Funds collected for Native American Ministries Sunday partner with existing Native American ministries to create beneficial programs?
A gap in knowledge exists in The United Methodist Church, in congregations and other United Methodist entities, relative to comprehending concepts of Native American life, cultures, languages, spirit, values, contemporary issues, and such. We affirm the sacredness of indigenous people, their languages, cultures, and gifts to the church and the world. Donations support vital ministries and churches in the Native American communities and allow The UMC to partner with existing native ministries to develop new programs on behalf of Native Americans. Some of those efforts include mentoring programs, peer support systems, funding for economic development projects, and restoring traditional and historic ways that bring forth new leaders for Native American communities.
ABOUT NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SUNDAY (NAMS)
Native American Ministries Sunday serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. With more than 20,000 Native Americans within the denomination, this special Sunday helps to ensure that Native American United Methodist leaders are recognized. It was officially recognized in 1988 and has been celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of Easter since 1989. An offering is taken on this Special Sunday to develop and strengthen Native American ministries in the Annual Conferences, Native American rural, urban, reservation ministries and communities relating to the General Board of Global Ministries. It also provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology distributed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
