The Episcopal Church in Western Washington
Greetings, People of the Diocese of Olympia. I’ve long been a fan of the author, Belden Lane, and he is the author of an important book in my life entitled, “The Solace of Fierce Landscapes,” which by the way is the best title of a book ever. In that book, Lane talks about the connection between desert or wilderness spirituality and what he himself experiences during his many walks and hikes in the wilderness. About this, Lane quotes late 19th
“In my experience, times of transition are emotional times, times when we can bounce around between feeling grief, confusion, excitement about a new thing about to happen, all within moments of each other. If you’re feeling any or all of these things, know that it’s normal, at least that’s what I tell myself.” Bishop Skelton offers her greetings as she begins her time as Bishop Provisional for the Diocese of Olympia, as well as her approach to serving as Bishop
On his last official day in the office, we held an impromptu unveiling of Bishop Rickel’s portrait for the Diocesan House Council Room. You can watch the video here and see the portrait in-person at the Office of the Bishop!
Merry Christmas, Diocese of Olympia, and all who may be watching. This annual celebration of the birth of Jesus is also an invitation, an invitation for us to open our hearts and allow Jesus to be born there as well. At the culmination of Advent, that period of waiting, watching, reflection, and anticipation, comes the Savior of the world and the Savior of our souls. As we gather together with those we love, families born and those chosen, we give
Greetings, Diocese of Olympia and all who may be watching. Advent and a new church year is upon us. It’s always hard to believe for me that it rolls around so quickly. Over our years together, I’ve told you how much I love Advent, because a year starts, but also I’m kind of disappointed when it comes that we don’t often celebrate it in a way I believe it was designed. I don’t believe it’s a mini-Lent. It’s not designed
A Message from Bishop Rickel July 15, 2022 Bishop Rickel reflects on his time as Bishop of Olympia and shares plans for the future. Transcript of Bishop Rickel’s Video Letter from Standing Committee Note: Questions/Comments regarding the Transition Process should be directed to the Standing Committee.
Bishop Rickel offers his reflections on Juneteenth, sometimes referred to as America’s Second Independence Day. “Let this be a day when we celebrate progress, but also a day we don’t let ourselves off the hook for all that remains.”
Talley Breedlove is a Seattle Service Corps Intern and has been working at St. Luke’s Edible Hope Kitchen since this past September. She is leaving us this month and this is a reflection of her time working at Edible Hope Kitchen. I came to Edible Hope as part of my placement with Seattle Service Corps. I am from the Diocese of Western North Carolina which I keep leaving to find opportunities within the church to learn and explore. Before
Last fall, our Diocese overwhelmingly passed two resolutions regarding Palestinian rights. One is a resolution for General Convention that condemns Israel’s occupation and oppression of Palestinians and urges our government to take action in opposition. The other is an Education Resolution, directing us in our own Diocese to learn more about the Palestinian situation. The General Convention Resolution has worked its way through the hearing process and was looking ready to proceed to the Convention floor in July, however new
Alleluia, Christ has risen. The Lord has risen indeed, alleluia. Happy Easter to each and every one of you. Perhaps the highest feast of the Christian life has arrived, Easter, resurrection, new life born out of the old. That’s the hope of Easter, the yearning of Easter, even if, and I would say most especially if, the world itself doesn’t seem to portray it, does not seem to go along, as it were. This is the point really, even out