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Greetings,
On Saturday September 16th the bishop’s office is hosting Vocations Day.
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This is a chance for anyone who is interested to come and get information about holy orders in our church. Part of what will make this a productive day is the lineup of people who will be sharing. In addition to Bishop Skelton there will be priests and deacons who will share their stories about their discernment journey. We will have members of the Commission of Ministry with us. The whole day is designed to be conversational and to give voice to whatever questions and concerns any approaching holy orders might have. If you are thinking about holy orders or even if you are thinking about thinking about holy orders, please come. Lunch will be provided.
I am especially inviting people of color to attend. The journey to holy orders is demanding. It calls for serious discernment, deep reflection and self-examination, determined preparation, perseverance, and trust. As people of color, we bring issues into that process that are different from dominant culture people. Those issues often complicate an already complex process making it harder for people of color to enter that process.
Our diocese has already committed itself to a more inclusive process and Vocations Day is a part of that work. I will be at Vocation Day as the moderator of two panel discussions and as the leader of a small group discussing people of color and holy orders. I remember how important it was to me to talk about holy orders with other people of color. I look forward to offering that opportunity to others in this forum.
If you cannot make Vocations Day, please know that will not be your only chance to think out loud about holy orders. I am always happy to talk one on one.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Announcements
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Circles Holy Conversation: thanks to all who participated!
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Vocations Day: Sat., 9/16. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ discerners discussions to be had!
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Convene Workshops: This is what we plan to support/offer Sat., 9/30:
- African Ministries in the Diocese
- The Doctrine of Discovery
- Reconciliation with Creation & Indigenous Peoples
- 2024 Civil Rights Pilgrimage
- Sacred Ground & Allyship
- Churchwide Creation Care Curriculum
Additionally, Bishop Ernie Moral of the Episcopal Diocese of the Southern Philippines will be joining us for Convene, Creation Care programming, and excursions around the diocese. More details to come!
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Circles Retreat: Save the date for February 24-25, 2024 in North Bend, WA! Get in touch if you'd like to help plan the retreat.
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Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community lifts prayers for Fred and his family following a severe fall. Let us continue to pray for Fred, Kris, the rest of their family, and all who care for him. 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.
Agnes+ Kuria and The Rev. Adult Care LLC
Our community lifts prayers and thanksgiving as the facility just finished its licensing and Agnes+ will soon be admitting clients to care for them holistically with her experience in the nursing field and as a priest. We thank God for providing along this long road, and for continued strength for Agnes+, her family, and all future care providers and residents.
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Vinh Do and family
Our community lifts prayer for Vinh's mother and the rest of their family. We pray for grace and provision as they 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. We continue to pray for provision and their community's embrace alongside grief. 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.
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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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Updates from the Bishop Search Committee | The Holy Conversations have concluded, and the Holy Cow Survey is now closed. Learn about the next steps in the search process at the link below! If there is a priest anywhere in the Church whom you'd like to encourage applying, please talk with them even before the profile is published next month. | | | |
Update on Support of South Sudanese Orphans | Thank you to all who contributed to The Rev. Mary Bol’s early 2023 request to support South Sudanese orphans displaced by climate change-exacerbated floods. The Rev. Mary Bol serves alongside the Rev. James Ayuen at St. John’s South Sudanese congregation in Tukwila, which maintains many close connections with friends and family in South Sudan. We are full of gratitude to report that the Diocese was able to contribute roughly $2,500 towards this effort! | | | |
Preparing for a Season of Creation
Diocesan Convention 2022 approved a Season of Creation, extending from September 1, the ecumenical Day of Prayer for the Creation, through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. To assist preachers, intercessors, musicians, and teachers who will use the Season of Creation framework as their guide for homiletical, liturgical, musical, and catechetical preparation, the Commission on Liturgy and the Arts is providing a number of resources.
You can also find a list of events and other Creation Care resources at the link below.
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Sixteen Bishops Authorize Use of Liturgical Resource for Creation Season | Creation Season 2023: Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes is now available for those who integrate Creation Season into Sunday worship (Sept. 1- Oct. 4). Bishop Melissa has authorized its use. | | | |
Episcopal mobile ministry distributes necessities to people displaced by Maui wildfires | |
[Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of Hawaiʻi's mobile homeless assistance ministry is providing direct assistance on the island of Maui to residents who've lost their homes in the wildfires...
As Bishop Melissa shared:
"Bishop Fitzpatrick of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i has informed us about the best ways to support relief efforts for the fires in Hawai’i. You can support relief efforts in one of the following ways:
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The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi is coordinating immediate diocesan relief efforts to the Lahaina Fire disaster through the Diocese’s A CUP OF COLD WATER (ACCW) (a separately incorporated subsidiary of the Diocese that serves the houseless on Maui).
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Make an online donation through the Bishop’s Pastoral Fund on the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi (the funds will be gathered and sent to ACCW).
- Mail checks to: A Cup of Cold Water, 2140 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
ACCW can then coordinate and donate to those agencies and groups giving aid on the ground.
Please consider supporting relief efforts amid this tremendous disaster, and please continue to remember all those affected by the fires in your prayers."
We also recommend checking out ‘Āina Momona (Hawaiian for the fertile or rich land) which is a community organization dedicated to achieving environmental health and sustainability through restoring social justice and Hawaiian sovereignty. They list other ways to give here.
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New UBE Mental Health Resource Available | |
UBE’s Mental Health Task Force recently released a resource covering anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, anger, grief and loss, and trauma. The Resource also names services and resources specific to Black/African Americans and people of color.
Contributors to the publication include Helen Bhagwandin, Ed.D., MSN, RN-BC, FCN; Kimme Carlos, Certified Health and Wellness Coach; The Rev. Carole Douglas, RN, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling, LCPC, ACS; Faye Oliver Henderson, School Psychologist, Director of Exceptional Student Services, (ret.); John F. Robertson, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist (FL & N.Y.); and The Very Rev. Sandye A. Wilson, D.Min., MSWSIFI.
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Deborah at the Everett Farmers Market
Sundays through the beginning of October @ 10:30 am - 3:00 pm | Downtown Everett
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Support our resident Circles baker at the Everett Farmers Market now through the first week of October! Check out her site at Forever Moore Sweets or her Facebook page to see a sample of her offerings. Stop by, say hi, and enjoy some sweets! | |
Circles Media
Do you have any books, podcasts, shows, or movies that you want to share? Let us know!
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Prophetic Voices: Preaching Proper 18 | In this episode of Prophetic Voices, we'll be discussing the lectionary for Sunday, September 10th, Proper 18. The texts covered in this episode are Exodus 12:1-14, Ezekiel 33:7-11, Romans 13:8-14, and Matthew 18:15-20. Guests include Katie Ruth, the Rev. Cathlena Plummer, and the Rev. Melanie Mullen. | | |
Prophetic Voices: Preaching Proper 19, feat. Adrienne and others! | In this episode of Prophetic Voices, we'll be discussing the lectionary for Sunday, September 17th, Proper 19. The texts covered in this episode are Exodus 14:19-31, 15:1b-11, 20-21, and Matthew 18:21-35. Guests include Adrienne Elliott, Logan Crews, and the Rev. Jazzy Bostock. | | |
Fresh Banana Leaves - An Indigenous Approach To Science : NPR Short Wave | |
PNW-based Dr. Jessica Hernandez's new book examines the role of displacement - Indigenous peoples like her father, who was displaced by the civil war in El Salvador, and plants like the banana tree, brought from Asia to Central America - in science.
Katya recommends this book, especially with the upcoming visit of Bishop Ernie Moral from the Diocese of the Southern Philippines. He will be sharing about their work with the indigenous Mindanao peoples as well as efforts to care for Creation.
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Call for Resolutions
Due September 13
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Convention resolutions are statements that reflect the vision and values of the diocese on a host of matters, from social and justice issues to ministry and business practices. In the Diocese of Olympia, resolutions are adopted through the legislative process. Any member of the Diocese may submit a resolution for consideration by the Convention, and it is recommended that each Convention resolution be submitted with the endorsement of a congregation and/or region/groups of congregations or the endorsement of a diocesan commission, committee, or program.
The deadline for the submission of resolutions is September 13. Do you have ideas for any resolutions to be submitted by the Circles? Let us know! For more details on formatting, writing, and submitting resolutions, see the link below.
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A Call for Candidates from the Diocesan Nominations Committee | To prepare for elections at Diocesan Convention (October 28, 2023), the Nominations Committee is now calling for candidates to represent our Diocese in two areas: Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee. We encourage Circles members to discern if you might be called! | | | |
9/3
St. John South Sudanese, Tukwila
9/10
St. John San Juan, Olympia
9/24
St. Peter's, Seattle
10/1
Trinity, Everett
11/5
St. John the Baptist, West Seattle
11/12
St. Andrew's, Greenlake
11/19
St. Luke's, Renton
11/26
Holy Apostles, Bellevue
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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Friends of Tent of Nations, North America: Seattle Reception for Bill Plitt
September 9 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | D-House
| Bill Plitt, co-founder and longtime leader of Friends of Tent of Nations - North America, will be in the Pacific Northwest in early September. St. Mark's Cathedral's Mideast Focus Ministry and the Bishop's Committee for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land will host a reception. | | | |
Art Mural Celebration
September 10 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Christ Church, U-District
| Join Christ Church, Seattle for the Healing Art Mural Celebration connecting Christ Church, Seattle and the University Community. | | | |
The Diocese of Olympia Vocations Day
September 16 | Diocesan House, Seattle
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Curious about whether you have a vocation to the diaconate or to the priesthood? Interested in speaking with others who're wondering the same? Want to hear from deacons and priests about what their vocations are really like day-to-day? Come to the Diocese of Olympia's Vocations Day!
We will also have breakout sessions for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ discerners!
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Collaborating for a Dementia-Friendly Washington: Moving Forward Together
September 19 - September 20 | Online, sliding scale
| A virtual conference promoting the growth of dementia-friendly communities in Washington state. | | | |
Go and Do Likewise
Wednesdays, Beginning September 20 | Online | $40 Registration (Scholarships Available)
| Paths to Understanding invites us to Go and Do Likewise, which takes Christians to the roots of our tradition find our motivations for respecting and working with people of all traditions. | | | |
Gospel Fest
September 23 workshop @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, concert @ 7:00 pm | St. Margaret’s, Bellevue
| Come and learn from the masters: Barbara Johnson Tucker, Hedreich Nichols, Phillip Hall, and Charles Hamilton. The day will be spent learning, practicing, and preparing for a 7:00 pm free concert. Invite your friends and neighbors to either participate in the workshop or attend the concert of fantastic Gospel Music! | | | |
Eastside Collaborative Youth Group Kick-Off
September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | St. Margaret's, Bellevue
| Eastside middle school and high school students are invited to our Kick-Off Night to hear more about our joint youth group idea!! | | | |
Convene 2023 - Register Now!
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! Convene 2023 will feature multiple workshop sessions throughout this day-long opportunity for learning and connection, preparing us all for the future of our communities, helping us discover (and rediscover!) new ideas, and giving us the time and space to share information about programs and ministry opportunities. You can find hotel information at the link below.
Circles will be presenting some workshops! Let us know what you'd like to see, offer, or support!
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2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Pacific Northwest
September 30 @ 9:30 am | Seattle Center
| Join or donate to our Circles team for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Pacific Northwest and help raise awareness and funds for vital Alzheimer's care, support and research! | | | |
Vancouver School of Theology Explorer's Weekend 2023
October 5-7 | Vancouver, BC
| Join Vancouver School of Theology to have the opportunity to attend class and worship, interact with VST students, staff and faculty, and have some personal-communal discernment time on beautiful UBC campus. | | | |
Feast of St. Philip the Deacon & St. Simon
October 14 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | St. John's ~ San Juan, Olympia
| Join the PNW Chapter of UBE for a liturgy and potluck celebrating St. Philip the Deacon and St. Simon the Ethiopian Eunuch. | | | |
Registration open for fall Genesis Gathering
October 16-19 | Los Angeles, $100 registration fee
| The Office of Church Planting and Redevelopment is thrilled to bring back its annual Genesis Gathering, a gathering of missional leaders, church planters and congregational revitalizers across the Episcopal Church. We’ll share four days of story-telling, workshops, mentoring, fellowship and support. Plus, we’ll explore the history and current adventures of Korea Town, Los Angeles! | | | | |
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Holding Onto What Is Good: The 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
October 28 @ 9:30 am - 7:00 pm | online
| Join us online on October 28, beginning at 9:30 am, for the 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia - a day to do the good work of the Diocese as we elect new leaders and vote on important resolutions for the life of our Diocese. | | | |
Sister Joan Chittister Visits Seattle
November 5 @ 3:00 - 6:00 pm | Seattle, $10-$30 registration
| Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time and a passionate advocate for peace, human rights, women's issues, and church renewal, will speak at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Seattle on her newest book, "The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage." | | | |
Advocacy Training Day
November 18 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral & Zoom
| Get some church friends together for an exciting hybrid event designed to educate and equip congregations in public policy and civic engagement! | | | |
Next Full Circle Meeting
{Rev. Canon Alissa Netwon & congregational development updates}
Wednesday, 10/4, 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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Six North American congregations selected for new climate-related worship and mission partnership (including Christ Church, Tacoma!)
| [Episcopal News Service] The Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission has embarked on a yearlong partnership with six congregations in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada to help them develop new resources and practices for worship and mission in response to climate change. | | | |
In the first episode of Season 2, The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America present a panel about the status of Afghan resettlement, the situation of those who were left behind, updates on the Afghan Adjustment Act, and how people of faith can continue to support and advocate for Afghans. The episode is facilitated by Lindsey Warburton of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. | | | |
Applications open for General Convention Official Youth Presence 2024 | Episcopal teens ages 16 to 19 are invited to apply to become part of the 81st General Convention's Official Youth Presence, a group whose members have seat and voice in the House of Deputies and can testify at hearings before and during the summer 2024 convention. The deadline to apply is Nov. 17. | | | |
"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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