We are excited to welcome back Howard Kenyon as EMO’s interim executive director! Before his retirement in 2023, Howard worked at EMO for 14 years in various capacities, most recently as EMO’s vice president. | | |
When Frank So announced he was moving on as Executive Director of EMO, I knew what I needed to do: take the interim role and pass the baton of good leadership to the next leader.
Over the previous 14 years that I worked at EMO, I grew intimately familiar with every part of this vast and amazing community called Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Most especially, I fell in love with its multitude of heroes.
At our annual Love In Action Gala later this month, you’ll meet three of them—The Rev. Cecil Prescod, Sue Van Winkle and Jeff Hammarlund—heroes who have made EMO shine. They haven’t been out singing their own praises; they’ve just gotten the job done.
I could introduce you to thousands more just like them. Heroes who give of their time, their resources, their voices.
You’ll find 88 of these heroes on our staff, another 20 on our board of directors, hundreds more who volunteer and thousands more who give, including 36 individuals who have pledged to include EMO in their estate plans through our Presidents’ Circle. One of those Presidents’ Circle members was Rodney Reeves, whose life will be celebrated later this month.
For more than a century, EMO and its predecessor organizations have been bringing together multiple generations of mostly unsung heroes. Together, we’ve brought hope to multitudes of Oregonians. Most recently, we’ve been battling racial injustice, COVID, environmental disaster, immigration restrictions and deep cuts in our nation’s safety net. And yet, EMO’s heroes keep delivering.
I was honored to help steer this community of heroes through these challenges alongside other heroes like former EMO Executive Director Jan Elfers. When I retired in 2023, I kept listening for the sounds of these heroes at work. I missed their camaraderie, even as I watched Frank lead them to new levels of greatness.
Then when Frank announced he was stepping down, I sensed I had one more role to play–carry this team through this leadership transition. So, I’m back once more coordinating this community of heroes. In a few months, a new executive director will move us forward, and I’ll step back once again. Meanwhile, our thousands of heroes, including you, will go on serving countless Oregonians in need.
You won’t miss a beat. No matter the challenges. Because that, my friend, is what heroes do.
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Howard Kenyon
Interim Executive Director
| | Register now for the 2026 Love in Action Gala! | | |
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) invites you to the 2026 Love In Action Gala!
EMO’s gala 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.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Reception 5:30 p.m.
Dinner, Live Auction & Awards 6:30 p.m.
For a list of auction packages, check out the online Auction Catalog.
Sentinel Hotel Portland
614 SW 11th Avenue
TICKETS
$175 per person.
To guarantee your meal choice, kindly RSVP by Oct. 7.
For questions, contact Kristi Baack, kbaack@emoregon.org
AWARDS
Ecumenist of the Year: The Rev. Cecil Prescod
Humanitarian Award: Sue Van Winkle
Justice Award: Jeff Hammarlund
SPONSORSHIP
The Gold Sponsor is Bambuza Hospitality Group. Bronze Sponsors to date include: Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Augustana Lutheran Church, Beneficial State Bank, Jim and Mary Ann Buck, Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oregon and SW Idaho, Community of Christ – Greater Pacific NW, Robert and Carolyn Cornie, Edlen & Co., Roberta and Lynn Egli, Episcopal Church in Western Oregon, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Oregon Synod, Neil Kelly Co., Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rodney Page and Jan Elfers, Pinnacle Wealth Advisors, Presbytery of the Cascades, SEIU Local 503, and Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
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Read this fall's edition of the VOICE! Click the button below to access a digital version of the VOICE!
Historically, EMO has published a “Guide to Oregon Ballot Measures” during each general election. For the first time since the inception of our voters’ guide, there will be no state-wide ballot measures this fall; therefore, we are not publishing a voters’ guide.
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On July 15, 2026, an amazing night was had at Darcelle XV Showplace, when they hosted Empress Bingo, HIV Day Center Edition!
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came together to support the HIV Day Center for an evening filled with laughter, connection, and community. To our wonderful audience, our dedicated staff and volunteers: thank you for showing up and celebrating with us. Thank you for showing up and celebrating with us. A special thank you to those who continue to support the mission and legacy of the HIV Day Center. Events like this remind us of the power of community, compassion, and coming together for a great cause.
Sad you missed this awesome event? There is another chance to hang out with the HIV Services. Every year, HIV Services comes together to put on a free breakfast acknowledging World AIDS Day. Save the date for Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. Time and place will be announced very soon.
| | EMO has been in the news a lot lately! Take a look! | | Second Home was featured on the front page of The Oregonian! Read the article HERE. It's also available | | The governor of Oregon, Tina Kotek, visited NEFP and held a roundtable about SNAP benefits in Oregon. Read more HERE | | NEFP and three other food pantries were the recipients of over a ton of food gifted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read more HERE. | | To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar. | | Sustainable Ministry: How to Lead (and When to Nap) | | |
Sustainable Ministry: How to Lead (and When to Nap) Speaker: The Rev. Margaret Marcuson, author of Sustainable Ministry
When: Sunday, Oct.11, at 5 p.m.
Where: St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 1704 NE 43rd Avenue, Portland
The challenge: Ministry is tougher than ever. The old ways no longer work, and it’s hard to know how to move forward. What to do? Leadership isn’t about technique. It’s about you—bringing your best, God-given self to your unique role in the church and the world. Margaret will share some ways to do just that (which might include taking a nap).
| | Join William Temple House in making a statement on Medicaid cuts | | |
As an on-the-ground mental health clinic and free food pantry, William Temple House is seeing firsthand how SNAP cuts and upcoming Medicaid cuts are already affecting our community. In the run up to the elections, they are launching a Call to Action, asking people to stand with us in support of strengthening Medicaid and SNAP.
An estimated 200,000 Oregonians could lose access to healthcare, including mental healthcare, starting this January due to changes to Medicaid. Here's what they are asking of you:
WHAT: Join in a visual demonstration supporting Medicaid and SNAP. Make a statement that these support systems matter; we can't look away from the impacts of these cuts. Participants will be filmed for an advocacy video highlighting the growing need for mental healthcare in Portland.
WHO: They need all people, all ages. Join us, bring your family and friends, and share with your network.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct.22, 3–4:15 p.m. (please arrive 5 minutes early)
WHERE: William Temple House, 2023 NW Hoyt St.
Register for free and find more details here. Please RSVP by Oct. 9 if possible.
Please be prepared for rain. By participating, you consent to being filmed.
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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.
EMO has been named a "Top Work Places" by the Oregonian since 2024.
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