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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
April 15, 2023
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I was in my office, cranking away at a task, when Tonja brought something in to me. I was pleased to see this plant. |  | |
It came with the following message:
Thanks and congrats on one year as Canon. May this remind you of Christ’s and the Circles’ love.
- Circles and friends
First and foremost, my thanks to all for this gift and for other gifts that have come. This plant however is much like our work.
- It is living. The work that we are doing as circles and as multicultural ministry and community transformation is not like building a building. It is not mechanically planned. It is not drawn and architectured to a tee. It is not built brick upon brick, rising ever skyward. Our work is living. It goes a little bit this way and a little bit that way. It brings forth new and unpredicted things as we live into it.
- It is growing. When a plant is growing, new things sprout up and some things die off. Thus it is with our work. Some growth is sideways. Some growth is slow. Some growth happens when we’re not looking and appears to come out of nowhere. Some things will fall into the dirt of the plant only to make the soil that much richer and more life giving. We tend the new growth. We mark and remember the fallen leaves. We get our hands dirty because ministry is often not easy or pretty.
- And amidst it all. Love Grow Here. We are loved by God. We love one another. And together we are becoming beloved community.
My thanks to everyone who has made this a wonderful year of ministry. My prayer is that we may continue together in this work, as we grow and bloom where we are planted.
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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. 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 faithful prayers for Timi and her family. Timi is back gradually getting back to work and other elements of life and we continue to pray for an excellent recovery and smooth transition for her and the whole family.
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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Circles of Color Retreat: Save the Date!
We're very excited to announce that our long-awaited retreat will be Friday, June 9th, through Sunday, June 11th, at the Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center in North Bend (about 35 mins southeast of Seattle).
Besides fellowship, relaxation, and recreation, we'll take time to celebrate what we've done, and dream together about where we're going. This is especially crucial as support of the Circles in this interim period was named as a major diocesan focus (and the only consistent focus area named across all governing bodies, clergy, diocesan staff, and Circles themselves).
Stay tuned for more info and get in touch if you'd like to recommend facilitators, help with planning, or have any questions!
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Announcing Members of the Bishop Search Committee | |
The Joint Board for Bishop Transition is excited to announce the members of the Bishop Search Committee. Please pray for this committee and the work they are about to undertake.
We pray especially for Circles members Timi Vann and Lillian Springer, as well as Allies chosen for the committee. Thank you again to all who applied. There will be opportunities to serve on the Transition Committee this fall. You can read the full announcement at the link below.
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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 upcoming birthday (5/31)!
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What We're Listening To
Share with us what you're listening to!
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TN Representative, Justin Pearson's Easter sermon
"The word that I have on my heart is 'resurrection is a promised prophecy to a persecuted people.'"
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"Resurrection" was top of mind for District 86 representative Justin Pearson after being expelled from his seat in the Tennessee House and then promptly being asked to speak to the congregation of a Memphis church on Easter Sunday.
The service video is further down the page. Pearson starts with a reading around 1 hr, 3 mins into the recording. You can also watch his powerful Holy Week message after being expelled on Maundy Thursday here.
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Prophetic Voices podcast feat. The Rev. Phil Hooper and The Rev. Jazzy Bostock
Preaching Earth Day: Ezekiel 47:6–12, Romans 8:18–23, and Mark 16:14–15
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In this first episode of season 7 of Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community, we launch our focus on Creation Care, speaking with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Proper 6, "Called to Be Partners in the Care of Creation" from The Episcopal Church's "Honoring God in Creation" supplemental liturgical materials.
Guests include the Rev. Phil Hooper, SMMS, who serves as associate priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northern Indiana. Phil has interests in writing, contemplative spirituality, and Creation Care.
The Rev. Jazzy Bostock, who is a kanaka maoli woman serving St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church and Maluhia Lutheran Church in Waianae, Hawaii. She and her wife are foster parents, currently fostering a wee one. They have a small homestead, consisting of raised garden beds, a flock of hens, a hive of bees, a dog, and a cat.
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Called with Complexity: The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton | |
Thank you Becky Clark for sharing, and Rachel+ for continuing to offer your extraordinary gifts across our church! Read more and find the lecture at the link below.
The Rev. Taber-Hamilton's lecture, "The Barbie & Pocahontas Dialogues: Healing the Cultural Divide Between Indigenous Episcopalians and the Church" provided the Sewanee community an opportunity to reflect on the intersection of Indigenous cosmologies, gender identity, and cultural expression.
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NNIRR's Statement on the Tragedy at the INM Detention Center in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico | |
For Immediate Release: March 28, 2023 El Paso, Texas - English y Español
The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights expresses its deepest condolences for the families of the 39 migrants who lost their lives, and for the 29 migrants who were injured in a fire at a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juárez on Monday night.
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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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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.
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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.
4/16
Christ Church, Puyallup
4/30
St. Peter's, Seattle
5/7
Church of the Redeemer, Kenmore
5/14
St. John the Baptist, West Seattle
5/28
St. Margaret's, Factoria
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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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UBE Talk2Talk: A City on The Hill: BIPOC* Leadership in the Episcopal Church
April 16 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Zoom, registration required
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Join us this Sunday for UBE’s forty-five-minute video teleconferencing event plus Q & A that promises to inform, equip and inspire.
At the 80th General Convention in 2022, Julia Ayala Harris was elected president of the House of Deputies, the presiding officer who works alongside the presiding bishop. President Ayala Harris is the first Latina and woman of color to hold the position. She is passionate about a multitude of issues, such as immigration, race and ethnicity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and truth-telling, as well as justice initiatives." (Office of Public Affairs, Episcopal Church)
Join us to hear President Ayala Harris talk about her journey, her new position, and her vision for greater inclusion of women of color leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Registration required.
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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! | | | |
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 and there will be many Creation Care-related activities and opportunities to connect. Circles will also have a table to talk with folks and share more about our work. Come stop by and say hi or hang out at the booth!
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Congregational Grades – What Are They? Why Do They Matter?
April 25 @ 6:30 pm | Zoom
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Treasurers and Clergy (and other interested folk) - join members of the diocesan Personnel Commission and Bishop's staff to learn about Congregational Grades (and the impact on clergy salaries) that will take effect for 2024. Topics to include:
- How are congregational grades calculated?
- How do grades effect clergy pay?
- What changes are being proposed for 2024?
While 2024 is months away, early conversation among clergy and congregational leadership can help us all be prepared and unsurprised. Register now and start making a list of your questions.
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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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Dr. Christena Cleveland and the Black Madonnas: The Pilgrimage of a Womanist Theologian
May 10 & 24 @ 6:45 - 8:15 pm | in person at Saint Mark's Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom
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The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson will lead a discussion of the book God Is a Black Woman by Dr. Christena Cleveland, as seen through the lens of pilgrimage.
This two-part series is intended to help people prepare for the material Dr. Cleveland will present when she comes to Saint Mark's in June.
Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family).
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The 42nd Annual Clergy Institute with Jonathan Greenblatt
May 25 @ 9:30 am - 1 pm | Temple De Hirsch Sinai, online | $18
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The Clergy Institute for Interfaith Learning is an annual opportunity for interfaith study and discourse, made possible through the generous support of The Alfred and Tillie Shemanski Trust, the family of Mila and Henry Eisenhardt, and The Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement — Seattle University.
We are pleased to welcome Jonathan Greenblatt as the 2023 Clergy Institute scholar. Mr. Greenblatt is the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and will deliver the keynote, “Antisemitism Today: Building Understanding and Allyship.” Special thanks to ADL Pacific Northwest.
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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
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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.
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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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55TH UBE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & CONFERENCE (ABMC)
June 24-26 | Montgomery, AL
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UBE is headed to Montgomery, Alabama!
Join us on an unforgettable journey through history as we walk the path of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., down the streets where the Civil Rights Movement began.
The Conference takes place in Montgomery, Alabama, from July 24-26, 2023. 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.
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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
Wednesday,
May 3, 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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Joint Standing Committee on Nominations invites referrals, shares videos, extends application deadline to April 30 | |
Encouraging Episcopalians to apply and make referrals for churchwide positions, committees, and boards, the Joint Standing Committee on Nominations introduces six informational videos—in English with Spanish subtitles—about what each group does and what qualifications new members should have.
The committee opened nominations in February for the following positions, committees, and boards—and recently extended the application deadline to April 30. Application forms are available online in English, French, and Spanish.
- Executive Council
- Church Pension Fund trustee
- General Board of Examining Chaplains
- Court of Review
- Disciplinary Board of Bishops
- Joint Committee on the Nomination of a Presiding Bishop
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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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St. Thomas Gospel Choir members singing praise in Overbrook Park for three decades | |
After receiving widespread survey response about a new project to support LGBTQ+ forced migrants, Episcopal Migration Ministries is seeking 10 to 20 "Rainbow Initiative" congregations to discern ways to help migrants during Pride activities and World Refugee Day in June.
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Episcopal Migration Ministries shares 'Rainbow Initiative' survey results, seeks participant congregations | |
After receiving widespread survey response about a new project to support LGBTQ+ forced migrants, Episcopal Migration Ministries is seeking 10 to 20 "Rainbow Initiative" congregations to discern ways to help migrants during Pride activities and World Refugee Day in June.
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