June 2021
Dear friends,
This will be my final newsletter to you all. I am retiring on June 3 after 18 years at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. [Read "President Jan Musgrove Elfers announces retirement."] It has been such an honor to work alongside so many compassionate and dedicated people over the decades. You have been a source of strength and inspiration.
 
I leave you with a prayer by Irish poet John O’Donohue. This blessing is particularly precious because it was offered to me by a dear friend, The Rev. John Dennis, the day before he died. I hope it brings you encouragement.
 
Beannacht (Blessing)

On the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble, may the clay dance to balance you.

And when your eyes freeze behind the grey window and the ghost of loss gets into you, may a flock of colours, indigo, red, green and azure blue, come to awaken in you a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays in the currach of thought and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you, may there come across the waters a path of yellow moonlight to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours, may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life.

With love and respect,
View "Light in the Tunnel"
If you missed our special online gala, Light in the Tunnel: Stories of Hope and resilience from Oregon’s faith community, on May 19, you can watch it now! Hear remarkable stories and beautiful music from across the state.
 
If you’d like to support the ongoing efforts of EMO, you may give online at emoregon.org/light or via text to give (text the word LIGHT to 855-497-2133). So far, we have raised $39,000, just short of our $40,000 goal. There is still time to give and fill that gap! The Collins Foundation will generously match all new and increased gifts made to EMO by Nov. 1, 2021.
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.
June 4, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EMO's HIV Day Center will be hosting a COVID vaccine clinic (Johnson & Johnson) this Friday, in partnership with Outside In. Walk-ins are welcome or you can register online for an appointment at connect.outsidein.org/vaccine/ Spread the word to anyone who might be interested!
June 5 to 8
EMO's Oregon Interfaith Power & Light is helping organize an interfaith delegation to Minnesota next weekend, June 5–8, for the Treaty People Gathering to stop the Line 3 pipeline that crosses Anishinaabe land and would transport tar sands to market. We have at least seven people from Oregon joining the interfaith delegation, several others from Washington, and over 100 people from the Pacific Northwest. Learn more and register.

If you cannot join the delegation to Minnesota, there are other ways to get involved: host worship, education, advocacy and activist actions; donate; sign letter to President Biden. Learn more.

Personal Freedom thru the 4 Agreements: Virtual Workshop
June 12 @ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Come for a support session from a knowledgeable therapist to learn about Don Miguel Ruiz’s powerful “Four Agreements” and how to use them to make transformations in your life. This workshop will be virtual over Zoom. An email with the link for access will be sent the day of the workshop. Cost: $25 per household. Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is June 11. Register and pay online at nwcounseling.org/services/workshops or call the Northwest Catholic Counseling Center at (503) 253-0964.
Vaccine Fact Sheets for Faith Communities
The Oregon Health Authority has developed three fact sheets for Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faith communities to help address concerns that have been raised surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Frequently Asked Questions surrounding safety of the vaccine are answered, as well as information about the development of the vaccine and quotes from faith leaders in the respective communities. EMO hopes these fact sheets can offer some clarity and guidance for individuals seeking unbiased information from our Public Health officials.

Download vaccine facts for the following faith communities:
Volunteer Opportunity at EMO's Food Services
Volunteers are needed to assist EMO veteran employee Russ Miller with Food Services. Help prepare meals for EMO's HIV home-bound and Day Center clients, as well as residents of the Patton Home. Basic food prep work. Food Services can use volunteers between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Within that time-frame, pick your length of time and hours. If you are interested, contact Lorena at lambriz@emoregon.org or call (503) 221-1054, ext. 201.
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.
 
Case Manager (Spanish-speaking), Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR): Provide effective case management services to Cuban entrant, victim of human trafficking and asylees. Part time (20 hours per week) with benefits. View position description and how to apply. Position closes June 4.

Delivery Assistant—Operations, Northeast Emergency Food Program (NEFP): Assist the program manager in the daily operations of NEFP and fulfilling the mission of NEFP. Temporary, part-time position (30 hours per week). View position description and how to apply. Open until filled.

Legal Assistant, SOAR Immigration Legal Services (Hillsboro): Provide administrative support for Attorneys and BIA Accredited Representatives, and reception for SOAR Immigration Legal Services Hillsboro office. Part time (24 hours/week), with benefits. View position description and how to apply. Position closes June 15.

Legal Assistant, SOAR Immigration Legal Services (Portland): Provide reception for SOAR Immigration Legal Services Portland office and administrative support for Attorneys and BIA Accredited Representatives. Full time (32-40 hours/week), with benefits. View position description and how to apply. Position closes June 15.

Refugee Case Manager (Russian or Burmese speaking), Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR): Provide effective case management services to refugees. This position is full time with benefits. View position description and how to apply. Position closes June 4.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org