February 2020
Dear Friends,
 
When I was in the fifth grade, we were assigned to s tudy a famous person who made positive change in the world. I went to the school library and searched for biographies about women. I came across a book that told the story of a remarkable woman by the name of Harriet Tubman.

Born in 1822, Tubman was an American  abolitionist  and political activist. She was born into  slavery , escaped, and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the  Underground Railroad . During the  American Civil War , she served as an armed  scout  and  spy  for the  Union Army . In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the struggle for  women's suffrage .

The story of Harriet Tubman inspired me and truly had an impact on my life. To this day, she is to me, one of the most influential people in history.

Blessings,
Jan Musgrove Elfers
EMO President
Public Witness in the Pews: Climate Justice
Your commitment to social justice is long-standing. With this shared value in mind, we invite you and your congregation to participate in Public Witness in the Pews during Oregon’s 2020 Legislative Session, which began this week and runs through March 8.
 
We urge congregations to utilize the Climate Justice bulletin insert this month to engage your congregation in reflection and action.
 
In addition to the Climate Justice bulletin insert , engage with Public Witness in the Pews 2020 in these ways (or view invitation letter to faith communities ):
  • During your announcement time each week, mention the February 11 Climate Day of Action and the February 14 Youth Homelessness Advocacy Day, both at the State Capitol (more details in the Upcoming Events section below).
  • Place a paragraph in your worship bulletin each week through the end of the Legislative Session, where your congregation can read an EMO advocacy update and learn about advocacy-related events.
  • Host a “Public Witness in the Pews” Sabbath with worship, preaching and teaching focused around faithful public witness.
  • Include information in your denominational newsletters.
 
Be on the lookout for emails about other bulletin inserts, and contact Britt Conroy at bconroy@emoregon.org for more information.
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 .
Oregon Climate Emergency Day of Action
February 11, 12 - 3:30 pm @ the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.
If you show up for one action on climate legislation in 2020, make it this one. EMO will join Renew Oregon with a rally from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Following the rally, EMO will be coordinating people of faith to meet with legislators to talk about care for creation in general, and SB 1530, the bill before the Oregon Senate related to environmental policy. RSVP Now !
February 14, 10 am - 4 pm @ St. Mark Lutheran Church in Salem.
Learn about legislation that will address youth homelessness. We will also have an opportunity to meet with our elected leaders and urge them to make this issue a priority. Lunch will be on your own, but snacks and beverages will be provided. There is no fee to attend; donations are welcome. RSVP now !
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 payment 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.
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.

Save the Dates!
EMO's annual Benefit Dinner & Awards Celebration on May 20 at Hilton Portland Downtown. Purchase your tickets now and save $25 with an early bird discount!
 
2020 Collins Summit featuring Lisa Sharon Harper on Nov. 18 at Portland location TBD. Harper will speak on The Very Good Gospel: How in these politically divisive and turbulent times we as people of faith can come together to create a just peace, to create shalom.
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 Washington County Home Provider Coordinator: Assist the program director in all activities of the Second Home program. Half time position with benefits. Position closes on February 7. View full position description and how to apply .

HIV Day Center Custodian: Provide custodial services for the HIV Day Center and provide assistance and support to other program staff in order to facilitate the daily operation of EMO's HIV Services. Position is 10 hours per week. Position open until filled. View full position description and how to apply .

Second Home Regional Coordinator for Rural Clackamas County : Oversee and coordinate the operations of the Second Home program in rural Clackamas County. Half time position with benefits. Open until filled. View full position description and how to apply .
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org