Dear Friend in Unity
We have a
very special, alternative healing & music service this Sunday
. A huge thank you to Yavhel Velazquez for the ingenuity and passion that has gone into the development of this celebration called "Rise".
Prior to service, starting at 10:00 a.m., our sanctuary Wood Hall will be dedicated by Elders Skip and May Sam from the Tsartlip First Nation. Using cedar boughs dipped in medicinal waters that are prayed over for four days prior, they will perform this
traditional Indigenous ceremony “cleansing and dedicating” our gathering place for our continued benefit.
The medicinal waters will also be available after the service for personal healing.
From the November 2016 article “Water Song: Indigenous Women and Water”
“water has significant cultural importance to Indigenous communities in Canada.
For Indigenous peoples and their ways of life, water is a living thing, a spiritual entity with “life-giving” forces…it represents parts of a much broader holistic perspective which recognizes that
all aspects of Creation are interrelated, and that water is not only for drinking but also has traditionally and continuously been used in ceremonies,
to grow medicines, and for cleansing and purification.”
We are so fortunate to be
welcoming the Elder Sams to share this meaningful tradition with us
, and we look forward to having them join us for the Sunday service and for fellowship as well!
To witness and participate in the healing ceremony, please be in Wood Hall by 10 am, as doors will be closed until 10:20 am
to allow the sacred ceremony to proceed without interruption or distraction.
Sunday celebration will start as per usual at 10:30 am.
Yours in CommUnity,
Rev. Roxanne
