(Ancient Prayer Pipe)
Around the council fire, the wind rose-up. Chiefs, Elders,and Tribal Members became silent. They longed to hear the ancient wisdom of their ancestors. The People knew the wind speaks lessons about life. This is true even today.
("Around the Council Fire" - Google Image)
WEDNESDAY CHURCH
on the Internet
(This is your mid-week Christian power
surge with Rev. Mike Fonfara, D.Min.)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Pentecost Season, Week 11
Welcome, Seekers.
Today's Wednesday Church on the Internet explores a little understood faith dynamic of how two spiritualties, Christianity and Native American, go together to enrich both. That's right! The two blend together in many ways to the benefit of each faith.
In my case, my Christian faith is stronger because of my Native American cultural roots. I worship, write, and witness as both a Christian pastor and a tribal member of the Montaukett Indian Nation. I blend of both to the enrichment of Christianity with a Native American perspective. I celebrate both to enjoy a wealth of love for one God! Let's celebrate together.
Thank you for joining me for this different approach to Wednesday Worship. I can hear the wind rise-up. Let's worship and see what we can learn.
Pastor Mike Fonfara
OPENING THOUGHTS ...
"There is one God looking down on us all. We are all children of one God. The sun, the darkness, the winds, are all listening to what we now say."
- Goyathlay (Geronimo)
(Apache Medicine Man and War Chief, 1829-1909)
WORSHIP ...
THE GATHERING
God, the Great Spirit, hear our plea. Come, join us.
God, the Great Spirit, hear our pledge. Always, we love you.
God, the Great Spirit, hear our promise. Today, we follow you.
God, the Great spirit, hear our vow. Forever, we praise you.
God, the Great Spirit, hear our plea. Come, join us.
WE CONFESS OUR SINS AND RECEIVE NEW LIVES
Creator,
Allow us to walk into the sacred circle of life. We are not worthy of such honor. We rely upon your mercy to forgive our sins and make us right with your spirit. Thank you for the blessings of new life.
Amen-Aho!
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
MESSAGE "The Parable of Two Buckets of Water"
(The Coming Together of the Old Ways and the New Ways)
In the old ways, people made everything they have from what Mother Nature provides. Life was good!
When the time comes to have a celebration in thanksgiving for such goodness, men talk to young boys and women talk to young girls to teach them how to live.
When the new ways began, the first Christians came. They have teachers. They teach us how to live good, too. The elders and teachers all teach about God and how to live good. There are no accidents because everybody follows the rules. The buckets are filled. The people all come. Everybody drinks and is filled.
Then, the elders fall silent. The teachers are silent. Hard times come. Difficulties come. People forget how to live good. Accidents happens because people no longer follow the rules. The buckets are empty. All the water goes out. The people are thirsty.
Now, the elders are speaking again. The teachers are teaching again. The people are singing again. Now, the people know how to live good. The buckets are filling. The people all come. Everybody drinks and is filled. We are happy once again.
We must follow the new ways God and Mother Nature provide for us.
[From Voices: Native American Hymns and Worship Resources (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1992]
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You, O God and Great Spirit, for all you have given us. We have all that we need to thrive. We have enough to share.
We have enough to proclaim your holiness. this we do with great joy. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Before us is blessed.
Behind us is blessed.
Beside us to the left is blessed.
Beside us to the right is blessed.
Above us is blessed.
Below us is blessed.
All around us God blessed.
Tell the people and rejoice!
(Montaukett Indian Nation Facebook)
SACRED MISCILLANY ...
1. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, about 5% of Americans surveyed listed Native American or Alaskan Native as their race.
2. There are hundreds of tribes still existing in the United States. Each can claim their culture and religion. Native American Christian Churches are strong in many areas.
3. Native Americans gather to celebrate their cultures in pow-wows. If you can, visit such a celebration. Please know that the Dance Circle, dances, and dancer's regalia are sacred holding much symbolism. An announcer will explain all rules and courtesies expected. Please ask questions. Native Americans welcome you at their pow-wows. You can celebrate your cultural heritage while they celebrate their heritage at this gathering.
4. Here are some books helpful for further learning about Native American culture.
- Terri Jean's 365 Days of Walking the Red Road: the Native American path to leading a spiritual life every day (Avon, Mass.: Adams Media Corporation, 2003).
- Anne Wilson Schaef's Native Wisdom for White Minds: daily reflections inspired by the Native Peoples of the world (New York: Ballantine Books, 1995).
- Wilma Mankiller's Everyday Is a Good Day: reflections by contemporary indigenous women (Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 2004).
5. Here is a Native American Prayer-Poem in the Mohawk prayer tradition by Sue Ellen Horne (Mohawk)
"All Things Hold Beauty"
Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given us.
Thank you for the beauty of the universe that you created; the trees, the sky, the mountains, the rain.
All things hold beauty in themselves and all are related and touch each creature of the earth. You created the rhythm and
pattern of the universe in a harmony of movement, sight, and sound.
Help us to appreciate your creation and to live with our eyes, ears, and hearts open to your message. Amen.
[From Voices: Native American Hymns and Worship Resources (Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 1992).]
That's all for this week's Wednesday Church on the Internet. Please come back next Wednesday when new Christian material will be published.
If you like this church, please tell others about it. Perhaps your church would put it in the monthly newsletter. Invite your family to attend Wednesday Church. Share it to your Facebook family. Just use your imagination! Here is the Wednesday Church blog address - www.wednesdaychurch.blogspot.com. It is always available. Let's grow this ministry together!
Finally, thank you for being a part of this week's social media congregation!
Pastor Mike Fonfara, D.Min.
("Old Montaukett Drum" - Montauk Facebook Page)
