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Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
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Diocese of Olympia
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
June 3, 2023
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One of the areas of focus that the diocese identified for this time between diocesan bishops was to: “Work on finances and property. Create a more transparent and inclusive process in forming the Diocesan budget so that the budget can continue to reflect our priorities and can be sustainable over time.”
The work of creating “a more transparent and inclusive process in forming the Diocesan budget” involves me directly. My job description specifically calls me “to prepare and oversee the program budget” for multicultural ministries and community transformation. Over the past couple of weeks that work has intensified. Even now I’m preparing my budget request which will eventually go to the Diocesan Council. I and other department leaders have been working collaboratively on our budget requests, intentionally moving away from a siloed approach to budget building.
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However, this is not the beginning of my budget work. I’ve been invited to and have been present at the monthly meetings of the Budget and Finance Committee since last year. This committee of the Diocesan Council is responsible for developing and recommending the operating budget for adoption by the Council and ratification by the Diocesan Convention. It also closely follows the budget in detail throughout the year on behalf of the Council.
Together with three members of the Circles of Color who sit on this committee, I get a close up look at how much money we have and where our money is spent. More importantly we have input into the budget drafting process from start to finish.
Circles of Color have consistently said, and our diocesan leadership strongly agrees, that building a more transparent and inclusive budgeting process is not just a good idea, it is a matter of justice. To that end more eyes are on the process and more voices are speaking in the process than ever before.
I thank the committee chair, the Rev. Cristi Chapman, and the entire Budget and Finance Committee for the work being done on building a new process. I also want to specifically thank Sharalyne King, the Rev. Jesús Reyes and the Rev. Malcolm McLaurin, Circle members who serve on Budget and Finance.
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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 Pride Month
Happy Pride to all of our LGBTQIA+ siblings! We would not be who we are without you and the immense gifts, intersectional witness, and love you embody!
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Time for Pride: LGBTQIA+ Episcopalians, Friends, Family Members & Allies, Let's Share the Welcome!
June 24-25 | all over!
Join the Diocese of Olympia for 2023 Pride events scheduled around western Washington including marching in the Seattle Pride Parade behind the Episcopal banner or making connections at the Episcopal booth at two days of PrideFest.
Visit this link for other Episcopal involvement in Pride events during June and July around the diocese, including: Kitsap Pride; Lewis County Pride; Snohomish Pride; Taking Pride in Capitol Hill; and a Pride Interfaith Service.
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Support Needed!
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 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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Celebrating Doreen Tudor's 101st Birthday
Thanks to all who signed the card and contributed to Doreen's 101st birthday! We are excited to share some photos of those who came out to celebrate Doreen at Saint Marks!
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Picture from Kevin Johnson. | |
The card will remain open to sign until we can find a good email address to send it to! | |
Typhoon Mawar Update
The Rev. Irene Tanabe shared that she and All Souls Church, Okinawa were ok after Typhoon Mawar hit earlier this week.
She says, "We were lucky, even though it passed right over us, it was just at tropical storm strength and nothing more serious. We lost lots of tree branches, and found one of the screen doors in the parking lot. Lots of debris. The concerning thing is that it arrived so early, ahead of the official typhoon season."
We are so grateful to hear this update. Let us keep praying for safety and smooth clean up for those impacted.
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AAPI Retreat Reflection by Vinh Do | |
The April 26-29 retreat was well over a month ago, yet the revelations continue. The first revelation was the company of good, impassioned, and energetic people from our own Seattle contingent: Adrienne, Katya, Maria, and Tina...
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BAM/UBE Western Regional Conference Summary | |
Tempe, AZ | April 2023 | by Sherina James
"Envisioning a Spiritual Mosaic," Western Regional conference was held at the Church of the Epiphany in Tempe, AZ from April 20-22, 2023. A gathering of approximately 45 individuals came together to explore the theme of the African Diaspora in our beloved community...
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Welcome Sign Honoring Coast Salish People | |
There's a new sign at Christ Church, Anacortes. The church received a grant from the Multicultural Ministries & Community Transformation Office to work with a Swinomish artist to visibly provide welcome and show their respect for Coast Salish people, past and present.
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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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The Bishop Search Committee Has Begun Its Work! | The Bishop Search Committee has begun its work! We met for the first time during our retreat on May 12-13. The time together was spent in getting to know one another and to further clarify and define our role(s) in 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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6/4
St. Matthew San Mateo, Auburn
6/18
All Saints, Pasadena
7/2
Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
Taize Liturgy honoring Pauli Murray
7/16
St. Bede's, Port Orchard
7/30
Holy Apostles, Bellevue
Bishop's Visit
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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Towards A Fuller Gospel: Scripture Through the Lens of Asian American Theologians
May 25 - June15 @ 6:00 pm | Zoom
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This year, EDSD is excited to offer Towards A Fuller Gospel: Scripture Through the Lens of Asian American Theologians, a four-week series of virtual gatherings centered around the study of writings by Asian American theologians.
The Circles, and especially our Asian American Circle, have been invited to participate with the Diocese of San Diego. Registration is closed, however, email Adrienne if you are interested.
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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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WALK IN LOVE: A Marriage Prep Workshop for Busy People
June 3 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Zoom, $350 per couple
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This group pre-marital workshop utilizes the Prepare-Enrich program led by an experienced facilitator which will give you the confidence to enter into your marriage with eyes wide open and hearts full of joy.
Areas covered:
* Strength and Growth Areas
* Family of Origin and Family Maps
* Communication
* Finances
* Conflict Resolution
* Sex and Affection
* Spirituality
* Stress
The time will be comprised of group learning, private couple discussion, and built-in breaks.
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Mother Danae Ashley also offers these services: | |
Northwest Chamber Chorus & Dr. Stephen Newby
June 4 & 10 @ 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
| Please RSVP to share what you'll bring. This will also help us get a head count for buying protein. | | | |
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}
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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Nominating committee presents profile for 28th presiding bishop, calls for names | |
The Episcopal Church Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop on May 15 issued the following letter to the church announcing the availability of the "Profile for the Election of the 28th Presiding Bishop" and inviting Episcopalians to submit the names of bishops for the committee to consider as nominees.
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Minnesota priest compiles dual-language Gospel book for the only majority-Hmong Episcopal church | |
Compiling a book of the Sunday Gospel readings in both English and Hmong is just the latest way the Rev. Wa Meng Lor has helped members of the Church of the Holy Apostles in St. Paul, Minnesota, join their Hmong roots to their life in America.
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Hawai'i Episcopalians, interfaith partners push US Navy to speed up closure of WWII-era fuel storage facility | |
Hawai'i Episcopalians and interfaith partners are stepping up their campaign to push the U.S. Navy to accelerate its timeline to defuel and permanently close a World War II-era underground storage facility that sits on Red Hill 100 feet above one of Oahu's main aquifers.
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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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