A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP AKIYAMA | |
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Dear Friends in Christ,
I hope that we are asking the hard questions of ourselves and of our communities these days following the presidential election. Long before ballots were cast, our country has become more divisive as we regard our neighbors warily or with suspicion. I hope we are asking very good and hard questions of ourselves because my concern is less about party politics and so much more about the kingdom of God—about the promise all Episcopalians have made in our baptism.
If there is ever a time for us to take a moment to reflect on our baptismal covenant and our promise to follow Jesus’ teaching and example, this is it. If there is ever a time for us to talk about who we are as Christ’s people, what we believe and why, this is it. If there is ever a time for us to step up, to face into the unknown while proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, this is it.
I woke up yesterday morning concerned about the safety of our people … for women with health care needs, for those of us who are not white, for our LGBTQ+ friends and family, for our immigrant communities, for those who dare to criticize the powers and principalities, for the weak and vulnerable, for those who feel powerless and have no advocate. The gospel call to care for those on the margins is as strong as ever. I hope that, after we center ourselves in prayer and in community, we rise up in the full knowledge of what Christ Jesus has commanded, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
It may seem that, in the days ahead, great uncertainty looms. So let me remind us that we have everything we need to meet whatever lies up ahead. In our baptismal covenant we have promised to respect the dignity of every human being, to resist evil, to repent and to return to the Lord. We have promised to seek and serve Christ in all persons loving our neighbors as ourselves. We have promised to strive for justice and peace among all people.
Our life in Christ has given us the capacity to do all this and more.
I call upon the faithful people of this diocese to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to come together to break bread and to pray. We cannot do this alone. It is only through the power of God, made known to us in Jesus the Christ, that we are able to know what we are called to be and do in this time. Seek out one another. Be kind and patient. Be curious with those who differ from you. Pray with strangers. Remember your baptismal covenant and strive to fulfill it. Embody Christ’s love even when it becomes uncomfortable or unpopular.
Our country needs us; the world needs us. I know it is hard right now, but I also know your deep faith. I’ve heard your stories and have celebrated the gifts of your ministry. Find ways to build bridges. Be unifiers. Proclaim in word and deed the good news of Jesus Christ.
If you can do only one thing, do this: go to church and join together in common prayer. If you participate in the Eucharist, remember the importance of the Confession and, when you eat the bread and drink the wine, remember the death that became new life. This is for you too. Partake of it by receiving the mystery of God’s transformative power. Be filled with the knowledge that God will never abandon us and give thanks for the light that shines in the darkest night. It cannot be overcome.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blessings,
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ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, MILWAUKIE ANNOUNCES MAJOR GIFT
On October 24, St. John’s received an extraordinary gift of $130,817.57 from Kidd’s Toy Museum in Portland. The donation, presented by Lizzy Knobel, granddaughter of museum founders Frank and Joyce Kidd, honors the Kidd’s deep ties to St. John’s, where they were married in 1953. Kidd’s Toy Museum, a beloved Portland institution known for its vintage toy collection, recently closed, and the Kidd family chose to dedicate part of the proceeds to St. John’s future.
Announced on All Saints Sunday, this generous gift will be used to support long-term projects for the church, ensuring that Frank and Joyce Kidd’s legacy continues to bless the community for years to come.
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EDUCATIONAL & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES | |
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WEBINAR ON FEMA’S NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM
Faith-based organizations and other nonprofits are encouraged to join an upcoming FEMA webinar about the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS), which provides crucial funding for security enhancements. With over $664 million allocated for 2024, this program supports improvements in physical and cyber security, emergency preparedness, and safety training.
These webinars will cover program changes, eligibility, and deadlines, with time for Q&A.
Register here for one of these sessions:
- Thursday, November 14, at 12 PM PT
- Thursday, November 21, at 12 PM PT
Each session is live and will not be recorded. This is a valuable chance to learn about securing resources to enhance your organization’s safety.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSTING VETERANS STAND DOWN EVENT, NOV. 15 IN HILLSBORO
Washington County is hosting a Veterans Stand Down Event on Nov. 15, 10 am–2 pm at Sonrise Church, 6701 NE Campus Way, Hillsboro.
This event will help connect veterans to key services including housing, employment, health care, education, clothing, pet care, legal assistance, advocates for state and federal benefits, and more. For more information and to register, volunteer, or provide donations, follow this link.
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN PURSUING CHRISTIAN VOCATIONS
St. Barnabas, McMinnville has announced the Valorie I. Hamstreet Memorial Scholarship to support women pursuing full-time Christian service or seminarians entering Christian vocations. The scholarship, established in memory of Valorie Hamstreet, is open for applications until May 1 each year. It also provides grants for parishioners attending church-related symposiums and workshops, fostering Christian leadership and education within the Episcopal community. Read more here.
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SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM IN CUERNAVACA, MEXICO – AUGUST 2-16, 2025
Looking to learn Spanish or refresh your skills? Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned speaker, or a clergy member preparing for ministry in Spanish, this two-week immersion program is for you!
Hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Cuernavaca, the program offers small group classes, daily worship in Spanish, and cultural excursions. Participants will stay at the Anglican Center, enjoying shared lodging and most meals.
Cost: $2,300 (covers tuition, ground transportation, lodging, and meals). Airfare and personal expenses are not included. A $1,100 deposit is required to reserve your spot, with the remaining balance due by May 1, 2025.
Limited to 16 participants. For more information and to register, follow this link.
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | |
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe takes office, proclaims ‘one church in Christ’ for a changing world | |
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe began his nine-year term as the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church with an intimate but festive investiture service on Nov. 2 in New York that was livestreamed to close to 20,000 viewers in homes, churches and dioceses in the United States and around the world. Read the full article here. | |
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Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on the U.S. Presidential Election
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe sent a pastoral letter concerning this week's election to The Episcopal Church via the Office of Public Affairs. Read his letter here.
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Episcopal Young Adult Ministry Survey 2024
The Episcopal Church’s Department of Faith Formation is seeking young adults ages 18–32 for a survey aimed at strengthening Gen Z ministries. This project, partially funded by a grant from Trinity Church Wall Street, will gather insights from young adults involved in Episcopal activities and ministries to shape future programs and leadership development. Read more here.
The survey is open until Dec. 2 and can be found here.
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Upcoming Visitations with Bishop Akiyama | |
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Interested in what is going on around the diocese? Below are some selected events coming up in the next few weeks. Click the links for more information and contact the event host with any questions. Our entire calendar is available here.
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Nov. 8–9: Annual Holiday Bazaar – Calvary, Seaside
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Nov. 9: 50th Annual Arts & Crafts Faire – Christ Church, St. Helens
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Nov. 10: Bishop Akiyama's Visitation at St. Martin's, Lebanon
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Nov. 10: Social Justice Bystander Intervention Training – St. Gabriel, Portland
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Nov. 10: Celtic Evening Prayer & Holy Eucharist – Grace Memorial, Portland
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Nov. 12: Contemplative Chanting – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 13: Improvisation on the Organ with Guest Recitalist Robert McCormick – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 14: Celebration of New Ministry – The Rev. Everett Charters, St. Gabriel, Portland
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Nov. 15: Celebrity Organ Recital – Robert McCormick – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 16: Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop – St. James, Tigard
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Nov. 16: Mini-Retreat: Light That Shines in the Darkness – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 17: Bishop Akiyama's Visitation at St. Michael & All Angels, Portland
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Nov. 17: Book Club – Upstream by Mary Oliver – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 17: Under Cover of War – Israel’s Land Seizure and Settlement Expansion in the West Bank – All Saints, Portland
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Nov. 17: Monthly Taizé Meditative Service – St. David of Wales, Portland
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Nov. 21: Braver Angels Workshop – Depolarizing Ourselves – St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukie
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Nov. 23: 4th Saturday Meditation – Trinity Cathedral, Portland
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Nov. 24: Bishop Akiyama's Visitation at St. Gabriel, Portland
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Each week, we pray for one or more faith communities in our diocese. This week we pray for Church of the Holy Spirit, Sutherlin. | |
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE DIOCESAN DIGEST
If you have an item you would like to promote to the wider diocesan community, please send an email to director of communications Paul Schutz at communications@ecwo.org. Submissions must be received by 12 pm Wednesday afternoon for Thursday publication.
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