I had the privilege to attend the Native American Presbyterian Men’s Gathering from October 31 through November 2. The gathering was held at Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in Eastern Oklahoma.
The theme of the gathering was Man of God, Man of Faith and focused on the story of Noah. Dr. Cecil Corbett providing the opening sermon and Dr. Henry Fawcett preached at the closing worship that included the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
A powerful film, Mile Post 398, was viewed and discussed. Mile Post 398 features a Navajo man named Clyod. Thirty-something Cloyd lives in Kayenta, AZ and faces a problem with alcohol. One day Cloyd decides to turn his life around by quitting alcohol and making amends with his wife, son, and family. He soon realizes how hard it is to face his demons and deal with the peer-pressure of his friends. The film used an all Navajo cast and crew and was filmed on the Navajo Nation.
Bert Tom led a workshop on Spiritual Vitality. Ralph Scissons led a workshop on Leadership.
My workshop focused on the Belhar Confession (PDF) from South Africa. The 216th General Assembly (2004) called the Presbyterian Church to study the Belhar Confession (PDF). The Office of Theology and Worship created a study guide on the Belhar Confession (PDF).
The 218th General Assembly (2008) called for the the PC(USA) to initiate the constitutional process to consider including the Belhar Confession in the Book of Confessions and report back to the General Assembly in 2010.
The Native American Presbyterian Men are taking seriously the call to engage with the Belhar Confession. They had many questions. I took lots of notes. And I will find out how people can have input into this process and when I do, I will pass it along.