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Safe Parking and Temporary Shelters

Safe Parking and Temporary Shelters

From Don Fornoff, Bishop’s Taskforce on Homelessness: The homelessness situation in Western Washington is constantly shifting, meaning what we do to help our unhoused neighbors may require flexibility. That means we may need to provide something different instead of just one type of outreach to keep up with demand. The Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness would like our parishes to consider safe parking/temporary shelter, if appropriate to your parish’s plant, and the situation dictates that we get more people off

Resources from the Diocesan Library for Pride

Resources from the Diocesan Library for Pride

Photo by Lena Balk on Unsplash The following books and resources are available from our Diocesan Library year-round for those looking to explore faith and gender identity. And another vital resource is TransEpsicopal: https://www.transepiscopal.org/ From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ, by Patrick S. Cheng, Seabury Books, 2012 (230.086 Che) A Guide to Gender: The Social Justice Advocate’s Handbook, by Sam Killermann, Impetus Books, 2017 (155.53 Kil) It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health,

A Call for Candidates from the Diocesan Nominations Committee

A Call for Candidates from the Diocesan Nominations Committee

To prepare for elections at Diocesan Convention (October 28, 2023), the Nominations Committee is now calling for candidates to represent our Diocese in two areas: Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee. This year we’re seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: For Diocesan Council: In fulfillment of Resolution 4 passed at the 2020 Diocesan Convention, the Council will conclude a 3-year transition to a new structure including both elected and appointed positions. The positions below will be elected in 2023,

Christ Church, Anacortes: Welcome Sign Honoring Coast Salish People

Christ Church, Anacortes: Welcome Sign Honoring Coast Salish People

From Christ Church, Anacortes: The lovely Christ Episcopal Church in Anacortes was built in 1891 in the style of typical wood-structure churches in the Pacific Northwest. Numerous improvements have been made through the years: stained glass windows were added, a narthex was added, and doors moved, but it has always remained a classical church with a traditional wooden sign on the lawn showing the Episcopal flag and service times. What it has not shown until now is that Christ Episcopal

Going to the Front Lines of Homelessness

Going to the Front Lines of Homelessness

From Don Fornoff, the Bishop’s Taskforce on Homelessness: This past week I was inspired by the story in the Everett Herald of a woman who started her own non-profit to feed people in Everett. To me, that is initiative, commitment, and love. What I take from that is anybody, any parish, can do something to serve folks who need a hand. In this short piece, the Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness understands that planning is necessary to identify what is

Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing is a church-wide resource engaged in racial healing and dismantling racism and other social injustices in our communities. It is directed by Dr. Catherine Meeks and located in Atlanta, GA. We invite you to visit their website at www.CenterForRacialHealing.org and subscribe to their newsletter to learn more. The Circles of Color commend to the diocese the Center’s curated resources and events—the Center is a leader in this space!

News from the Front: On Reducing Homelessness

News from the Front: On Reducing Homelessness

From Don Fornoff, the Bishop’s Taskforce on Homelessness: It is quite evident that homelessness is a national issue, an issue showing up in every state and local jurisdiction. It is complicated and not simply involving people without a place to live. Income disparities, poor and inadequate housing stock, addictions, social disconnections; the list goes on and on. Everything is related. The Bishop’s Task Force exists because we are faith-based, looking to assist the down and out in our communities. We

Diocesan Clergy Finding Themselves in Bremerton!

Diocesan Clergy Finding Themselves in Bremerton!

During this year’s Clergy Conference in Bremerton, our Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Canon Arienne Davison, sent our diocesan clergy on a scavenger hunt around the city, asking them to take pictures of themselves in front of landmarks and notable locations. Take a picture at the Roxy. Take picture of yourself taking a flying leap. Take a picture of you cooking out with Esther. Take a picture with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard War Record. Take a picture at

Clergy Transitions in the Diocese of Olympia

Clergy Transitions in the Diocese of Olympia

It is a time of transition within our diocese, and we have new clergy transitions to announce. The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton has accepted a call into full time Congregational Development and Leadership Formation ministry within the Office of the Bishop, and her last Sunday as Vicar at St. Columba’s, Kent will be Pentecost, May 28. The Rev. Meghan Mullarkey, St. Columba’s Associate Vicar, has accepted a call to become St. Columba’s Vicar and will be installed on June 18.