The story of the Nibi (Water) Song told by Beatrice Menase Kwe Jackson, Migizi Clan.
Learn the story behind the song - and learn the Nibi Song.
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Sara Thomsen
Inspired by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all who joined together at Standing Rock to protect the Missouri River. It continues as a call to all of us to stand courageously to protect the waters everywhere.
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Living Water - Illustrated Ministry
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Engage the whole congregation in learning the 'whys' of a Land Acknowledgement - and let the Littles lead. Written by Minnesota author Ashley Fairbanks (Anishinaabe, White Earth), This Land introduces the idea of appreciating one's place on the land by appreciating the land's history, inviting readers to wonder - and discover - who lived on the land where they live, before they lived here. It's beautiful and profound and encourages wonder and exploration to learn the truths of colonizer and settler history, current realities of land ownership, and the current lived realities of Indigenous communities, as it invites us all to appreciate the lands we inhabit.
Introduce the book and gain essential background and insight from Sam Stroozas' MPR interview with Ashley Fairbanks. Listen or read the transcript here.
As we are embraced by God's reconciling love in worship, we are equipped to carry that reconciling love into our relationships beyond the worship space. Worship equips us for the work of conciliation, but the liturgy itself needs to be decolonized if it is to truly honor Christian commitments to God and neighbor. This book explores the reformed liturgy in its pattern of Gathering, Word, Table, and Sending, searching it both for colonial vestiges, and spaces of new possibility. Unsettling Worship invites the reader into a conversation about reformed worship in a setting of ongoing colonization. Worship should both unsettle us, and equip us for the essential work of making things right with Indigenous neighbors.
Doing the Deeply Spiritual Work of Land Acknowledgment
Tracy Kugler, a member of St. Paul's UCC in St. Paul, MN
~includes a strong list of resources for congregational or personal learning
A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment was compiled in conversation with a group of Minnesota Indigenous leaders.
A liturgy supportive of the sermon Welcome & Water, by Rev. Emily Meyer, which is based on We Are Water Protectors.
The liturgy incorporates Sara Thomsen's song Water Is Life.
Learn more about the sermon below.
Access the liturgy and/or the sermon by emailing Emily: ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu.
The 7 Grandfathers Teachings: Of all the North American Indigenous teachings, the 7 Grandfather Teachings are the most commonly shared from coast to coast. ...There are stories of the origins of the 7 Grandfather Teachings in all communities. Each community has adapted the teachings to suit their community values. Despite where the teachings may have originated, they share the same concepts of abiding by a moral respect for all living things.
A PERSONAL OR COMMUNAL PRACTICE:
EXPLORE FURTHER:
Wade in the Water Contemplative Practice: a contemplative practice created specifically to deepen our awareness of and connection to water.
The Honorable Harvest, from Robin Wall Kimmerer's, Braiding Sweetgrass is an invitation into numerous contemplative practices which further invite us into more intentional living. Suitable for individual, familial, and congregational practices.
Inspired by Spring Hill UCC, Spring Hill, FL, The Ministry Lab recorded a sermon based on We Are Water Protectors (and Psalm 13 and Matthew 10:40-42). Welcome & Water shares a message of encouragement in following Jesus' mission of compassion, hospitality and justice. Member congregations (MN UCC, UMC, PC(USA) and subscription) have free access to this water-infused, community-empowering recorded sermon throughout the summer.
Get the link by contacting Emily Meyer (ministrylab@unitedseminary.
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