During our services on Sunday August 19, we will celebrate Native American Ministries.
Steve Oczkowski, a PUMC Lay Speaker, is also affiliated with the Mohawk Tribe. He will deliver the message during both services, reminding us of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to the United Methodist Church and to society.
Steve’s message is entitled: “Rite of Passage: A Personal Journey”, and he will share of his walk with God. The scripture will be Luke 22:39-46…
39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.
40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”
41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed,
42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.
44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.
46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”
Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
Native American Sunday? How Has that Made a Difference?
We’re inundated with “special Sundays” and “special offerings”, sometimes to the point where we’re numb to the contributions of people who are part of those ethnic communities.
The United Methodist Church has produced some videos which highlight the positive results of our support for Native American Ministries….
Shyloe O’Neal
With help from the Native American Scholarship fund, Rev. Shyloe O’Neal earned her Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and is now the senior pastor at Jones United Methodist Church in Jones, Oklahoma.
Here’s more about her story and the role that Native Americans Ministries Sunday played in it…
Prentis Trey Harris
In addition to being a native of western NC, Trey is also a Native American who was able to earn his master’s degree at Duke Divinity. This wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance from the Native American Scholarship fund. Because of the generosity of United Methodists across the globe, “Trey Harris” has been able to become “Rev. Harris” and make a kingdom building impact in the communities where he now serves.
Native American Sunday
Every Sunday, (indeed, every day and every minute) is a chance to thank God for the gifts He has given each of us. Regardless of ethnic, economic, or geographical background, our Lord works through each of us to share His love and build His kingdom.
But this Sunday will be a chance to recognize the contributions of our Native American brothers and sisters, and to help further their ministries.
