Intergenerational Worship, Sunday, June 18, 2023 – National Indigenous People’s Day Sunday. We responded to the request from the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to plant a Heart Garden “Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams”. Following the worship service, children planted hearts and pollinators in the Central Presbyterian Church garden on Charlton Ave. West.
To prepare for planting, on Sunday, June 11 during our Faith Finders time (Sunday School), the children and youth engaged in learning about residential schools and the resulting intergenerational trauma. We read “Stolen Words” by Melanie Florence and prepared our hearts for the garden. The Faith Finders leaders were very impressed at how knowledgable the children already were, sharing their learning from school.
As Christians, we continued the conversation on how we can live out our faith. The children suggested the following:
“we can be good neighbours”
“we can plant a heart garden”
“we can remember those who have died”
“we can care for those in need”
We learn together – we can do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8).
In September 2023, we will continue work on this reconciliation project. We commit to learning about and following through on one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
What Can You Do?
Visit the garden. Bring a friend!
Download a heart or pick up a copy from the church office. Print, colour and bring to church to add to the Heart Garden.
Borrow and read a book from our social justice collection available in the church office.
Read Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
Watch the June 18 worship service on Central’s YouTube Channel. The children and youth led many aspects of the service, sharing their learning and music.
Read Indigenous Justice resources from the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
