|
Ethnic Ministries
Circles of Color
_______________________________________________
Diocese of Olympia
| |
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
February 25, 2023
| |
|
I had a busy week and here are a couple of highlights from my week.
On Saturday Diocesan House was the setting for a wonderful gathering of our African clergy and their spouses. Adrienne and I were honored to host the group for lunch. They met with Bishop Skelton and her spouse, the Rev. Eric Stroo. After lunch there was a free and open discussion about the ministries of our African clergy and about their hopes and dreams for themselves and our diocese. I learned so much and came away from that gathering excited about this amazing cohort of leaders.
On Sunday I was at St James, Kent to preach. I’m thankful to the Rev. Ruth Anne Garcia for the invitation.
| |
|
St James, Kent is also home to a newly formed Kenyan worshiping community led by the Rev. Agnes Kuria.
This group began during the pandemic as a prayer circle that started because of a family in need due to illness. The group gathered and communicated through WhatsApp (a cell phone app that allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content). As the pandemic relented the group felt that God was leading them to meet and pray together in person. That group eventually became the community that worships at St James. There is still a large praying community that continues to gather through WhatsApp and other online tools. I am deeply grateful to Rev. Kuria for her faithful leadership of this community.
To read more about my week, you can click on the link below.
|
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!
- Sunday, February 26: Stephen Newby and the Sound of the Northwest Choir
| | | |
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 Coming in April
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! Editing has taken longer than anticipated and they hope to release it on April 4th, the church's commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
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 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.
| |
Timi Vann and family
Our community lifts prayer for Timi Vann who underwent an intensive procedure a few weeks ago. 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.
| |
|
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.
| |
Circles Spotlight: Deborah Moore | |
Deborah has been a faithful part of our Circles since their inception. She attends Trinity, Everett and also serves our community in a variety of ways.
Deborah is the leader of our Black African American Circle and also holds the position of treasurer for the PNW chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). In addition to her consistent leadership of the BAA Circle, she has done a tremendous amount of work in the reorganization of PNW UBE including relaunching the business license, bank account, and website. We had our first meeting of the year last week and invite all of the Circles to participate next month!
Thank you Deborah for your faithful commitment to this work and to Black Episcopalians in our region.
Additionally, Deborah has her own business: Forever Moore Sweets. You can find Deborah at the Everett Farmers Market from Mother's Day through the summer. Or, check out her Facebook page to see a sample of her offerings (how incredible are these cookies that she did for Black History Month?!). Feel free to get in touch with her to support her business in the meantime!
|  | | | |
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 | 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. | | | |
Adrienne on the Road
Two weeks went by so quickly! It was so wonderful to be in person to visit with folks from the Circles and diocesan staff. I tried my best to live into Carla's incredible reach across the diocese (and selfie skills) and really enjoyed my time with everyone!
| |
Carla and I had a wonderful lunch Saturday with our African priests, their spouses, and Bishop Melissa and her spouse. It was such sacred time to spend together over lunch and conversation.
On Sunday, members from our AAPI Circle regathered after a little hiatus for worship with Holy Apostles in Bellevue. Torres, Fr. Jerry, and Fr. Carlos put in a lot of work to arrange and lead the service which included a baptism of two children from the congregation. We also celebrated three Chinese women whose feast day (2/19) commemorates their faith as martyrs.
| After the service, we spent time in fellowship over delicious lunch! It was the first of the legendary lunches that Holy Apostles has had since the pandemic and a true gift to spend it with them. Thank you to Torres and the whole community for hosting us! The AAPI Circle hopes to worship at other Asian congregations quarterly and extends the invite to the rest of the Circles. | On Monday, I drove down to Portland in preparation for some visits in Vancouver on Tuesday. In the morning, I visited St. Luke's San Lucas which I learned was the first church in the diocese. It's also had a history of Latino ministry and community for the last 23 years! I had a generative meeting with some volunteers about an exciting Creation Care youth summer camp that the church is planning for. After, Rev. Jesus and I had a great conversation over lunch. I loved hearing about the work happening at the church and enjoyed the tour of the sanctuary too! |  | After this visit, I met with Deacon Sheryl Haase who graciously, with her two kitties, hosted me at her house. We talked about her ministry at St. Anne's, Washougal and ways that she is collaborating with other deacons in the area. We pray for Sheryl+, Archdeacon Gen Grewell, and the rest of our deacon community as they navigate the transitions afoot with her retirement in June. I forgot to take a selfie with Sheryl+, so instead offer this picture of gooey brownies! Her provisions for my drive back most definitely helped! | |
I took most of Wednesday off and got to spend time with my friend and her new baby. Thursday I met with Carla+ and Arienne+ before traveling back to San Diego!
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to see so many of our Circles folks and am already looking forward to the next trip. Can't wait to catch up with folks I wasn't able to see this time around. Until then, let me know if you'd like to meet on Zoom; I'd love to chat!
| | | |
February 26
Holy Cross, Redmond
Rev. Carla is taking a Lenten break from her preaching schedule and will be back on the road for Easter season.
| |
|
Want to share events from your parish or community?
Email details to Adrienne by Friday.
| |
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.
| |
"Is Christianity Worth Saving?" A One-Day with Brian McLaren in Seattle
March 1 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm | in-person, Saint Mark's Cathedral in the nave
| |
Join renowned leader Brian McLaren for a dynamic interactive event exploring the future of Christian faith in the 21st century.
Is Christianity Worth Saving? is a six-and-a-half hour interactive experience featuring author Brian McLaren. Throughout the three-part event McLaren will be joined by a circle of Seattle-area practitioners, experts, advocates, critics, and audience members who will ask clarifying questions and respond to his insights and observations.
Cost: Regular, $39 | "Bring a Friend," $69 | "Team" (up to five people), $139. Pre-registration required, and spaces are limited.
| | | |
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. | |
| | |
|
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!
| | | | | | |
