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 land, across cultures, ethnicities, and languages. Many of us might not know very much when it comes to discussing Native American Ministries Sunday, a Special Sunday that coincides with Earth Day. 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, Native and non-Native, are working together to create a new history. One that respects the culture, and loves God.
Walker Chapel's student group, Hands of God: Students for Environmental Justice have put together a wonderful worship service for us this Sunday to celebrate Earth Day. They have put together a proposal of ways the Chapel can double down on our responsibility to environmental sustainability. You can read their inspiring letter to the Church Council here.
During Sunday's service, as the spirit leads, I hope you will follow and sing along (lyrics are here) with this Native American hymn, "The Earth is our Mother". The origin is attributed by various sources to the Lakota, Hupa or Hopi Nations, Pan-Native American, or possibly simply inspired by traditional Native American chants. "Ah-ho” is a traditional Native American affirmation which can be roughly translated as “we are together, we are one.” Director of Spiritual Practices and liaison to our student Group Sandra Kammann, has recorded the song here:
This week, the UN said that because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, our world is facing a "famine of biblical proportions". For this reason, we are going to keep our FOOD DRIVE going into the foreseeable future. So if you're doing grocery shopping this week, pick up a few things for our neighbors experiencing a critical need.
Thank you to the 40+ families from in and around North Arlington and Old Glebe who participated in our food drive this past weekend. We raised over $1500 for Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and filled the fellowship hall with donations. ~3 out of the 5 participants were non-Chapel members and it was truly wonderful to meet so many new people (at a distance) from the neighborhood!
This weekend, drop off food or checks (written to Walker Chapel UMC) *tomorrow* April 25 from 1-3pm at Walker Chapel, 4102 N Glebe Rd. and *Sunday, April 26* from 1-3pm. You can also donate money directly through the Facebook donate button here. The need is dire and your support is so appreciated! Invite your friends and spread the word here.
To prepare you for this Sunday, I'll leave you with this beautiful video and prayer from one of my colleagues Rev. Larry Jent:
"Our world today needs spiritual support as we face an ongoing global pandemic. Our land needs the Creator's hand. Our people need healing from the inside out. When our worries add up, Thanks living is a powerful way to rise up above the storms. We offer this song of creation to begin that healing for all people."
Please take care,
Pastor Lynne
There are 3 ways to financially support the Chapel's ministry.
Snail mail your tithe and offerings to 4102 North Glebe Rd.; Arlington, VA 22207
