|
Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
_______________________________________________
Diocese of Olympia
| |
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
February 11, 2023
| |
|
On Sunday I was in Blaine, WA to preach at Christ Church. The sermon included an “official Black History Moment” in which I talked about the Rev. Pauli Murray as an example of what it means to be the salt of the earth. She had an impact on Civil Rights Law and Gender Equality legislation as a lawyer. She had an impact on the Episcopal Church as a writer and preacher as well as being the first Black woman ordained by our church.
I’m thankful to the Rev. Susan Mills for the opportunity to preach.
| |
|
After the service I presented on my work as canon and about the work of the Circles. I was encouraged by the number of worshipers who stayed and engaged in the discussion.
On Monday I met with TransEpiscopal. I’ve accepted the invitation to serve on its steering committee. TransEpiscopal partners with many Episcopal organizations that are working on various justice issues.
On Wednesday I met with folk for the Allies Circle. We discussed leadership in a circle setting. We also strategized ways for people in that circle to learn and to practice allyship.
On Thursday I was a part of the Budget and Finance Committee’s monthly meeting. I’m very pleased to be with this group which is so critical to the formation of budgets for our diocese. I look forward to working closely with them to develop a more effective budgeting process based on transparency and open dialog.
On Friday I had the pleasure to welcome our Program Coordinator Adrienne Elliott to D-House. She will be in Seattle for about two weeks. During that time she will be visiting and connecting with folk in the circles and working here at the office with me.
We went right to work, meeting with Libby Carr who serves on the board of The Meaningful Movies Project.
|  | |
This organization helps communities and groups organize and educate using the power of social justice documentary film and community discussion. We have worked with them in the past and are looking to renew and further that work this year.
| |
In love and service,
Carla+
| |
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH | |
Prayer for Black History Month
We echo the prayer Carla+ offered at Full Circle:
May God bless the memory of Tyre Nichols. We pray for his family during this time of unspeakable loss and grief. His life mattered. Tragically we have been here time & time again. Lord, grant us the strength and courage to never accept injustice & cruelty as the price for public safety. And give us grace to truly strive for justice and peace and to honestly respect the dignity of every human being.
Creator, we lift up and thank you for our Black siblings who have shaped history. We pray that the learning happening this month in schools, homes and workplaces will be meaningful and deep-rooted. We pray for open hearts and minds, And spirits willing to learn and be transformed by you. May this month be a time of curiosity and sharing, conversations and celebrations, challenge and encouragement. Loving God, help us to dig deeper, look closer, and think bigger. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
| |
Black History Month: Praising God Through the Arts
Sundays in February @ 10 am | Saint Margaret's, Bellevue
| |
Please mark your calendar and join St. Margaret's! Rev. Beverly A. Moore-Tasy highlights the Nansi Carroll event. Nansi will share from her experience as a Black Roman Catholic and singer.
- Sunday, February 12: Nansi Carroll and the SPU Concert Choir
- Sunday, February 19: Celebrating the work of Black artists
- Sunday, February 26: Stephen Newby and the Sound of the Northwest Choir
| | | |
Special Guest for Black African Ministries Province VIII Meeting
February 25 @ 9:00 - 10:00 am
Join BAM Province VIII for a lively conversation with Rosita Stevens-Holsey, niece of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray to discuss her work to preserve Pauli Murray's legacy.
Register in advance for this meeting here.
| |
Defend Black History: A Reading List | |
The racist governor of Florida continues to escalate his attacks on the freedom to learn and teach history. Join Haymarket Books in standing in solidarity with all those in Florida and across the country who are organizing to resist.
In light of this recent round of attacks on the freedom to read, Haymarket has made three ebooks free to download, and are raising funds to help us send hundreds of free books to young people in Florida.In addition, they've put together this reading list of indispensable books on Black history and politics, all 40% off as part of their Black history month sale.
| | | |
Rev. Pauli Murray (July 1 feast day) from the Pauli Murray Center |
Black Saints Resource for Black History Month
We are delighted to share that there is an effort underway by Sherina James, Rev. Samuel Torvend, and Christ Church, Tacoma to put together a booklet highlighting Black saints in the liturgical calendar! As they finish editing, it will likely be available mid-February.
As the Circles have voiced a need for a BIPOC saints calendar, we will be working to expand this offering started by Christ Church to include other saints of color as well. Please send us any relevant materials as we begin gathering biographies, photos/art, and liturgies to celebrate these faithful ancestors!
| |
Presiding Bishop Curry invites gifts to Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs | |
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to give generously to the Absalom Jones Fund in support of the work of two historically Black institutions of higher education in cultivating and preparing diverse leaders: Voorhees College and Saint Augustine's University.
| | | |
Edie Weller and family
Our community lifts prayer for the Rev. Edie Weller, whose husband John Weller passed last month. 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
The Jessetts would like to offer a thank you for all the kind words and prayers of the members of the Circles of Color. Fred says, "It really helps to know that others share our grief." If you'd like to send a card of sympathy, the Jessetts' address is 5309 South Myrtle Ln. Spokane, WA 99223.
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.
Vinh Do and family
Our community lifts prayer for Vinh's mother who is in the ICU with pneumonia. We pray for her healing and strength to be restored, and for wisdom and compassion to guide her medical providers. We pray also for Vinh and the rest of their family as they navigate this difficult time. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
| |
Timi Vann and family
Our community lifts prayer for Timi Vann who underwent an intensive procedure last week. She is home with family and received great news from her pathology report. 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.
| |
Circles Spotlight: Stay Tuned!
At our last Full Circles meeting, the Black/African American Circle elevated a desire to share more from around our Circles in the weekly newsletter. 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.
| |
| | |
Support Episcopal Relief & Development's Efforts in Syria & Turkey | |
A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake recently struck southeast Turkey and northern Syria. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and those who have lost their homes and communities in this tragedy.
Episcopal Relief and Development has already begun working with partners in the region to help those who have been affected by this tragedy. You can donate at the link below
| | | |
Native Arts and Cultures Foundation | We received this resource as something to pass on. The organization is based in Portland and promotes community transformation through Native arts and cultural programs. The foundation also has two programs currently accepting applications for support of such projects. Check it out! | | | |
|
This is a resource that Paul+ Moore shared. Their organization's mission is to promote advocacy and civic engagement in Washington State by encouraging social responsibility and public service through collaboration with community partners.
They're doing important work throughout the state. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, especially in support of youth.
| | | |
Creation Care Advisory Group Seeks Members | |
The committee is currently formulating and discerning how to best connect the dots between parishes to collaborate and share Creation Care and climate justice resources, events, actions, and liturgies.
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.
| | | |
Liberating faith-owned land: Capitol Hill house transferred from Seattle Mennonite Church to QTBIPOC community collective | Written in November 2022, this is a really interesting and expansive piece highlighting the communal process of land transfer from the Mennonite Church to what's become the Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network’s House of Constance. The space will provide safe, dignified housing for 8-10 Black trans women and femmes and a community hub for Black queer and trans folks to build community and thrive together. This partnership was shepherded by the Church Council of Greater Seattle's Faith Land Initiative. | | | |
February 12
St. Anthony's, Silverdale
February 19
St. James, Kent
February 26
Holy Cross, Redmond
| |
|
Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
| |
The Episcopal Church Office of Indigenous Ministries hosted Winter Talk 2023 both in-person and online, January 21-23, 2023, at the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Click the link to view recorded sessions, including one with our own Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton! | | | |
Celebrating the Feast Day of Absalom Jones, the First Black Episcopal Priest
| |
Check out all of the Absalom Jones celebrations happening throughout the Church!
UBE also offers for your use in creating special remembrances an article authored by former UBE Second Vice President Ayesha Mutope-Johnson entitled Absalom Jones: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Adversity.
An updated biography with designated scripture and liturgical choices can be found in Lesser Feasts and Fasts 2018 (pp. 124-126) accessed via this link.
| | | |
Feast Day of Absalom Jones Service
February 11 @ 11 am | St. Paul's, Oakland via Facebook
| |
The Rt. Rev. Marc H. Andrus will be the Celebrant and the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri will be the preacher.
This event is cosponsored by the Afro Anglican Commission of the Diocese and the Northern California/Vivian Traylor Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians.
| | | |
Diocesan Youth Confirmation Program: 2023
Sundays, February 5 - April 16 @ 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Online
| |
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.
| |
Queer Theology Workshop with Hugo Alas
February 18 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Zoom
| Saint Mark's is hosting a Queer Theology event in collaboration with the Santa Marta Center for LGBTQI+ Youth in El Salvador. In this workshop, we will understand what queer theology is, analyze the relationship between theology, sexuality, gender and sexual orientation, and critique the assumptions institutional religions have about gender and sexuality. Register below. | | | |
2023 Day of Remembrance
February 18 @ 11:00 am | Puyallup and Tacoma
| |
The 2023 Day of Remembrance will be a two location event. The program begins at 11:00 am inside the Agri-Plex Building, Washington State Fairgrounds, Puyallup which was one of the temporary detention sites during WWII following President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's signing of Executive Order 9066.
The program will travel south for the Ceremony of Solidarity at 1:00 pm in front of the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. This is a detention center for migrants held by ICE. Special guests include Tamiko Nimura, Kiku Hughes, and Anna Mariko Seymour.
The event is co-organized by the Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, Puyallup Valley JACL, Seattle JACL, Tsuru for Solidarity, and La Resistencia.
| | | |
|
AAPI Gathering with Holy Apostles
February 19 @ 12 pm | Holy Apostles, Bellevue
| The AAPI Circle invites all to join in worship and fellowship at Holy Apostles! In addition to a baptism, we will be celebrating 3 Chinese martyrs whose feast day is February 19th. We will spend time together over lunch afterwards. Please RSVP below so we can get a headcount for food! | | | |
AAPI Leaders Retreat
April 26-29 | Austin, TX
| |
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!
| | | |
Next Full Circle Meeting
Wednesday,
March 1, 2023
3:00 pm
| |
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.
| | | |
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. | | | |
Groundbreaking Episcopal priest Pauli Murray will be featured on US quarters | The Rev. Pauli Murray, the first African American woman to be ordained a priest and a pioneer in the struggles for racial and gender equality, will be featured on U.S. quarters in 2024, the U.S. Mint announced on Feb. 1. | |
| | |
Racial Reconciliation & Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter - February 2023 | Read on for a reflection from Catherine Meeks, more info about Rev. Miguel Bustos named as the the Episcopal Church manager for Racial Reconciliation and Justice, Lenten offerings, upcoming events, and more! | | | |
|
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!
| | | | | | |
