A Moment for Mission
“Remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, CEB
At a recent rally on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, members of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania encouraged legislators to give them legal status as a recognized tribe. One woman spoke sorrowfully of a relative who performed sacred ceremonies alone in a basement room, ashamed to express his spirituality in the open.
How do we encourage others, including our Native American church family, to practice their faith freely out in the open without fear of ridicule or discrimination? The more engaged we are, the more we begin to see signs of God’s presence among us through our faith, love and hope that comes from Jesus.
There are so many ways that we can embody our faith even when the traditions and rituals may look different. As we celebrate and learn from one another, including on this Native American Ministries Sunday, we declare Divine love that offers resurrection hope.
Children’s Message
For this message, include these props: one stick to break and five sticks to bundle together with string.
Today, we join other United Methodist churches to learn about the cultures of our United Methodist family members who are Native American.
This is a Native American story that I recently heard. A long time ago, when the Peacemaker brought the original Five Nations together under the Great Law of Peace, he demonstrated the confederacy’s strength in unity by first taking one arrow and breaking it (break a stick in half), then bundling five arrows together and showing how the bundle could not be broken (demonstrate the strength of a bundle of five sticks).
Centuries later, in 1775, a treaty recalled these words and also invoked the Haudenosaunee symbols of the Tree of Peace: “We desire to sit down under the same Tree of Peace with you.”
Today we renew our promise to sit under the same Tree of Peace. Because just like the Native American tradition tells us, we are stronger when we work together.
Prayer
Holy God, thank you for your presence with us. Receive our gifts as a symbol of our commitment to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students. Transform this offering into a declaration of your divine love that strengthens and encourages our indigenous siblings in Christ. Amen.
Offertory Prayer: Discipleship Ministries
Loving Creator, we come together to present our tithes and offerings. We are reminded of the profound love with which you have called us your children. Help us recognize that our generosity and stewardship of the resources you’ve entrusted to us are a sign of our commitment to this holy transformation. May these offerings we bring today be a reflection of our love for you and our desire to be faithful stewards of your blessings. Bless our giving and guide us in using these gifts wisely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (1 John 3:1-7)
Newsletter Nugget
“Remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, CEB
The Rev. Bob Coombe, a member of the Eastern PA Conference’s Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM), attended a rally on the Pennsylvania State Capitol steps in May.
Led by Chief Chuck Gentlemoon Demund and Clan Mother Shelley DePaul, the rally addressed the “documentary genocide” faced by the Pennsylvania Lenape. The Lenape, rooted in the woodlands of eastern North America, called for an end to erasure and a restoration of their identity.
Pennsylvania is the only Eastern state without recognition for its indigenous people. Throughout the event, the call and response “We are... Still here” echoed, symbolizing the tribe’s determination to overcome historical neglect and gain the recognition they deserve.
Your gifts on Native American Ministries Sunday help support the ministries of the Committee on Native American Ministries in their annual conferences. This offering serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to church and society.