Indigenous Justice

I always knew about the treaty money I am supposed to get every year because of the treaty that I am a part of.  My mom would mention every once in a while about collecting it.  Historically, you would have to go to the Indian Affairs office to request it but for the last few years, it has been available at the Forks in Winnipeg for collection near National Indigenous People’s Day, a bit of a return to the fanfare of Treaty Days back in the day.  

So take all that I dream
Take all that I plan
You you hold all my days
There within Your hands

- Christy Nockels 

You can be forgiven if you find yourself not thinking about treaties very often.    After all, it is 2020 and for most Canadians, the term “treaty” conjures up ideas and images that seem to be part of a long-forgotten high school History or Social Studies class.   The relevancy of treaties to our everyday, ordinary lives seems non-existent.  Treaties – well, they tend not to make the news very often.  So, it is easy for us to assume they do not matter.

It is time for Canadians to know that First Nations people have held up their end of the treaties.

Welcome to the Throne Room, welcome to the place where He shows His face. Oh, worship in spirit and in truth.  Welcome to the Throne Room.  - CeCe Winans

Our Phone2Action partner launched #HearUsOut to help you send a personalized message to federal elected officials.  It is now avaliable to Canadians.  By selecting a topic within the action alert, you’ll be able to provide direct feedback on the COVID-19 response affecting vulnerable people in your community. The following paragraphs will be embedded in your action alert when you select a specific topic to take action on.  You can also copy and paste these paragraphs into communications with your official as necessary!

Hear my prayer, Lord;  let my cry for help come to you.  Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.  Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. - Psalm 102:1-2

Bethany Christian Services

This week, Bethany Christian Services is asking for prayer after an increasing number of their clients who are essential workers are diagnosed with COVID-19.  Their work with refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers guides, advocates, and supports key settlement locations around the globe, including the U.S.

Prayers To The One Who Makes Peace

Take out all our hearts of stone and replace them with hearts of living, beating flesh.  Transform us into instruments of your peace.  

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

I’ve been reflecting on the power and necessity of lament. Too often we as congregations need to be ushered into the hopeful joy and hand-waving praise which is far more comfortable than holding space for the beauty in lament. In my journey through social justice and daily life, I have had to find comfort with this discomfort. Lamenting allows me to safely be in this space and know that God is still near. Lamenting also creates space to keep going even when change seems unreachable.  Psalm 61:1-3 illustrates this. 

Hear my cry, O God,