Words from the Bishop: “All who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.”

In Advent I am highlighting some ministries of the Montana Synod that are in critical need of financial support.  Last week I wrote about Freedom in Christ at Montana State Prison.  This week I want to highlight the ministry at Our Saviour’s, Rocky Boy.  Our Saviour’s is one of the oldest ELCA congregations on a reservation.  It has a long history of service to the Chippewa and Cree people who live on the Rocky Boys Reservation, the smallest and most recently established reservation in Montana.

Our Saviour’s is a ministry of service to their neighbors on the rez.  The clothing redistribution, infant layettes, Christmas presents, quilts, and grocery assistance are all a part of how Our Saviour’s serves on our behalf.  Many congregations contribute items to share. Thank you.

Our Saviour’s is also a worshipping community, providing Word and Sacrament ministry every Sunday.  In the summer and during retreats, guests join the resident community at worship.

Our Saviour’s also serves as a host to retreat groups, servant groups and groups who want to learn more about life on the reservation.  Middle school groups, seminarians, women’s groups, ecumenical groups come to Our Saviour’s to learn more about the people who were on the land before the European Americans came.

Our Saviour’s is one of 2 Native American ministries in the Montana Synod.  The other is Spirit of Life, on the Fort Peck Reservation.  In 2010, the Montana Synod Assembly issued an Apology to the Tribal members in Montana.  It is important for us to live out that apology in deed as well as in word.

I invite you to make a special gift to Our Saviour’s, Rocky Boy this Advent Season, and to include Our Saviour’s in your congregation’s budget.

You can go to their website at www.oslcrb.org, or write to 499 Mission Taylor Road, Box Elder, MT  59521-8983.

“Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.”

Bishop Jessica Crist