Diocese of Olympia Programs
Episcopal Community Action
ECA is an annual appeal to individuals and congregations that serves ministries in Western Washington with Episcopal connections reaching out to those in human need. Through Episcopal Community Action ministries our fellow sisters and brothers are living their baptism by serving the needs of the hurting world around us. These ministries, from Port Angeles to Vancouver, Washington are making a difference with our most immediate neighbors. Last year nearly 30 ministries received funding, providing health care, food, shelter, counseling, and basic needs. Over $2.6 million has been distributed by ECA since 1988.
Youth & Young Adults
Several conferences are held annually bringing together junior high and high school age youth from across the diocese. A summer camping program is run at Camp Huston.
Outreach
Our outreach is widespread including a Carbon Offset Cooperative effort with the Diocese of the Southern Philippines, a children's orphanage in Haiti and a variety of domestic disaster relief efforts as they may happen.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Most recently, our Bricks for Haiti Campaign was a huge success. In a March 17 letter to the diocese, Bishop Rickel announced that members of the Diocese of Olympia representing 65 congregations contributed $118,700 toward rebuilding the center of spiritual life and community in Haiti, the largest and poorest diocese of the Episcopal Church.
Gifts to the diocese will be targeted to many initiatives, such as support of emerging congregations, growing Multi-cultural ministries across the diocese, and to youth and young adult ministries. Unrestricted gifts will be allocated by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.