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.
Sign on to the Pastoral Letter on the El Paso Shootings
Sign on to the Pastoral Letter on the El Paso Shootings
Mr. President, we recognize that you are a symptom of our decaying moral fabric and you have ignited a modern day wildfire. The coals of white nationalism are always smoldering in our common life, and they have fueled the violence of indigenous genocide, slavery, lynching and Jim Crow. Stop stoking....The IW newsletter is out...
Coming off of a horrible weekend...
Coming Tuesday: This very large youth group from Los Altos, CA United Methodist Church will visit Olympia and perform this show on July 30. A free will offering will be taken to support the work of our Refugee Ministry Team, currently supporting an 8 member family from the DR Congo.
Despite the warmth, sunshine, and summer festivities, Just Housing, local government entities, and other community groups have not slowed down our efforts to address our region's housing and homelessness crisis.
In light of what is happening at our boarders and with the ICE raids, this new song by David Haas can help us in our prayers during this difficult time. It's called: Christ, You Spoke to Us of Children.
Christ, You Spoke to Us of Children (David Haas)
Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Music: Copyright © 2019 by David Haas/Emmaus Communications. Icon by Kelly Latimore ...The latest Walk the Walk is out...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
In 2011, SideWalk launched Coordinated Entry for homeless adults. Coordinated Entry is a vital service. It acts as the single front door for people experiencing homelessness to access housing and shelter programs. This reduces runaround for people on the streets and weaves disparate programs and ser...Interesting article...
Girl power: Vatican 'hid art that showed female priests'
There is "overwhelming evidence" that women served as clergy in the early years of Christianity - and some of the evidence was deliberately hidden by the Vatican, according to ground-brUpcoming Programs at The Priory Spirituality Center...
Weekend Programs | St. Placid Priory
We offer many programs throughout the year. Our weekend programs generally occur on Saturdays from 9:00am-3:00pm. We also have a few weekend retreats that last from Friday through Sunday.Good think piece here...
Ilia Delio:Theology needs radical revisioning | Global Sisters Report
www.globalsistersrepor t.org/column/spirituality-envi ronment/theology-needs-radical -revisioning-56295?utm_source= PANTHEON_STRI...The new issue of A Matter of Spirit is out...
Latest Interfaith Works newsletter is out... mailchi.mp/607111d86ef3/interfaith-works-newsletter
Interesting developments...
Francis: Decision on women deacons cannot be made 'without historical foundation'
Pope Francis announced May 10 that he has given the report of the Vatican commission studying the history of women deacons in the Catholic Church to the global umbrella organization of women religious...May 12 is Vocation Sunday. Celebrate by remembering those who are barred from service.
Vocations Sunday 2019: Where are the Women? | Women's Ordination Conference
Women's Ordination Conference works for women's ordination as priests and bishops into a renewed priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church.Excellent interview
Out on a limb: In conversation with Bishop Patricia Fresen
“Never forget, only dead fish swim with the stream”, said the famous British journalist, writer and public intellectual Malcolm Muggeridge. Muggeridge got to...Interfaith Connection is out...
Bridget Mary Meehan, a Roman Catholic Womanpriest Bishop, offers a description of the sacramental theology that is Holy Wisdom's foundation as an Inclusive Catholic Community.
Rabbi Seth from Temple Beth Hatfiloh has an interesting dispatch from the border...
“In Every Generation:” Notes from the Border
Earlier this week, I stood outside Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, TX. Painted on the exterior wall was a quote from Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1938: “Remember, remember alwa…HW folks at the SideWalk Fundraiser "Love for a Change." SideWalk is a local organization on a mission to end homelessness in Thurston County, WA.
HW friends Roger and Kitty recently went to the border to work with refugees. Here's their account.
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.
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!
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.
All about House Bill 1591, the Homeless Bill of Rights...
“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.
The 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...
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
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
"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.
Sidewalk's newsletter is out...
Walk The Walk - SideWalk's Monthly Newsletter
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
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.
A biting and timely editorial...
Open letter to the US Catholic bishops: It's over
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
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
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...
From NCR...
Catholic Women Speak network calls for church reform, focus on women
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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:
WE SHALL OVERCOME: LOVE WILL RISE AGAIN | nimo patel & daniel nahmod | Empty Hands Music
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
From Dr. Rev. Judy Lee's blog...
“Do you also want to leave?”-Horror, Hunger and Hope for the Church
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
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
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
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...
This Is My Body: My Journey To Ordination As A Roman Catholic Woman Priest
This Is My Body: My Journey To Ordination As A Roman Catholic Woman Priest
No one can take my faith from me. Not even the Pope.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
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...
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
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).
Stepping Forward into Priesthood | Diane Whalen | TEDxOlympia
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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...