God willing and the people consenting, The Rev. Dr. Philip Noah LaBelle will be ordained and consecrated as ninth bishop of the Diocese of Olympia on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Everyone in our Diocese is invited to attend in person! The service will also be live-streamed.
Reservations are not required, but your RSVP will help us plan. Please be sure to reserve a spot if you need child care during the ordination and consecration service so we have as many caregivers as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still attend even if I haven’t RSVP’d?
Yes! All are welcome to attend the Ordination and Consecration service.
Will attendance at the service be open to all?
Yes! The service is an occasion of joy for the whole church, and you are welcome.
Where will the ordination and consecration take place?
It will be held at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004, in Center Hall A & B. Carpooling and public transportation are recommended. Click here for Meydenbauer parking information.
2024 PARKING RATES
Meydenbauer Center offers a 3 level underground parking garage with 434 parking stalls and 6′ 9” clearance. Additionally, the garage houses 9 disabled parking stalls next to our building elevators for convenience. ADA parking stalls are reserved next door at The Bravern for overheight vehicles. Parking requires payment though the method may vary depending on the unique nature of an event.
- 0 – 30 minutes: $0
- 30 – 60 minutes: $7
- 1 – 2 hours: $11
- 2 – 4 hours: $13
- 4 – 6 hours: $15
- 6 – 8 hours: $17
- 8 – 10 hours: $19
- 10 – 14 hours: $22
- 14 – 24 hours: $25
Who will preach and preside at the ordination?
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church will be the chief consecrator. Co-consecrators of Record are The Most Rev. Melissa M. Skelton and The Rt. Rev. Carol J.W.T. Gallagher. The Rev. Pamela L. Werntz will preach.The newly ordained bishop of the Diocese of Olympia, The Rev. Dr. Philip N. LaBelle will preside at the Eucharist.
Are volunteers needed for the ordination and consecration service?
Yes, we will have many volunteers and are still in need of banner bearers. If you are interested in volunteering at the ordination and consecration, please complete this form by August 7, 2024. If you have questions, please email bishoptransition@ecww.org.
Will the event be live-streamed?
Yes. A live-stream will be available here: https://ecww.org/the-ordination-and-consecration-of-the-rev-dr-philip-n-labelle/
How long will the ordination and consecration last?
We expect the service to last approximately two-and-one-half hours, with a reception following.
What hotels are in the area for those who need to travel in order to attend the Ordination and Consecration?
There are many hotels in the Bellevue area. Participants and attendees will be responsible for covering their own hotel expenses.
- Seattle Marriott Bellevue
Marriott Bellevue, 425.214.7600 - Courtyard Marriott
Courtyard Marriott, 425-454-5888 - The Westin Bellevue
Westin Bellevue, 425-638-1000 - Hilton Bellevue
Hilton Bellevue, 425-455-1300 - Hampton Inn & Suites
Book Hampton Inn Bellevue, 11405 NE 2nd Place (Call 425-453-4100 for available dates and rates)
What should I wear?
Wear what you’d normally wear to a service at your church. Clergy who intend to vest and process should wear a red stole. Attending bishops should wear rochet, chimere, and tippet. Co-consecrating bishops should wear a red cope and mitre.
Are children welcome?
Children belong in church! All ages are invited to and welcomed at this historic event.
Will there be childcare for the Ordination and Consecration service?
Yes. Childcare will be available in Room 409 at the Meydenbauer Center. Questions? Email bishoptransition@ecww.org.
Why was the Meydenbauer Center selected as the venue for this service?
After considering multiple venues, the Bishop Transition Committee selected the Meydenbauer Center because capacity will allow us to welcome everyone who wants to attend the service. The venue also offers ample space for the weekend’s ancillary events, direct access to hotels, and access to major highways and airports.
When will the 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia be seated at Saint Mark’s Cathedral?
After ordination and consecration, it is customary for a bishop to be formally seated in the cathedral of the diocese. This special service of installation will take place on Sunday, September 15 at 4:30 pm at Saint Mark’s Cathedral Evensong Service with a reception to follow.
The provision of child care will be determined based on need. If you would like to inquire about child care for the Seating of the Bishop, please email bishoptransition@ecww.org.
In this transition, will we be celebrating the ministry of Bishop Provisional Melissa Skelton?
It is with enormous gratitude that we will be recognizing Bishop Skelton’s loving and impactful leadership in our Diocese during the transition period. There will be a Celebration of Bishop Skelton’s ministry at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, Seattle, on September 1, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This will be a Choral Evensong with Gift Presentation and a reception to follow. The Officiant is The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, Cathedral Dean, and our Bishop-Elect, and The Rev. Dr. Philip N. LaBelle will preach. Find out more information here.
All are welcome to attend and express your appreciation. In addition, the Bishop Transition Committee encourages everyone to complete the virtual card for Bishop Skelton and her spouse and staff here.
Will the Celebration of the Ministry of Bishop Provisional Melissa Skelton be live-streamed?
Yes, we are live-streaming the event. The link to watch the day of the event, Sunday, September 1, 2024, is: https://saintmarks.org/worship/live-stream/
The video will be available afterward on the Saint Mark’s Cathedral website at this link (the live-stream archive page): https://saintmarks.org/worship/live-stream/livestream-archives/
Are there opportunities to contribute to the Gifts of Ordination for the Bishop-Elect, following Episcopal tradition?
There are a number of Gifts of Ordination that still would benefit by generous sponsorship by members of the diocese, family, friends and others across the country. The Bishop Transition Committee has created a giving portal for this purpose at this link. Please use the “Bishop-Elect LaBelle Ordination Gifts” choice under Giving Options.
Schedule of Events for the Ordination and Consecration
*Events marked with an asterisk are open by invitation only.
Friday, September 13
- 10:15 am: Meeting with members of the press at the Courtyard Marriott*
- 11:00 am: Clergy conversation at the Courtyard Marriott Bellevue, Grand Ballroom*
- 12:00 pm: Clergy lunch at the Courtyard Marriott Bellevue, Grand Ballroom*
- 2:00-4:00 pm: Music rehearsal at the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B*
- 4:30-5:30 pm: Ordination rehearsal for those participating in the service at the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B*
- 5:30-9:00 pm: Music rehearsal at the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B*
- 6:00-6:45 pm: Social hour at the Courtyard Marriott Bellevue for service participants, diocesan leaders, and visiting bishops and spouses*
- 7:00-8:30 pm: Rehearsal dinner for service participants, diocesan leaders, and visiting bishops and spouses at the Marriott Courtyard Bellevue*
Limited complimentary parking will be available at the Courtyard Marriott Bellevue for those attending Friday events. Participants are invited to park on P2 and P3 (red and yellow columns) of the parking garage.
Saturday, September 14
- 8:15 am: Bishop and spouses breakfast with Signing and Sealing at the Meydenbauer Center, Room 402*
- 8:30–9:30 am: Choir rehearsal at the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B*
- 9:30 am: Doors open to the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B
- 10:15–10:45 am: Bishop’s Vesting at the Meydenbauer Center, Room 403*
- 11:00 am: Ordination and Consecration service the Meydenbauer Center, Center Hall A & B
- 1:30–3:00 pm (approx.): Ordination and Consecration Reception
Sunday, September 15
- 4:30-6:00 pm: Seating of the Bishop Evensong Service and Reception at Saint Mark’s Cathedral
Questions? Email bishoptransition@ecww.org for more information.
