Ethnic Ministries

Circles of Color

_______________________________________________

Diocese of Olympia

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

December 31, 2022

A Word from the Canon

Looking back on 2022, it was a remarkable year for multicultural ministries in our diocese. So much has been accomplished by God's grace and by the hard work of so many people. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported this work in the past year.

Looking ahead to 2023, there is much yet to do. We are just beginning to shape a diocesan strategy for multicultural ministries. I'll be sharing much more about this in the weeks to come.

For now let me extend the greetings of the continuing Christmas season and my prayers for a happy and safe new year for us all.

In love and service,

Carla+

Community Request: Support South Sudanese Orphans Displaced by Floods

The Rev. Mary Bol of St. John’s South Sudanese Church requests the support of the Circles and beyond as she travels to South Sudan from late January to mid-February. Planting The Seeds For Tomorrow Child Rescue Orphanage in Wangulei, Twic was destroyed earlier this year following the fourth year in a row of severe climate change-induced flooding. The children have been displaced to different camps within South Sudan, with the majority now located in the capital city of Juba where Rev. Mary will visit. During the day, the children come to church for food and school, then return to sleep at camps or relatives’ and friends’ houses.

Rev. Mary has been thinking about these children for some time and will be purchasing food and mosquito nets for them. Her goal is to raise $3,000-4,000 in support from friends and the diocesan community. Rev. Mary is very grateful to be able to serve in this outreach mission and says that donations will help save children’s lives. Let us contribute to Rev. Mary’s vital ministry supporting international child welfare on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Donation Instructions

To support our sister’s service to these dear young people and climate refugees, visit this link or click the button below.

On the diocesan Contributions page, designate an amount. Under Giving Options, select "Other Donations" and type in “South Sudan Orphans” when prompted. Fill out your information and click Submit.

Donate Here

To learn more about climate justice and severe flooding in South Sudan, watch the video below from this UNICEF piece. Decreased access to food, education, sanitation, and hygiene are just a few of the issues impacting children and their futures.

January 8

Christ Church, Puyallup | 1st Service of New Mission

January 15

St. Mark's Cathedral | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration

January 22

Christ Church, Puyallup

January 29

Christ Church, Puyallup (yes, again)

February 5

Christ Church, Blaine

February 12

St. Anthony's, Silverdale

February 19

St. James, Kent

February 26

Holy Cross, Redmond

EVENTS

Want to share relevant events from your parish or community? Email details to Adrienne by Friday.

January 8, 12:30–2:00 pm | Saint Mark's Cathedral Room 210, Zoom

Indigenous Theology and the Western Worldview: A Decolonized Approach to Christian Doctrine (2022) by Randy Woodley, is the book Saint Mark’s Book Group has chosen for its January discussion. As a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma and a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary, Dr. Woodley is grounded both in Indigenous and in Western worldviews. This book was recommended by Dr. Mary Crist during her recent visit, and it’s very complementary to the workshop that Dr. Hillary Raining, Saint Mark's theologian-in residence, led in November.

Livestream registration

January 21-23 | Zoom, in-person and interactive Zoom by invitation

As The Episcopal Church reckons more deeply with its past involvement in Indigenous boarding schools, the Office of Indigenous Ministries invites all Episcopalians to register to watch Winter Talk 2023, an annual conference that highlights Indigenous and Native American traditions and contributions within the church.

Diocesan Youth Confirmation Program: 2023

Sundays, February 5 - April 16 @ 6:30 pm - 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, covering topics such as: The Book of Common Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer, The Nicene Creed, The Sacraments, Heretics, World Religions, and more!

PRAYER REQUESTS

John Weller and family

Our community lifts prayer for John Weller, husband of the Rev. Edie Weller. John is still in the ICU recovering from brain bleeds but has had some complications the last few days. They are in a watchful period these next 48-72 hours and the family remains hopeful but clear about expectations as they seek to honor John's wishes regarding interventions. They bid our prayers. Pray for healing for John, comfort and strength for Edie and their loved ones, and wisdom and compassion for all who care for him. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Timi Vann and family

Our community lifts prayer for Timi Vann who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She will be undergoing surgery on February 1st. We pray for healing for Timi and that she, her girls, and husband Brian would be held in love by their community and the care of Timi's medical team. We will have more information on ways to support the Vanns in the coming weeks. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kierstin Brown and family

Our community lifts prayer for Kierstin Brown and her family as her grandfather, Stan Brown, passed away Tuesday evening from Covid. Pray for safe travels for Kierstin as she returns to Santa Barbara and comfort for her parents and Nana as they mourn his sudden passing. 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. 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.