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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
May 20, 2023
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Over the past few Sundays, I’ve been on the road, resuming my work of visiting congregations in our diocese. Recently I was at Our Redeemer in Kenmore. Thank you, Rev. Jed Fox, for the invitation to preach. | |
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There are several reasons why I make it a point of visiting congregations.
I visit to check in on those congregations that are primarily composed of people of color. During those visits, I explicitly talk about representing the bishop and about being a sign of diocesan support.
I visit to support BIPOC clergy. Clergy of color are serving in many different capacities and settings. I go to cheer them on in their work, to hear what their needs are, and to be alongside of them as a peer in ordained ministry.
I visit in support of some work the congregation is doing in multicultural ministry. I will sometimes teach and share resources and advice. Sometimes I just listen and attend to the experiences of the people.
I visit to celebrate what is happening in the life of a congregation. Sometimes I’m there just to preach and encourage them in their walk with Christ.
I visit to share information. A question or an idea is bubbling up in a place and they are seeking conversation and insight.
Often, I visit for several of those reasons all at once. It is one of my favorite parts of my work. And visiting congregations is one of the ways I embody our values as a diocese. What are those values?
We are locally centered.
We are networked communities.
We are rooted in sacrament and service.
We are committed to forming leaders. (More here).
I look forward to more congregational visits. And I hope to be coming to a congregation near you.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community lifts prayers for Fred and his family as he recently fell. We heard last week from Kris who shares: "Fred is still in rehab for his injuries which are significant, and he will be there for awhile. The damage is like that of a stroke only caused by the fall. So he needs quite a lot of physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Thank you for all the prayers from people in the circles. Being part of the circles meant so much to him."
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, "This is Vinh writing to thank all of you for your heartfelt concern and prayers for my Mom, me, and my family. Mom has been at home for six weeks since her discharge from both hospital and rehab. She's been transitioning closer to independence. It's been amazing progress in 6 weeks given the nearly 3 months in hospital and rehab. There have been real tentative moments in the hospital and rehab and without the love and concern of all, I don't know if we would be the same. Thanks to 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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Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | |
AANHPI Month Resources for 2023 | |
Check out Building Faith's list of books, films, articles, podcasts, virtual exhibits, and church resources highlighting our AANHPI communities.
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A New Music Compilation by Asian American women and non-binary artists and musicians for Meditation, Mindfulness, and Collective Healing.
You can find other AANHPI resources here and at the Absalom Jones resource center site.
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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: Stories, Facts, History | PBS | |
Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers. Enjoy this selection of films, some premiering in May as well as some gems to revisit. These documentaries celebrate the light and love in our diverse AANHPI communities.
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Reflections on the AANHPI Retreat by Maria Weber | |
Austin, Texas | April 2023
...In place of the nervousness, however, I felt the unfamiliar flutter of… anticipation. After all, I would be in the company of nearly 40 people who shared two parts of my identity as a person of Asian descent, and as an Episcopalian. These two intersections, I have observed, form a small and loving community, and it was into this welcome that I emerged as soon as we stepped off the plane in Austin...
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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.
Let's show her some birthday love! Sign the card and contribute to a gift if you'd like! Small group visit details TBD.
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Circles Media
Share with the community any podcasts, music, books, or other media you've enjoyed lately!
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On Being podcast feat. Vivek Murthy
To Be a Healer
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Dr. Vivek Murthy is a renowned physician and research scientist in his second tenure as U.S. Surgeon General. And for years, he's been naming and investigating loneliness as a public health matter, including his own experience of that very human condition. It is beyond rare to be in the presence of a person holding high governmental office who speaks about love with ease and dignity — and about the agency to be healers that is available to us all.
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Born in 1926 to Korean indentured servant parents in Cuba, Jeronimo joins the Cuban revolution and crosses paths with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, before turning to his Korean roots and identity. Watch the documentary on Vimeo or Apple TV. | | | |
Summer Camp Chaplain Needed
Camp Huston is looking for a chaplain for the week of July 30-August 5. Contact Katie Sue Eichner, the Program Director and Conference Coordinator.
Some glowing reviews:
"What a refreshing way to experience church! Sign up today! Huston is a magical and special place." - Malcolm+
"Your presence will be a gift to the kids, to the church and to yourself." - Jo+
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Announcing Members of the Bishop Search Committee | We pray especially for Circles members Timi Vann and Lillian Springer, as well as Allies chosen for the committee. We will spend time on 6/10 (details below) to continue our discussion around the search process. | | | |
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 resurrected after a Lenten fast from preaching and is back on the road!
5/14
St. John the Baptist, West Seattle
5/28
St. Margaret's, Factoria
6/4
St. Matthew San Mateo, Auburn
6/18
All Saints, Pasadena
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Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
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Indigenous/First Nations Circle
May 24 @ 6:00 pm | Zoom
Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton will be convening a regathering of the Indigenous/First Nations Circle. Please email Adrienne if you need the Zoom link!
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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
| The Clergy Institute for Interfaith Learning is an annual opportunity for interfaith study and discourse. This year's keynote is Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). | | | |
Table Turning: The Prophetic Tradition in the time of Neofascism with Dr. Cornel West
May 28 @ 11:00 am | Rainier Arts Center, Seattle & online
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Valley and Mountain Fellowship welcomes Dr. Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, considered one of the greatest public intellectuals our time. Dr. West will off a reflection during their Sunday morning Celebration / service as part of their "Set Us Free From Fear" speaker series.
Find more about the event and Dr. West here.
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Underhill House Listener Training
May 31 @ 12:00 - 2:30 pm | Underhill House, Seattle
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Looking for a new way to serve? Consider sharing your gifts with Underhill House, a quiet place to pause for prayer. Our Listeners come 1-2 times per month, on a Thursday, to sit in sacred silence and pray. Roles include greeting guests and, if desired, listening to what brings them in that day and offering a prayer. The next Listener Training is Wednesday, May 31 from 12:00 – 2:30 pm at Underhill House, on Capitol Hill near Broadway and Republican. Come and discern — no commitment necessary to attend the training.
If you have questions or would like to sign up, please contact Susan Dean at susan@underhillhouse.org. Click here to learn more.
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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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Northwest Chamber Chorus & Dr. Stephen Newby
June 4th & 10th @ 3:00 pm | Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church & livestreamed | pay what you can tickets
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At our June concerts, we are honored to welcome our Composer in Residence Dr. Stephen Newby to the podium. Dr. Newby will present premieres of new works that have been commissioned by the NWCC, which will tell the story of African lives lost while crossing the Middle Passage en-route to a life of enslavement in America.
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Archdeacon Gen's Farewell Gathering
June 10 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | D-House
| Join us as we say Bon Voyage and Thank You to The Ven. Gen Grewell for her nearly 14 years as Archdeacon of the Diocese of Olympia! The Office of the Bishop is pleased to host this gathering along with the Community of Deacons. We hope you will join us in celebrating Gen and Gary. | | | |
Juneteenth Liturgy & Potluck BBQ
June 17 @ 12:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral
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The Black/African-American Circle has been planning a wonderful Juneteenth liturgy + potluck BBQ celebration. We will need volunteers from all our Circles to make it happen!
Worship: Beverly+, Malcolm+, and Carla+ have been planning the liturgy. All are welcome to help as a lector, usher, or as a musician. If interested, please contact Carla.
Potluck: Guests will be asked to bring salads, side dishes, or desserts to go along with a protein entree that will be provided. We will also need non-alcoholic drinks. If you'd like to help day-of, please contact Roberta. *RSVP here to tell us what you're bringing!*
Set up / clean up: We'll need two crews to help before and after the event. Please contact Adrienne if you'd like to help.
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STG Presents - Juneteenth 'Songs of Black Folk 2023' Music of Resistance & Hope
June 18 @ 7:00 pm | Paramount Theater, Seattle | $30
| Renowned performers and presenters will share a music tradition that began on the African continent, was transported to the Americas via slave ships, and took root in the daily sufferings of an enslaved Black people who chose to survive and fought to be free. | | | |
Why Serve 2023
June 22-25 | The School of Theology at the University of the South: Sewanee, TN, $75
| 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? | | | |
55TH UBE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & CONFERENCE (ABMC)
June 24-26 | Montgomery, AL
| UBE is headed to Montgomery, Alabama! 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. | | | |
It's All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement - The Episcopal Church
July 9 - 12 |Baltimore Convention Center, register by May 15 for Early Bird rate of $185
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"It’s All About Love” is a churchwide festival featuring three Jesus Movement festival “tents” – Evangelism, Creation Care, and Racial Reconciliation.
Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton and Rev. Carla will both be presenting workshops on Healing Relationships with Indigenous People and Co-Powering People of Color in Diocesan Life, respectively.
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2023 Summer Teaching Faculty - Holden Village
June 11-September 1| Holden Village
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Located in the North Cascade Mountains, Holden Village welcomes all people to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other. Join them 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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Next Full Circle Meeting
{Lutheran partnership in racial justice & healing}
Wednesday,
June 7, 2023
3:00 pm
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Special Full Circle Meeting
{bishop characteristics we'd like to see}
Saturday,
June 10, 2023
10:00-11:30 am
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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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"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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Honor LGBTQ+ forced migrants in June through Episcopal Migration Ministries' Rainbow Initiative | |
Episcopal congregations seeking ways to observe Pride Month and World Refugee Day in June have a special opportunity to focus on LGBTQ+ and refugee communities through Episcopal Migration Ministries’ new Rainbow Initiative.
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Task force survey seeks to identify language needs across Episcopal Church | |
The General Convention Task Force on Translation and Interpretation, formed by Resolution A024, has released a survey to help its work of developing recommendations for determining and prioritizing written materials that should be translated and meetings where interpretation should be provided within The Episcopal Church.
The survey is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin (Chinese-Traditional).
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