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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
March 4, 2023
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On Saturday February 25th I met via Zoom with the Province 8 Black and African Ministries group. The meeting featured a presentation on the life and work of Rev. Pauli Murray, the first African American woman ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. Rosita Stevens-Holsey, who is a niece of Rev. Murray, was the featured speaker. She is the driving force behind Preserving Pauli Murray, an organization that is working to preserve the legacy of Pauli Murray. For more information on this amazing woman, please visit the website for the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. Many thanks to the Province 8 Black and African Ministries group for making that presentation possible. | |
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On Sunday it was Holy Cross to preach. That first Sunday in Lent liturgy opened, as is traditional in many congregations, with The Great Litany. The slow, meditative, somber tone of the litany creates a very prayerful and self-reflective setting for worship. However, because the Great Litany is a corporate act, it draws one into thinking not only of MY Lenten journey but of OUR Lenten journey—Lent as a communal experience.
Fittingly on that Sunday Holy Cross began its work around “Becoming Beloved Community” with a Lenten study on this topic. Becoming Beloved Community is the framework around which the Episcopal Church is doing its long-term work toward racial reconciliation, healing and justice. This work is organized around four main themes:
- Truth-telling: Telling the Truth about Our Churches and Race
- Proclamation: Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community
- Formation: Practicing Jesus’ Way of Healing Love
- Justice: Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions
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Out of this has come an on-going spring of documents, conversations, resources, communities, curricula and events to aid us in our work of becoming what God is calling us to be: Beloved Community. For more information, please visit this link.
The rest of the week was quite full and eventful. To read more about my week, go to the Canon’s Blog below.
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In love and service,
Carla+
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Edie Weller and family
Our community lifts prayer for the Rev. Edie Weller, whose husband John Weller passed in January. We mourn with the Weller family, hold them in our prayers, and stand with them in their grief as they prepare for his memorial. We pray especially for Edie, Bryan, and Liz, the rest of their family, as well as all who knew and loved John. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Edie shares her gratitude and love for Circles' support. John's service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 18th, at Saint Mark's Cathedral. Reception to follow in Bloedel Hall downstairs.
Fred and Kris Jessett
Our community continues to lift prayer for the Jessetts, their daughter Victoria who passed in December, and her children. We pray for comfort and God's presence to be apparent to them as they journey with grief. 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 in a rehab facility now. We praise God she is out of the hospital and pray for her continued recovery, health, and strength so she can return home. We pray also for Vinh 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
Our community lifts prayer for Timi Vann who is officially 1 month out of surgery. She is in recovery mode at home. We continue to pray for comfort, healing, and recuperation for Timi and that she, her girls, and husband Brian would be held in love by their community and the continued care of Timi's medical team. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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. We pray especially for Julianna and those who care for her, that answers would become clear as to why she has had trouble walking and that she would experience ease in walking again. We pray also for Carlos and his medical team as they continue treating his condition. 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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African Clergy & Spouses Gathering
Last week, we meant to share this photo from our 2/18 African clergy and spouses luncheon with Bishop Skelton and her spouse, the Rev. Eric Stroo.
Again, we are incredibly grateful for the gifted leadership of the Rev. Agnes Kuria, the Rev. Hilary Njoroge, the Rev. Mary Bol, the Rev. James Ayuen, the Rev. Paul Karume, and the Rev. Alwyn Hall (not pictured). Let us continue lifting these priests. their families, and their ministries in prayer!
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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. They will be due March 24.
- 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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Black History Month Follow Up
You can find our resources from Black History Month on our website. We're slowly ading more and more to our website in general...feel free to share resources that you'd like to see on there!
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SBSHI2 - Wa Na Wari
June 2023, applications due March 3 | Seattle
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Wa Na Wari, a center for Black art and stories in Seattle's Central District, is very excited to announce that the second Seattle Black Spatial Histories Institute (SBSHI) will begin in June, 2023. We are now accepting applications for the six-person cohort. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on March 10th, 2023.
SBSHI is Wa Na Wari’s two-year oral history / community story training institute. It runs from June, 2023 to June, 2025. The institute is conducted in partnership with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and Seattle Public Library, with support from 4Culture.
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Creation Care Advisory Group Seeks Members | To faithfully represent the diverse networks, perspectives, and unique climate impacts experienced throughout our diocese, we are seeking additional committee members. Youth/young adults, Circles of Color members, and folks beyond the 1-5 Corridor/Seattle Metro area are encouraged to get in touch with Adrienne if interested or if you have any questions. | | | |
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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Concert for the Human Family
March 4 @ 7:30 - 10:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral
| "What movement could begin, what conversation could take the stage, if everything else got out of the way? This Concert for the Human Family event is an inspiring collaborative between award-winning musicians and church leaders who believe in the power of music and storytelling to foster Beloved Community. | | | |
Celebrate the Life and Faith of Harriet Tubman
March 10 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 | Zoom
| Members of the Episcopal Church (TEC) from across the country will gather on-line on March 10th for a new observance of Harriet Ross Tubman, honoring her 110 years after the day of her death. | | | |
"Is Christianity Worth Saving?" A One-Day Interactive Event with Brian McLaren
March 17 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral, $39
| Join renowned leader Brian McLaren for a dynamic interactive event exploring the future of Christian faith in the 21st century. Brian will engage in a series of civil and substantive exchanges with special guests - subject matter experts, practitioners, advocates, critics, and folks in the audience. Is Christianity Worth Saving? | | | |
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
March 25 @ 9:30 am - 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! | | | |
Cathedral Day - Save the Date!
April 22 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
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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. Cathedral Day is a time for connecting across communities, experiencing your cathedral in a new light... and a lot of fun. There's something for everyone-no matter your age!
This year, Cathedral Day is also Earth Day. Stay tuned for Creation Care activities and offerings!
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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. | | | |
AAPI Leaders Retreat
April 26-29 | Austin, TX
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Retreat organizers are especially interested in connecting the younger generation of Asian American leaders, seminarians and newly ordained Asian American clergy to the growing AAPI network. Please share with any of these folks!
Retreat cost is $100 and includes a double occupancy room (single rooms available as well), meals, and up to $350 travel reimbursement. Our office can also supplement for AAPI Circle members who would like to attend. Let us know if you plan to go and act fast, space is limited!
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Next Full Circle Meeting
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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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. | | | |
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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.
This year's bracket features a few BIPOC saints, including Chief Seattle! Get your scorecard in order, vote for your favorite saints, and learn more about these faithful ones. Lots of info on the site!
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