When the spirit was given at Pentecost, the word was heard in many languages all at once

that expanded the family of God to a people that included many different peoples of many

different cultures and many different backgrounds.

So I first, this week in particular, just want to acknowledge that tomorrow is Indigenous

peoples day, a day when we recognize the lives and cultures of the first peoples of North

America and Alaska, and also a day when we lament the colonization and mistreatment of many

of those peoples.

The land of Oregon, the land that we now occupy was originally the home to many vibrant

and native tribes, and so as inhabitants of this land who have been filled with the

Holy Spirit, who makes many peoples one family, it's important as we gather to worship

and move toward tomorrow that we both celebrate the cultures represented by our brothers

and sisters, and secondly that we grieve with them for the evil and injustice that they

have endured.

Secondly, because when the spirit was given, the word was heard in many languages, we will

continue to hear the word in multiple languages that are represented from right here within

this local church family each and every week during this practice.

So I'm going to invite Mimi who's going to come now and read our teaching texts for

today if you would stand for the reading of the scripture.

Salam and good morning, my name is Hamrawid, but most call me Mimi.

I listen to Bridgetown teachings for a while before calling this my home church over five

years ago around the same time that I joined a Bridgetown community group, also recently

a part of the racial justice subcommittee for women.

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