“... I tell you this--to break your heart, by which I mean only that it break open and never close again to the rest of the world.” Mary Oliver |
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In the month of April this year, Passover (March 27-April 4), Easter (April 4) and Ramadan (April 13-May 13) are observed/celebrated. Blessings to each of you who observe one of these holidays!
The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear to humanity what we too often deny—we are inextricably connected to one another. Our fates are tied together, and we ignore the common life we share at our own peril. Spring brings hope that we are slowly coming out of a long quarantine into a new reality. We have weathered a difficult year of heartbreak, suffering, isolation and loss. What the “new normal” will look like will be revealed in time.
Our statewide faith communities have been tremendously resilient and creative in the midst of hardship. Thank you for continuing to live out your commitments to love God and to love one another, regardless of the circumstances. I pray that our hearts have been “broken open” in this past year—so we can love the world more fully.
I would like to end this month’s message by paying tribute to a dear and beloved friend, The Rev. Don Frueh. Don passed away last month. He was a faithful EMO Board member and blessed all who knew him with his love and light. We miss him terribly.
In love,
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Jan Musgrove Elfers
EMO 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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EMO's spring fundraiser: Light in the Tunnel
May 19, 7 to 8 p.m.
With the theme, “Light in the Tunnel,” this virtual free event will feature stories and songs from across the state that highlight the kind of work being done in communities of faith to serve others and carry the banner of hope and love for all people. Learn more and register.
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2021 Interfaith Advocacy Day
May 25
Virtually attend issue briefings and workshops on advocating for legislation on issues such as housing, hunger, health care, immigration, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform and climate justice. Following the briefings, join virtual meetings with state legislators. Free. Learn more and register.
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Youth Leadership Academy to End Gun Violence
April 10 - May 1
Lift Every Voice Oregon’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) to End Gun Violence brings together youth activists and leaders (ages 14 and above) who support common sense laws and policies that are effective in reducing gun deaths and injuries. Attendees will learn about leadership, gun policy, and activism from other youth activists, community and faith leaders, academics and elected officials. This is a free, virtual Zoom event, which will take place this spring over the course of four Saturdays: April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Pacific). To participate, please register online using the following link no later than Friday, April 2: Sign up from.
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Beginning Monday, April 5, the Oregon Health Authority will allow clergy to be vaccinated as a part of the frontline worker group (paid or unpaid).
Frontline workers are individuals who have a job that puts the individual at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 because of:
- Regular close contact with others outside of their household (less than six feet); and
- Routine - more than 15 minutes per person(s) - close contact with others outside of their household; and
- They cannot perform their job duties from home or another setting that limits the close or routine contact with others outside of their household.
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2021 Oregon Legislative Session |
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During each legislative session, EMO's goal is to empower people of faith with the advocacy tools they need to put their faith into action.
To add your voice and your values to our public conversation, sign up for updates on the issues that are most important to you. Visit our Calendar of Engagement with a list of key dates for the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session, as well as events and opportunities to get involved.
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Employment Opportunities at EMO |
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Administrative Support Specialist | EMO is seeking a dedicated, responsible, detail-oriented individual with a positive attitude and highly productive work ethic to support our staff and keep our central office running smoothly. Full-time (32 hours per week); full benefits. Positions closes April 8, 2021. View position description and how to apply.
Legal Assistant at SOAR Immigration Legal Services (Portland)
Provide reception for SOAR Immigration Legal Services Portland Office and administrative support for Attorneys and BIA Accredited Representatives. Full time (32-40 hours/week, non-exempt), with benefits. Position closes April 9, 2021. View position description and how to apply.
Office Manager at SOAR Immigration Legal Services (temporary) | Provide supervision of support staff, develop and enforce policies and procedures, and provide administrative support to the Director of Immigration Legal Services. Full time; temporary six months with possible extension. Open until filled. View position description and how to apply.
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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