Event celebrates, focuses on
Native Americans
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A UMNS photo by Darlene Jacobs The Cherokee singers perform at the opening service of the Native American Summer Conference at Lake Junuluska, N.C. |
The
Cherokee singers perform at the opening service of the Native American
Summer Conference, “Every Member in Ministry for the 21st Century:
Called, Chosen and Equipped to Walk the Sacred Path,” at Lake Junuluska,
N.C. More than 350 Native Americans from across the United Methodist
Church’s Southeastern Jurisdiction gathered June 23-25 to discuss
social, contemporary and cultural issues affecting native people. A UMNS
photo by Darlene Jacobs. Photo #06-728. Accompanies UMNS story #397.
6/28/06. |
June 27, 2006
By Milse Furtado*
Deckee Garris is part of the United Methodist
Church “because it allows me to be Indian with my traditions and at the same
time it gives me freedom to worship God.”
Garris, a member of the Catawba tribe, was one of
350 participants who gathered June 23-25 at Lake Junaluska, N.C., for the 18th
Native American Summer Conference. The theme for the event was “Every Member in
Ministry for the 21st Century: Called, Chosen and Equipped to Walk the Sacred
Path.”
“I am always so inspired by the energy and
passion and compassion of this group,” said Suanne Ware-Diaz, a staff executive
with United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. “There were so many
activities for people of all ages.”
The event was “designed to heighten awareness of
critical social, contemporary and cultural issues affecting native people,
spiritual strengthening and renewal, and the celebration of inter-tribal
ministries within the United Methodist Church,” according to Darlene Jacobs,
director of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency on Native American
Ministries.
SEJANAM is the advocate for 23 Native American
congregations and three other ministries in the Southeast Jurisdiction.
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A UMNS photo by Darlene Jacobs The Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency on Native American Ministries banner is displayed at the conference. |
The
Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency on Native American Ministries banner
is displayed at the Native American Summer Conference, “Every Member in
Ministry for the 21st Century: Called, Chosen and Equipped to Walk the
Sacred Path.” More than 350 Native Americans from across the United
Methodist Church’s Southeastern Jurisdiction gathered June 23-25 at Lake
Junaluska, N.C., to discuss social, contemporary and cultural issues
affecting native people. A UMNS photo by Darlene Jacobs. Photo #06-729.
Accompanies UMNS story #397. 6/28/06. |
The Rev. Kenneth Locklear, pastor of Prospect
United Methodist Church, Maxton, N.C. and former director of SEJANAM, presented
a native perspective on the pros and cons of gaming.
“Many Native Americans in reservations live in
poverty,” said Locklear. “When gaming was introduced to them there was a
dramatic improvement in their lives.”
But gaming also has a negative side, he warned.
“Gaming has been viewed as an addiction and it is so overwhelming and
overpowering that people are not able to make a choice, therefore they
jeopardize their livelihood, impacting their home economy, family, job and
social status.”
Other presenters dealt with the emerging pandemic
of HIV and AIDS within native communities, the prevalence of domestic violence,
and critical health issues affecting the native population. Evelyn Laycock,
author and writer, presented an in-depth discussion on social issues from a
biblical perspective.
A special recognition ceremony was held to
commemorate and honor the labor, commitment and dedication of native ministries.
Nominees were given a special certificate, along with a resolution passed by the
SEJANAM board of directors.
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Bishop Alfred Gwinn |
Jacobs called the gospel singing “one of the
highlights of the conference.” Fifteen groups singing southern, native, and
contemporary gospel sang and children also performed.
“Everyone was energized by the spirit after the
hymn sing that was only supposed to last about an hour but went on for three
hours,” said Ware-Diaz.
Keynote speakers were North Carolina Bishop Al
Gwinn, the Rev. Chester Jones, top executive at the United Methodist Commission
on Religion and Race, and the Rev. Marion-Moore Colgan, chairperson of the
National United Methodist Native American Center.
Graham Fields, western regional representative
for Sen. Elizabeth Dole, along with the Rev. Al Ward, superintendent for the
Waynesville District Office, brought special greetings.
For additional information, contact Darlene
Jacobs at (888) 825-6316 or send an e-mail to
djacobs@sejumc.org.
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