The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC) has created a resource page to help United Methodists celebrate and observe Native Ministries Sunday online. The official observance date for the denomination is April 26, 2020, however congregations are encouraged to celebrate throughout the year.
“We hope our friends and allies will remember our Native peoples even in this difficult time for the nation,” said the Rev. David Wilson, OIMC superintendent. “Native communities are some of the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and we are working to support tribes and Native churches addressing the crisis.”
In compliance with state regulations, OIMC has provided food at the request of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe. In addition, OIMC has sent funds to support emergency needs on the Standing Rock and Yankton Sioux reservations in South Dakota.
“Many Native peoples, particularly our elders, live paycheck to paycheck,” said Wilson. “They may not have the money or access to buy the basics they need for the coming weeks. We will continue to look for ways to support our community and tribes during this crisis.”
The OIMC resource page includes Native hymns on video that churches can share through social media as well as stories of inspiration, prayers, and Native oriented calls to worship. Donations can be made directly to OIMC or through the Advance at Give Now!
