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Dear Michelle,

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit. The sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other.” – Pope Francis

For it is in giving that we receive. This credo is a legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, from whom the late Pope Francis chose his papal name. As Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) has seen deep cuts from the federal government, we have also seen foundations and friends step up with generosity to support our work. There are so many ways I have seen people help others daily—from beneficiaries of our direct service programs who return as volunteers, to friends of EMO who take time to write, call and message state legislators about important bills we support.

Similarly, EMO is standing in solidarity—showing up—to support our colleagues and fellow social impact organizations’ events and their advocacy efforts, because we know that helping each other out is our purpose here in our community.

We shall continue to battle injustices far and wide. As I like to remind our staff: you can feel any feeling, but how you transform those feelings to help others is what counts. The prophetic voice is in our actions, not just our prayers.

In peace,

Frank So

Executive Director

EMO's 2024 IMPACT REPORT

Download a copy of EMO's 2024 Impact Report or view it at EMOregon.org. To learn about what we're currently doing, check out "5 Things Happening at EMO" (below).

5 THINGS HAPPENING AT EMO

1: COLLINS LECTURE VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE

The 2025 Collins Lecture, held on May 29 in Pendleton, is now available to view online. "A Call to Justice: How Faith Communities Can Support LGBTQIA2S+ Rights" explores the duty and responsibility of faith leaders to protect the human rights of all people and what that looks like specifically for our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors. Our guest speakers from the faith community share their unique perspectives on LGBTQIA2S+ rights. Following a brief presentation from each speaker, they engage in a facilitated question and answer session.

2: STATEMENT ISSUED AGAINST CHURCH VANDALISM

On Friday, June 13, Beavercreek United Church of Christ, a church in rural Clackamas County, was vandalized when an unknown person or persons threw a brick through three historical stained-glass windows (view news story). This is not the first incident of vandalism the congregation has experienced, and members of the church attribute these attacks to the fact that they are an anti-racist and LGBTQ+ open and affirming church. As an ecumenical organization, EMO acknowledges and celebrates the plurality of Christian theology and beliefs; however, there is no place for violence when disagreements about these beliefs create friction. Read full statement.

3: COOLING PORTLAND IN THE NEWS

EMO is partnering with the City of Portland for "Cooling Portland," which brings lifesaving air conditioning units to vulnerable Portlanders. Last summer, EMO's team installed 355 AC units, and we hope to install even more this summer! Our team was recently featured on local news stations about the program. Check it out.

4: IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY HONORED

Congratulations to Arnav Dutt, staff attorney for EMO's SOAR Immigration Legal Services! Arnav was named a 2025 AILA Oregon Pro Bono Champion for his success at creatively advocating for non-citizen Oregonians. Skilled at looking for large-scale ways to prevent deportation for as many people as possible, he implemented and ran a large scale representation program that sought prosecutorial discretion and termination of removal (deportation) proceedings. In two and a half years, the program stopped over 570 deportations. We are grateful for Arnav's invaluable work and support of non-citizens in Oregon!

UPCOMING EVENTS

To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar.

RESERVATIONS FOR "LOVE IN ACTION" GALA NOW OPEN!

Join us on Sept. 17 for EMO's “Love In Action” gala!

The annual fundraiser supports our vital services for the most vulnerable in our communities: refugees and immigrants, people experiencing food insecurity, low-income people living with HIV, unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence. We will also honor extraordinary individuals and organizations whose courage, moral vision and commitment to action have contributed profoundly to making Oregon–and the world–a better place.

SPONSORSHIP

Event sponsors will receive a generous benefits package. We invite you to partner with us as we demonstrate love in action! Learn more about being a Love in Action Sponsor.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT EMO

Join EMO's talented team making a difference in Oregon! EMO offers a generous benefits package. Visit our careers page for more details about the positions below and how to apply.

• Director of Finance
• Traveling Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate
• Unified Hospital Response DV/SA Advocate

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has been named one the 2024 "Top Work Places" by the Oregonian.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY WITH JV ENCORPS

Are you interested in discovering a vibrant faith group that serves your local community in meaningful ways? Jesuit Volunteer (JV) EnCorps will support you in your commitment! As a program of JVC Northwest, they are a group, ages 40+, that meets monthly to explore a shared commitment to the Ignatian values of social and ecological justice, community, and spirituality. They also assist group members to explore volunteer options in our wider community.

The program begins with opening retreats in September. Applications are accepted throughout the program year. Apply by Aug. 31 to be a part of the opening retreats. If interested, email Sarah Thompson at jvencorps@jvcnorthwest.org or apply at jvencorps.org.

Stay Connected with EMO

503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org