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Greetings,
“The Word from the Canon” is back after its summer hiatus.
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Although the article has been on vacation, the canon has not been. It has been a summer of travel for me. In addition to my regular travels around our diocese, some of my travels have been out of state. I had the chance to go to the Chancellors’ Conference in Florida in early June, to All Saints in Pasadena in mid-June, and to the It’s All About Love Festival in Baltimore in July.
In these out of state trips I’ve had the chance to talk about the partnership between the Circles of Color and the office of the bishop through the work the office of Multicultural Ministries and Community Transformation. As I’ve talked about our work and how we’ve structured it, I’ve come to see that our model for proactive partnership in the Circles/Diocese relationship is special and unparalleled. We are doing great work and are doing it with a model that is groundbreaking in our church body.
As we enter September, many congregations and other ministries begin to gear up for a program year. People begin to think about where they want to put their energy and other resources that they have. This is a good time for me to invite you to join the Circles of Color in our work.
What is that work?
Circles of Color work to be mutually supportive grassroots communities for resource sharing, networking, personal support, addressing issues of racism, encouraging leadership development among our people of color church communities, and connecting people of color with what they need emotionally and spiritually to be who God is calling them to be.
Our Circles include the AAPI Circle, the Allies Circle, the Black African Circle, The Clergy of Color Circle, The Latino Circulo, and the Native American Circle. If you are interested in any of our circles please contact me (crobinson@ecww.org) or Adrienne Elliott (aelliott@ecww.org).
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In love and service,
Carla+ and Adrienne
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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 | Read more about next steps in the search process. If there is a priest anywhere in the Church whom you'd like to encourage applying, please talk with them! Share the profile. And please pray for all those who will become candidates in our search for the next bishop. | | | |
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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The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing seeks Executive Director | Read more about this wonderful opportunity in the Diocese of Atlanta and share widely! Priority application consideration is August 20th. | | | |
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 & Teaching Beloved Community with Proper 17 | In this episode of Prophetic Voices, we'll be discussing the lectionary for Sunday, September 3: Proper 17 (the first Sunday of the Season of Creation!). The texts covered in this episode are Exodus 3:1-15, Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21 and guests include Phoebe Chatfield, Rev. Leon Sampson, and Dr. Delia Heck. | | |
Summer of Soul | Searchlight Pictures | In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary-part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture, and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). Watch the trailer below and stream on Hulu! | | |
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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
9/17
Christ Church, Puyallup
9/24
St. Peter's, Seattle
10/1
Trinity, Everett
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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From Inside to Outside: We Must Do Better!
September 7 | Portland State University, free with registration
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Tosha Big Eagle shares:
"My esteemed friend and mentor Dr. Carma Corcoran is hosting From the Inside to the Outside: We Must Do Better! This event surrounds the needs of Indigenous BIPOC individuals impacted by incarceration. We will be looking at re-entry issues, resources, economic mobility, and many other important topics. There will be panel discussions, keynote speakers, and a discussion on Gentle Action Theory. Lunch will be provided to everyone by WTF Frybread, a local Indigenous food truck.
The national non-profit WITNESS to Mass Incarceration will be giving away suitcases to newly released Indigenous individuals. These suitcases will include laptops and other essential items to help combat some of the barriers formerly incarcerated face upon release."
Please register by emailing Dr. Carma Corcoran below.
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WALK IN LOVE: A Marriage Prep Workshop for Busy People
September 9 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Zoom, $350 per couple
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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.
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Mother Danae Ashley also offers these services: | |
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. | | | |
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! | | | |
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. | | | |
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! | | | |
Convention 2023
October 28 | online
| Join us for a streamlined, online only Convention this year as we focus on the essential business of the 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." | | | |
Next Full Circle Meeting
{churchwide Indigenous updates from Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton}
Wednesday, 9/6, 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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Native Hawaiians fight for their community amid Maui's uncertain future | [ABC News] Kanaka Maoli, or Native Hawaiians, are fighting to take care of their community following the deadly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. | | | |
Episcopal Church receives $1.25 million grant for faith formation work with children and families | The Episcopal Church has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Camino Project—named for the Spanish word for road, path, and way—to provide Spanish and English resources, community cohorts, and pilgrimage experiences for congregations and families—especially nontraditional, non-dominant-culture families. | | | |
"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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