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This message comes from Indigenous Ministries and Justice at The United Church of Canada.
As news came on May 28, 2021, that the remains of 215 children were found in a mass unmarked grave on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, we entered into a time of mourning for these relatives, their families, and their communities.
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Gatherings were held around sacred fires across the country. Prayers were sung and spoken. Church bells were rung. Orange ribbons were tied on branches and fences. Shoes were laid out on the steps of churches and government buildings. Candles were lit and flags were lowered as a sign of respect.
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Three generations of the Burns family (Russel, Charlene, Russelle, Jacob, and Jenny) travelled into the Rocky Mountains to make a tobacco offering for each and every one of these 215 children. Russelle offered this reflection:
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My heart has been heavy since hearing about Kamloops. It was an absolute BLESSING to be with Nikâwiy ewka Nohtâwiy [Mother and Father] this weekend.… Nohtâwiy didn’t do one offering for the 215 children found; instead he took the time to offer tobacco for every single one of them. My prayers were for the Mosoms, Kokoms, and Chapans [Grandfathers, Grandmothers, and Great-Grandparents] those little souls never got to grow up to be.… I know they’re happy today, dancing and enjoying all the prayers being sent! Jenny and me PROUDLY wore our orange shirts today.
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Indigenous Ministries asks all of the church to continue in this time of mourning and of support for each other as we grieve this loss, and others that we do not yet know about.
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I encourage you to follow, through prayer and action, the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth.
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With deep sadness & fledgling hope,
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Karen Dale, in ministry with Beach United Church
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CHECK OUT EVENTS & WEBSITE LINKS click the blue links to connect
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The video will be posted by 12 noon on Sun June 6, on the website & Facebook
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You are invited to experience the Memorial Service for Sheila Richards, which was held on June 2 via Zoom. Sheila was a treasured part of both Kew Beach and Beach United Churches and she died on July 22, 2020.
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NEW! FB Livestream with Steven Webb: Summertime Soiree: An Evening of piano favourites. Sat June 26 at 7 pm. Requests sent to music@beachuc.com
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Children & Youth: ideas on how to thrive in body, mind and spirit.
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Music for the Soul: Find solace and joy in music.
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The group currently meets outside the church at 140 Wineva Avenue on Saturday’s from 9.30 to 10.30 am. Contact Matthew Canaran at mattcanaran@gmail.com.
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Food Pantry: we are investigating the idea of having a food pantry outside BUC in an accessible, preferably shady spot. This idea came out of a meeting of the Environmental Action Group. It would be run according to the following premise "Give what you can. Take what you need"
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Help needed to construct a pantry, similar to the one in the above link. If you are able to help please contact karen@beachuc.com
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