Bishop Akiyama’s Message on the Potential Reversal of Roe v. Wade
Dear Friends in Christ,
Many years ago, I heard a reflection about wealth in which the speaker said, “For me, wealth is all about choice – having the freedom to choose.” He was framing the notion of material wealth not by the size of a bank account but by the way in which one is able to enjoy options from which to choose. Choices about how we want to live into our humanity and how to be more fully alive are at the core of Jesus’ teachings. He invites, illustrates, beckons, and instructs us on what it means to choose to follow him. The power of one’s faith is in the power of choosing, for oneself, a relationship founded on God’s abundant grace and love.
Every human being deserves the abundance of choice over their lives, their relationships, their bodies. Restricting the ability to exercise choice over one’s own body is to deny them the fullness of living into their humanity. It is a form of impoverishment – reducing abundance for some over others.
It is deeply disturbing that women and our bodies continue to be the substance on which societal fears are worked out. The denial of a woman’s right to choose is the work of those who are blind to the diverse forms of poverty that plague women’s lives every day. I will be deeply grieved at any ruling from the Supreme Court that allows us to turn our backs on the right of a woman to live fully and freely into her call as God’s Beloved.
Please pray with me for our justices, courts, and elected leaders.
In Christ,
+Diana
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Episcopal Church statement on reports concerning Supreme Court case pertaining to abortion
[Office of Government Relations, May 3, 2022 - Link here] Since 1967, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” In light of the recent report about a pending decision in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, The Episcopal Church reaffirms our commitment to “equitable access to women’s health care, including women’s reproductive health care,” which we view as “an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.” The Office of Government Relations will continue to advocate at the federal level to protect reproductive rights.
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Almighty God, who sits on the throne judging right: We humbly beseech you to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of you alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Courts of Justice, BCP 821
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Bishop Akiyama and Alan Murray in online conversation - May 10
This Tuesday, May 10 at 3:00 pm PST, the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing will host a panel discussion celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month featuring Bishop Akiyama and Alan Murray, Co-Chair of our diocese's General Convention deputation and Co-Chair of the Asian Caucus of the Deputies of Color.
You can register for the virtual conversation here.
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Bishop Akiyama to participate in Train of Tears in Hood River, May 13
Next Friday, Bishop Akiyama will join folks from the Riverside Community Church in Hood River for "Train of Tears," an event recalling and reflecting on the anniversary of the internment of Japanese-American. "Eighty years ago, more than 400 Japanese-American women, men, and children from the central Gorge community were forced from their homes, loaded into railcars at the Hood River train station and sent to internment camps." Reads the event's press release, available here.
The program begins at 11:30 am on Friday, May 13, and will feature exhibits and the installation of a peace pole in the community. Download the flyer here.
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It’s Time to Register for Camp
Episcopal Week at Suttle Lake Camp is July 18-23, 2022.
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Elementary Week 1 Camp - Click here to learn more & register campers currently in 3rd-5th grades.
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Mid-High Summer Camp - Click here to learn more & register campers currently in 6th-11th grades.
Cost: Subsidized Rate: $545 | Full Rate: $615 (A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to hold your spot. This deposit will not be refunded but may be transferred to another session.) Scholarships are available, up to $200 per camper, please email the Rev. Carol Sedlacek to learn more.
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St. James Music Press Grant Deadline, June 30
The St. James Music Press (SJMP) will award a $1,000 grant to a church starting or revitalizing a music program. The purpose of this grant is to support new programs or established music ministries that are adding a new element by offering resources and professional support. The deadline for applications is June 30.
Learn more about the grant and apply online here.
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Presiding Bishop's visit to our Diocese
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will visit our diocese from September 10 - 12, 2022. His visit will take him from Portland to Lincoln City to Eugene. This visit is an opportunity for him to meet with individuals and groups from across the diocese to learn about our ministries in a variety of local communities, lead us in worship, and experience the beauty of our state.
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Conversations about the Work with Dr. Luhui Whitebear on Wednesday, May 11
Join Dr. Luhui Whitebear for a conversation on engaging racial justice and her work as the Center Director, Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws at OSU on May 11 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. This conversation is the final conversation of the series hosted by the Engaging Racial Justice Working Group (ERJWG). Register here!
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The Flowing Light of The Spirit, ECW 30th Anniversary Spirituality Day - May 28
Join the Episcopal Church Women of the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon for their Spirituality Day at St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville on Saturday, May 28 from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
To view a schedule, and workshops, and to access registration please visit the diocesan ECW website.
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Holy Land Pilgrimage: October 8-19
The Rev. Sara Fischer and the Very Rev. Nathan LeRud are leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from October 8-19, 2022. Please note that the registration deadline has been extended through May.
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Diocesan Staff Virtual Office Hours
Join one of the three weekly Diocesan Staff Virtual Office Hours:
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Tuesdays at 2:00 pm - The Rev. Chris Craun, Missioner for Thriving Congregations (link to join here)
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Thursdays at 1:00 pm - Derek Moyer, Missioner for Lifelong Formation (link to join here). *He will not have office hours on May 12*
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Thursdays at 2:00 pm - Alli Gannett, Director of Communications (link to join here)
You can email Derek, Chris, or Alli to set up specific meetings outside of these office hours.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
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May 5 at 10:00 am: Standing Committee Meeting
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May 7 at 10:00 am: Cursillo Zoom Ultreya Gathering
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May 8: Happy Mother's Day 💐
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May 8: Bishop Visitation to St. Luke's, Grants Pass
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May 10 at 3:00 pm: The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing's online conversation Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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May 11 at 7:00 pm: Racial Justice Speaker Series: Dr. Luhui Whitebear, Center Director, Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws at OSU. See above for more detail and registration.
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May 15: Bishop Visitation to Church of the Resurrection, Eugene
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May 15 at 6:30 pm: Community Taizé: Solidarity with Ukraine, hosted by St. Luke the Physician, Gresham
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May 16 at 7:00 pm: Virtual Labyrinth Walk, hosted by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
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May 17 at 2:00 pm: Communications Workshop - Email Newsletters (Constant Contact and MailChimp) led by Alli Gannett, Director of Communications. Please register for the workshop here.
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May 20 at 7:00 pm: Crozier Memorial Organ Concert: Lynne Davis hosted by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
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May 21 at 9:00 am: In-person Mini-Retreat Contemplative Prayer in Prisons, hosted by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
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May 21 at 10:00 am: May's Holy Hike at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro, please RSVP at HolyHikesNWOregon.com
Ongoing invitations:
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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):
- Cottage Grove: St. Andrew. Lawrence Crumb, vicar.
- Dallas: St. Thomas. Fred Heard, vicar.
In the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer (DOWNLOAD):
The Diocese of Leeds – The Church of England
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Clergy calls with Bishop Akiyama:
We will be taking the next few months off of the monthly calls with the Bishop. The next call will be Tuesday, September 6 at 8:15 am. The link to the call information, found here, will remain the same.
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Clergy Conference Evaluation & Resources
For those who attended the Clergy Conference last week, please remember to fill out the evaluation form on our website.
Also on that page, you will find Dr. Mandy's PowerPoint and a list of resources.
Photo: Congrats to the winning team of Trivia Night!
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FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH |
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United Thank Offering: Over $1M awarded in creation care grants
[Office of Public Affairs] More than $1 million in United Thank Offering grants—designated for 22 projects related to creation care within The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion—was approved by the church’s Executive Council during its April meeting.
The funds came from the United Thank Offering’s 2021 Ingathering, where monies collected in UTO “blue boxes” at Episcopal churches throughout the year are gathered as thank offerings.
This year’s focus for grant applications was “Care of Creation: Turning love into action by caring for God’s creation to protect the most vulnerable—who will bear the largest burden of pollution and climate change—through justice, advocacy, environmental reparations, or the development of fundamental materials.” Continue reading here.
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Episcopal Relief & Development launches matching gift campaign to benefit children
[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal Relief & Development is kicking off a campaign to benefit the organization’s work with children worldwide. Two steadfast donors have generously offered to match each gift for the organization’s work with children until May 26, 2022, up to $300,000.
In a recorded message, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, invited supporters to give to Episcopal Relief & Development, noting, “Early intervention in the life of children has an impact on the child, the family, the community and the world.” Continue reading online.
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