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Dear Michelle,
We often live so fast that we don’t take time to pause to discern. Honestly, at times when I see injustices, I lose hope; it's easy to give up.
This was the case I observed when St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church was ordered by the City of Brookings to stop feeding the hungry. My initial thoughts were: How sad this work is being stopped. If you don’t want to help, don’t. But stopping those who do want to help the hungry is absolutely ridiculous.
I could not wrap my mind around how local leaders would take this action against a service that helps their community and neighbors. Fortunately, a federal judge sided with St. Timothy’s Church and stated that this work is core to the Episcopal Church and urged Brookings City officials to recognize that homeless individuals are not “vagrants,” but citizens in need.
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The Rev. Bernie Lindley, vicar of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church | |
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Last week, I had the chance to spend the day in Brookings with The Rev. Bernie Lindley, vicar of St. Timothy’s, who leads their social justice work. I was inspired by the fact that Father Bernie never lost hope during this frivolous attempt by the City of Brookings to stop his call to serve. An important lesson from my discussion with him is that we cannot give up. We must pause, pray, discern – and in that contemplation, grow our relationship with God towards doing good.
We hope to celebrate Father Bernie’s work at EMO’s Love in Action Gala (see details below). This is what matters. Let us continue to raise up those who bring others up!
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Frank So
Executive Director
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Celebrating 50 Years: 1974-2024 | |
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon! In recognition of this milestone, we asked each of the former EMO executive directors (Rev. Dr. Rodney Page, David Leslie and Jan Elfers) the following question: What was the greatest accomplishment and the biggest challenge during your time as executive director? Read their responses.
This article was featured in the Spring 2024 issue of the VOICE. Read the full newsletter.
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Finding affordable housing for refugees in the Portland metro area has become increasingly difficult. To help address this need, West Hills Covenant Church restored a cottage on church land to house newly arrived refugees. The congregation has built a strong partnership with EMO’s Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) to provide a temporary home to refugee families. Church Pastor Rev. Stephanie Mathis recently shared more about the project (read now).
If you are interested in offering temporary housing for a newly arrived refugee family, please contact Jenna Eliel at SOAR, (503) 284-3002, ext. 114, or jeliel@emoregon.org.
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To learn more about upcoming EMO events and faith community events, visit our Event Calendar. | |
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May 11 at McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, Ore.
Have you ever been a part of a cult, high-control group or relationship? You are not alone. Join this one-day event for a day of education, healing and community. Sponsored by Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE); EMO is a cosponsor. The cost to attend is $45, which includes lunch catered by the venue. Register now.
Listening Across Difference: An Introduction to Transformative Dialogue
May 11, 9 to 11 a.m., at Reedwood Friends Church, 2901 SE Steele St., Portland.
In our polarized climate, it's all too easy to slip into the trap of trying to change the minds of those we disagree with. Transformative Dialogue is a set of techniques to improve our skills at engaging with difficult conversations. Continental Breakfast included. Free to attend. Learn more and register.
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May 29, 4 - 6:30 p.m. at Ecotrust, 721 NW Ninth Ave., Portland, Ore.
Please join us in celebrating hope for immigrants as well as the recent accomplishments of EMO's SOAR Immigration Legal Services (SOAR Legal). SOAR Legal has been providing culturally competent, immigration-related legal representation and education to refugees and immigrants with limited income throughout Oregon for over 30 years. Tickets are $50 per person and include hearty appetizers and two drink tickets. Reserve now.
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Election Violence Prevention
June 6, 7 - 8:30 p.m., at Reedwood Friends Church, 2901 SE Steele St, Portland.
This free event will be part lecture and part interactive, with follow-up resources suggested. It will draw on best practices for election violence prevention as developed internationally. The focus will be on how ordinary people can take specific actions to apply these strategies in their own communities. You’ll also hear about some of the underlying mindsets that make this work possible. No reservation required. View flyer to learn more.
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Save the Date: EMO's Love in Action Gala
Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Sentinel Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, Ore.
At this year’s annual fundraiser, we will celebrate EMO’s 50th anniversary! The gala supports our vital services for the most vulnerable in our communities: refugees and immigrants, people experiencing food insecurity, low-income people living with HIV, unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence. We will also honor extraordinary individuals and organizations whose courage, moral vision and commitment to action have contributed profoundly to making Oregon, and the world, a better place. Reserve tickets. Learn more about Gala Sponsorship opportunities.
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Career 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 careers page for more details about the positions below and how to apply.
- Creation Justice Coordinator
- Human Resources Manager
- Pantry Associate, NE Emergency Food Program
- Pro Bono & Strategic Initiatives Counsel, SOAR Immigration Legal Services
EMO has been named one the 2023 "Top Work Places" by the Oregonian.
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