The Diocese of Olympia
The Episcopal Church in Western Washington
Ethnic Ministries Virtual Circles of Color
Ministries leaders in the diocese - both lay and ordained leadership - have come together to initiate the creation of Virtual Circles of Color, regular opportunities for people of color in our diocese to come together through Zoom conferencing as a way of experiencing support, develop networks across our diocese and communities, and consider the significant social issues that affect us.
Virtual Circles of Color include the following online meetings:
The
Ethnic Ministries Virtual Full Circle
is a gathering open to all people of color in our diocese both lay and ordained. We are currently meeting every Tuesday at 1:00 PM.
The
Clergy of Color Circle
gathers weekly on Fridays at 3:30 PM.
Community specific circles are also forming for
Asian Ministries
;
African American & Black Ministries
;
Indigenous Ministries
;
Hispanic & Latino Ministries
; and the
Postulants of Color
Circle for those people of color who are formally engaged in the ordination process of the diocese.
Members can participate in the Circles that most resonate with them and may belong to more than one, also attending the Full Circle meetings at any time. Each Circle of Color is facilitated by clergy of color in our diocese.
Additionally, we are developing an
Allies Circle
for white members of our diocese who have the skills and passion for engaging the work of anti-racism and advocacy in our diocese and in the world.
Ethnic Ministries and Circles of Color enjoy the support and encouragement of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel.
If someone you know is interested joining Ethnic
Ministries Circles of Color, please contact our Circle Coordinator,
The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton.
Please include the words "Circles of Color" in the subject line of your email.
Becoming the Beloved Community Now
Racial justice and healing leaders and practitioners across The Episcopal Church will gather this week online to build community, craft strategy, and equip each other for action during a series of Becoming Beloved Community NOW online gatherings at 4-6 p.m. EDT on July 28-30.
Convened by the Presiding Officers’ Advisory Group on Beloved Community Implementation, the three gatherings will focus on three urgent themes: Truth (Tuesday, July 28), Justice (Wednesday, July 29) and Healing (Thursday, July 30). Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings will offer prayer and reflections throughout the sessions. To register for these individual sessions, please select the session(s) you would like to attend and complete the registration forms available here:
Becoming the Beloved Community Now
Pacific Northwest Chapter: Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE)
The Episcopal Diocese of Oregon has initiated the formation of a Pacific Northwest Chapter of UBE. The first meeting was held last week, and Ethnic Ministries in the Diocese of Olympia would like to encourage membership from our diocese. UBE has long been a driving force for change in The Episcopal Church and contributed to significant movements of advocacy and leadership formation for people of color in the church.
Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Chapter and sign up for the UBE newsletter
HERE.
Of especial importance to all people of color in the church is the
Joint Statement on Systemic Racism – UBE Western Region and Province VIII Black African Ministries which can be found
HERE
.
Congratulations to The Rev. Rong By!
Notes of congratulations and contributions to the church's discretionary fund can be mailed to:
The Rev. Rong By
4507 16th Avenue Southeast
Lacey, Washington 98503
Opportunities to Serve on Diocesan Council
or Standing Committee
The Nominations Committee is working now to identify a diverse group of qualified candidates for the following positions:
For Diocesan Council for 3-year terms (by region):
- Lay representatives from Evergreen, Be Attitudes, and Columbia
- Clergy representatives from Eastside, Peninsula, and Sno-Isle
- Clergy representative from Rainier for 2-year unexpired term (NEW announcement)
- Incumbents from Rainier (lay) and Willapa (clergy) are standing for reelection.
For the Standing Committee (at-large representatives):
- 1 Lay representative for 4-year term
- 1 Clergy representative for 4-year term
- 1 Clergy representative to complete a 1-year unexpired term
If you are interested to submit your name the Nominating Committee for consideration, please contact
Becky Clark
.
