When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We’ve braved the belly of the beast, we’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always just-ice.
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In a time when cynicism and despair rule the day, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s poem, "The Hill We Climb," read at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, brilliantly expresses her undying hope for our shared future even in the midst of the sorrow and tragedy that the world has experienced in recent years.
May Amanda’s words inspire us to never give up on this “unfinished” but not “broken” vision of a nation that can evolve, “if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it.”
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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Feb. 16 (Fat Tuesday), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ EMO's Northeast Emergency Food Program (4800 NE 72nd Ave., Portland)
You are invited you to a special Mardi Gras Fundraiser! Get authentic King Cake direct from New Orleans, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans n' Rice, and more. You can stop by for a "grab and go" hot lunch, or pre-order online for the best value.
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Feb. 16, 2021 @ 8 - 9 a.m.
You are invited to virtually gather with workers, local faith leaders, and the rest of the Jobs with Justice community, as we gather to hear powerful stories and celebrate this vibrant and resilient community! Due to Covid-19, the breakfast will be held over Zoom to prioritize safety. Tickets are $10, but no one will be turned away if unable to pay. Register now.
February 21 @ 10 a.m.; Feb. 24, March 3, March 21 @ 7 p.m.
Come walk the path to peace with justice for Palestine/Israel. This Lenten series begins with Palestinian Tarek Abuata preaching virtually by Zoom at Ainsworth United Church of Christ, followed by four Wednesday evenings. Each of the four evenings will be a combination of film on the Palestine/Israel conflict, readings, prayers and a responder to questions. The UCC Palestine Israel Network resolution A Declaration for a Just Peace Between Palestine and Israel will be provided as a study piece. A Palestinian, Israeli or American role will be provided for your private reflection to walk with through Lent. Download PDF with full details. Sign up for this Lenten Zoom Experience.
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Support African-American businesses this month and every month |
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February is Black History Month, and it’s a good reminder that there are many different ways to support communities of color across Oregon.
Start with thinking about your own personal/family budget: where does your money go? What are the businesses you support through your regular spending, and how do those choices reflect your social values? Here at EMO, we encourage you to support businesses owned by people of color this month and every month.
View listings of businesses owned by African-Americans in the Portland metro area and throughout Oregon. These lists are by no means complete, but take it upon yourself to learn more about the businesses operating in your local community, and let your spending reflect your values.
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Water Is Life: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs needs your help |
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On May 31, 2019, the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs approved an emergency disaster declaration due to immediate health threats resulting from a 14-inch water main line break in the Shitike Creek. Because of public utilities capital maintenance deferment over the last few decades, today -- over a year into rolling water outages and a boil water notice across Oregon’s largest reservation -- there is still no relief in sight.
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Employment Opportunities at EMO |
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Staff Attorney, SOAR Immigration Legal Services
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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
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