Native American Ministries Sunday

Live in Harmony

“Live in Harmony with one another;…” – Romans 12:16a, NRSV

“In our Christian walk, we have an obligation to teach what our ancestors taught about living in harmony with the earth,” says the Rev, Carol Lakota Eastin, director of Native American Ministries, Illinois Great Rivers Conference.

Carol, whose heritage is Lakota and Yakima, practices what she preaches as she and other members of the Native American Fellowship work at the Dayspring Retreat, a wooded 42-acre property that they bought for $1 from the First United Methodist Church, Peoria.

Eventually they hope to construct a small building for worship and community activities, as well as cabins for visitors – some of who travel 100 miles to participate in the Native American Fellowship. Much of the property will be left as it is, with a natural spring and hiking trails.

Emphasizing environmental stewardship is important, notes Carol, who has been involved with the Native American Fellowship since 1993. Providing a gathering community for persons from many tribes, the fellowship reflects Native American tradition and spirituality while embracing Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Your offering on Native American Ministries Sunday enriches The United Methodist Church in many ways:
♦ Across the United States, urban ministries such as the Native American Fellowship reach out to Native Americans and others.
♦ Native Americans attending United Methodist and other approved seminaries receive scholarships.
♦ Mission with Native Americans in your annual conference and across the connection is developed and nurtured.

God calls us to “live in harmony with one another.” Please give generously on Native American Ministries Sunday, the third Sunday of Easter. Your gift makes a world of difference!