Read this as a PDF. A Spanish translation will be available soon.
Dear friends in Christ,
Throughout this week, the diocesan staff has been busy moving our office to the new location at 2780 SE Harrison St. in Milwaukie. By tomorrow, we will have vacated the Bishop’s Close on Military Lane and officially relocated to our new location.
While the sale of the Bishop’s Close and Elk Rock Garden and the move of the diocesan office has been discussed for decades, the finality of it brings a variety of emotions. There is sadness for leaving a beautiful memory-filled building and historic lush gardens, and there is joy for new beginnings and hope for establishing our offices in a ministry setting and exploring new partnerships. I particularly look forward to our new partnership with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
Unfortunately, we were unable to organize a diocesan goodbye on the property due to unexpected time constraints regarding the sale. The compressed time frame required us to focus time and attention on the volume of files and other items to be organized and moved. I know many people have made their own personal trips to the property over the last few months to say goodbye in their own way.
On Sunday, July 16, I gathered with a few staff members for the liturgy returning the chapel at the Bishop’s Close and the outdoor altar to secular use. The organ has found a new home, and the chapel chairs went to several faith communities in our diocese. The icons, tabernacle, altar, and cross have been placed in storage until we can establish a new chapel space.
The new location of the diocesan office is an exciting next step for the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon. We will be leasing this space while we explore options for a permanent office. We are located close to the heart of Milwaukie, which will allow us to build partnerships and engage the neighborhood. The new office offers ample parking in a designated lot and on adjacent streets and easy access to public transportation, including a bus stop near the building.
Please note our updated addresses
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 22310, Milwaukie, OR 97269
- Physical Address: 2780 SE Harrison St., Suite 202, Milwaukie, OR 97222
I thank you for your patience during this transition, and please continue to pray for our diocesan family as we live into this new chapter of our diocese.
In Christ,
+Diana