Worship, October 1
VIDEO. October 1 at 10am, we celebrated World Communion Sunday led by our Indigenous siblings. Rev. Judy Wellington of Pima and Souix heritage delivered the message, “Learning from Each Other” based on Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16. Music by Navajo composer Conner Chee and flutist Sky Red Hawk were featured.
The first Sunday in October is designated as World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. What better day to celebrate the rich culture of Indigenous people.
View the video of the full service on YouTube: Sunday Worship, October 1, 2023. Down load the service bulletin.
View the message portion on YouTube: Sunday Message, October 1, 2023.
After the service, we moved to Pope Hall for a special luncheon.
Rev. Judy Wellington
Judy is of Akilmel O’odham (Pima) and Dakota (Sioux) heritage. She has served Native peoples and communities in California, Arizona, and New Mexico during her time in ministry. Judy has worked with the Bay Area Native American Ministry in Oakland, CA; The Presbytery of Grand Canyon as Associate Presbyter for Native American Ministries; Associate Pastor at La Mesa Presbyterian Church engaged in outreach ministry with urban Native Americans; and interim/transitional pastor for several congregations. She retired earlier this year.
Judy has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and received her M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She has pursued continuing education opportunities through the Native Wellness Institute and Stanford University Graduate School of Education.
Sky Red Hawk
Sky Red Hawk is from both the Lakota and Inde tribes. His mother is Lakota and his father is Inde (Apache). For Sky the act of playing the flute is a prayer for all creation that is shaped by Spirit. His pieces are identified as prayers and will be improvised as the service progresses. Sky manages “Native Sounds” at 228 Old Santa Fe Trail, a delightful shop that sells Native Flutes. He has several CDs available and free instructional videos on the Sky Redhawk Youtube channel.
Conner Chee
Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee is known for combining his classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Conner made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Conner’s solo piano music is inspired by traditional Navajo chants and songs.