Special Events

Throughout October, Gary Church will learn about Indigenous peoples’ history and culture through opportunities for all ages. “Seeing & Celebrating” is a collaboration of the church’s Christian Education ministry and “Educate A Girl / Change the World” mission.

 

Creator Sang a Welcoming Song: A Children’s Ministry Study

Sundays, Oct. 6–27, 9 a.m. Kids' Church

Gary Kids will learn about Indigenous peoples’ spirituality and culture from a United Methodist Mission Study written by Ray Buckley, interim Director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study.

 

Indigenous People We Need to Know: A Study for Middle & High School Youth

Middle School: Wednesdays, Oct. 2-23, 7-8:30 p.m.

High School: Sundays, Oct. 6-20, 6-7:30 p.m.

Each week, Gary Youth will get to know Indigenous trailblazers who are working to conquer the unique challenges Native Americans have faced both historically and in the present.

 

Midwest SOARRING Foundation’s Harvest Pow Wow

Sunday, Oct. 13, 12:30 p.m., DuPage County Fairgrounds (indoors)

Gary Church members are invited to meet at the Harvest Pow Wow to experience the Grand Entry (1 p.m.), food, dance, arts & crafts, drumming and more. Cost at the gate: Adults $17; Seniors $12; Children $7. Discounted tickets available before Oct. 5 here. The Pow Wow runs Oct. 12-13.

Native Peoples: UMC Relationship Healing & Ancestral Lands

Sundays, Oct. 13-20, 10:10 a.m., Commons A/B

 

Remembering the 2012 UMC General Conference “Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples"

Oct. 13, led by Dr. Gene Green
The leader the UMC "Act of Repentance," Dr. Carol Lakota Eastin (Lakota, Yakima and Shawnee), said that "we're calling the people of The United Methodist Church to enter into a longer journey of conversations with Indigenous people." What was the "Act of Repentance" and what are its continuing implications for our church and the Northern Illinois Conference?

 

Where is the Holy Land? 

Oct. 20, led by Dr. Gene Green
An exploration of the spiritual significance of land for Native Americans and for us. According to Cherokee scholar Dr. Alan Ray, Indigenous peoples have a "land based spirituality." What does it mean for us to live and worship in their sacred space?


Moment for Mission: 

Welcome Dr. Dorene Wise, A Leader for a New Chicago

Sunday, Oct. 27, during 9 a.m. worship

In 2007, Dr. Dorene Wiese established the American Indian Association of Illinois (AIAI) to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples through learning. Gary’s “Educate A Girl” mission has partnered with AIAI to provide a college scholarship to one of its participants, Aaliyah Begay. Dr. Wiese will share about the challenges and successes of AAIP’s work in education.



All-Church Event featuring the Black Hawk Performance Company


Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m., Activity Center

Everyone is invited to attend this special celebration featuring the oldest American Indian dance company of Chicago. Black Hawk provides an outlet for experienced talent to share Native American cultures with the public and a venue for young Native people to celebrate the many tribal songs and dances that enrich their lives. One of the dancers visiting Gary Church includes Aaliyah Begay, a Gary Church “Educate A Girl” scholarship recipient.