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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
July 1, 2023
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Of late, I find myself reflecting on the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. | |
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She was a lawyer who employed her knowledge, her intellect, her skill, and her determination to end Jim Crow and Jane Crow. She coined the term “Jane Crow,” which demonstrated Murray's belief that those who work to end racism must also work to end sexism and vice versa. I suspect I’m thinking about her because I’m also thinking about the one-year anniversary of the overturn of Roe vs. Wade and the recently handed down decision of the Supreme Court that colleges and universities may no longer factor race into admissions, overturning U Cal vs. Bakke after 45 years.
Murray’s life and work brought together the legal issues around racism and sexism. She understood and acted on the understanding that these two issues are cut from the same cloth. She argued that the Fourteenth Amendment forbade sex discrimination as well as racial discrimination.
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To my mind, by virtue of her ordination, she brought this intersectionality into the Episcopal Church. Her very ministry was an argument that the work to end racism and sexism are not only legal matters: they are spiritual issues.
However, that was not the only intersection she brought to us. Murray wrestled with her sexual and gender identity through much of her life. She preferred an androgynous presentation. She had significant relationship with women but did not see herself “homosexual,” but instead as having an “inverted sex instinct.” Murray pursued hormone treatments in the 1940s to correct what she saw as a personal imbalance and even requested abdominal surgery to test if she had "submerged" male sex organs.
In an essay titled "Pauli Murray and the Pronominal Problem", transgender scholar-activist Naomi Simmons-Thorne lends support behind the emerging view of Murray as an early transgender figure in U.S. history. A view shared by a growing number of scholars.
So as Pride Month comes to an end, I’m thankful for Pauli Murray who brings to our church an intersection of race and gender and queerness and spirituality. It gives me joy to be a part of a church that sees these intersections in the light of God’s love. It gives me hope to be a part of a church willing to struggle with these intersections when they are difficult. It gives me courage to be part of a church that strives toward justice in these intersecting themes.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Agnes+ Kuria and The Rev. Adult Care LLC
Our community lifts prayers for Rev. Agnes and the true labor of love that is shaping up under her care and ministry. Agnes+ will soon be opening a 8 bedroom facility to care for adults holistically with her experience in the nursing field and as a priest. She envisions a home where Episcopal folks can be tended to and cared for spiritually as well as physically, and where recent immigrants can find opportunities to continue their careers in healthcare. We will have more updates soon. For now, we pray that all continues smoothly with licensing and inspections, and that every need is provided for. We also pray for Agnes+, her family, and the team of care providers (and residents) who will be soon be admitted.
Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community lifts prayers for Fred and his family as he recently fell. We heard recently from Kris who shares: "Fred has now moved into an adult family home for some period of time where he will receive more therapy in preparation for coming home. His reading is improving but mainly on material he is familiar with such as Evening Prayer and much of Holy Communion service and prayers he has memorized. Walking more on walker but feels safer in wheelchair. Appetite is great. Quite bored as only one other resident -- maybe two -- carry on conversations. Please continue with your prayers!"
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, "Mom is doing better, thank God. We are each day slowing building up to what 'normal' looks like now. I'm so grateful for God and all the support and thoughts from 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.
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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.
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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For People podcast on Pauli Murray feat. Rosita Stevens-Holsey | |
The Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray was an American civil rights activist, advocate, legal activist, legal scholar, author, and Episcopal priest. In this episode, Bishop Wright of the Diocese of Atlanta has a conversation with Rosita Stevens-Holsey, the niece of Pauli Murray.
You can also learn more from the Pauli Murray Center here.
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Fr. Alfredo quoted at community clash over LGBTQ+ book in school | |
Published 6/2/2023 by Los Angeles Daily. "Alfredo Feregrino, a priest at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, joined the counter protest to show support from the Christian community.
'There are different faith leaders who use the Bible or twist the message of the gospels to inject hate,' he said. 'For me the God that I love, the God that I try to proclaim, is the God that loves everyone, so for me it’s important to be here and show that.'”
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Musician Rhiannon Giddens digs into American roots music and finds connections to cultures around the world | Edie shares this article! "Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens challenges us to honestly answer the question, can any culture lay total claim to specific styles of music?" | | | |
Support Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Following Yukon River Breakup & Flooding | From the Diocese of Alaska newsletter: "Many of you have heard of the devasting damage in the village of Circle this spring due to ice jams on the Yukon during breakup. Holy Trinity, Circle was knocked off its foundation and floated about 2 building widths on the floodwaters and rested in a ditch. The handicap ramp was pulled off the building. It looks like we will be able get the church back on its foundation after gravel is delivered and a new pad is done. Much of the content is waterlogged, moldy and destroyed. We are still assessing the damage and trying to salvage what we can. Thanks to Mtr Susan and Irene Roberts for making several trips and working hard to see to the repairs. We are asking for donations for the repair and flood recovery of Holy Trinity in Circle. We have set up a dedicated Donate Now button on the diocesan website. I’ve included the link below. Keep the community of Circle in your prayers, many of the residents lost everything." | | | |
Mothered by God: Divine Feminine and the Black Madonna | The recording of the teaching sessions for Dr. Cleveland's 6/3 event is up on Saint Mark's website! | | | |
2008 Discerners Reunion
July 17 @ 6:00 pm | D-House
Calling all friends from the discerners group of 2008! Save the date for Monday, 7/17, in the evening at D-House for a shared potluck and time together. Spread the word too!
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Indigenous Boarding Schools & The Episcopal Church | |
May-June 2023 | Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton from Facebook, with permission
Rachel+ provides important updates on churchwide efforts to bring to light the Episcopal Church's complicity in Indigenous Boarding Schools.
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Circles Community Clergy Transitions
St. Peter’s Transition Updates
On June 7, Father Edmund Harris announced that he will be concluding his time as Rector at St. Peter’s at the end of July after almost eight and a half years. You can read his letter to the congregation, as well as a message from the Senior Warden and Deacon Polly Shigaki here. Please keep Father Edmund and his family, Polly+, as well as the whole St. Peter’s community in your prayers during this time of transition.
Canon Eliacín Rosario-Cruz Accepts Call in New York
On June 5, Saint Mark's announced that our dear friend Eliacín has accepted the call to serve as Priest-in-Charge at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz in Kingston, New York. He will be pastoring and leading a multicultural community with the vision to be a unified congregation that worships in two languages but otherwise strives to be one in all other aspects of their common life. You can read the full announcement here. We will miss him and his family greatly and are so excited for the good work before him. His last Sunday at Saint Mark's will be 7/16. More details to come about ways Circles can send him off!
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Updates from the Bishop Search Committee | This is an exciting time for the Diocese of Olympia! Your wonderfully diverse, impassioned, and dedicated Search Committee continues to do our work. Be assured, this search process is spiritual in nature and grounded in prayer. | | | |
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! | | | |
7/2
Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
Taize Liturgy honoring Pauli Murray
7/16
St. Bede's, Port Orchard
7/23
St. John's South Sudanese, Tukwila
8/6
Christ Church, Anacortes
8/27
St. Paul's, Port Townsend
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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Taizé Prayer Honoring Pauli Murray
July 2 @ 4:30 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral and live-streamed
| A special Taizé Prayer liturgy will be offered at Saint Mark’s, including readings and prayers by Pauli Murray and specially chosen music, sponsored by the Saint Mark’s Queer in Christ ministry. A Queer in Christ Meet & Greet will follow the liturgy in the southeast corner of the nave. | | | |
It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement - The Episcopal Church
July 9 - 12 |Baltimore Convention Center
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Are you attending? Let us know!
Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton and Rev. Carla will both be presenting workshops and speaking on panels regarding Healing Relationships with Indigenous People and Co-Powering People of Color in Diocesan Life, respectively. Adrienne and Rachel+ will also be involved in Creation Care panels and plenaries.
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JamFest 2023 - Wing Luke Museum
July 13 @ 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Historic Canton & Maynard Allewyays in C-ID, Seatle
| A BIPOC summer celebration for all ages in Chinatown-International District's historic Canton & Maynard Alleys with live music, performances, games, and more! | | | |
2023 Seattle Bon Odori - Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
July 15-16 @ 2:00 - 8:00 pm |Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
| Seattle Bon Odori returns! Join us for good food, dancing, cultural exhibits and more! | | | |
Special Guests Will Visit from the Holy Land
July 16 @ 9:00 am - 12:30 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
| The rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ramallah, Palestine, and his family will speak at St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle, on July 16. | | | |
Hai! Japantown 2023
August 13-20 | Japantown, C-ID, Seattle | See map for more
| See the Wing Luke's calendar of events during Japantown’s annual summer festival. This historic district comes alive as shops, galleries, restaurants, and other creative space host community events, promotions, and performances! The whole family is invited for all-ages fun, food, shopping, and tours! | | | |
2023 Summer Teaching Faculty - Holden Village
June 11-September 1| Holden Village
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Join Holden Village 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!
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Convene 2023 - Save the Date!
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!
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! | | | |
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. | | | |
Next Full Circle Meeting
{bishop characteristics and search process}
Wednesday, 7/5, 2023
3:00 pm
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Special Full Circle Meeting
{bishop characteristics cont'd}
TBD…stay tuned!
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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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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in college admissions - The Episcopal Church | |
You can read Bishop Curry's June 30 statement below.
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As the election cycle cranks up, Christians need to call out white Christian nationalism | |
June 27, 2023
By Kelly Brown Douglas, Bryan N. Massingale
The next election cycle and its long season of political fervor is about to descend on us. As Black theologians, we believe that now is the time when we must speak with urgency about white Christian nationalist sentiment in this country...
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Episcopalians of color assemble at 'Why Serve' to learn about vocational opportunities, build relationships | |
Episcopal News Service - Sewanee, Tennessee | Dozens of Episcopalians of color gathered June 22-25 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, to learn about ministry opportunities at various levels...
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The Healing Gardens at St. Ambrose | |
We recently heard about the great work Rev. Jemonde Taylor is up to with the Healing Gardens at St. Ambrose, Raleigh, NC. Check out the meaningful offerings for Minorty Mental Health Month in July and beyond!
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2027 General Convention to meet in Phoenix; $2 million approved for Indigenous boarding school research | |
Episcopal News Service - Providence, Rhode Island] The 82nd General Convention in 2027 will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, based on a plan endorsed June 15 by Executive Council. The church governing...
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Nominating committee presents profile for 28th presiding bishop, calls for names | |
Submit names by July 15th!
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Episcopalians invited to participate in environmental justice survey | |
As The Episcopal Church Creation Care Office plans its programming for the next year, it invites all Episcopalians to participate in a 5-minute confidential survey from ecoAmerica.
The survey seeks to better understand church members’ attitudes toward and awareness of climate issues and our corresponding role as people of faith.
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"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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