Minute for Mission: Native American Day

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“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

The biennial conference of Native American Presbyterian Women met on the Gila River Indian Community reservation south of Phoenix on Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2024, for their first conference since 2019 due to the pandemic. Participants were welcomed by keynote speaker Elona Street-Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th General Assembly (2020). She is a member of the Dela­ware Nanticoke tribe and is the first Native American elected to that office.

Workshops included:

• Presbyterian Ruling Elders Training
• Leadership Development – How Leaders can EQUIP for Maximum Impact
• Worship and Evangelism in Native American Presbyterian Churches
• The Gifts of God and Those They Serve: Opportunities to Serve National                 
• Committees and Boards
• Cultural and Multigenerational Effects of Indian Boarding Schools
• Presbyterian Women Organizations (National and Local)
• Native American Issues and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Response to Them

The Native American Presbyterian Women represent the 98 Presbyterian congregations. The conference is an opportunity for delegates to meet other Native women, learn from workshops, make friends and share ministries from their experiences. The ongoing tradition of an “Apron Exchange” has been a part of the conferences for many years. Many make, buy or donate aprons to exchange with each other in a drawing often created with Native American designs.

Different reservations are chosen to host the conference to highlight various Native American communities and cultures. 

Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Global Ecumenical Liaisons — Interim Unified Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:

Becky Burton, Data Entry, Funds Development Operations, Administrative Services Group, A Corporation         
Olivia Cacchione, Outreach Specialist, Presbyterian Historical Society, Interim Unified Agency

Let us pray:

Creator God, life’s situations and concerns overwhelm us, but we can still find peace. You are this peace; you are our strength and refuge. When we acknowledge you as God of our lives, when we are still, then we know that you are God. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Native American Day

September 27, 2024

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church, est. 1882, Confederated 

Tribes of Umatilla reservation, Pendleton, Oregon. (Irvin

Porter)

Jesus was asked, “… And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

America’s history with Indigenous peoples hasn’t always been neighborly. In the past five years, the General Assembly has taken actions to change that legacy, and to be neighbors, not conquerors. Those actions have included:

• An Apology to Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiians for Presbyterian cooperation with the Indian boarding school experiment.
• Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery.
•  
• Expanding the Response on the Doctrine of Discovery.
• An Initiative to Repair Infrastructure of Native American Churches and Properties.
• A Report on Native American Church Properties.
• A Report from the Native American Coordinating Council.

More needs to be done  on each of these issues. A good start has been made, however.

I work with the 97 Native American Presbyterian congregations. Our leadership has been very busy giving presentations and workshops informing Presbyterians about Native issues.

After more than three centuries, Elona Street-Stewart, of the Delaware-Nanticoke tribe, became the first Native American to be elected in 2020 as a co-moderator of our denomination’s highest elected position.

We are not a numerous constituency. Our first congregation was formed in 1741, making a difference and working to help Presbyterians understand who we are, our issues and inviting “neighbors” into partnership with mutual respect and trust.

Get more information about your Native American congregations. Seek a relationship with those who have been your “neighbors” for centuries.

Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus: Native American Day

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Natalie Shilstut, Director, Programs & Services, Presbyterian Historical Society 
Victoria Shircliffe, Social Media Specialist, Communications, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 

Let us pray

Creator of all that we are and will be, give us hearts to be neighbors who care, listen and support each other. We seek to “rejoice and be glad” in this day you have granted to us. Make sunrise in our hearts now and forevermore. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Native American Day

September 20, 2023

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church, est. 1882, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla reservation, Pendleton, Oregon. (Irvin Porter)

Jesus was asked, “… And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

America’s history with Indigenous peoples hasn’t always been neighborly. In the past five years, the General Assembly has taken actions to change that legacy, and to be neighbors, not conquerors. Those actions have included:

• An Apology to Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiians for Presbyterian cooperation with the Indian boarding school experiment.
• Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery.
• Reporting on the Background of the Doctrine of Discovery with Recommendations for congregations.
• Expanding the Response on the Doctrine of Discovery.
• An Initiative to Repair Infrastructure of Native American Churches and Properties.
• A Report on Native American Church Properties.
• A Report from the Native American Coordinating Council.

More needs to be done on each of these issues. A good start has been made, however.

I work with the 97 Native American Presbyterian congregations. Our leadership has been very busy giving presentations and workshops informing Presbyterians about Native issues.

After more than three centuries, Elona Street-Stewart, of the Delaware-Nanticoke tribe, became the first Native American to be elected in 2020 as a co-moderator of our denomination’s highest elected position.

We are not a numerous constituency. Our first congregation was formed in 1741, making a difference and working to help Presbyterians understand who we are, our issues and inviting “neighbors” into partnership with mutual respect and trust.

Get more information about your Native American congregations. Seek a relationship with those who have been your “neighbors” for centuries.

Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus: Native American Day

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Rhonda Martin, Financial Manager, Presbyterian Women
Dina Martinez, Customer Service Representative, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation

Let us pray

Creator of all that we are and will be, give us hearts to be neighbors who care, listen and support each other. We seek to “rejoice and be glad” in this day you have granted to us. Make sunrise in our hearts now and forevermore. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Native American Day

September 22, 2022

Jesus was asked, “… And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church, est. 1882, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla reservation, Pendleton, Oregon. (Irvin Porter)

America’s history with Indigenous peoples hasn’t always been neighborly. In the past five years, the General Assembly has taken actions to change that legacy, and to be neighbors not conquerors. Those actions have included:

• An Apology to Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiians for Presbyterian cooperation with the Indian boarding school experiment
• Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery
• Reporting on the Background of the Doctrine of Discovery with Recommendations for congregations
•  
• Expanding the Response on the Doctrine of Discovery
• An Initiative to Repair Infrastructure of Native American Churches and Properties
• A Report on Native American Church Properties
• A Report from the Native American Coordinating Council.

More needs to be done in each on each of these issues. A good start has been made, however.

I work with the 97 Native American Presbyterian congregations. Our leadership has been very busy giving presentations and workshops informing Presbyterians about Native issues.

After three-centuries-plus, Elona Street-Stewart, of the Delaware-Nanticoke tribe, became the first Native American to be elected as a Co-Moderator of our denomination’s highest elected position in 2020.

We are not a numerous constituency. Our first congregation was formed in 1741, making a difference and working to help Presbyterians understand who we are, our issues and inviting “neighbors” into partnership with mutual respect and trust.

Get more information about your Native American congregations. Seek relationship with those who have been your “neighbors” for centuries.

Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Penny Franklin,  Executive Relations Coordinator, Presbyterian Foundation
Brian Frick, Associate, Camps & Conferences, Christian Formation, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

Creator of all that we are and will be, give us hearts to be neighbors who care, listen and support each other. We seek to “rejoice and be glad” in this day you have granted to us. Make sunrise in our hearts now and forevermore. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Native American Day

September 22, 2021

Tutuilla Presbyterian Church, est. 1882, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla reservation, Pendleton, Oregon. (Irvin Porter)

Jesus was asked, “… And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

America’s history with Indigenous peoples hasn’t always been neighborly. In the past five years, the General Assembly has taken actions to change that legacy, and to be neighbors not conquerors. Those actions have included:

• • An Apology to Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiians for Presbyterian cooperation with the Indian boarding school experiment
  • Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery
  • Reporting on the Background of the Doctrine of Discovery with Recommendations for congregations
  • Expanding the Response on the Doctrine of Discovery
  • An Initiative to Repair Infrastructure of Native American churches and Properties
  • A Report on Native American Church Properties
  • A Report from the Native American Coordinating Council.

More needs to be done in each on each of these issues. A good start has been made, however.

I work with the 97 Native American Presbyterian congregations. Our leadership has been very busy giving presentations and workshops informing Presbyterians about Native issues.

After three-centuries-plus, Elona Street-Stewart, of the Delaware-Nanticoke tribe, became the first Native American to be elected as a Co-Moderator of our denomination’s highest elected position in 2020.

We are not a numerous constituency. Our first congregation was formed in 1741, making a difference and working to help Presbyterians understand who we are, our issues and inviting “neighbors” into partnership with mutual respect and trust.

Get more information about your Native American congregations. Seek relationship with those who have been your “neighbors” for centuries.

Mr. Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Congregational Support, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Ryan and Alethia White, Mission co-workers in Germany, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Bryce Wiebe, Director, Special Offerings, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

Creator of all that we are and will be, give us hearts to be neighbors who care, listen and support each other. We seek to “rejoice and be glad” in this day you have granted to us. Make sunrise in our hearts now and forevermore. Amen.

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.