College of Congregational Development
The College of Congregational Development is a comprehensive training program. It seeks to nurture and develop congregational development practitioners from within existing parish lay and clergy leadership. Most participants are members of teams from congregations within the Diocese of Olympia, however the College is open to other participants and has hosted individuals and teams from other Episcopal Dioceses and the broader Anglican Communion.
Conference Center and Camp
The Diocese of Olympia has two retreat locations. St. Andrew’s House is a residential conference center in Union. Camp Huston is a summer camp and conference center in Gold Bar.
Diaconate
The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments. [from An Outline of the Faith, Book of Common Prayer page 856]
Episcopal Relief and Development
Episcopal Relief and Development is an international relief and development agency and a compassionate response to human suffering on behalf of The Episcopal Church of the United States. Our work to heal a hurting world is guided by the principles of compassion, dignity and generosity.
Faith Formation
The Episcopal Church believes that faith formation is a lifelong process that is unceasing, dynamic, hospitable, and both formal and informal. Individually and communally we are transformed through liturgy, the study of Scripture, learning experiences, and as guardians of God’s creation. The Diocese of Olympia’s Faith Formation team helps individuals and communities grow in faith through:
Children’s Faith Formation
Tools, resources, and events for building and enhancing your children’s ministry.
Youth Faith Formation
Tools, resources, and events for building and enhancing your youth ministry.
Young Adult Faith Formation
Tools, resources, and events for 35 and under ministries.
Campus Ministry
Tools, resources, and events for campus ministries.
Adult Faith Formation
Tools and resources for adult ministry, faith formation, and growth.
Iona School for Ministry
The Iona School for Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia provides theological education and formation for those discerning a call to ordained ministry and for lay leaders seeking deeper preparation for ministry in the Church. Part of the Iona Collaborative of the Seminary of the Southwest, the program brings together study, prayer, and shared learning to form thoughtful, faithful leaders for the Church. Students engage scripture, theology, and the practices of ministry while remaining rooted in their congregations and communities.
Mission to Seafarers
Seafarers play a vital role in our daily lives. We depend on them to bring us food, electronic items, raw materials, and other essential cargo. Raw materials supply our industries and finished goods fill our stores and homes. In addition, we depend on the seafarers to ship our exports overseas to help pay for the imports. Without ships and seafarers, trade would cease and our lives would be almost unrecognizable.
Multicultural Ministries
The Multicultural Ministries and its committees promote and develop a culturally and ethnically diverse diocese. They are dedicated to the support of ethnic and multicultural congregations. The team encourages lay and ordained leadership of individuals of color and builds bridges of mutual respect and understanding between the Anglo and ethnic-minority communities throughout the diocese. The Multicultural Ministries team also works closely with the College for Congregational Development.
Refugee Resettlement Office
The Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office helps refugees and asylees achieve economic self-sufficiency. Our mission is accomplished through resettlement, job placement activities, and business development programs that promote self-employment.
Total Common Ministry
Six churches in the Diocese of Olympia practice Total Common Ministry (TCM), discerning, developing and displaying the gifts for ministry of every member. Rather than a community gathered around a minister, they are a community of ministers.
Underhill House
Located on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Underhill House is a quiet place to pause for prayer or meditation, or simply to come out of the noise of life and gather one’s thoughts.
Committees and Commissions
The Diocese of Olympia has committees and commissions to serve the people of Western Washington.