On April 28, 2018 the United Methodist Women had a very interesting program on Native Americans and the many connections we have as Methodist. The American Indian Christian Circle of Lake County meets at our church and are followers of Christ, with American Indian heritage. Their purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ, to offer a form of worship that is unique to Native people, and to preserve the tradition of the native people of Americas.
About 50 women, and a few men, gathered in the social hall for the program.
There are three Native American conferences of the Methodist church.
There is also an Oklahoma Missionary conference.
Ed, who is the chair of the Florida Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM), opened the program with a Native American ceremony and prayer.
Janet, was the chairperson for this program, had a very interesting and informative presentation. She showed how much the Native Americans were pushed off their land as Europeans settled here. She also shared how their children were taken from them and shipped east to have them assimilate to the European culture, thus losing their own identity.
The purpose of the program was to educate us, to be more understanding, to learn about their culture and be more open to Native Americans.
A lot of information was shared by these women. Each woman was introduced to us and to what tribe she belonged.
Each one explained their ceremonial clothing or regalia.
Modesty is stressed, as seen in the clothing.
A lot of symbolism is on their clothes.
Dian shared a lot of information on Native American life. She told how they use all the parts of an animal, and about the different types of homes tribes had depending on the area where they lived.
Dian shared one legend about the the corn husk doll and the reason she has no face. It taught the children to remember beauty is from the inside not the outward appearance.
The two horses on the table show how horses were painted to help the warrior when they were fighting the enemy. Warriors have always been honored and today they always honor any of their members that are veterans, police or first responders.
The women shared a prayer song that is said in the morning. First it was sung to the east
and then repeated to the south, west and north.
A luncheon was served of Native American food. We had soup made from the three sisters ( corn, bean and squash), jerky, fry bread, berries and nuts. It was a delicious meal.
After lunch the men did drumming and the women danced. Only men play on the drum or only women, they do not play together. The songs were sung by all, some in Native language and some in English. The American Indian Christian Circle of Lake County has a gathering at our church at the Agape House the third Sunday of the month. It starts at 4:00 P.M. with a potluck supper and fellowship, or crafts. Supper is followed by Services at 5:30 with drumming and dancing after the service. You are welcome to attend, just bring some food to share.
