This collection of resources can be downloaded to promote the Native American Ministries Sunday to your members. Help create a new history.
KENNY JAHNG
United Methodist Communications
History can be a tricky thing. By studying it, though, we can learn much about humanity and about ourselves.
In the Bible, we can encounter many different cultures and lifestyles to which the word of God was carried. Even in the book of Acts, the word of God spread throughout the [region] across cultures, ethnicities, and languages.
Many of us might not know very much when it comes to discussing Native American Ministries Sunday (NAMS), a Special Sunday coming up on April 18. But, the important thing to understand is that we can choose a different path than that which our history depicts with the Native American People. The United Methodist Church is working to create a new history. One that respects the culture, and loves God.
The new history
Dr. Richard Twiss, a member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, asked: “Will we be allowed to develop new ways of doing church that honor God’s purposes for the creative expression of our cultures? Will new ministry partnerships and coalitions form? Will you help be a part of this wonderful process of reconciliation, restoration, and release?”
On April 18th we have the opportunity to respond to Dr. Twiss’ questions with a resounding YES! This is a Special Sunday where our generosity as a church equips and empowers pastors, congregations, and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.
Honest look at the past
It’s true. We do have a complicated history with the Native American people. And today it is still painful for many. In all honesty, many Native American communities have been marginalized, live in extreme poverty, and have lost the land they were forced to live on. High school graduation rates and quality of housing fall much lower than the national average in Native American communities.
How do we, informed by history and called by Christ, offer them living hope? We do it by pouring into the Native American pastors, congregations, and seminary students who need resources to strengthen their skills to equip their congregations to be agents of transformation in their local communities. And that is what we do, together, on Native American Ministries Sunday. Join us by giving generously on Native American Ministries Sunday. Join us as we say yes.
Download the NAMS Sunday resource kit here.
~ NAMS was created in 1988 to develop and strengthen Native American ministries. United Methodism boasts 157 Native American congregations and 53 of the 56 annual conferences have a Committee on Native American Ministries who resources, educates constituents, and distributes the annual conference share of the offering. The NAMS offering also provides scholarships for Native American seminarians who will pastor and lead the church. Learn more about the Native American churches and ministries in the Michigan Conference.
Last Updated on April 14, 2021