On Sunday, May 1, we observe Native American Ministries Sunday, one of six denomination-wide Special Sundays where we are invited to partner with fellow United Methodist congregations in a special offering to fund specific needs in the greater community. On Native American Ministries Sunday, that offering supports the ministries of First Americans who integrate their culture and traditions with United Methodist theology, equipping and empowering Native American pastors, congregations, and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.
Cynthia Mosely of St John’s UMC in Bridgeton, New Jersey, is excited about Native American Ministries Sunday. St John’s, a Native American congregation, is a vibrant community of 185 families, an increase of 50 families that occurred during the pandemic as pastor Roy Bundy moved services online to support the needs of church members. With this growth, the church has also increased the amount of food they serve to the community in their immediate area. “Perhaps the greatest benefit [of Native American Ministries Sunday], said Mosely, is the chance for “the general church family to learn and understand more about the Native American community right here in New Jersey. We share our drums, our dancers, our speakers, and our love of the Creator with everyone.”
With the generosity of United Methodists, this ministry received $453,155 in 2021 and funded and strengthened Native American ministries both in Annual Conferences and in urban and rural communities, all through the General Board of Global Ministries. It also provided scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology, distributed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministries. Half of our gifts stay with local ministries in this Annual Conference (through the Committee on Native Ministries), and half support the work of Native American United Methodist ministries nationally.
On Native American Ministries Sunday, we recognize the connections we have with all siblings in Christ. Our gifts work together for the common good, with life-affirming results, sharing God’s love throughout and finding fresh, new ways to engage and empower communities with that love. Thank you for your generosity through your gifts on Native American Ministries Sunday.