Practicing Sabbath

Today we practiced Sabbath. Our day began with a leisurely breakfast, a devotional reading (See Sabbath below), and a half-hour journey to church. We worshipped at Mikasan Presbyterian Church, where we were warmly welcomed by the congregation. It was a simple and joyous time. Pastor Asa led us in a reading and prayer, and then invited the choir forward, including three congregants, Dennis Harvey, and Paula Carley - they sang "To God be the Glory". Pastor Asa preached on the role of Father's, and his wife and chair of the Ladies Aid, prayed for the Fathers in the room. Simple, clear, and worshipful - music was accapella, and often in Lakota. God was praised both here and at home, though the method was quite different.

Following worship, we celebrated a meal with the people of Mikasan. The meal was much like an Excelsior meal, where we sat and talked for some time, not eager to stand up from the conversation.

Several of us ended lunch with a walk through the wheat fields. Prickly and hot, we walked for fifteen minutes cognizant of potential snakes and other critters. To our appreciation, we encountered only thistle and a car engine in the wheat field.

The pictures are of our scenic Sunday drive en route to Bette's Kitchen. Bette is a relative of Black Elk, who is often remembered as the one who understood Christianity in a NAtive way. We ate buffalo burgers, chicken, and a few enjoyed the chef salad. Tasty to say the least.

On the way home, we stopped at Wounded Knee, where whether a first-timer or multiple-time visitor, death by violence catches one off guard. One of our participants made an interesting parallel. He stated that many of the visitors to Pearl Harbor are Japanese; this is similar for us.

What does it mean to visit a place, where people were killed for the benefit of the American way? At what cost is all benefit disrupted? JEsus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." It is terrifying that memorials exist remembering violence against a people. That they are there is necessary due to the events; the events are the root of the question. Ugh.

We arrived safely at home around 7:30. We packed our lunches, showered, and gathered for song and spoken word - we rested well - may tomorrow be a participation in the ongoing, good work of God.