Seeing Creator Active

"Tell Me About Your Story"

Tell me about your story

Wast there blood, sweat or tears?

Maybe there was some glory

Over your last 100 years

within your homeland

Prisoners they were

A powerful people

A powerful prayer

See the strength

Feel the pride

Run with nature

Nothing to hide

A little more heartache, it will never last

Strong in their ways, set in their path

Waling in beauty, all the way

Walking in beauty, the natives say.

Brought them home, home to stay

This is our story

of blood, sweat and tears

No, there is no glory

But we'll be here 

The next 100 years. 

-Lavelle, 10th Grade, Lakota, South Dakota

Today and through the long weekend here in San Pedro the annual Many Winters Gathering of Elders takes place. This is the 20th year of this event which includes tribal representation from throughout North America (Turtle Island). It's held at Angeles Gate Cultural Center October 8-11 from 11am-7pm daily. If you're interested in attending, you can find the details and protocols for entering this sacred space here.

This event is held annual around Indigenous People's Day, the second Tuesday in October. At the Garden Church we do our best to mark this weekend with prayers and reflections from and for the indigenous traditions who once stewarded our land. This Sunday we'll reflect on stories from indigenous people alongside the story from our Holy Scripture as we look together for God's active presence. Inspired by appreciative inquiry and the poem of Lavelle (above) we'll spend time listening and recognize the presence of the Creator.

All Are Welcome and we hope you can join us for our weekly Sunday Rhythm.

In Faith,

Rev. Amanda

Sunday Rhythm:

3pm Work Together

4pm Worship Together

5pm Eat Together

Come as you are, stay as you are able

All Are Welcome

Image:

Artist: Monica Zavala

Date: 2026

This year‘s 20th Many Winters Gathering Of Elders design was inspired by the bear ceremony. During this ceremony, the spirit of the bear is honored with offerings of fish, berries, tobacco, and honey. I created these Elders’ hands that provide those offerings to the bear, to honor the Elders. With that reciprocity, this ceremony brings healing to the people. This bear represents the spirit of our local communities. It holds a traditional clapper stick and wears a necklace made of our California black oak acorn tops and abalone shell, items that I would give away to show my reciprocity.