| |
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.
| | | |
Underhill House Listener Training
May 31 @ 12:00 - 2:30 pm | Underhill House, Seattle
| |
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.
| | | |
Towards A Fuller Gospel: Scripture Through the Lens of Asian American Theologians
May 25 - June15 @ 6:00 pm | Zoom
| |
This year, EDSD is excited to offer Towards A Fuller Gospel: Scripture Through the Lens of Asian American Theologians, a four-week series of virtual gatherings centered around the study of writings by Asian American theologians.
The Circles, and especially our Asian American Circle, have been invited to participate with the Diocese of San Diego. Registration is closed, however, email Adrienne if you are interested.
| | | |
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
| |
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.
| | | |
WALK IN LOVE: A Marriage Prep Workshop for Busy People
June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Zoom, $350 per couple
| |
This group pre-marital workshop utilizes the Prepare-Enrich program led by an experienced facilitator which will give you the confidence to enter into your marriage with eyes wide open and hearts full of joy.
Areas covered:
* Strength and Growth Areas
* Family of Origin and Family Maps
* Communication
* Finances
* Conflict Resolution
* Sex and Affection
* Spirituality
* Stress
The time will be comprised of group learning, private couple discussion, and built-in breaks.
| | | |
Mother Danae Ashley also offers these services: | |
Northwest Chamber Chorus & Dr. Stephen Newby
June 4 & 10 @ 3:00 pm | Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church & livestreamed | pay what you can tickets
| |
At our June concerts, we are honored to welcome our Composer in Residence Dr. Stephen Newby to the podium. Dr. Newby will present premieres of new works that have been commissioned by the NWCC, which will tell the story of African lives lost while crossing the Middle Passage en-route to a life of enslavement in America.
| | | |
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 17 @ 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 protein entree that will be provided. We will also need non-alcoholic drinks. If you'd like to help day-of, please contact Roberta. *RSVP here to tell us what you're bringing!*
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.
| | | |
STG Presents - Juneteenth 'Songs of Black Folk 2023' Music of Resistance & Hope
June 18 @ 7:00 pm | Paramount Theater, Seattle | $30
| Renowned performers and presenters will share a music tradition that began on the African continent, was transported to the Americas via slave ships, and took root in the daily sufferings of an enslaved Black people who chose to survive and fought to be free. | | | |
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? | | | |
Time for Pride: LGBTQIA+ Episcopalians, Friends, Family Members & Allies, Let's Share the Welcome!
June 24-25 | all over!
| |
Join the Diocese of Olympia for 2023 Pride events scheduled around western Washington including marching in the Seattle Pride Parade behind the Episcopal banner or making connections at the Episcopal booth at two days of PrideFest.
Visit this link for other Episcopal involvement in Pride events during June and July around the diocese, including: Kitsap Pride; Lewis County Pride; Snohomish Pride; Taking Pride in Capitol Hill; and a Pride Interfaith Service.
| | | |
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
| |
"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.
| | | |
2023 Summer Teaching Faculty - Holden Village
June 11-September 1| Holden Village
| |
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!
| | | |
Convene 2023 - Save the Date!
September 30 | Everett Community College
| |
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!
| | | |
Next Full Circle Meeting
{Lutheran partnership in racial justice & healing}
Wednesday,
June 7, 2023
3:00 pm
| |
Special Full Circle Meeting
{bishop characteristics we'd like to see}
Saturday,
June 10, 2023
10:00-11:30 am
| |
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.
| | | |
Nominating committee presents profile for 28th presiding bishop, calls for names | |
The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop on May 15 issued the following letter to the church announcing the availability of the "Profile for the Election of the 28th Presiding Bishop" and inviting Episcopalians to submit the names of bishops for the committee to consider as nominees.
| | | |
Minnesota priest compiles dual-language Gospel book for the only majority-Hmong Episcopal church | |
Compiling a book of the Sunday Gospel readings in both English and Hmong is just the latest way the Rev. Wa Meng Lor has helped members of the Church of the Holy Apostles in St. Paul, Minnesota, join their Hmong roots to their life in America.
| | | |
Hawai'i Episcopalians, interfaith partners push US Navy to speed up closure of WWII-era fuel storage facility | |
Hawai'i Episcopalians and interfaith partners are stepping up their campaign to push the U.S. Navy to accelerate its timeline to defuel and permanently close a World War II-era underground storage facility that sits on Red Hill 100 feet above one of Oahu's main aquifers.
| | | |
"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!
| | | |
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.
| | | |
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).
| | | | | | |
