Commissions & Ministries Index

Commissions of The Diocese of Oregon

Commission on Ministry of the Ordained

The Commission on Ministry of the Ordained (COM-O) is advisory to the Bishop, and supports the work of the Church in discerning and shepherding those who may be called to ordained ministry. Made up of fifteen lay and ordained individuals, the Commission meets monthly on the first Thursday. Meetings include interviews of people in the ordination process, ordination and discernment policy review and revision, and strategic planning. Commission members are appointed by the Bishop, typically for five-year terms. The Commission’s partner group is the Commission on Ministry of the Baptized (COM-B).

Committee for Baptismal Ministry Development

The Committee for Baptismal Ministry Development (COM-B) has been working on developing training for discernment committees in congregations and/or convocations this year. Discernment is an important part of all of our lives as Christians – we must be able to listen and listen again for that small voice from within of where God might be calling us.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission

The mission of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission is to meet everyone at the crossroads of faith, to provide resources for dialogue and understanding, and to fulfill God’s word to Jeremiah: “Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

Commission to End Racism

The goal of the commission is to make ourselves, and others, more aware of the divisiveness (sin) of racism, to give us skills to confront racism in ourselves and in institutions, to transform ourselves, and the people around us, to become a more open and just community based on love for each other.

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission of the Diocese of Oregon is a group of lay and clergy leaders of the diocese who focus on environmental issues from the perspective of a people of faith.

The Commission for the Fund for the Poor and Homeless

The Commission for the Distribution of Funds for the Poor and Homeless has been in existence for many years. We are made up of representatives from each convocation and we meet three times a year. Our specific task is to distribute the funds gathered from the churches in gathering’s at Thanksgiving and the monies from the basket raffle held during convention. Each year ministries of the churches apply for monies and can receive up to $1000 to help support their work on the behalf of the poor and homeless.

Liturgical & Music Commission

This commission has recently reorganized after several years’ inactivity. Our first meeting created goals to provide leadership and planning for the Diocesan Convention Liturgy; developing, publishing, and seeking diocesan-wide consensus regarding visitation and ordination liturgies; continuing to offer a leadership program for musicians; and sponsoring or supporting effective workshops for lay ministers, musicians, and clergy.

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee reviews relationships regarding clergy and lay employees of the church and to make recommendations of standards and procedures in such concern as compensation, benefits, job expectations, styles of review, and mutual evaluations to Council for action and approval.

Recovery Commission

The Recovery Commission aspires to serve the community as a resource network for understanding addiction and its impact. We continue to carry the message of recovery through parish liaisons, educational workshops, and our work with national Episcopal Recovery organization.

Ministries of the Diocese of Oregon

Christian Education and Life-Long Formation

The Christian Education and Life-Long Formation program group supports all the congregations in the diocese as a resource helping them develop education programs. We maintain resources, provide training and support for educators, and offer consultation. Our future plan is to coordinate with other program groups to provide our services in a timely manner. We maintain a complete library with videos, curriculum, and other pertinent materials.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a movement in the church that helps Christians deeply experience both the love of God and love of one another, in ways that empower them to share that love with the world.  One estimate is that perhaps 1.5 million (including Bishop Michael Hanley) have attended a Cursillo weekend in the US and 8 to 10 Million worldwide, finding their faith nourished and expanded.

Daughters of the King

The ladies in The Daughters of the King, an international Order of Episcopal women and friends,  joyously celebrated 125 years of prayer and service during 2010. There are six Chapters in the Oregon Diocese – at St. Andrew, Florence; St. Hilda, Monmouth; St. Luke, Grants Pass; St. Aidan, Gresham, Grace Memorial, Portland, and St. Andrew, Portland. In addition there are many Daughters at Large who serve in churches throughout the Oregon Assembly.

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) provides people with the education to carry out ministry. EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.

Emergency Response Preparedness Program

The Diocese of Oregon Emergency Response Preparedness Program is designed to create and implement a plan to mitigate the effects of emergencies and disasters within the Diocese.  This Program is an integral part of The Episcopal Relief & Development Program and was initiated by The Episcopal Church National Executive Council in 2005.

Episcopal Church Women

Episcopal Church Women of Oregon is affiliated with National Episcopal Church Women USA. This being the case, the Diocesan ECW Board of Oregon, when financially feasible, sends the following delegates to Province VIII meetings and triennial: president, vice-president, and UTO representative. Within the diocese the board sponsors an annual Spirituality Day for all women of the diocese. The board also hosts an annual meeting and luncheon during Diocesan Convention. 

Episcopal Relief and Development

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) responds to human suffering around the world. ERD provides emergency assistance after disasters, rebuilds communities, and helps children and families climb out of poverty. ERD’s work around the world addresses the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals by focusing on food security, primary health care, and emergency relief and rebuilding. The Diocese of Oregon has a strong ERD chapter, which, over the past few years, has organized congregational and individual support for people left homeless and needy by the Southeast Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and man-made disasters.

Global Mission

The Global Mission Committee’s mission is to encourage the congregations and people of the Diocese to engage with other parts of the Anglican Communion and other Christians around the world in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Rahab's Sisters

Rahab’s Sisters provides compassionate hospitality and a supportive presence to women marginalized by the sex industry, substance abuse, and homelessness. We welcome them without judgment, just as they are, no strings attached, no questions asked. Our mission is to respond to our sisters in a servant spirit and to improve their lives.

United Thank Offering

The United Thank Offering addresses compelling human need through grants to projects that alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally, within the Anglican provinces, diocese and companion dioceses. Approximately $2 million dollars in grants was distributed in 2009.

William Temple House

Founded in 1965, and named in honor of a former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple House has been serving working poor individuals and families through ministries of body, mind, and spirit by its three service divisions of emergency social services, mental health counseling and pastoral care.  Volunteers, under professional supervision, provide all services at William Temple House.

William Temple House actively seeks to partner with Episcopal congregations to support ministries of outreach and social justice. Together, we draw our strength as described in the baptismal covenant:

• Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves
• Strive for peace and justice among all persons, respecting the dignity of every human being