Recently a member of the community sent us an email telling us that as they were researching for something- they found an article that spoke of our church having POWWOWS! I was intrigued and asked if they would share the article. The article is from Chicago Daily Tribune, dated Feb 11, 1940 and speaks of the gathering of “Indian braves with their squaws and papooses from 12 tribes” at Broadway Methodist Church.
This makes me so proud of our church and for how we have been an affirming and welcoming church even before we officially called ourselves so. Our doors have always been open to all our siblings.
I share this because November is observed as Native American Heritage month! And while I long for a day when we would not need to assign specific months to celebrate specific heritages because we will celebrate every human every day of the year- until we get to that day we will continue to share the stories of our siblings.
As is true with all people who are not of Anglo decent, there are many misconceptions about the first nation people also. I share with you 11 facts about the native people as written by now Bishop David Wilson- our first Native American Bishop in the UMC:
We are a diverse people.
We are not a mascot.
There are many names for Indigenous people in the US and around the world.
Not all US Native/Indigenous persons live on reservations.
Our regalia and dances have sacred and spiritual meaning.
Native Americans serve in the US military at the highest rate of any ethnic group.
Native Americans as UM leaders date back to the early 19th century.
Indigenous people have made significant contributions to the world’s culture.
Indigenous people play a vital and important role in the life of the UMC.
Tipis are not the typical housing for modern US indigenous people.
Indigenous persons are the only racial-ethnic group that must constantly ‘prove’ who we are.
You can read the whole article here to learn more about our first Nation siblings. I also invite you to generously give to our mission for this month- The REDress project which you will hear more about this Sunday.
Oh, and let’s not forget-
November will be observed as “Stewardship Month.” On Sunday, November 20th, we will invite your pledges and financial commitments for the year 2023. These commitments will help us in preparing our budget.
On Tuesday, November 22nd (I know it is too early) Demetrius will lead us in the “Hanging of the Greens” from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
The office will be closed on Nov 24-25 for Thanksgiving!
Nov 27th will be the First Sunday of Advent when we enter into the season of preparation and anticipation of the remembering the coming of Christ child into our world! And finally,
Wednesday, December 7th we have our in-person Annual Church Conference with our District Superintendent leading us.
Please mark your calendars so you won’t miss out on any of these activities. Participate in all you can and remember to give generously to the mission of the month.
Be blessed beloveds, and I look forward to seeing you in church.
