The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

2025 Convention Resolutions Forum
2025-10-20 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
October 20, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
The Resolutions Committee will host a Zoom forum on all resolutions on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 pm. Proposers of resolutions will be on hand to answer questions for clarification and add additional background information as needed. The forum is not a time for formal debate or amendments.
Zoom link: https://ecww-org.zoom.us/j/97138810886?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 971 3881 0886
Passcode: [REDACTED]

2025 Preconvention Budget Hearing
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
October 21, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Learn more about the 2026 budget from members of the Budget and Finance Committee.
Zoom link: https://ecww-org.zoom.us/j/92691133783?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 926 9113 3783
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Depolarizing Ourselves Introductory Workshop: A First Step Toward Civil Engagement
2025-10-22 18:30 - 20:15 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
October 22, 6:30 pm
Civil discourse requires mutual respect. Respect, not agreement, is an essential key for a healthy discussion. This workshop addresses how we may inadvertently be complicit in, or possibly even encourage, polarization.
What is the Depolarizing Ourselves Introductory Workshop?
The Depolarizing Ourselves Introductory Workshop is designed to help you lessen the effects of polarization when you encounter them in your political conversations. Note that by “polarization,” we are not referring to healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy. We are talking about how we regard and talk about large groups of ordinary people on the other side of our own politics as if they were enemies.
This is a group session that is approximately 1.5 hours long. It is led by a volunteer Braver Angels Facilitator. Braver Angels is a non-religious organization that develops educational tools to build bridges between people divided over politics. We also partner with religious and other groups who use our tools in the context of their own traditions.
Goals
To teach participants:
How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”.
How to interact without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population.
In our current political climate, much of our conflict stems not from healthy disagreement over policies, issues, or philosophy. Instead, it’s created by the often emotional, rancor-escalating, and highly polarizing conversations that we typically have with others. Braver Angels has created our Depolarizing Ourselves Workshop to help you reframe how you view the other side in the face of disagreements around politics. Successfully ‘taming’ our inner polarizer starts with recognizing our tendencies around harmful generalizations about the other side. This requires acknowledging how we often attribute negative intent and motivations to the other side without first trying to understand them.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Weekly Online Welcoming & Centering & Prayer
2025-10-24 12:00 - 13:00
Fridays, starting September 19, 12:00 pm
$20 Suggested Donation to Sacred Waters
Weekly Online Interspiritual Group Contemplative Practices beginning Friday, September 19, via Zoom. Welcoming Prayer meets Fridays from 12:00pm PT to 12:30pm PT. Centering Prayer meets Fridays from 12:30pm PT to approximately 1:00pm PT. Fee: $20/month for either or both sessions. Register to receive the Zoom link.
Though contemplative practices are often thought of as solitary endeavors, community is a very important component in supporting our individual intentions. Whether you’re an experienced contemplative or just starting to engage, you’re welcome to join in!
Welcoming Prayer is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in our physical and emotional reactions to events and situations in daily life. The purpose of the Welcoming Prayer is to deepen our relationship with God through consenting in the ordinary activities of our day — “consent-on-the-go.”
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.
Facilitator: Sylvia Sepulveda is a longtime longtime practitioner, organizer, and facilitator of contemplative group practices. She offers spiritual direction, dreamwork, retreats, and art-based workshops through Secret Garden Practices (https://secretgardenpractices.com/).

Saint Mark's Music Series presents: Mass Appeal
2025-10-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
October 24, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Tickets: $25 General, $20 Student/Senior
Mass Appeal
Cappella Romana with the Portland Youth Philharmonic Camerata
David Hattner, guest-conductor
Brace yourself for a sonic experience that stirs the soul and lifts the roof. Stravinsky’s Mass is bold, modern, cool—utterly mesmerizing. Bruckner’s Mass answers with lush, soaring harmonies and awe-inspiring grandeur, featuring double choir, reeds, and brass. Performed in collaboration with the Portland Youth Philharmonic’s chamber orchestra, Camerata PYP. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a cathedral of sound. An electrifying concert that will move both heart and soul.
On the program:
Mass for choir and double wind quintet by Igor Stravinsky
Mass in E minor for double choir, reeds, and brass by Anton Bruckner

Diocesan Convention
2025-10-25 | Online
October 25
Save the date for the 2025 Diocesan Convention. More information to come.

Family Pumpkin Night
2025-10-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Redeemer, Kenmore, 6210 NE 181st St., Kenmore, WA, 98028, United States
October 26, 6:00 pm
Enjoy an evening together as we do these things: share a meal, carve pumpkins, hear a Halloween story. Costumes are encouraged. This is a potluck in which pumpkin-inspired dishes are encouraged! This event is BYOP: Please Bring Your Own Pumpkin for your family to carve. Redeemer provides the carving instruments. Pro tip: Save time by “gutting” your pumpkin before you come. All are invited.

Book or Treat
2025-10-31 17:00 - 19:00 | St. Timothy, Chehalis, 1826 SW SNIVELY AVE., CHEHALIS, WA, 98532, United States
October 31, 5:00 pm
St. Timothy Chehalis is open from 5-7 PM on Halloween. We offer free books, free treats, and a warm break. All are welcome. We believe God loves us all. No exceptions.

The Challenge of White Christian Nationalism: What It Is, What Our Faith Says, and How to Respond
2025-11-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Snohomish United Methodist Church, 2400 Lake Ave, Snohomish, WA, 98290, United States
November 1, 10:00 – 11:30 am
White Christian nationalism is a loose political movement that uses religious claims to disguise it’s racist, authoritarian, aggressively exclusionary ideology. It’s claim that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation and should be governed according to Christian values is simply a tool to be used to achieve its political ends, rejecting pluralism and inclusivity. It seeks to maintain the dominance of white men in political, cultural, and social life. It represents the greatest threat to democracy and the free exercise of religion – including our Episcopal expression of Christianity – in our nation’s history. In this gathering, we will explore this movement’s roots, describe it’s reach, and offer some tools to respond to its attacks.
This free event is sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church, Christ the King ELCA, First Presbyterian, and Sno’ United Methodist Church, all of Snohomish, and is keynoted by The Rev. Nigel Taber-Hamilton, St. John’s priest-in-charge.

The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman's Visitation to St. Matthew, Tacoma
2025-11-02 | St. Matthew, Browns Point/Tacoma, 6800 Eastside Drive NE, Tacoma, WA, 98422, United States
November 2, 2025
The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman’s Visitation to St. Matthew, Tacoma

The TERRA exhibit at Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
2025-11-02 - 2025-11-23 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
Through November 23
A 24-foot museum-grade Earth globe is suspended from the central beam in the cathedral nave through November 23. This awe-inspiring exhibit is co-produced by Revival Gatherings and Orbis Globes, in collaboration with Saint Mark’s.
The power of the TERRA Exhibition is in opportunity to experience the “overview effect,” a profound shift in human consciousness previously only made possible by viewing the earth from outer space—when Commander Frank Borman first glimpsed the blue-green marble from Apollo 8, he exclaimed, “This must be what God sees.”
Every weekday during the period when the globe is on display, the cathedral will be open and accessible to the public from 12–5 p.m., and it will form a moving backdrop both for regular weekly offerings (including Compline and Cathedral Yoga) as well as special events. Learn about what’s coming up at saintmarks.org/terra.

A Family Series: The Health and Spirituality of Childhood
2025-11-02 16:45 - 18:15 | Epiphany Parish, Seattle, 1805 38th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122, United States
1st Sundays – October, November, December, March 2026, and May 2026 – 4:45 pm
$25/family per session or $125 total/family
Parents naturally prioritize their child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being—but true balance includes spiritual health, too. It’s time we make that a priority.
Join Epiphany Parish for this year’s Family Series, a five-part journey exploring the wholistic well-being of children. Through engaging sessions led by featured experts, families will dive into topics ranging from navigating kids’ big questions about God to understanding the deep connections between body, mind, and spirit.

Contemplative Worship in the Spirit of Taizé
2025-11-02 17:00 - 18:00 | St. Andrew’s, Seattle, 111 NE 80th St., Seattle, WA, 98115, United States
Clear your mind and enter an inward place, with meditation, song in Taizé style and eucharist. The first Sunday of each month, 5:00 pm.

Choral Evenson for the Feast of All Saints
2025-11-02 17:30 - 18:30 | Trinity, Everett, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA, 98201, United States
November 2, 5:30 pm
Traditional Anglican Choral Evensong, presented by the Rector and Choir of Trinity Parish, Everett.
Works by Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Healey Willan and others.
Presided by the Rev. Rachel Taber Hamilton, Rector
Conducted by David Spring
Assisted by Rev. Walter Knowles, Organist

St. Paul's Holy Land Pilgrimage 2025
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-17 | St. Paul’s, Bellingham, 2117 Walnut St, Bellingham, WA, 98225, United States
November 3-17
Cost $5,250 or $4550 for double occupancy / $350 per day
Because safety and security are our first priority, and there is much uncertainty in the Holy Land now, we feel it best to postpone our November pilgrimage. We hope to be able to take that incredible journey in the near future.
There’s nothing like seeing the Bible in living color! Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, Petra and more. St. Paul’s experienced and local Holy Land team takes pilgrims to places that most groups don’t go. This is a special opportunity to travel with the Rev. Dr. Kamal Farah and Rev. Dr. Jani Wild. The cost is only $350 per day and that includes everything but airfare. There are pilgrimages traveling across Israel, Palestine and Jordan now. Life is normal at the places we visit. Safety is our first concern. Contact us for the link to our Zoom preparation meeting on Saturday, June 14th, at 10:30 am PDT.

Fundraiser for Afghan Refugee
2025-11-04 - 2025-12-31 | Online
Mohammad once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, as a soldier and medic under fire. While working with the Americans, an IED tore through his convoy injuring his neck and face. In the meantime, he’s still waiting for the Special Immigrant Visa promised to him years ago.
Since 2021, he has lived alone, separated from his wife and young children by borders and bureaucracy. He cannot legally work. His savings are gone. The only thing standing between Mohammad and the street is six months of rent in a shared apartment—$5,000 we can raise together.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/supportmohammad

Fundraising for Ukrainian Re-Parole Status
2025-11-05 - 2025-12-31 | Online
Recently, the cost of applying for re-parole to remain in the US legally and be allowed to work, has increased by $1,000 per person. We are raising funds to help offset this cost for families that can’t afford to pay.
One of our clients, Serhii came to the US through the Uniting for Ukraine program in November 2022. Yesterday was his 3-year anniversary of coming to the US. While it was a difficult transition, as he was forced from his hometown in eastern Ukraine after it was destroyed, he is very grateful to be in America. He shared, “I have job, have church and connect with good people. I so happy we have church, house and safety.” This is just one example of the many refugees and immigrants we work with who are grateful to be here despite the uncertainty ahead.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ukrainianimmigration

United We Stand: An Interreligious Prayer Vigil in Troubled Times
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
November 5, 7:00 pm
In this time of trial and struggle, as we confront challenges to our civil society and our body politic, we are at a crossroads of conscience. And though the voices of vitriol and extremism often resound loudly, it is the judicious wisdom of resilient and courageous peacemakers who will lead us through this crisis. Prayerful reflection stands as a hopeful response to the static of cynicism.
Join local religious leaders and fellow citizens who will gather in Seattle’s Saint Mark’s Cathedral at this critical juncture of our nation’s history. In times of crisis, we come together. All are invited to join in this brief non-partisan interfaith service of hope, either in-person or via livestream. We ask you to embrace this moment of contemplation and connection, as we affirm the principles that transcend our differences, and the common cause that will bind the wounds of this great nation.
Event co-sponsored by: Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, St. James Catholic Cathedral, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle, and the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University

The Somatic Enneagram: Listening to the Wisdom of the Body
2025-11-07 18:30 - 2025-11-08 14:30 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
November 7-8
Registration: $65
This two-day workshop invites participants to explore the Enneagram not only as a tool for understanding personality but as a pathway to deeper spiritual awareness through the body. Through gentle practices, reflection, and shared inquiry, we’ll consider how our habitual patterns live within us physically—and how tuning into the body can open us to healing, presence, and the sacred. No prior experience with the Enneagram or somatic work is needed—just a willingness to slow down and listen.
Registration required for in-person or online participation (register to receive Zoom link). Fee: $65, includes materials, snacks, light breakfast, and lunch.
Registration links at https://saintmarks.org/2025/10/the-somatic-enneagram-listening-to-the-wisdom-of-the-body/

St. Augustine's in-the-Woods Holiday Market
2025-11-08 09:00 - 14:00 | St. Augustine’s In-the-Woods, Freeland, 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland, WA, 98249, United States
November 8, 9:00 am
Holiday Market with one-of-a-kind crafts and gifts.
Treat yourself of a homemade lunch!
All proceeds go to support local charities.

Spirituality Resistance and Love: How Our Faiths Can Heal Our Democracy
2025-11-08 12:00 - 14:30 | Grace, Bainbridge Island, 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110, United States
November 8, 12:00-2:30 pm
This county wide event will explore many paths to healing our faiths provide. The main speakers will represent those who attend churches and those who do not. Any form of spirituality is welcome.
The main speakers will be:

Dee Eisenhauer, Eagle Harbor Congregational
Philip Favero, Quaker Kitsap Meeting
Kathryn Lafond, Sufi
Eric Mason, Grace Episcopal

The speakers will be followed by music and poetry and a 20 minute breakout groups to share our concerns and consider our options. Then there will be time for posting insights from the groups and a Q and A with the speakers where participants may vote on which questions will be asked. At the end of the formal event, there will be a coffee hour where registrants can meet one another and confer with representatives from ten groups at tables to help clarify what they may be called to do. Registrants will be provided a resource materials for faiths and democracy. Follow up meetings after the event will be offered for interested parties.

The Rev. Canon Ivar Hillesland's Visitation to Grace, Bainbridge Island
2025-11-09 | Grace, Bainbridge Island, 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110, United States
November 9, 2025
The Rev. Canon Ivar Hillesland’s Visitation to Grace, Bainbridge Island

The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman's Visitation to Christ Church, Tacoma
2025-11-09 | Christ Church, Tacoma, 310 N K St, Tacoma, WA, 98403, United States
November 9, 2025
The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman’s Visitation to Christ Church, Tacoma

The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson's Visitation to Holy Apostles, Bellevue
2025-11-09 | Holy Apostles, Bellevue, 15220 Main St., Bellevue, WA, 98007, United States
November 9, 2025
The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson’s Visitation to Holy Apostles, Bellevue

2nd Sunday Series: Choral Evensong & Organ Recital
2025-11-09 16:30 - 18:00 | St. Luke’s Memorial, Tacoma, 3615 N Gove St., Tacoma, WA, 98407, United States
November 9, 4:30 – 6:00 pm
The tenors and basses of the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir will sing a service of Choral Evensong, featuring music by David Terry, Herbert Howells, Keith Roberts, and T. Tertius Noble. Guest organist, Tate Addis (Asheville, NC), will perform a short organ recital following Evensong, including music by J. S. Bach, Carl McKinley, and C. Hubert H. Parry.

What Happens When We Die?
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
November 12 & 19, 7:00 pm
In the northern hemisphere, the month of November is a witness to the fragility and death of the natural world, a world that includes human beings. In this month, the lectionary readings point us toward the end of all things. In a culture that denies the reality of death, Christian faith offers a significant contrast. Join The Rev. Samuel Torvend, priest associate for adult formation at St. Paul’s, Seattle, as we consider what happens when we die and how the Christian community invites us to prepare for this last calling in life.
To register for these two gatherings, send The Rev. Torvend an email at torvensa@plu.edu with this word in the subject line: MORTEM.

Creation Care Ministry Climate Conversation
2025-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
November 13, 6:30 pm
Preparing for a Creation Care Christmas
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration with Christmas trees and ornaments, special foods, family celebrations, presents and more. The spike in shopping and energy usage also has a big impact on climate change. We’ll discuss the impact of Christmas and the holiday season on climate, creation care practices for a more meaningful and less impactful Christmas, and how to make sure the reason for Christmas is at the center of our celebrations.

Thin Places: Climate Change and Seeing Earth Whole
2025-11-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, 1245 10th AVE E., Seattle, WA, 98102, United States
November 14, 7:30 pm
Join Saint Mark’s Cathedral for a compelling public conversation with the Rev. Lisa Graumlich, Ph.D., a distinguished climate scientist and ordained deacon.
Held in conjunction with the Terra exhibition—a 24-foot rotating replica of the Earth suspended in the nave—Dr. Graumlich’s talk will explore how climate change reveals our world as a single, interconnected system. She will discuss the “thin places” where science and faith converge, showing us that our climate crisis demands not just new technology, but new eyes to see the Earth whole. The evening will be introduced by Dean Steven Thomason and will feature an extensive Q&A.
Dr. Graumlich is professor emerita of environmental and forest science at the University of Washington, who has served as the dean of the UW College of the Environment and as the president of the American Geophysical Union. She is also a deacon in The Episcopal Church.
Come early or stay late for a Community Resource Fair, with representatives of community, government, and faith-based groups focused on creation care and climate justice, who will have tables set up in the nave. All are invited to visit the information tables before the presentation begins, 6:30–7:30 p.m., or after the conclusion of the Q&A.

2025-2026 College for Congregational Development Saturdays
2025-11-15
Third Saturdays Starting in September
Registration for The College for Congregational Development Saturday Sessions is now open! We will be meeting on the third Saturday of every month starting in September and wrapping up in February 2026. If you have any questions please reach out to Matt Koski, mkoski@ecww.org.
Register here: https://dioceseofolympia1551.formstack.com/forms/2025_2026_6x1_college_for_congregational_development_registration

African Transformative Conference
2025-11-15 11:00 - 18:00 | St. Columba’s, Kent, 26715 Military Rd S, Kent, WA, 98032, United States
November 15, 11:00 am
African churches are some of the fastest growing in our diocese. Join our 6 African congregations and ministries to celebrate and share our diverse cultures and ministry contexts. The Office of Multicultural Ministries & Community Transformation invites all of the diocese to this exciting event!
Tentative schedule:
– 10:30 am – Check in, coffee
– 11:00 am – Opening Eucharist & Welcome
– 12:00 pm – Lunch
– 1:30-4:00 pm – Cultural Sharing & Workshops
– 5:00-6:00 pm – Dinner
