Indigenous Peoples’ Sunday, October 11 – All Services
Sunday, October 11 – All Services
On Sunday, October 11, we will honor Indigenous Peoples Day at Saint Matthew’s. In 2019, the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona took the bold step of acknowledging the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day and approved the liturgy we will use on this day. Its language and prayer style are authentic and reflective of the deep and abiding relationship between God’s people on this land and God our Creator. The liturgy follows the general framework of an Episcopal service in that we begin by sharing Holy Scripture during the Liturgy of the Word and continue after The Peace with the Liturgy of the Table, or Holy Communion. Although there are several prayers that may be familiar, such as the Nicene Creed, many of the prayers are different but include perspectives that we share with Native peoples about our Creator God and our desire to be good stewards of creation. There will be two options for praying the Lord’s Prayer: the traditional and an indigenous version. You are welcome to say either prayer as the Spirit moves you. Rev. Monica will also share a joyful Gloria that we will sing in a call and response format.
We are grateful that two indigenous neighbors will help lead us in worship. Grandfather Lench Archuleta is a Yaqui Indian and Traditional Native Healer from Southern Arizona. For more than 30 years, he has worked with individuals and communities as a counselor, teacher, consultant, and spiritual guide, sharing Native American traditions and philosophies. Joey Morelli is with the Hopi Sand Clan Tribe and is the Native voice for the diocesan Council for Native American Ministry. He is also serving on the search committee for the Missioner with the Office of Indigenous Ministries of The Episcopal Church. Together, we will listen, learn, pray, and give thanks for the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land and continue to share their gifts, traditions, and wisdom with our communities.
About Grandfather Lench Archuleta
Grandfather Lench Archuleta, also known as “don Lorenzo,” is a Yaqui Indian and Traditional Native Healer from Southern Arizona. For more than 30 years, he has worked with individuals and communities as a counselor, teacher, consultant, and spiritual guide, sharing Native American traditions and philosophies.
Grandfather Lench has worked with numerous Native American Nations and has lectured throughout the United States and abroad. His experience includes serving as an advisor to the Department of Defense on ethnic and human relations, with an emphasis on Native American traditions and philosophies. In 2000, he represented Native American Peoples at the World Mission Conference at the Vatican in Rome.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Grandfather Lench was invited to Manhattan to help residents address emotional and spiritual trauma. His work there concluded with a ceremonial healing circle at Ground Zero. His work has also included collaborations with physicians, therapists, traditional healers, and other practitioners in the field of healing.