We should practice gratitude daily. In Spanish, Thanksgiving is Accion de Gracias—or actions of appreciation. Each of us has a way in which we know how to express or act on gratitude. The power and impact of an action to recognize and appreciate another is one that we have all felt—be it at school, at work or in any relationship. | |
I am very grateful for the staff at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO). There is no doubt that any of our staff could be in the private sector with better benefits, but instead they’re here, at a local nonprofit, because they care about the work that we know will make our community a more inclusive and equitable place to live. What we give does outlast what we keep.
Our board of directors gives of their time, and their legacy has been a guiding light for EMO as we look to take on the challenges in the most ethical and compassionate of ways. I appreciate what each member of EMO’s diverse board brings to challenge us to be better for others. We do more than act in charitable ways, we seek to do justice.
I am grateful for the many volunteers who keep our food pantry operating, assist newly arrived refugees to navigate enrolling their children in school, or teach English as a second language. They define what successful inclusion means at EMO.
So many lives find hope because of the generous donors whom they will never meet. They act humbly to honor the beauty of life by giving with little acknowledgement.
To each of you who give in your own unique way, I am in gratitude.
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Frank So
Executive Director
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Furniture Drive for Refugee Families
*$150 will furnish an entire home!*
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EMO's Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees is holding a furniture donation drive for our refugee families. With a gift of $150, you can help a family furnish their ENTIRE home with needed furniture such as dressers, tables and chairs, beds, and more!
How is this possible? Thanks to a partnership with between SOAR and Community Warehouse, refugee families can select any furniture they need during a scheduled appointment. The cost of these appointments is a mere $150!
To contribute to "Home for the Holidays," you may make a secure online donation of $150 at emoregon.org/soar/donate; in the comments field, write “Community Warehouse Appointment.” You may also write a check to Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees for $150; in the memo, write “Community Warehouse Appointment.” Send (or drop off) the check to SOAR, 7931 NE Halsey St., Suite 314, Portland, Ore. 97213.
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Read EMO's latest VOICE newsletter | |
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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World AIDS Day Lunch
Dec. 1, 12 to 1 p.m (doors open at 11:30 a.m.), at Montavilla United Methodist Church, Portland.
Join us for the annual World AIDS Day Lunch Fundraiser for EMO’s HIV Services! The lunch is free. Donations encouraged! All contributions go towards sustaining EMO’s HIV Services in its mission to support those living with HIV/AIDS. If you cannot attend, please consider making a secure online donation to EMO’s HIV Services. Learn more & RSVP!
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Advent Awakening Retreat
Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Eugene.
Join this area-wide interfaith gathering with retreat leader Debie Thomas, who will lead three sessions with reflection, writing and conversation. Lunch is included; $20 donation is suggested. Hosted by the Eugene-Springfield Episcopal Churches. RSVP to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at (541) 689-4010 or info@stmatthewseugene.com.
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Clean & Affordable Energy Conference
Dec. 6, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Doubletree by Hilton, Portland.
The NW Energy Coalition has earned a reputation for organizing and hosting some amazing conferences that focus on clean and affordable energy and climate justice. This year, its conference will take place in Portland, and its keynote speakers and panels look excellent! Learn more about the conference and register.
EMO is proud to be a long-time member of the NW Energy Coalition, an alliance of over 100 environmental, faith, civic and human service organizations, progressive utilities, and businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The Coalition’s mission is to “advance clean, equitable, and affordable energy policies by leveraging our analytic expertise and convening a broad alliance of people and organizations.”
If you are involved in a faith community that is a member of EMO, you can register at the lower membership rate, since EMO is both a NW Energy Coalition member and a Community Partner for this conference. We hope to see you there!
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Thank you to all who attended EMO's Love in Action Gala on Sept. 19! It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, love and community. We are excited to announce that we raised more than $140,000! Funds raised will support the social justice initiatives of EMO. View the Gala photo album.
Watch the "Love In Action" video (debuted at the Gala) featuring EMO's direct services putting love in action.
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Oregon Faith Communities & Climate Resilience Report | |
During 2023, EMO's Creation Justice and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light programs partnered with the ELCA Oregon Synod on this study, with the help of a summer internship cohort. The study was partially funded by a grant from the Oregon Health Authority. Thanks to everyone who participated!
We reached out to faith communities across the state to find out what you're already doing regarding care for the Earth, social action, and disaster preparedness. The report shares the study findings as well as a few case studies of faith communities engaged in exciting projects. Download the report.
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Employment Opportunities at EMO | |
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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.
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Second Home: Student Coordinator (Washington Co.), Regional Coordinator (Lincoln Co.), Home Provider Coordinator (Lincoln Co.)
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Slavic Oregon Social Services: Housing Coordinator, Qualified Mental Health Professional
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Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees: Case Manager (Bilingual)
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SOAR Immigration Legal Services: Managing Attorney (Affirmative Program)
EMO has been named one the 2023 "Top Work Places" by the Oregonian.
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