April 2022
The angel then showed me the river of life-giving water, clear as crystal, which issued from the throne of God and of the Lamb and flowed down the middle of the streets. On either side of the river grew the trees of life which produce fruit 12 times a year once each month; their leaves serve as medicine to heal the nations. 
Revelation 22:1-2
Greetings!
 
Throughout many of the source documents for the world’s religions, all that nurtures creation is honored, especially water—the living waters, the cleansing waters, the baptismal waters. Even the last chapter of the New Testament offers the image of flowing, life-sustaining water for the trees of life whose leaves will ultimately heal.

This month, many of us will wash off the dust of wandering in the wilderness. Others will be fasting or seated at different tables—the Iftar meal throughout Ramadan; the last supper and the Eucharist of Easter; the seder during Passover. Through precious ritual and remembrance, these soul-nourishing events are coinciding this year during Earth Month, which takes place every April.

For the last 40 to 100 days, participants have been following Lenten wisdom about God’s creation from Rev. Janet Parker, Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin, Dr. Randy Woodley, Rev. Dr. Mark Brocker and many others, introduced to us through EMO’s Creation Justice “Green Circles” program, coordinated by Cherice Bock.

Our questions now: How do we commit to inspired ways to move Earth and all its inhabitants with an urgency toward shalom? When do we take up the ecological cross, as Rev. Dr. Brocker implores, and sacrifice the more destructive aspects of our indulgent consumerist way of life, behaviors and choices contributing to the climate crisis? How do we ensure climate resiliency as a personal ethos and practice? How best to support the people and organizations furthering the mission and critical policy changes?

How do we learn from one another and accomplish this all together to stem the destruction and heal our Earth? All of this to ensure its life-giving water, clear as crystal, continues to flow?
Blessings,
The Rev. Andrea R. Cano (she, her, ella)
Interim President
Give to EMO’s Creation Justice
In honor of Earth Day 2022, we invite you to join us in financially supporting our Creation Justice program. You can give right HERE. One of the best ways you can support our work is by becoming a monthly donor. When giving online, select “make this a monthly gift.” 
 
Through education, relationship building and spiritually grounded action, our Creation Justice program brings people of faith and goodwill from across Oregon to care for creation at the congregational, local and state levels. Give today to support this vital work.
Legislative victories during Oregon's Short Session
In March, Oregon's 2022 Legislative Short Session came to a close, with key investments made and policy victories secured. There were political disappointments and missed opportunities as well. 

Outcome of legislative agenda bills supported by EMO:
 
  • Passed (60-0 in the House, 25-2 in the Senate): HB 4013 Homeless Youth Services and Support expands eligibility for crucial housing and higher education supports for houseless and formerly houseless youth as they transition to independent living. View EMO testimony.
  • Passed: SB 1579 creates an Economic Equity Investment Program to support economic stability and wealth-building for marginalized Oregonians. Read EMO testimony.
  • Passed: SB 1560 updates immigration terminology in Oregon law to replace the word "alien" with "noncitizen."
  • Passed: SB 1510 requires police officers to inform stopped persons of their right to refuse consent for a search.
  • Did not pass, unfortunately: HB 4099 would have established a Racial Equity and Justice Youth Collaborative.
  • Did not pass, unfortunately: SB 1539 would have established a pilot program for school districts to increase access for students experiencing houselessness. Read EMO testimony.
  • Passed: HB 4002 Farmworker Protection ensures farm workers receive overtime wages after working 40 hours a week, and that their lives are valued by extending overtime guarantees for their labor. Read EMO testimony.
  • Passed: SB 1518 Reach Codes allows Oregon cities the freedom to choose climate action by opting into stronger energy efficiency building standards. Read EMO testimony.
  • Passed: SB 1536 Emergency Heat Relief Package provides funding for emergency warming and cooling shelters during climate emergencies, as well as heat pumps and other cooling devices available to low-income Oregonians and those in vulnerable neighborhoods. Read EMO testimony.
  • Passed in the House but not considered in the Senate: HB 4115 would have created treasury transparency of climate-related financial risk to assets held in the state’s investment funds. Read EMO testimony.

Learn more about the 2022 session and EMO's other key legislative efforts during the 2021-2022 legislative cycle at emoregon.org/advocacy-action.
Upcoming Events
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.
Sunday, April 24, beginning at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church in downtown Portland.
Join us in walking to the waterfront and back to First Christian Church to raise money and awareness about food insecurity in our community and the world. CROP Hunger Walks are community-based fundraising events held in cities and towns across the United States, created to support the global mission of Church World Service, a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will benefit EMO's Northeast Emergency Food Program! Grab a friend, neighbor, or co-worker and join us! Learn more and sign up.

Sunday, May 1, 2 - 3:30 p.m. (Zoom)
This year’s film for Faith Climate Action Week through Interfaith Power & Light will be YOUTH V. GOV, which shares the story of young people suing the U.S. government for violating their constitutional right to life, liberty and a livable future. Several of the youth plaintiffs highlighted in the film are from Oregon. Learn more about the film. To join us for a virtual discussion about the film, sign up to receive the Zoom link.
Save the Date: Dining Out For Life on Aug. 2-4
Dining Out For Life (DOFL) occurs in over 50 cities around the United States and Canada for one purpose—to support persons living with HIV. It was created to ensure there is access to medical care and support services for those living with HIV. Portland’s DOFL is a partnership between OHSU’s Partnership Project and EMO’s HIV Day Center. Together they serve over 1,000 clients throughout the Portland metro area. Learn more.
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 about the positions below and how to apply.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org