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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
March 25, 2023
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On Saturday the 18th I was at the Celebration of Life for John Weller. It was a blessing to see Edie and her family surrounded by so much love. The sharing by the family was moving and the homily by the Rev. Carla Pryne was right on target.
On Sunday I visited St. John San Juan in Olympia. There I got to see the Rev. Daren Chidester in action. He was presiding that Sunday. Daren is First Nations and his knowledge of and passion for his people run deep. Spend just a little time with him and that knowledge and passion draw you in. I experienced that on Sunday when I visited. I came away knowing a little and feeling a bit more passion for the vision that Daren has.
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For years Daren has been building relationships with the Nisqually people whose reservation is about 15 miles east of Olympia. It has been a longstanding hope of ours to gather a worshiping community there to minister with the people of the reservation. Under Father Daren’s leadership we aim to realize that hope.
My work calls me to seek connections and build bridges within our diocese and beyond it also. This week had its share of that. I had the chance to talk with members of local congregations about how the work of racial reconciliation might move forward in their places of worship. Our local chapter of The Union of Black Episcopalians met. The Pacific Northwest UBE is rising to the challenge of rebuilding strength and repairing relationships. I also had the chance to share with clergy in diocese about Holy Week and what we are carrying into it.
Additionally, I got to sit with some of our Lutheran siblings to talk about joint action and joint pilgrimage. Meeting with folk from our young adults ministries, I got a hint of what the intersection of food justice and racial just might look like right here in Seattle. Then later in the week my vista was stretched to imagine how our diocese might work more effectively with our siblings in El Salvador. Truly the work before us is great.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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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.
Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community continues to lift prayer for the Jessetts, their daughter Victoria who passed in December, and her children. 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 from pneumonia. Vinh shares: "I have deep appreciation for this community of prayers. Our hopes is that we can transition Mom home this weekend. And that my family and my sisters and I can provide good quality continuing care for mom. Thank you for this community." We pray for Vinh's mother 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. 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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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.
Stay tuned for ways to celebrate her!
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What We're Listening To
This week, we commend a few podcasts to your listening. Share with us what you think and what you're listening to!
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The On Being Project feat. Ada Limón
"To Be Made Whole"
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This recent episode of the On Being Project's podcast features Ada Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States. She’s written six books of poetry, most recently, The Hurting Kind. Her volume The Carrying won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry, and her volume Bright Dead Things was a finalist for the National Book Award.
With an unexpected and exuberant mix of gravity and laughter — laughter of delight, and of blessed relief — this conversation holds not only what we have traversed these last years, but how we live forward.
You may also enjoy this Race & Healing "care package" which is an assortment of podcasts, art, and other conversations with a variety of folks on this topic.
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Prophetic Voices feat. Br. Christopher McNabb, Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, and Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby
Maundy Thursday: Preaching Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14, and John 13:1-17, 31b-35
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Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for Racial Reconciliation hosts conversation with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Maundy Thursday.
This episode features another member of our diocesan community, Br. Christopher McNabb, a priest with an interest in ministry with first responders, especially EMS, as well as the rights and the needs of immigrant communities; Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, rector of St. Christopher’s Church in Gladwyne, Penn., and creator of The Hive online spirituality and wellness digital community; and Rev. Dr. Erin Kirby, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Marion, in the Diocese of Western North Carolina.
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Prophetic Voices feat. Rev. Chanta Bhan, Rev. Lydia Bucklin, and Rev. Phil Hooper
Good Friday: Preaching Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, and John 18:1-19:42
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This Good Friday episode features The Rev. Chanta Bhan, associate priest at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, the only active woman priest of Pakistani descent in the Anglican Communion; The Rev. Lydia Bucklin, canon to the ordinary for discipleship and vitality with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and the director of the Mutual Ministry Initiative at Virginia Theological Seminary; and The Rev. Phil Hooper, SMMS, associate priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northern Indiana.
Check out the podcast for additional Holy Week episodes with lectionary reflections.
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KING 5's 'Cultivating Culture' series to highlight Black culture in western Washington | |
Deborah Moore has been watching this series. We just might see our local Canon on here soon!
KING5 has launched a new series called "Cultivating Culture," which will air monthly. The series will shine a light on the rich Black culture throughout western Washington. The latest census showed the Black population in Washington only stands at 4.5%. For many, it's hard to find Black culture.
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Local Sacred Ground Action | |
St. John the Baptist, West Seattle was featured in the most recent churchwide Racial Justice & Healing newsletter! You can read more about their work, and especially the relationships they're building with their Indigenous neighbors at the Duwamish Longhouse, here. To learn more about St. John's work, contact The Rev.
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Now Hiring: Interim Edible Hope Kitchen Program Director | Read more for the Job Description! St. Luke's Episcopal Church Edible Hope Kitchen (EHK) serves a free morning meal every weekday from the basement of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. EHK's mission is to build community through a shared meal, love, and service. | | | |
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. Applications are now available in Spanish.
- 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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Should I Stay or Should I Go?
March 25 @ 9:30 - 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 - 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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Bilingual Stations of the Cross
Palm Sunday, April 2 @ 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral nave
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All are invited to participate in the ancient practice of collectively walking and praying the Stations of the Cross with the cathedral community, in a bilingual Spanish/English format led by Canon Rosario-Cruz and community members. The service will begin following the conclusion of the Palm Sunday liturgy. The service leaflet for this liturgy may be seen here.
Following the service, there will be a 20s/30s potluck lunch in Leffler, with time for a bilingual reflection and conversation led by member Ross Pearson.
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Maundy Thursday
April 6 @ 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Resurrection, Bellevue
| Father Carlos Caguiat will be presiding and preaching. Please contact the office at 425.746.0322 or info@cotrbellevue.org for Zoom information. | | | |
Good Friday
April 7 @ 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Resurrection, Bellevue
| Father Alwyn Hall will be presiding and preaching. Please contact the office at 425.746.0322 or info@cotrbellevue.org for Zoom information. | | | |
Cathedral Day 2023: Living Water
April 22 @ 10:30 am (liturgy), 12:00 - 2:00 pm (lunch and activities) | Saint Mark's Cathedral
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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, when confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations are celebrated, followed by a festive food truck lunch and afternoon activities for all ages.
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, register ASAP! | | | |
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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Why Serve 2023
June 22-25 | The School of Theology at the University of the South: Sewanee, TN, $75
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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?
Whether you feel called to leadership as an ordained person, a vestry member, a nurse or a parent; whether you're in school, working, or just in-between, we hope you'll join us for this transformative experience. Share widely!
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It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement - The Episcopal Church
July 9 - 12 |Baltimore Convention Center, register by May 8 for Early Bird rate of $185
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Across the church and around the world, we are hungry for revival and renewal. Join in Baltimore for "It's All About Love," a churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
"It’s All About Love” features three Jesus Movement festival “tents” – Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation. Each tent will offer an evening revival worship service and major plenary speaker, plus dozens of day-time workshops, panels, practice opportunities and other ways to engage.
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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. | | | |
Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter - March 2023 | |
Read the latest issue of the churchwide Racial Justice and Reconciliation newsletter below.
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Creation Care Newsletter - March 2023 | |
Check out the lastest Creation Care newsletter from the churchwide office. Just in time for Earth Month in April!
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Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Newsletter - Winter/Spring 2023 | |
Read on for the latest edition of the churchwide Ecumenical & Interreligious newsletter.
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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.
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New podcast offers resources for Episcopal public advocacy | Episcopalians and others interested in demonstrating their faith through civic engagement and advocacy are invited to subscribe to a new podcast-dubbed "Episco-pols"-from The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Designed to inform and inspire, "Episco-pols" will launch in mid-March and can be subscribed to via any podcast platform. | | | | | | |
