March/April 2023
Greetings!
In January, I accompanied the Second Gentleman of the United States, Mr. Doug Emhoff, to Poland for the 78th Commemoration of the Liberation of Auschwitz. As one of only a handful of non-Jews in the entourage, I felt very privileged to accompany him as we learned about efforts to combat antisemitism in Poland and throughout Europe.
 
Today’s resurgence of antisemitism is a resurgence of evil and hate. Antisemitism has many forms, from hate speech to acts of violence. In our own country, we have heard hateful words and false accusations from celebrities and politicians, spreading intolerance and prejudice. In Portland, we have seen acts of vandalism and violence against Jewish synagogues and businesses.
 
To that effect, I am thankful to Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s former executive directors, Jan Elfers and The Rev. Dr. Rodney Page, who have joined me on a statement condemning antisemitism and supporting our faith community and partners (read the statement).
 
I am also thankful to all our supporters who work with EMO and our programs to do good and combat evil. We must continue to unite and not divide. As we look at the impact EMO is making in our state, we stand ever more committed to inclusion and supporting each other. 
 
During this season of Lent, I wish upon you all intentionality, gratitude and grace.
Frank So
President
Frank So (right) with Doug Emhoff in Poland
Entering the gates of the Auschwitz Camp
EMO Focus: NE Emergency Food Program
For 40 years, EMO’s Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP) has met the urgent food needs of our Portland metro area neighbors.

On Jan. 2, 1983, we introduced NEFP as a temporary six-month program, in partnership with the Albina Ministerial Alliance and the Urban League. It quickly evolved into a permanent program, providing food on an emergency basis to thousands of people in northeast Portland. Forty years later, NEFP is still going strong. Last year, we distributed more than 1.3 million pounds of food to 121,766 individuals!

Northeast Emergency Food Program is open for food distribution twice a week, offering a unique shopping experience where individuals can select the foods they want. Our shoppers leave with a three- to five-day (or more) supply of nutritious groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, bread and meat.
 
We primarily serve:
  • Families with children; over 40 percent of our recipients are children.
  • The unemployed and the underemployed.
  • People with special needs, including the disabled and the elderly.
  • A high percentage of immigrants and refugees.
  • People experiencing crisis.

Ways you can get involved:
Calling on Northwest Faith Leaders!
Tell the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to protect our communities from the GTN Xpress pipeline expansion!

FERC will soon decide (as early as March 16) to approve or deny TC Energy’s proposal to increase the capacity of the existing pipeline by 150 million cubic feet of fracked methane gas per day. The Gas Transmission NW (GTN) pipeline starts in British Columbia and runs through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

EMO and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light invite faith leaders to sign a letter to FERC asking them to deny the GTN pipeline expansion proposal. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar. If you would like to submit an event for our website, please fill out an Event Form.
Interfaith Advocacy Day
Save the Date: May 10, 2023
St. Mark Lutheran Church & Oregon State Capitol Building, Salem, Ore.

Interfaith Advocacy Day brings together people of many faith traditions throughout Oregon for a day of prayer, dialogue and advocacy with state legislators. More information and registration coming soon at emoregon.org. Sign up to be a sponsor.
Dining Out For Life Portland
Save the Date: June 20-22, 2023
Held at participating restaurants throughout the Portland metro area

Dine out at participating restaurants during June 20-22, and they will donate either $500 or 10% of all sales! Proceeds support the critical services of those living with HIV: EMO's HIV Day Center and OHSU's Partnership Project. Learn more!
Employment Opportunities at EMO
Join EMO's talented team making a difference in Oregon! EMO offers a generous benefits package. Visit our employment page for more details about the positions below and how to apply.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org