The VBS will have as it’s theme “Back to The Kitchen Table” a culinary journey through traditional Navajo dishes using many indigenous plants and herbs which the group will gather and process. The final evening of the event will be a meal shared with the Good Shepherd and St. Mark’s communities. The sessions will be led by Fr. Leon Sampson – Curate at Good Shepherd – who is also a trained chef. The gathering of materials and preparation will include many spiritual stories and references as well as the inclusion of aspects of Navajo culture.
The VBS experience will last for half of each of four days. The other half of each day will be an in depth learning of Navajo Spirituality and the Hogan Learning Circle. This opportunity will be led by Rev. Cathlena Plummer – Canon for Spiritual Formation for The Episcopal Church in Navajoland. The basis of the cultural experience will be the Beauty Way – one of the most sacred elements of Navajo culture.
Participants will be responsible for their individual transportation costs to and from Albuquerque New Mexico (ABQ). Some scholarship assistance will be available. Housing, meals, and on-site transportation will be provided.
All participants will need to have a current Safe Church Training Certificate https://episcopaliansinconnection.org/formation-3/ and be sponsored (validated – approved) by a member of the Clergy from their home church or leader from their Institution.
This is an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow Episcopalians who are Navajo and to share their rich culture and spirituality. One day of the weeklong session will be involved with exploring the culture and scenic beauty of the area – Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly or similar.
Interested persons need to fill out an application form which is available electronically below. Completed forms need to be returned not later than April 21st, 2024.
Interested persons of High School age and above are encouraged to apply here.
On Monday, October 9, our nation celebrates Columbus Day. For some, this holiday serves as a painful annual reminder of the Europeans’ brutal settlement and conquest of the Americas. The Diocese of Southern Ohio has resolved to celebrate the first Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and congregations are urged to recognize and celebrate Indigenous People’s Day on the Sunday before with special services, offerings, music, and education offered for all ages. These events are free and open to the public. Registration is required for the Saturday workshop – Creation Care and Environmental Justice.
The Native American Ministry Council of Christ Church Cathedral has been active since 1984, as the result of a bequest from Nina F. Lansley. The Council’s early work included support for social work with the poor and elderly in the backcountry of the Navajo reservation and summer mission trips to Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Starting in 2011, the Native American Ministry Council has conducted an annual workshop and Sunday service to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. By honoring the customs, and traditions and developing a greater understanding of the impact of the history of the Doctrine of Discovery on present-day Native Americans we inform our congregation and the larger community we serve. Native American leadership has been integral to these events. This year’s Native American Weekend will focus on the Care of Creation and the impact of governmental policies on our planet. The Council is active with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland and helps underwrite its activities through direct donations and fundraising by selling Shima soaps, honey and blue corn meal that are produced by the enterprises of EDC.
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