Bishop Ward gives thanks for the gifts and ministries of the 13 Native American churches of the conference and highlights Heritage Day on Sept. 8.
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Here in North Carolina, we celebrate the presence of the Lumbee tribe, a wonderful people offering great gifts to our entire shared life. Here in the North Carolina Conference, we celebrate 13 congregations that are predominantly Lumbee. These Lumbee congregations have over 2,200 members.
The ministry flowing through these congregations is a gift in Robeson County and out into the world. Across the state of North Carolina, Native American citizens offer much to our shared life. The gifts of the Lumbee tribe we celebrate. Heritage Day will take place Saturday September 8 in Robeson County. Not only in Robeson County, but in every place, we celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. These beautiful gifts that I wear and share in this video are simple and profound examples of the beautiful artistry of Native American people.
We give thanks to God, who in wisdom created us with great variety, so that all of our gifts might be offered to God, who weaves all that we are into a beautiful tapestry of humanity.