Episcopal Church in Western Oregon

10/07/2026

Plans may have changed, but the joy certainly did not! This past Friday, Bishop Akiyama ordained Michelle Cornwell to the Sacred Order of Deacons in a beautiful outdoor service at The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan Corvallis.

Surrounded by family, friends, parishioners, and colleagues in ministry, Michelle began this new chapter in her vocation humbly and prayerfully. And, as an added surprise, those gathered were joined by a former assistant rector at Good Samaritan, one Katharine Jefferts Schori!

We give thanks for Michelle and her ministry, for our dear friends at Good Samaritan who so graciously welcomed this service on short notice, and for all who gathered to witness and celebrate this joyful occasion. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and sustain Michelle in the ministry to which she has been called.

Many thanks to Aimee Fritsch and Cynthia Rodriguez for the wonderful photos!

09/29/2026

The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church has shared a message following its September gathering at Camp Allen in Texas. Reflecting on the challenges facing the Church and the world, the bishops call Episcopalians to remain grounded in the hope of the resurrection and to embody that hope by drawing near to those who suffer and working for justice, healing, and reconciliation.

We give thanks to the bishops of The Episcopal Church for their faithful work and witness, and for these words of hope to the Church.

A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the September 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops Sep 28, 2026 “We look for the resurrection of the deadand the life of the world to come.”— The Nicene Creed “See, I am making all things new.”— Revelation 21:5 Dear People of God:  Grace an...

09/23/2026

What a joyful Sunday with the people of St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church!

During her visitation this past Sunday, Bishop Akiyama confirmed new members of The Episcopal Church, spent time in conversation with the vestry, and blessed St. Gabriel’s labyrinth—a beautiful space for prayer, reflection, and connection with God.

We give thanks for those who took this important step in their journey of faith, and for the life and ministry of the St. Gabriel’s community. Thank you to the clergy, vestry, staff, and congregation for welcoming Bishop Akiyama with such warmth and generous hospitality. We’re grateful for a beautiful Sunday together!

09/16/2026

This past Sunday, Bishop Akiyama spent the morning with our wonderful friends at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Eugene, Oregon. We’re grateful for these opportunities to gather with congregations throughout Western Oregon—to pray together, share stories, strengthen relationships, and experience a little of what makes each community special.

Thank you to the people of St. Thomas for welcoming Bishop Akiyama so graciously, and for the many ways you continue to serve God and your neighbors in Eugene. It was a lovely Sunday together!

09/02/2026

Bishop Akiyama spent this past Sunday with the wonderful community of St Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, Portland, sharing in worship, prayer, the Eucharist, and the joy of being together. It was a beautiful morning filled with warmth, welcome, and the Spirit moving among this faithful congregation.

We give thanks for the people of St. Philip the Deacon—for their community, their deep care for one another, and the life and love they bring to our diocesan family. Sundays like this remind us what a gift it is to be connected to one another across the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon.

Thank you, St. Philip’s, for welcoming Bishop Akiyama with such joy and love!

08/25/2026

This past Sunday, Bishop Akiyama had a lovely visit with our dear friends at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Gresham.

We’re always grateful for these Sundays spent with communities around the diocese—for the conversations, connections, shared worship, and warm welcomes. Thank you to everyone at St. Luke’s for a wonderful day together!

08/17/2026

Yesterday, Bishop Akiyama had a delightful visitation with the wonderful community of St. James Santiago Episcopal Church, Lincoln City, OR.

It was a joy to worship together, spend time in fellowship, and celebrate the life and ministry of this congregation on the Oregon Coast. We are grateful for the warm welcome and for all the ways the people of St. James Santiago continue to share God's love in their community.

Thank you for a wonderful Sunday together, and thanks as always to the Bishop's traveling photographer and spouse, Michael Jackson for the photos!

08/10/2026

Yesterday, Bishop Akiyama visited the community of St Thomas Episcopal Church, Dallas, OR, joining them for worship and time together in fellowship.

Episcopal visitations are a wonderful reminder of the connections we share as one diocesan community. We give thanks for the people of St. Thomas, for their welcome and hospitality, and for their faithful ministry in Dallas and the surrounding community.

Blessings to St. Thomas, and thank you for a wonderful Sunday together!

08/01/2026

Wow, our hearts are full! 💜

Bishop Akiyama recently spent time with young people from across Province VIII at the Province VIII Youth Gathering in Hawaiʻi. We give thanks for these young leaders, their faith, their joy, and the ways the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives and in our Church.

Please keep them, their leaders, and all who are gathered in your prayers as they continue to learn, grow, and build friendships across the Episcopal Church.

07/30/2026

How do recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions affect our communities and the Church's ministry, particularly in the area of immigration?

Join The Episcopal Church for a pop-up webinar featuring Rebecca Blachly, chief of public policy, partnership, and witness, in conversation with the Rev. Sarah Duggin, professor emerita of law and associate rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Georgetown, and the Rev. Sarah Shipman, director of migration ministries.

Learn more about the legal and pastoral implications of these recent decisions and their impact on our shared ministry.

Episcopalians are invited to a webinar exploring recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and their implications, particularly those related to immigration. Rebecca Blachly, chief of public policy, partnership, and witness for The Episcopal Church, will host a discussion with the Rev. Sarah Duggin...