Minute for Mission: Native American Day

 September 22, 2020

Native American Day is celebrated in recognition of the presence and contributions of Native Americans in our society and Church today. It is recognized on the day of the fall equinox, in September, in conjunction with “harvest time” for many Native American tribes. For centuries, it has been a time of celebration and preparation for winter. A corresponding celebration with Native leaders will take place Sept. 25 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville.

Native Americans have an active presence within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through 95 congregations and chapels. Native American congregations are located from the Shinnecock on Long Island, New York, to Neah Bay, Washington, among the Makah, from the Alabama-Coushatta in Livingston, Texas, to the Inupiaq of Barrow, Alaska. There is active involvement in ministry and support for these local congregations in 19 presbyteries within six synods of the PC(USA). Two presbyteries, Dakota (non-geographic) and Grand Canyon, each identify 21 churches and chapels within their bounds. The Synod of Alaska-Northwest includes 26 Native congregations.

Organizations work to further Native American ministry at all levels. Among them are the Native American Consulting Committee; Native American Presbyterian Men and Women’s conferences; American Indian Youth Council; Joint Session – Nez Perce Presbyterian Churches; Elders and Deacons Association – Gila River Indian Community; Dine Ministries – Arizona; Choctaw Agency – Oklahoma and the Native American Coordinating Council.

Rev. Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
David Myers, Board of Pensions
David L. Myers, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

Creator God, thank you for the indigenous people of this land who continue the legacy of faith in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Guide their leadership and the next generation of leaders working to continue the witness of Jesus Christ in the world. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.