News & Announcements (Page 16)
Packing with Dignity!
Backpacks hold more than school books and hiking gear! A generous and faithful group of women from St. Philip the Deacon have been sewing and filling 200 string backpacks with personal care items for men and women. The brainchild of Viola Horton, each bag is filled with the specific needs of men and women in mind. The completed bags are then sent to the HIV Day Center run by the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Thanks to seamstresses Viola Horton, Sarah…
Invitation from the Commission to End Racism
The Commission to End Racism would like to invite the people of the Diocese of Oregon to participate in one of two forums next week with the Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Brokenleg, Episcopal Church Center staff officer for Racial Reconciliation. There will be two forums, one designed for lay persons and the other for clergy. The Rev. Brokenleg will share resources and support for the people of our diocese as we, as followers of Christ and the Way of Love, respond…
The People’s Pantry Needs You!
Volunteers wanted for emergency “shopping style” food pantry operations. The Hand Up Project operates The Peoples Pantry, a “shopping style” emergency food pantry. St Philip the Deacon hosts The Peoples Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. The Peoples Pantry also operates out of the Q Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The Peoples Pantry is looking to expand its presence at St. Philip the Deacon by offering weekly shopping. Additional volunteers…
Racial Equity at the Portland Police Bureau and Across America
“I Can’t Breathe” Michael J. MontgomerySt. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by members of the Minneapolis Police Department, demonstrations have been held throughout the world. All of these demonstrations include one major theme; “Black Lives Matter”. George Floyd, a forty seven year old African-America, was arrested on a charge of allegedly purchasing a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. During the arrest, Floyd’s hands were secured behind his back with a…
Statement Against Systemic Racial Violence
We believe that brown and black lives matter. In the face of ongoing persecution and lynching, God stands in solidarity with them. As Christians, we sing with Mary that our “Lord has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52). As followers of Jesus, a man of color executed by the state, we stand with God in solidarity with those who are oppressed. We stand troubled and emboldened by the Spirit, not just to cry out for justice but also to work for systemic change. God loves all; love requires us to practice justice so that we can live in a world where all can flourish without fear.
Background on Efforts to Reform Policing in Portland
Various organizations, including the Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, have been advocating for over a decade for concrete changes to the Portland Police Bureau contract. The current police contract expires in June 2020, with no replacement in place due to slow negotiations and delays from Covid-19.
Celebrate & Evaluate Our Actions Removing Barriers To Affordable Housing- June 10, 6:30pm!
WE’RE ALMOST THERE!Portland City Council Commissioners will vote on the first package of zoning code and map change amendments for removing barriers to the building of affordable housing on faith community land, Wednesday, June 10th at 11am.(Click here for council meeting link info) CELEBRATE & EVALUATEOUR COLLECTIVE WORK AND ACTIONSLEAVEN COMMUNITY COALITION COHORT GATHERINGJUNE 10, 20206:30-8 PMRegister to receive meeting link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuc-qopz8iEtYrHQyxNC5_y207sfnqP3-J After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting fromCovenant Presbyterian Church Land and Housing Coalition Celebration Confirmation Search…
May Housing Coalition Meeting
MAY COHORT GATHERINGLAND & HOUSING COALITIONWEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 20206:30-8PM by Zoom (see login info below) There has been drama getting the code and zoning changes passed that will remove barriers for building of affordable housing on faith stewarded land. We are almost there. Despite our testimony at the May14th City Council meeting, the issue of including the word “affordable housing” resurfaced. Subsequent meetings with policy advisors for the Mayor and Commissioners have shone a spotlight on how power and systems work. We are learning how to…
Rector’s Note: Waiting on In-Person Worship
Bishop Michael Hanley has released guidelines for Reengaging our Buildings and In-Person Worship. The brief version is this: we do not know when we will be reopening. My preference is that we do not reopen until we are all comfortable returning to in-person worship. At St. Philip, the decision to reopen will be discussed by the Vestry. Not only is this because it is important that we clearly discuss our concerns and struggles around this together, but we need to…
Tree of Life: Street Roots
St. Philip’s Tree of Life is our effort to give back to organizations that benefit our community, a commitment we made as a part of our 2019 Annual Budget. Not only do we experience God’s love in and through our parish, we recognize that God’s love is all around us, through organizations and ministries that care for all of God’s creation. Each one of these organizations is close to the heart of someone in our church family, and is supported by our…
Rector’s Note: City Advocacy
As many of you know, St. Philip has been a part of the Leaven Community Land and Housing Coalition. Mtr. Alcena Boozer, Joe Nunn, Hope Keller, Sarah Groshell and Medina Glenn have all gathered to discuss what advocating for Affordable Housing looks like, and how St. Philip might use our land to benefit our neighbors and city. Today, I testified (via Zoom) before City Council to support the Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing. Written testimony can be submitted until May…
Sew with us: Packed with Dignity
Come sew with us! Goal: 100 Backpacks for men and 100 Backpacks for women will be created for the clients who use the services of the EMO HIV Day Center. The backpacks will be created by friends of St Philip the Deacon church under the direction of Viola Horton. The packs will be filled with a 20 piece pre-assembled hygiene kit, and additional items such as socks, underwear, masks, washcloths, feminine hygiene products, all in various sizes. How a ministry…