By Carol Caplinger
Field specialist, Indigenous/Native American/First People Ministries
In Native American Ministries we gather four times a year to celebrate and learn of the Creator and worship in indigenous traditions as well as Community of Christ ways.
This year a Blessing of the Water Ceremony was part of our Summer Moon (reunion) at Saints Grove Retreat Center in Glencoe, Oklahoma, USA.
As we walked to the lake with our vials of water, Terry led us with drum and song. His rhythmic sounds guided us in meditation about our appreciation of water in all aspects of our lives.
Choctaw Tribal Chairman Terry Ladnier of Mississippi led this tradition, which actually began before camp. He encouraged us to bring living water from our home areas. We excitedly brought samples (tap water not included) from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, rainwater, the Mississippi River, a waterfall in Kansas, the muddy Mo, and the Arkansas and Colorado rivers.
As we walked to the lake with our vials of water, Terry led us with drum and song. His rhythmic sounds guided us in meditation about our appreciation of water in all aspects of our lives.
Just then, Charlie, a 6-year-old Navajo/Aniyvwiya boy, slid his hand in mine and asked if he could walk to the lake with me. I welcomed him and asked if he could help me think of all the gifts we love that come from water. On that hot summer afternoon, Charlie named snow cones, slushies, and swimming pools!
The ancient ceremony combined the waters we all brought from our homes with the lake at Saints Grove. It was an intermingling not only of waters, but of our understanding and appreciation that water is life everywhere we go for all of creation.
When we gathered at the lake, we prayed and then poured our small amounts of water into a bucket. The mixed waters were added to the water lapping at the sandy edge of the lake.
Then each person was gifted a small vial of water from the lake, which now had our liquid offerings blended in harmony with the waters at our campground.
The ancient ceremony combined the waters we all brought from our homes with the lake at Saints Grove. It was an intermingling not only of waters, but of our understanding and appreciation that water is life everywhere we go for all of creation.
In October and November, we celebrate the culture and traditions of Native American/Indigenous Peoples by setting aside time to reflect on the ebb and flow of life. May we focus on divine moments that connect the Creator with us—the simple, yet profound, blessings of creation.
Resolved, That Community of Christ recognize the unique tribal status of the First Peoples of America as sovereign nations and encourage the development of relational ministries with these nations.