Let us turn to prayer in the face of evil, a reflection from Bishop Akiyama
Dear friends in Christ,
You may have noticed that I tend not to react to the latest news item by immediately writing an article or posting on social media about the event. It is not that I don’t have an opinion, I usually do. But I don’t believe my vocation as your bishop is to voice my opinion about every newsworthy item. My call is to reflect on events from a theological and faith-centered perspective and to offer a way to comprehend the world as a Christian seeking wholeness and healing in a broken world.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine rises to the level of such a reflection. While we have already consumed more than we can absorb about the geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian implications of this aggressive act, the matter that disturbs me most is the undeniable presence of evil that has brought about this nightmare. It is always dangerous to level the word evil against a person or a system. So often the word is used as a form of name-calling, or to categorize and then dismiss a force that has us feeling helpless. The indiscriminate and careless use of the word “evil” removes the sober and somber function of its meaning. Rightly applied to our human condition, “evil” names the shadowy and maniacal reality that we really have no better word to describe.
The heartless and cruel killing of innocent citizens is evil. The complete lack of compassion for the lives of millions who have already suffered, to say nothing of those who will suffer if the violence continues, is evil. A psychological perspective asserts that Putin is unstable mentally – that he is a malignant narcissist. I would add that this diagnostic information, however accurate it may be, does not help us find our way through.
It is no mistake that evil is referenced in our Baptismal liturgy twice. In the Baptismal Examination (BCP p. 302) we are asked, “Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?” And later in the Baptismal Covenant, we are asked, “Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?” The questions reveal to us just how vulnerable we are to the forces of evil. They also suggest that in order to renounce or resist evil, we need to know how to identify it. The quickest way to identify evil is to notice the absence of compassion, forgiveness, and love. The presence of these qualities make it nearly impossible for evil to take root. And the surest way to develop the capacity for compassion, forgiveness, and love is through prayer.
Many of us are seeking ways to help Ukraine. It is frustrating to feel helpless in the face of such destructive power. We must certainly do what we can to offer our help and support. I also want to remind us that prayer is a significant way for us to resist the evil powers of this world. Prayer has the power to transform us, our relationships, and our communities. Prayer is a generative engagement with the Holy Spirit; it is alive and enlivening. Prayer allows us to become quiet in order to hear what God is calling us to be and do. Even in the midst of the forces of evil, prayer calls forth a strength and clarity that shines brightly and casts out the darkest of fears.
If we are going to identify evil, let us then fall to our knees in fervent and unceasing prayer:
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon us. (BCP page 148)
Blessings,
Bishop Diana
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Ways to assist Ukrainians from Oregon:
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Continue to pray for Ukraine and those in danger.
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Collect for Peace from the BCP: Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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The Oregonian published this article with ways that Oregonians are supporting Ukrainians from home.
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Episcopal Relief and Development is working closely with Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT Alliance) to provide assistance, as well as utilizing their International Disaster Response Fund. You can find out more about making a donation here.
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New TENS Theme for 2022 and password
From The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS): "The theme for our 2022 Stewardship Campaign Resources is More Than Enough. As we emerge from this period of disruption and isolation in our congregations, we have felt the pain and frustration of distance, of diminished resources, and of our ability to connect in the ways to which we are accustomed. However, as we take inventory of our spiritual resources, the strength of our community, and our capacity for generosity, we realize that there is now, and always has been, More Than Enough."
Your new password to access the resources for 2022 is Luke9:17
Please note, the password is case sensitive and there are no spaces.
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Parochial Reports were due March 1 online
If you need assistance reporting or need help finding your login credentials, please contact pr@episcopalchurch.org or 212-716-6159.
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Learn to speak Spanish in Cuernavaca this summer!
Join your companions from the diocese for a two-week Spanish-language immersion program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, July 23 to August 6, 2022, hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Cuernavaca. All levels are welcome. The course is open to up to 16 people. Learn more on our website and contact the Rev. Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence with questions.
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Conversations about the Work:
Join the Engaging Racial Justice Working Group (ERJWG) for an in-depth look at engaging in racial justice through the eyes of activists from around the country. The next conversation will be with Dr. Sandra Montes, Dean of the Chapel at Union Theological Seminary in New York City on Wednesday, March 9. Dr. Montes will host two conversations, uno en español y one in English. You can register below:
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Spring Communication Workshops
Join Alli Gannett, our director of communications, for upcoming workshops covering a variety of communication topics. Workshops begin at 2:00 pm. Registration is required.
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March 15: Canva for Church Communications - register here
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April 19: Church Websites, part 1 - register here
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May 17: Email Newsletters - Constant Contact & MailChimp - register here
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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March 3 at 10:00 am: Standing Committee Meeting
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March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7 at 7:00 pm: Lenten Book Study hosted by St. Thomas, Dallas online
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March 5 at 9:00 am: March Deacon Meeting with Bishop Akiyama (Register here.)
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March 5 at 10:00 am: Cursillo Zoom Ultreya Gathering
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March 6 at 1:30 pm: Columbia Convocation Meeting
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March 6 at 4:00 pm: Oregon Wind Quintet hosted by St. Paul's, Salem
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March 6 at 4:30 pm: Organ Recital: David Pickering from Kansas State University, hosted by Trinity Cathedral
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March 6 at 6:30 pm: Community Taize Gathering hosted by St. Luke the Physician, Gresham
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March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6 at 7:00 pm: Wednesday at the Commons: Lent Term hosted by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
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March 12 at 9:30 am: Retreat: Forgiveness- Resolving Resentment (Rob Voyle) hosted by Trinity Cathedral
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March 12 at 10:00 am: A Beloved Community Story: Learning from APANO
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March 12 at 10:00 am: Diocesan Council Meeting
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March 14 - 18: House of Bishops
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March 15 at 2:00 pm: Canva for Church Communications Workshop - register here
Ongoing invitations:
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Thursdays at 2:00 pm: Communications Office Hours with Alli Gannett, Director of Communications. No registration is required, join here.
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Fridays at noon: Say Their Names at St. David of Wales, Portland, to honor and lament the black and brown people killed by racial and police violence.
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Fridays at 6:00 pm: Volunteer at Rahab's Sisters ministry every Friday night, beginning at 6:00 pm at Ss. Peter & Paul/Ss. Pedro y Pablo, Portland.
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Today we pray for...
In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (DOWNLOAD):
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Brookings: St. Timothy Bernie Lindley, vicar; Linda Lee, deacon.
- Cave Junction: St. Matthias
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Coos Bay: Emmanuel Patti Hale, rector.
In the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer (DOWNLOAD):
The Diocese of Kibondo – The Anglican Church of Tanzania
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Clergy calls with Bishop Akiyama:
The next call with be Tuesday, April 5 at 8:15 am. The link to the call information can be found here.
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March Deacon Saturday Conversations with the Bishop
Deacons are invited to join Bishop Akiyama this Saturday, March 5 for the next conversation. The online gathering will begin at 9:00 am and conclude at 12:00 noon.
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Renewal of Vows and the Blessing of Holy Oils
Register today for one of the upcoming Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Holy Oils services. Lunch will be provided following the service.
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April 13 at 11:00 am - Church of the Resurrection, Eugene. Register here.
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Spring Clergy Conference:
The spring in-person Clergy Conference will be April 25 - 27 at the Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton. All active clergy are expected to attend. There will be a separate email with information regarding the Clergy Conference coming soon. Questions? Reach out to Carol Sedlacek.
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH |
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Episcopal Church Foundation Fellowship Applications Open
Since 1964 ECF has awarded over 225 Fellowships to individuals pursuing advanced academic studies and special ministries with the aim of educating and equipping future lay and clergy leaders.
ECF is pleased to announce that the application for the 2022 Fellowship is now open! Learn more and apply online. Applications are due on June 10, 2022.
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Educational Scholarships from The Episcopal Church
Applications are being accepted for a wide variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is April 10. All applicants must be Episcopalian.
The scholarships—derived from annual income of more than 45 trust funds established through bequests to The Episcopal Church—range from assistance for children of missionaries, bishops and clergy to individuals seeking theological education and training. The maximum award is $10,000 per student.
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