Greetings. Remember,  we have invited our Vicar, Father Tom Altepeter, to come to our side of the mountains and talk to us about bishops and what it would mean to have one.  He will come on Wednesday, July 16th, and we will meet with him at 7:00 pm.  It would be wonderful if we could have a good turn out for Fr. Tom, as he is coming to be with us all the way from Spokane! 

According to the weather people, it is supposed to be hot on Sunday.  We'll keep the fan going during mass.  If anyone can bring an extra fan for the mass, that would probably be very helpful. 

Now that Deacon John is ordained you will notice him playing an increased role at our masses.  Deacon John is a transitional deacon, and that means he is preparing for ordination to the priesthood.  However, there are also permanent deacons in the ECC. The ministry of deacon is particularly one of service to those outside the church, marginalized by society, the sick, poor, elderly, etc. 

Did you ever consider that you might be called to the permanent diaconate?  Do you feel called to works of social justice and acts of service to the poor, the marginalized, the sick, the elderly?  Do you love the liturgy and would like to be of service during the mass?  Do you love scripture, and want to increase your knowledge and learn how to share your reflections with a faith community?  Maybe you should spend some time in prayer and reflection and consider the ministry of permanent deacon.  The position of permanent deacon does not require a master's degree.  Go to the ECC Constitution to learn the requirements:  ECC Constitution. 

See the official invitation to the 2014 Synod HERE. 

 

 

The parable of the sower is a story about the fruitfulness of the earth. It assures us that the harvest will come in spite of the many obstacles that stand in the way. In the end, the rocks and birds and trampling feet cannot nullify the fact that "the seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."  Paul talks about the salvation of the world, pointing out that "the world itself will be freed from its slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God." Meanwhile," all creation groans and is in agony": we pollute the clear air and the fresh water; we drive plants and animals to extinction; we clear-cut forests and we strip-mine, leaving ugly scars in the land. The opening prayer calls on us "to reject what is contrary to the gospel." Isn't it contrary to the "good news" to waste and destroy God's creation? The Creator has "greatly enriched the land." How dare we impoverish it! The commiment of believers to a healthy environment for everyone stems directly from their belief in God the Creator, from their recognition of the effects of original and personal sin, and from the certainty of having been redeemed by Christ. Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of creation, which is called to join man in praising God. Pope John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message (1990) 16

To Love and Serve:  Lectionary Based Meditations, by Gerald Darring

 

 

 Information on Each Candidate:

Two Nominees from the Nominating Committee are:

• Mother Kae Madden 
• Father Frank Krebs 

July 16th:  Meeting with Fr. Tom Altepeter at 7:00 pm

July 20th:  Community business meeting after mass.

Contemplative Prayer/Scripture study -- Thursday afternoon from 3:30 to 5 pm

 

The Ecumenical Catholic Communion has several regions.  We are located in the Pacific Northwest Region.  Representatives from our communities, or parishes, gather once a month to meet with our Vicar, and to do regional business.  We also get to know each other, and are reminded that we belong to something greater than our own little community in Olympia.  We need more lay representatives at these meetings!  For years the laity have complained that they have no voice in the Church. Well, you are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings.  In order to encourage more participation we are going to have our meetings by phone, and not as often as we have been having them.  Watch the schedule for our next meeting.

Go HERE to read more about Interfaith Works, and all their programs.