Our blog and our Facebook page are one in the same. We encourage you to read the feed below and follow us. That way, you can always see what we’re up to and it’ll be that much easier to stay in touch.
HW friends Roger and Kitty recently went to the border to work with refugees. Here's their account.
docs.google.com
The volunteers from Holy Family Parish, Kirkland, WA March 13,2019 Last week Kitty and I welcomed asylum seekers from Latin America on the Texas-Mexico border at McAllen, Texas. "Lazarus teaches us that other persons are a gift. A relationship with people consists in gratefully recognizing ...Join us for for SideWalk's annual Love for a Change gala on March 28th, 2019. A magical evening of drinks, live entertainment, a delicious dinner catered by Nineveh, and the best dessert dash in town! Hosted by Lauren O'Neill, Love For A Change will be a night to remember as our community comes together to declare that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Purchase your tickets today!
There is a code blue for Olympia tonight: 22 degrees out, and the emergency will last about a week. HW folks are encouraged to volunteer if you're able. See link for more info.
docs.google.com
www.iwshelter.org/hwtf-volunteer.html What is the Hazard Weather Shelter Plan? Thurston County coordinates the Hazard Weather Shelter Plan (aka the Winter Weather Response Plan for Winter: 2018 – 2019), intended to provide shelter and other accommodations for unhoused citizens during epis....Come join us on Saturday for: Compelled by Love: A Lenten journey with The Gospel of John - A Pre- Lenten Retreat
-March 2nd
-11:00-4:30, Doors open at 10:30
-Please bring a snack to share
-Brown bag lunch
-All are welcomed!
docs.google.com
Compelled by Love: a Lenten journey with The Gospel of John A Pre- Lenten Retreat With Wes Howard-Brook and Sue Ferguson Johnson March 2nd 11:00-4:30, Doors open at 10:30 Please bring a snack to share Brown bag lunch St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church Suggested donation: $20.00 (or what you ...After a long pause in enforcement against camping, the City of Olympia has officially resumed the practice of sweeping encampments on public property. Here are more details on how to ask Olympia City Council members to pause the sweeps (again) & pursue a humanitarian path forward.
docs.google.com
Just Housing friends and family, After a long pause in enforcement against camping, the City of Olympia has officially resumed the practice of sweeping encampments on public property. The return to this historical practice was first signaled by the completion of multiple sweeps that took place o...All about House Bill 1591, the Homeless Bill of Rights...
docs.google.com
Information and Suggested Talking Points for House Bill 1591 We are reaching out for community support around House Bill 1591, which brings the conversation of ending the criminalization of homelessness to the state level. Those advocating for the bill are referring to it as a Homeless Bill of R...“Code Blue” advisory calls for expanded shelter beds
OLYMPIA – The National Weather Service has issued new forecasting that predicts below freezingweather patterns in the Puget Sound area through February 17, 2019. In response to this predicted weather pattern, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is extending the “code blue”advisory at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 until further notice. The County will assess weather and resources every 72 hours.
During a “code blue”, organizations, including Hazardous Weather Task Force members, take special measures to keep people who are homeless safe by expanding shelter services to accommodate the increased need, offering transportation to shelter for those people in outlying areas, and by offering survival supplies to those who choose to remain outside the shelter system.
“It’s the generosity of our community that make additional shelter a possibility,” said Keylee Marineau, the Thurston County Homeless Prevention Coordinator. “However, providing extra shelter beds in our community for an extended period of time is dependent on the availability of trained volunteers and staff from our partnering agencies. In the event that the extra shelter beds are not possible, we will distribute survival goods to those who remain outside the shelter system.”
During this code blue activation period, expanded shelter options are available at the Salvation Army, 1505 4th Ave. E. Olympia for single men and women. Family Support Center’s Pear Blossom Place, 837 7th Ave. SE, Olympia, is available for families with children needing shelter and Community Youth Services, 520 Pear Street SE, Olympia, is available for youth ages 18-24. Trained volunteers will be providing transportation to shelter, and supplies in cities as well as in outlying areas.
Volunteers and donations of blankets, coffee, creamer, cup of soups, and other snacks are needed. Items can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at, 1505 4th Ave. E. Olympia, after 8:00 p.m. during the “code blue” activation. For volunteer opportunities please visit, www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html or email Keylee Marineau at keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us.
For more information call Thurston County’s Coordinated Entry Shelter and Housing Hotline at 1-844-628-7343.
iwshelter.org
Help support our shelter by volunteering your time and skills. Our volunteers primarily support our staff, assist with guests needs, cleaning, organizing and being available to meet our guests and get to know them. We also need volunteers to help transporThe National Weather Service has issued a forecast for below freezing weather patterns in the Puget Sound area during the next five days. In response to this predicted weather pattern, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is issuing a “Code Blue” advisory to increase shelter capacity beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 3, and extending through 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Please see the attached flyer and distribute to your communities for instructions on how to help whether it be donating food or volunteers. We could not do this without you!
For volunteer opportunities please visit, www.iwshelter.org/code-blue.html or email Keylee Marineau at keylee.marineau@co.thurston.wa.us.
A timely open letter...
bridgetmarys.blogspot.com
25 January 2019 To Members of the Planning Committee for the Clerical Sex Abuse Conference called by Pope Francis: Reverend Hans Zol...Healing ointments ready to go for foot care clients, Mike closes out the kitchen day, and Saima working on feet. More photos available at lacatholicworker.org/
After foot care on Friday we went to Homeboy Industries and met with Fr. Greg Boyle SJ. Homeboy Industries (and Homegirl) helps gang members turn their lives around.
Update from Los Angeles from Saima: "This is the garden at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker Hospitality Kitchen. Today, Friday, was out first day with cloudy but no rain.
Happy feet today."
Quick reminder about the Eye to Eye dinner that is fast approaching on January 25th. Here's the link for tickets: www.iwshelter.org/events.html#2019tickets
The SideWalk newsletter is out. Great photo of a gingerbread house inside...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
I want to thank you all for supporting SideWalk through another great year! While this year has been filled with challenges, together we've continued our work to end homelessness in Thurston County. By the end of the year, we will have helped 269 more people escape the streets of Olympia and move in...Concerned clergy of Olympia stands in solidarity and sorrow with our sisters and brothers of The Lacey Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, which was destroyed by fire early last Friday morning. This is one of several acts of violence committed against local Jehovah’s Witness communities this year. When some are deprived of their freedom to worship in safety, it is a loss not only for their community but for all of us who believe in living peaceably with each other. This violation of our local Jehovah’s Witness Community is a violation of us all.
Arson 'attacks' target Jehovah’s Witness halls in Washington State
nbcnews.com
"How frustrating is it that people who find a solemn place of worship — now it’s being destroyed,” an official said.You are invited to take part in an interfaith Moment of Blessing to respond to the murders of Summer Scheibel, age 23 and Nicholas Olson, age 25 - both of Lacey who died by gunfire on November 17, 2018. The brief service will include readings, non-denominational prayers and an opportunity for those in attendance to speak if they wish. Kathy Baros Friedt of Interfaith Works will lead the service.
There's a code blue this week, given the cold weather. Click on the volunteer calendar below to see what you can do to help.
iwshelter.org
Help support our shelter by volunteering your time and skills. Our volunteers primarily support our staff, assist with guests needs, cleaning, organizing and being available to meet our guests and get to know them. We also need volunteers to help transporInterfaith connection is out...
Sidewalk's newsletter is out...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
It’s time once again for SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village! As part of Olympia’s annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration, the Gingerbread Village at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has become a community favorite. Thousands of visitors each year come to see a stunning variety o...A response to Pope Francis' decision to halt US bishops from voting on sex abuse crisis reforms. Something to ponder...
Why Pope Francis was right to halt the US bishops
international.la-croix.com
Catholic bishops in the US began ceding their teaching authority to fringe groups decades ago. Now that the chickens have come home to roost, a pope has finally stepped in.Community meeting tonight! Click the link for details, including the agenda and relevant notes.
Community Meeting Tonight, Contemplative Mass Saturday
us17.campaign-archive.com
A biting and timely editorial...
Open letter to the US Catholic bishops: It's over
ncronline.org
Dear brothers in Christ, shepherds, fellow pilgrims, We address you as you approach this year's national meeting in Baltimore because we know there is nowhere left to hide. It's over. All the manip...Great workshop this Friday and Saturday on the women of Luke, co-sponsored by HW. And don't forget: Contemplative Mass on Saturday is at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
A bold faced name of centering prayer and inspiration for many in the HW community, Thomas Keating is dead at 95.
Rev. Thomas Keating, Pioneer in Contemplative Movement, Dies at 95
nytimes.com
He willingly went from riches to rags, walking away from privilege to a monastic life, only to be rewarded with spiritual riches.Roman Catholic Women Priests mourn the victims of Saturday's horrific violence at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims and their families, both to those who lost their lives and were injured including members of the Jewish community and first responders. We commit ourselves to working for unity among all people of the United States. We, as a nation, are better than the divisive rhetoric filling our airwaves. As Christians, we have a moral obligation to care for all, especially the most threatened.
Roman Catholic Women Priests focuses on the renewal of the Catholic Church through the inclusion of the marginalized, by ordaining women to the priesthood. RCWP-USA condemns the divisive atmosphere created by the present administration, whereby entire races and faiths are labeled as enemies. We disagree with those who suggest that armed security for schools and houses of worship forms a solution.
We call on the leaders of our nation to end speech which divides Americans and enact laws which ban assault rifles and keep all firearms out of the hands of those who would threaten the innocent.
Kathleen reports that folks in the homeless encampments in Downtown Olympia are in need of first aid supplies,
bus passes, brooms and dustpans, blankets, tents, and basic hygiene supplies. She and others will return to visit the encampments next Thursday with supplies. If people want to donate items they should contact her about where to drop items off.
Sidewalk's newsletter is out...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
If you're a public employee or retiree and you would like to help end homelessness in Thurston County, we encourage you to set up a recurring donation to SideWalk through the CFD. For just $75 a month, SideWalk can get someone off the streets and into a home of their own! Just use the charity code ...In response to the tragic homicide that occurred last Friday evening in our community, Interfaith Works will be holding a moment of blessing on Thursday October 18th at noon. Please join us as we come together to reclaim this place as a place of peace and morn the tragic deaths of two of our community members. Attached is a detailed flyer with more information and directions.
Time to get out the vote...
Sign the Petition: Votes for Women Religious at the Synod
myemail.constantcontact.com
From NCR...
Catholic Women Speak network calls for church reform, focus on women
ncronline.org
The delegates gathering today for the month-long synod of bishops will hear few, if any, women's voices inside their Vatican meeting hall. That's a situation that theologian Tina Beattie wants to reme...James and Janet at the Community Kitchen October 1. (Zucchinis by Pam and Del.)
Tiny House Workshop! Come one come all...
Tiny House Workshop Info Sheet
docs.google.com
Tiny House Workshop The United Churches of Olympia and Evergreen Christian Community are organizing and promoting a Community Workshop on Tiny Houses and Faith Communities in Olympia. When: Saturday October 27, 2018-10-3 pm Where: Evergreen Christian Community or Westminster Presbyterian, Olympia...From the "Another Voice" blog...
The Third Millennial Catholic Reformation
anothervoice-greenleaf.org
September 15, 2018 Melinda Henneberger is an editorial writer and columnist who, reporting from Rome, used to cover Catholic issues for the New York Times. On September 8, 2018, CRUX published and …Sidewalk's monthly newsletter - always worth checking out...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
Do you know a group of people, just like you, who wants to help their community by building houses out of cookies and frosting? We need you to help us raise money to end homelessness in Thurston County at our annual Gingerbread Village event! Save the date for the weekend after Thanksgiving. This Ol...From Catholic Church Reform International...
Newsletter - 11 September 2018
catholicchurchreform.org
To all concerned about the future of the Roman Catholic Church: Conversations are going on in all parts of the world about the most recent reports of clergy sexual abuse of children that have been covered up by Bishops under the pretext of "protecting the image and reputation of the Church." The tr....From Catholic Church Reform International:
To all who are outraged about the abuse within our Church:
catholicchurchreform.org
August 25, 2018 We have remained silent too long. It is time for us, the People of God, regardless of where we are - active Catholic, former Catholic, Christian, and all faiths - to speak out and take an active leadership in bringing us all into the one Body of Christ. No more divisions. We are all....From Diane:
Friends - Please join me TONIGHT in supporting Temple Beth Hatfiloh as they announce their intention to become a Sanctuary Congregation. Our Holy Wisdom community has pledged to stand with and help them in whatever ways we are able. Thanks. Peace, Diane
Press Release: Temple Beth Hatfiloh Announces Becoming a Sanctuary Congregation
docs.google.com
Press Release: Temple Beth Hatfiloh Announces Becoming a Sanctuary Congregation For Immediate Release Contact: Rabbi Seth Goldstein, rabbi@bethhatfioh.org In a brief ceremony to be held on Wednesday, August 29, Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia will announce its intention to become a Sanctuary Co...This never gets old:Free Download of 'We Shall Overcome' song here: www.emptyhandsmusic.org/we-shall-overcome "We Shall Overcome" Music Video by Empty Hands Music, Direct...
Statement from RCWP bishops on Pennsylvania grand jury findings: drive.google.com/file/d/0BwNfb3zoVjfcWHk5dUFWeWlPa1FHLWNaR0NDYlhFaW9HOENR/view?usp=sharing
drive.google.com
From Dr. Rev. Judy Lee's blog...
“Do you also want to leave?”-Horror, Hunger and Hope for the Church
judyabl.blog
Today’s Gospel reading (John 6: 60-69) is a good one to ponder as we experience two recent major events in the life of the Church- the horrific events revealed in the Pennsylvania Report on P…From the New York Daily News...
Advocates of women priests cite scandals to make their case - NY Daily News
nydailynews.com
Advocates of ordaining women as Roman Catholic priests are citing the church's unfolding sex abuse scandals as powerful arguments for their cause, while acknowledging the high unlikelihood of achieving their goal anytime soon.Sidewalk's monthly newsletter...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
After falling so many times, it can be difficult to stand up on our own. So we may need the help of someone else to stand. I volunteer with SideWalk because we are here to help those stand up who might be struggling - even if we have done it before.Side Walk newsletter...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
walkthurston.dm.networkforgood.com
Last month I mentioned that I would be discussing the Providence Community Care Center with you in this newsletter. The CCC is a vital tool for our work to end homelessness in Thurston County. I'd like to take a minute to respond to some common concerns we've heard about the CCC and what the servi...Interfaith Works newsletter is up...
"Women deserve a church where we can see a body like ours break bread at the altar. We have the right to tell our confessions to a priest who understands our lived experiences, and to hear God called names that uphold Her feminine (as well as masculine and gender non-conforming) qualities." -Rev. Christine Haider-Winnett, founder and priest of Via Sophia
For most of us, exercising our right to vote has always been something that was simple and straightforward. But voting rights are regularly threatened. Who hasn’t heard recently about outrageous cases of Gerrymandering, the manipulation of polling places, and the imposition of onerous ID and proof of citizenship requirements? Who isn’t aware of the huge influx of money into politics unleashed by Citizens United? And then there are the serious threats of increased foreign hackers, the unwarranted purging of voter rolls – the list goes on and on.
As Washingtonians we live in a state where serious threats to voting rights are relatively low, but we need to be pro-active about defending them.
Thursday, July 19th, 7-9 pm , Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation's Faith in Action Ministry will host a meeting at OUUC to discuss how we can best organize to do that. In particular we’ll be looking at sponsoring a local chapter of FairVote Washington, and getting behind the implementation of Ranked Choice Voting in our area. Cindy Black, president of FairVote Washington in Seattle, will speak; several local politicians have been invited as well. Please join us! For more information contact faithinactionministr@ouuc.org
When a faith community is targeted with hate or violence we are all harmed. This is a moment when all faith communities without hesitation stand shoulder to shoulder against hate and against violence and fear. The crimes against the Kingdom Halls are under investigation and we don’t know anything about motives or who the perpetrators might be, what we do know is that in this community we respect and care about each other across any religious labels or cultural difference. We strongly condemn this act and stand strong together for unity, not division.
From the Community Kitchen July 2nd: One of our local farmers donated two cases of turnips for us to cook. They were a huge hit with the guests who came, and we ran out in 20 minutes.
The Apostles Creed, immigrant version...
hoppinghadrianswall.com
This was posted to Facebook by Neal Presa, the current moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I’m told it was originally written by Rev. Jose Luis Casal. Fruitful theological food for …The moral imperative to welcome migrant children...
Reverend Jim Martin Discusses the Moral Imperative to Welcome Migrant Children
…
HWICC folks attended the Families Belong Together rally today at the state capitol - Kathleen and David, Donna, Don, Maggie, Tom, and Betty among others. Biblical tradition and universal human rights call us to speak truth to power for immoral acts. Thanks to Rep. Denny Heck, staff from the Northwest Immigrant Rights project, and others for giving voice and calling the 3,000 citizens in Olympia there to continue to act.
From NCR...
Women and LGBTQ people must find solidarity in struggle for a just church
ncronline.org
In June 2017, when Jesuit Fr. James Martin was promoting his then-newly published book Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compa...Diane Whalen at TED (from 2015, but never actually published on this feed before).Institutional religion that denies women’s gifts for leadership is reaching a point of no return. Perhaps those who care about that need to take a step. Dian...
For times when we need hope and a symbol of strength...
Litany of Our Lady of Guadalupe
bridgetmarys.blogspot.com
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was completed in 1978 by Yolanda Lopez. She did a series of images but this one is for activists toda...Three steps forward, two steps back...
Catholics Object to Pope Francis' Claim LGBT Families Are Not Real Families - New Ways Ministry
newwaysministry.org
LGBT Catholic groups have reacted strongly against Pope Francis' recent claim that only heterosexual couples and their children constitute a real family, further complicating the pope's record on LGBT issues.The Vigil against the separation of children from their families at the border is still happening this evening at Olympia City Hall at 7pm. Even if this cruel policy is changed, we still have over 2,300 children, scattered all over the country, separated their parents, some of whom have already been deported. We need to make our voices heard in whatever ways we are able to stop these terrible actions taken in our names. Click for details.
Vigil Separation of Children at the Border 6-21-18 7pm.docx
docs.google.com
A vigil has been organized by Concerned Clergy of Olympia (CCO) and Interfaith Works for this Thursday the 21st at 7pm outside Olympia City Hall in response to the recently implemented federal policy of separating children from their parents at the US border. The following statement has been is...There's a vigil opposing child-parent separation this Thursday. This doc has all the details.
Vigil Separation of Children at the Border 6-21-18 7pm.docx
docs.google.com
A vigil has been organized by Concerned Clergy of Olympia (CCO) and Interfaith Works for this Thursday the 21st at 7pm outside Olympia City Hall in response to the recently implemented federal policy of separating children from their parents at the US border. The following statement has been is...Interesting interview from the Olympia Standard about the state of homelessness in Olympia.
The Olympia Standard #14: Meg Martin and Selena Kilmoyer- Joyful Crone
olympiapoprocks.com
The Olympia Standard interviews Meg Martin and Selena Kilmoyer-- Joyful Crone, about the state of homelessness in Olympia. We discussed how homelessness has evolved over the years, including the population, perceptions, and services.This conference is coming up soon. You can register here: iands.z2systems.com/np/clients/iands/event.jsp?event=11
Our Irish friends are circulating an important petition...
We Are Church Ireland Is Launching this Petition to Pope Francis to CHANGE CHURCH LGBTQI LANGUAGE.
bridgetmarys.blogspot.com
The We Are Church Ireland group, with Ursula Halligan, Padraig O Tuama, and David Norris, is organizing a number of events for lay LGBTQI+ ...Following up on the recent news...
Advocates dismayed by reaffirming ban on women priests
ncronline.org
Advocates for the ordination of women in the Roman Catholic Church said they are "deeply dismayed" by a newspaper article penned by the Vatican's doctrinal chief that reaffirmed the chur...More reaction to the Vatican's women's ordination statement: docs.google.com/document/d/1cQgoX-VX6-BJyoB9lNvbYb5ddoc2c571Ch5jVTsKdKE/edit?usp=sharing
Press Release in Response to Vatican Statement on ban of women priests as "definitive" teaching
docs.google.com
arcwp.org Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests Press Release in Response to Vatican Statement on ban of women priests as "definitive" teaching May 30, 2018 Despite Jesus’ example of Gospel equality, despite 1100 years of church history of women’s ordination, despite the growing accepta...In response to the latest news out of the Vatican, (www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/vaticans-doctrinal-prefect-reaffirms-ban-women-priests-calls-teach...), the writer John Wijngaards has assembled this collection of scholarship supporting women's ordination: docs.google.com/document/d/1yHaqXq3I06sSXzCzP_ByOncrr2OKd0LwC2cABxtHnno/edit?usp=sharing
Vatican's doctrinal prefect reaffirms ban on women priests, calls teaching 'definitive'
ncronline.org
The head of the Vatican's doctrinal office has reaffirmed the Catholic Church's ban on the ordination of women as priests, writing in a new article that the teaching has a "definitive cha...A statement against gun violence, brought to you in part by the RCWP-USA Action Network, of which Diane and Kathleen are a part.
WCC against gun violence (050418).docx
docs.google.com
Women-Church Convergence Statement against Gun Violence The letter below was sent by Members of Women-Church Convergence to the Student Leaders of March for Our Lives in Parkland, Florida. May 4, 2018 Dear Anti-Gun Violence Leaders, We, religious feminists rooted in the Catholic tr...An RCWP write-up in Vogue!
For These Roman Catholic Women Priests, Excommunication Was Only the Beginning
vogue.com
Hundreds of Catholic women priests are quietly leading their own progressive parishes—despite denouncements from the Vatican.You're invited to a fun event for a couple of great causes!Feed the Hungry!
Join your community members for a walk around the beautiful Capitol Lake while supporting those who do not have enough food on their table. Funds directly support two local agencies fighting hunger.
Your complete guide to Easter: docs.google.com/document/d/1e4VBVnrg_TYfBZuyDxwPfdyO-uizvqCuvY3Hq1Q35uU/edit?usp=sharing
2018-72 Hours of Easter Complete Schedule.docx
docs.google.com
2018 Complete 72 Hours of Easter Schedule Including rehearsals, set up and take down Everyone is welcome to participate in all or part of our Easter celebrations that will be held at Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, 6015 30th Ave. SE Lacey, WA 98503. Wednesday March 28th 9:00 am – Set up cha...Some of our members are visiting the LA Catholic Workers space for an annual foot care clinic. See photos and read more at the link. Our volunteers also regularly perform foot care here in Olympia, at Drexel House and the Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter. Thank you volunteers!!!
We Welcome Back our “Washington Clippers” Foot Care Team
lacatholicworker.org
Each January, for two weeks, four to six beautiful, wonderful, and amazing women from Olympia, Washington, travel down to the LACW to care for the feet of the Skid Row poor and homeless. This week they began their ministry and have a fully booked schedule each day Tuesday – Saturday from 7:00 am u...A message from the Roman Catholic Womanpriests Action Network, of which our two priests (Kathleen and Diane) are members:
The Roman Catholic Womanpriests Action Network strongly condemns the vile and racist comments most recently made by President Trump about immigrants from Haiti and Africa. These remarks are appalling and intolerable. We believe that Jesus gave us the example of a life lived for peace, inclusion, and justice.There can be no peace or justice when people are not given the dignity and respect they deserve.
Holy Wisdom members will be visiting the Islamic Center of Olympia - Masjid Al-Nur this Friday January 5th, along with members of St. Benedict Episcopal Church.
Members who wish to carpool, meet at St. Benedict's parking lot at 11:15.
Tentative Friday Program:
• 12:00 PM meet at the west parking lot of the mosque for a welcome briefing
• 12:10 PM enter the community center to hear the call to prayer at 12:15 sharp.
• 12:15-12:45 sermon (English and Arabic)
• 12:45-1:00 observe (or join if you like) the prayer
• 1:00-1:15 mix and mingle with community members
• 1:15-2:00 Q&A circle time and snacks in the community hall (basement)
The address is 4324 20th Way NE, Olympia, WA 98516
islamiccenterofolympia.org.
Please Note the following Etiquette from the Islamic Center:
a. While we do not impose a dress code on our visitors, cleanliness and modesty is appreciated and respected.
b. Men and women pray in separate sanctuaries but on the first Friday of each month we will re-congregate for circle time in the community hall (basement) after the service.
c. We remove footwear on entering the mosque and we do not traditionally have chairs—we sit on the carpet.
d. If you have any in your group with special needs please let us know in advance and we will try and accommodate to the extent possible.
e. If they are familiar with the practice, visitors may join us in prayer. If not they may still observe the prayer but will need to stay towards the back of the mosque as we pray in rows, shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, without any gaps.
Masjid al-Nur | Islamic Center of Olympia
islamiccenterofolympia.org
To request information about us or to tell us about yourself or simply a feedback, please mail, email or call us. Masjid Al-Nur 4324 20th Lane NE Olympia, WA 98516 (maps & directions) Phone: (360) 200-5375 E-mail: info@islamiccenterofolympia.orgHoly Wisdom community members were among dozens of volunteers from all over Thurston County who answered the call from residents of The Jungle -- Olympia's largest homeless encampment -- to participate in a massive cleanup of the property last weekend. Camp residents and volunteers collected and hauled out over 8 tons of trash, which had accumulated over a decade, and returned 100 shopping carts to local stores. All in all the "Jingle of Hope" event was a successful community building event bringing together housed and house-less as partners for a better community. Read more in the blog post by local writer Janine Gates.
“For me, as a Christian, it’s part of the Gospel. The Gospel says that everyone deserves a home. It’s that economic justice that Jesus talked about, and the prophets talked about, and the dignity of all people. I believe God is concerned about the dignity of all people,” said Kathleen Bellefeuille-Rice of Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic Community Church.
“And we were invited! That’s the other thing,” her friend Saima Scott interjected. “Phoenix came to us and asked for help. When someone asks you for help, you can’t just ignore it, you know? I mean, what do you do?”
The Jungle of Hope: Olympia’s Largest Homeless Encampment
janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com
Above: David and Kathleen Bellefeuille-Rice were among dozens of volunteers who helped on Saturday to clean up The Jungle, a wooded are...Enter Into Stillness with Brigid’s Well
Beginning Friday, August 25, Brigid’s Well — a community devoted to silent contemplation and the needs of those who are poor and marginalized — will commence its weekly Enter Into Friday Stillness at 1604 Union Avenue S.E. in Olympia, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome to stop by weekly for just a few minutes, or to spend the day. “This is a time to conjoin our personal spiritual
paths as we prayerfully strengthen our loving vision and transformative practices for world peace.”
Harlequin Productions & Community Kitchen
On behalf of Community Kitchen, all of Holy Wisdom is invited to Harlequin Productions' free showing of August: Osage County on Wednesday, August 23, at 8 p.m. These complimentary tickets are made available in gratitude to all Community Kitchen volunteers and their friends. Please contact Kathleen to reserve your seat(s).
Community Kitchen News
Next Community Kitchen will be Monday, September 4. Contact Kathleen if you would like to help cook or serve. We share cooking chores from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m., and serving and cleanup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Any contributions of garden produce and flowers for dining room bouquets are welcome and appreciated.
CIELO Immigrant Family Fund Potluck/Fundraiser
Please mark your calendars for a potluck/fundraiser supporting the local chapter of CIELO and benefitting South Sound immigrant families. See both pages of the attached flyer for details. At a recent Community Meeting, we as a community chose to take up a second collection for the work of CIELO. This special collection will be taken up at mass on August 25. Thanks in advance for your generous support of our immigrant sisters and brothers.
www.nytimes.com/2016/06/24/opinion/at-the-edge-of-inside.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fdavid-br...
Opinion | At the Edge of Inside
nytimes.com
Organizations have insiders and outsiders, and then there’s a third position.New Book Group
A new book group is forming and we would love for you to join us. Contact Jackie Huetter for more information.
Community Kitchen News
Next Community Kitchen will be Monday, July 3. Contact Kathleen if you would like to help cook or serve. We share cooking chores from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m., and serving and cleanup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Any contributions of garden produce and flowers for dining room bouquets are welcome and appreciated.
Community Kitchen work continues with great joy and enthusiasm. Our crew is honored to serve high quality food to our neighbors in need, as acknowledged by grateful guests and staff alike. While Western Meats continues to sell to us at cost ($130 for 40 pounds of extra lean beef), our funding is now depleted and we are seeking one-month donations from individuals or groups who would like to help. Checks should be written to Holy Wisdom and marked ‘for Community Kitchen meat’. Many thanks for your contributions supporting this ministry.
Open House with Alexander Shaia
Alexander, who worked with our community in 2012, and who inspired our 72 Hours of Easter Celebration, will be in Olympia late June to early July. Tom and Betty will host a reception at their home on Sunday, July 2, allowing an opportunity to visit with Alexander between 1 and 4 p.m. Please bring food to share. Park on the road, unless you are unable to walk down a short but steep driveway. Hope to see you there!
World Peace & Prayer Day 2017: “All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer”
Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota tribe (the “pope of indigenous peoples”) is asking the world to unite in prayer for world peace on Wednesday, June 21, World Day of Prayer for Peace. That day, from sunrise to sunset, Kathleen will open her yard and home to everyone who would like to stop by and pray in silence. Come for 5 minutes or all day and offer prayer in the way of your
3
personal practice. See this video for more information: World Day of Prayer and Peace. Contact Kathleen for questions or directions to her home.
Fundraiser Potluck for CIELO
Please mark your calendars for a fundraiser potluck in support of the Olympia chapter of CIELO, especially those vulnerable to deportation, to be held on Sunday, August 20, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North Street in Olympia. The event is a collaborative effort among several local faith communities including Holy Wisdom, St. Benedict’s, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Michael’s, Sacred Heart and Interfaith Works. Stay tuned for more information!
Capital City Pride 2017
This year, Olympia’s Capital City Pride celebration, in which Holy Wisdom participates, is one day only, Saturday, June 17. The parade begins at noon, but event organizers ask that marchers assemble at the Capital building no later than 11:15 a.m. Prior to the parade, Donna Smith will find out where we can gather as a community and will bring Holy Wisdom banners and a rainbow flag for marchers to carry. Booths will be open from 1 to 6 p.m., although the setup team will arrive earlier. Diane W., Kathleen and Donna will be present at the booth following the parade. If others are interested in helping, please contact Donna. We hope many of you will be there to support this important event!
Community Meetings Suspended for Summer
Community meetings are now suspended for the summer months and will resume with our annual meeting on Sunday, September 17. Watch for details as the date approaches.
Community Kitchen
Our next scheduled date at Community Kitchen is Monday, June 5. Contact Kathleen if you would like to help cook or serve. We share cooking chores from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m., and serving and cleanup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Any contributions of garden flowers and produce are most welcome and appreciated.
Community Meetings
The next Community Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at St. Benedict’s.
72 Hours Evaluation Forms
For those who attended this year’s 72 Hours of Easter, your feedback is an essential resource in planning next year’s celebration. If you haven’t already,
please complete your evaluation forms, attached along with this newsletter, and bring them to mass on Saturday. Or, if you prefer, you can email your own thoughts and comments to Kathleen. Thank you in advance.