The pictures above tell stories of my own journey towards learning and action of a continual journey towards reconciliation. The left is the setup for an Indigenous led ceremony called Standing Stones, the middle is a medicine wheel flower bed that an Indigenous friend helped me create in my front yard and the right is a Treaty document reminding us that we are all treaty people. A part of my journey over the past months has been the CRC ministry called Hearts Exchanged.
As described by the organizers, the cohorts of groups are on learning and action journeys designed to equip Reformed Christians to engage with Indigenous Peoples as neighbours and fellow image bearers. This co-learning setting models the sacred journey of reconciliation, preparing us as Christians to build relationships with Indigenous communities that are marked by mutual respect and reciprocity. Participants are transformed in their minds and hearts as they are invited into honest dialogue about the harms of colonialism, and encounter ‘hearts broken’ stories and experiences. If you agree to participate you would be committing to eight gatherings in your local area; one per month starting in Fall 2021. You would also commit to complete some self-directed learning in between each of the meetings, and as a co-learning cohort, contribute your reflections to your broader community. We anticipate that the initial meetings would be hosted on Zoom, with in person learning dependent on COVID guidelines. The time commitment is estimated to be 4 to 8 hours per month; between the monthly zoom session and activities in between. It is our hope that this process will have a ripple effect, equipping you with insights, personal experiences and relationships that will inspire you for further conversations within the church and beyond. Furthermore, we hope to deepen our national dialogue and understanding of cross-cultural ministry as we lean-in to respect, reciprocity and relationships. This process will also be the foundation for the next Canadian National Gathering, equipping the CRC to continue learning together. If you are willing to live into this process, could you confirm your interest by signing up using this link by July 16th? (People can still sign up after this date, so if you’re interested but can’t confirm right now, please still reply to let us know so we can save a space for you). This is for all congregants, deacons, elders, pastors and leaders. Consider it today.
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