Cempasúchil, Cempaxochitl, Tagetes Erectus, Marigold Flower — origins from Southwest United States to Argentina, usage worldwide
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As October begins, these golden orange hued, multi-petaled, pungent flowers are gracing our gardens. Many will be used to adorn Día de los Muertos altars soon, and in India they beautify Hindu sacred events.
With origins in the Americas, the flower was taken to Europe where it was named “Mary’s Gold” as early Christians placed flowers instead of coins on Mary’s altar as an offering. We now see them in other Christian and Buddhist rituals as well. Whether from the tagetes or calendula species, marigolds are the flower for the birth month of October.
From early Aztec to current Ayurvedic healing practices, the essence of the calendula flowers protects the eyes, cleanses and heals the skin and digestive tract, serves as an insect repellent or the basis of dye. Esoterically, the blooms illustrate the celebration of the continuity of life, the rising sun, the power to resurrect, and even the resilience and resourcefulness of people to continue to thrive against all odds.
On Monday, Oct. 11, we will honor Indigenous Peoples' Day in Oregon. Earlier this year, the Oregon Senate approved House Bill 2626 to designate the second Monday in October—previously celebrated as Columbus Day—with this new and more appropriate designation for a community who has endured against all odds.
As we seek further truths about the history and lived experiences of Native peoples, especially in our state, may we know that this day also bridges some common issues and histories with another whose ethnic strands also weave with several indigenous communities of the Americas—National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and National Native American Heritage Month (Nov. 1 – Nov. 30). In Oregon, 14 indigenous languages are the first ones spoken by many immigrants from Mexico, Central, and South American, with Spanish as their second language.
Perhaps in time, we will perceive that the intersections of our native communities are as numerous as the petals of the Cempaxochitl.
Blessings,
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The Rev. Andrea R. Cano (she, her, ella)
Interim President
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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.
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On Jan. 6, 2021, the world was shocked by images of protestors storming the U.S. Capitol Building. Many held a flag in one hand and a Bible in the other. Some carried crosses, while others prayed for God to restore the United States as a Christian nation.
For 54 years, the annual Collins Summit has bravely taken on subjects at the center of current events. This year is no exception. At the 2021 Collins Summit, we will explore the challenging topic of Christian Nationalism—the belief that the United States is defined by Christianity, and that the government should work to keep it that way.
Join us at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 as we explore this timely subject and where we go from here.
FEATURING
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REGISTER
Registration is $20 (scholarships available). Registrants have a choice of attending in person at Imago Dei Community (masks required) or watch online on your computer, phone, tablet or smart TV.
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Join the Refugee Rapid Response as Oregon prepares to receive Afghan refugees |
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The resettlement process is complicated. It involves cross cultural education, logistical assistance, emotional support, legal assistance, and much more. We know that people of faith and good will want to help. We need financial support and volunteers. Would you join us in welcoming Afghans to Oregon?
SPONSOR A REFUGEE FAMILY
There are many challenges facing refugee families resettling in Oregon. One of the greatest challenges is setting up a household with very limited resources. If you or your faith community is interested in sponsoring a refugee family as they establish a new home in Oregon, you can do so with a $6,500 contribution. This would provide:
- 3-4 months of rent
- 12 months of groceries
- Basic household items
GIVE
VOLUNTEER
LEARN
Learn more about Afghan refugees, visit the website of our partner organization Church World Service.
ADVOCATE
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Mental Health Resources for Faith Leaders |
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The Faith Liaison Team of the Oregon Health Authority has developed a Mental Health Toolkit for Oregon Faith Leaders. This toolkit was designed by and for faith leaders in Oregon. The goal with this toolkit is to ignite conversation and education, and demystify the relationship between mental health and spiritual care. This toolkit is a first step and will be a living document, updated to reflect the diverse communities and faith traditions in Oregon, emerging best practices and new resources.
The toolkit covers key topics such as:
- Crisis & Disaster Response
- Stress and Moral Injury
- Trauma
- Grief & Loss
- Caring for someone with thoughts of suicide
- Substance misuse and problem gambling
Faith leaders have a critical role to play in reducing the stigma of mental health challenges, building awareness of available mental health support, and encouraging community members who may need support to connect to mental health resources. We hope this guide will offer you concrete strategies to promote mental health in your communities.
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Employment Opportunities at EMO |
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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