Across the Diocese: September 3, 2026

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RSVP Now! – D-House Blessing

September 9, 2026 from 3PM – 7PM

Join us for our Open House, celebrating the completion of the recent renovations of Diocesan House, which occupies the historic Leary Mansion in Capitol Hill. The evening’s festivities will include:

• House Blessing at 5pm
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres, offering an assortment of Mediterranean delicacies (vegan and gluten free options available)
• Outdoor activities including lawn games and face painting (from 4-6:30pm)
• Guided tours offered throughout the evening (4:15, 5:45, and 6:15)

 We look forward to welcoming you! Please RSVP here.

Exploring Discernment Retreat

September 12, St. Mary’s, Lakewood

Do you have a big question in life that you are thinking about and wondering what God would have you do? A question like: Should I retire? Should I go back to school? Should I try this ministry? Should I start my own business? Where should I volunteer my time?

These questions and more are invitations to explore your relationship with God, yourself, and others more deeply and this one-day retreat will give you resources to do just that.

Learn more and register here. Questions? Contact Michael Seewer.

Online Anti-Racism Training

September 26, 10AM – 3PM

Join Cn. Carla Robinson for our online offering of anti-racism training. All lay church leaders are highly encouraged to complete this program. This one-day training experience is based on “Seeing the Face of God in Each Other: The Antiracism Training Manual of the Episcopal Church.” You can register for the zoom session here.

Sacred Waters Community Art Fair

September 5, 2026 from 10AM – 3PM

Sacred Waters invites you to their community art fair! Take a stroll through our gardens, listen to live music, and visit the tables of over 30 local artists and nonprofits.

College for Congregational Development

September 19, October 18, November 21, January 9, February 6

For those who prefer, we offer a Five-Saturday option to attend the College for Congregational Development beginning every Fall. CCD offers an opportunity for congregational teams to learn together to build healthy, vibrant congregations.

Learn more and register here.

Save the Date – October Ordinations

October 3, 10:30AM, Saint Mark’s Cathedral

Please join us for this year’s ordinations at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. All are invited to worship with us and celebrate the ordinations of new clergy. More details coming soon.

Convention News

More information and submission links can be found on the Convention website here.

Early Bird Registration – Due Sept. 18

Registration is live for delegates and convention guests! Fill out  this form to register  for convention. Early bird pricing is $125. The price will increase to $150 on September 18th. The registration deadline is October 8, 2026.

Hotel Reservations

The deadline to book using the Diocese room block is September 22nd. To book your hotel room at the DoubleTree please use this link or call the toll-free reservation number at (800) 222 TREE, or (800) 222-8733 and reference the group name: Diocese of Olympia

Delegate/Alternate Change Form

Need to make a delegate change? Changes to elected delegates that were submitted via the Congregational Leadership Report can be made up to the start of convention. If you need to elect new delegates or alternates those changes must be made 30 days prior to the start of Convention. Please contact Matt Koski, if you have changes to your delegation and fill out the form here.

Narrative Budget

The Diocesan Council is pleased to present the recommended operating budget for 2027. Any budget amendments are due by September 8th as outlined on the convention website under resolutions. See the full Narrative Budget document here. 

Nominations

Diocesan Council – Be Attitudes, Sno-Isle, Peninsula, and 1 Clergy and 1 Lay for At-Large members

Standing Committee – 1 Clergy & 1 Lay

Commission on Ministry – 1 Deacon & 1 Lay

Nomination form for diocesan roles available here.

General Convention – 2 Lay Alternate

Nomination form for general convention delegates available here.

Questions? Contact Fr. Wesley Evans.

Resolutions

Convention resolutions are statements that reflect the vision and values of the diocese on a host of matters from social and justice issues to ministry and business practices. Resolutions are due by September 8. Questions? Contact Rev. Josh Hosler.

Bishop’s Cross Awards

The Bishop’s Cross Awards have been given each year to those whose very lives embody the spirit of Christ. Nominations must be submitted by September 20 using this form. Any issues with the form, please contact Michael Seewer.

Pre-Convention Meetings

Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30PM – Narrative Budget Zoom Session

Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00PM – Resolution Information Zoom Session

The sessions will be recorded and shared publicly at the conclusion of each session.

Important Deadlines and Dates

September 8: Deadline for submission of nominations interest in order to be included in convention booklet

September 8: Deadline for submission of resolutions, Constitution and Canons changes, and budget amendments

September 20: Bishop’s Cross Nomination Deadline

September 21: Deadline for submission of nominations bios and convention reports

September 22: Deadline for requests for Admission of New Parishes and Missions

October 8: Deadline for written notice of Regional Ministry young adult delegate

October 8: Deadline for certification of delegates and alternates

October 21: Deadline for 48 hour resolutions

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

September 5 – African Transformative Conference

September 12 – Exploring Discernment Retreat

September 19 – College for Congregational Development Saturday Sessions Begin

September 26 – Antiracism Training (online)

October 3rd – Ordinations at St. Mark’s Cathedral

October 6th – Pre-Convention: Narrative Budget Zoom Session at 6:30PM

October 14th – Pre-Convention: Resolution Information Zoom Session at 7:00PM

October 23 – 24 – Diocese of Olympia Convention

For more upcoming diocesan events, visit our Diocesan Events Page at the link below.

The Joy of Creating – Quilt Submissions Open Now

Saint Mark’s Visual Arts Ministry and Quilt Ministry invite quilters from across the Episcopal Church in Western Washington to submit their original works reflecting our theme: “The Joy of Creating.” Quilts will be hung in the cathedral nave, January 3 -31, 2027. Registration closes October 23, 2026. More information and the entry form is here.

September 12 – Art of Giving

Opportunity to see, and perhaps purchase, original art. There will be live art demonstrations, ink painting and origami activities, dance performances and complimentary refreshments. This is a free event hosted by Saint Albans Episcopal Church, Edmonds, WA., and coordinated with International Charity. Arts Association, Seattle, WA. Art sale profits are shared by artist and church, 50/50.

September 26 – Godly Play Training

Through a collaboration between the Diocese of Olympia and Saint Mark’s Cathedral, we are pleased to offer a workshop day for all: those who are new to this methodology and those who have been practicing for a long time. Join us for a day of learning, community building, and sharing best practices.

September 27 – 100 Years at Christ Church, Puyallup

Come help Christ Church celebrate on September 26 with a festive eucharist done in a manner similar to that which would have been in use in 1926, and special displays celebrating this momentous anniversary. A reception will follow.

October 2 – Sacred Earth, Sacred Duty

All faith communities in the San Juan Islands are invited to an interfaith one day retreat titled “Sacred Earth, Sacred Duty: Uniting Faiths to Steward and Sustain.” The event will focus on environmental stewardship and resilience, followed by a shared meal and labyrinth walk. The event and meal are free. Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church and Madrona Institute.

October 2 – Saint Mark’s Music Series: All Bach on the Flentrop Organ

The season opens with Bach and a special appearance by organist Paul Jacobs, one of our time’s leading organ virtuosos. He will perform J. S. Bach’s monumental Art of Fugue — a deep exploration of contrapuntal possibilities.

On the program: Art of Fugue by J. S. Bach

October 3 – Worship Amid Social Turmoil

In an unprecedented time of economic, political, and social turmoil, how might worship around Book, Font, and Table lead us to live out our baptismal promises to serve Christ in others, respect the dignity of every human being, seek justice and peace, and care for God’s creation? Join worship committee members, musicians, and clergy as we explore practical ways in which our common prayer informs our common vocation as public witnesses of hope. Hosted by the Bishop’s Commission on Liturgy and the Arts, Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission, and the Wild Hope Center for Vocation Pacific Lutheran University.

Want to share your congregational event? Submit your information here.

Have a general announcement for Across the Diocese? Submit it here.

View the complete list of congregational events here.

UPCOMING BISHOP VISITATIONS

• September 6, St. Paul’s, Mt. Vernon
• September 20, John the Baptist, West Seattle

To see a full schedule of Bishop Phil’s visitations, click here.

In this week’s Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for:

• St. Andrew’s, Aberdeen
• St. Hugh of Lincoln, Allyn

Important Links

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) password: Matthew22:4

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