Celebrate 105 years of the Church Council by giving a gift today!

Four images of people with a banner that states “The Church Council of Greater Seattle: building collective power for transformational change,” including the first General Secretary Rev. Gertrude Apel, former Executive Director Michael Ramos, and current staff Marina Ortiz, Joey Lopez, and E.N. West.

Spring marks a season of growth and flourishing. As we move into longer days, the shift invites us to reflect on the challenges that came from a season of longer nights, metaphorically and literally. This new season invites us to imagine how our resiliency can offer hope for our efforts to create a more just and liberated world. This year, along with E.N. and Marina, we are excited to deepen our community organizing efforts related to faith-owned land stewardship and migrant justice.

A snapshot of our work in 2024:

After 9 months of reflection and community listening, we are excited to amplify a more committed approach to following the leadership of directly impacted community members through our immigration organizing. Marina and Grupo will be leading efforts to support and educate migrant communities while also creating opportunities for allied faith communities and individuals to better accompany migrants, in true acts of solidarity. In addition to our community education work, we will also be launching a resource mobilization effort, raising funds for migrant communities, directed by migrant communities. This work is not possible without the continued practice of convivencia (the essence of community coexistence, coming together in mutuality and celebration).

You may have heard that our Faith Land Initiative has gained national recognition and investment by the Mission Real Estate Development portfolio of Trinity Church Wall Street and is an award recipient of the Co-Generate Challenge. We greatly appreciate these investments in our work. This spring we are wrapping up our 4th annual Faith Land Discernment Cohort and preparing for a 5th cohort beginning this fall. Additionally, we are excited to be in conversation with many denominational bodies about how a land-discernment framework can better support their mission and ministry.

Additionally, the Church Council has continued to accompany, facilitate, and convene spaces of discernment and action calling for an end to military aid to the state of Israel and an immediate ceasefire in Palestine. Joey and area faith leaders participated in the Washington Coalition for Peace and Justice advocacy day in Olympia, organized by Palestinian community leaders. The Church Council is continuing to organize in coalition with multi-faith leaders until there is a permanent ceasefire in the region.

The Church Council turns 105 this year!!! As stewards of this 105-year-old legacy, we know that your financial support is crucial to the collective power we are building for a more just and liberated world. Last year, board and staff made the difficult decision to use cash reserves to meet a budget deficit caused by the loss of a significant funder. Our reserves were intended for a moment like this. Over the next few months, we will be announcing the launch of a capital campaign to replenish and stabilize these reserves. As for now, we need your support to sustain the work you’ve helped nurture through our season of transformation! Will you bolster our resiliency by making a gift today?

As you are thinking about your gift, we encourage you to think about an amount that would be meaningful, an amount you would be proud to tell others about. If you tend to give once a year, consider becoming a monthly or quarterly donor – you may realize that your capacity to give is greater. If you had a number in mind for your gift this spring, consider multiplying your gift by 105%, and becoming a monthly sustainer of the Church Council! Finally, explore if your employer will match your gift!

Whatever your gift amount, thank you for being part of the organized resources in our collective power for transformational change! We appreciate your support and are excited to celebrate the Church Council’s 105-year legacy with you.

With gratitude,

Tara Miller (they) & Joey Lopez (he)

Co-Executive Directors,
The Church Council of Greater Seattle