January 2020
Dear Friends,

The Rev. Dr. Mark Brocker, in his book Coming Home to Earth , speaks of the Biblical vision of shalom. He says that Jeremiah encouraged the people of Israel to grieve and weep, because “such grief enables them to imagine a new beginning.”

Welfare, in the above verse, is the translation of the Hebrew word, shalom. Shalom, most commonly translated as peace, refers to the well-being of the whole person and well-being in all relationships: with God, with other humans, and with Earth and all its creatures.

As we enter a new year, I pray that we may envision and help to bring into being the future that God envisions—one of shalom. What is the transformative work that needs to be done both inwardly and outwardly that will lead us to a changed world?

Blessings,
Jan Musgrove Elfers
EMO President
Say No to War: A Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Peace
Our country is lurching closer to war. The values of faith we share call us to be peacemakers and live by faith, not fear. However, we have a president who is inciting violence on our border, in our country, and across the world. President Trump’s latest decision to recklessly assassinate the military commander of Iran will cause more violence and bloodshed in a region already facing endless wars.

Join us today, January 6, at 6 p.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church (4033 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland), as others gather around the nation (even in front of the White House). We will gather as people of faith and goodwill to #PrayForPeace . We will hold a moment of silence for our world leaders and our siblings across our nation and world who live amidst violence. Read a statement from vigil organizers .

We must come together to pray for peace everywhere. The time is now for people of faith and goodwill to join together to denounce violence and embrace peace. We hope you can join us on this evening.
Join us for advocacy opportunities during the 2020 Legislative Session
As part of the Renew Oregon Coalition, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon invites you to climate advocacy events on January 13 and February 11.
Grab some friends and join us! Our legislative leaders have ONLY ONE opportunity to take action on our climate crisis in 2020, and it is already at risk! We need your help to make a clear stand for strong climate policy!
 
First Stand for Climate Committee Hearing
Monday, January 13, anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, at the State Capitol (900 Court St NE Salem, 97301) Room # 343. RSVP now .
 
Oregon’s Climate Emergency Rally in Salem
Tuesday, February 11, 12 pm, at the State Capitol Building in Salem. RSVP now .

Join us at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem at 10 a.m., Friday, February 14, for Youth Homelessness Advocacy Day.
As Oregonians of faith, we care deeply about the most vulnerable, especially Oregon's children. Yet, Oregon has the highest rate of K-12 homelessness in the country, and the second-highest rate of youth who are homeless and separated from their parents. At this advocacy day, we will hear about legislation that will start to address youth homelessness, and we will have an opportunity to urge our elected leader to make this issue a priority. Snacks and beverages will be provided! RSVP now .
Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing: A Forum & Resource Fair
On Jan. 30, a ll faith-based organizations in the City of Portland with interest in developing affordable housing on their property are invited to attend Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing: A Faith Forum and Resource Fair, cosponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) and the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

The event will be hosted at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church ( 5828 NE Eighth, Portland) , from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free, but reservations are requested.
Upcoming Events
To learn more about upcoming EMO and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar . If you would like to submit an event for our website, please fill out our online Event Form .
Hearing the Cries: Healing Injustice
March 6 & 7 @ First Presbyterian Church, Newberg.
The summit brings a holistic lens to being in relationship with our justice-involved neighbors: helping people of faith and goodwill, in the words of Bryan Stephenson, “get proximate” with those members of our society who have lived experience of the justice system. We hope to frame participants’ understanding of the “issue” of criminal justice as a matter of faith in action. Learn more and register .
Save the Date: Dining Out For Life
April 30
When you dine at a participating restaurant on April 30, between 20 to 35 percent of your bill benefits EMO’s HIV Day Center and OHSU’s Partnership Project . Both organizations work closely together to provide vital programs and services to individuals living with HIV in the Portland Metro area. Learn more about Dining Out For Life.
Annual Drum Major Celebration
January 18 & 19 @ Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in Portland.
The celebration is a two-day event honoring some of the City’s most promising students and most venerable leaders dedicated to humanitarianism, social justice, equity, and civil service. Hosted and sponsored by Portland’s historic Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, the celebration is scheduled for the weekend immediately prior to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Salute to Greatness scholarship and civic awards luncheon will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall, while the Empower the Dream interfaith gathering and speaker series will take place on Sunday, January 19, in the Church Sanctuary, from 2 to 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both programs and donations are encouraged for both events.

Jan. 19, 2 to 4 pm @ Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland.
Join us at Oregon Coalition of Christian Voices’ Annual Legislative Forum, where Oregon state senators, house members and advocacy representatives will be the panelists discussing plans for the next legislative session. Topics will include Environmental Justice, Criminal Justice, Revenue, Housing and Human Services, and Education.This is your chance to hear from the people making our laws and to make your voice heard.

Safe Harbor
March 1, 4 - 6 pm @ Alberta Rose Theater in Portland.
Performance by the Resonance Ensemble. Sliding scale fee to attend the performance ($5-30); give whatever you can. Learn more and reserve tickets.
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 .
Second Home Regional Coordinator for Rural Clackamas County :

Oversee and coordinate the operations of the Second Home program in rural Clackamas County. Recruit and support students and volunteer home providers in/near specified school districts. Perform Second Home outreach and fundraising. Network with staff from the school districts, other agencies, congregations, civic organizations, and businesses to meet the needs of and support students referred to the program, raise funds, and spread awareness regarding youth homelessness, and promote and contribute to the development and growth of the overall program.

Half time position with benefits. Position closes on January 15. View full position description and how to apply .
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org