Eagle Butte Learning Center is a ministry of the Council for American Indian Ministry. It’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for American Indian people and churches through an educational ministry that prepares people for pastoral and lay leadership in Indian Country, promoting spiritual growth, healing and cross cultural understanding through a variety of classes, retreats and workshops.
A mentoring program is being established to supplement knowledge and education from the Learning Center. Completing a rotation of 3 years of classes can lead to licensing, and when called to a church or ministry, licensure can lead to ordination. Judith Andrews, Licensed Minister Judith Andrews, a member of the Ponca Creek United Church of Christ, Bonesteel, SD completed three years of workshops and retreats in scripture studies, health care, Indian justice, UCC History and Polity and Ethics and Boundary Training. Satisfying the requirements of Dakota Association for licensed ministry, the Committee on Ministry voted to license Judith to serve in Dakota Association. She will lead worship and preach at her local church as well as be available for pulpit supply. Judith is employed by Dakota Association and works in the association office. She is writing worship resources for Advent for Local Church Ministries.
Judith Andrews & Rosemary McCombs Maxey
Drug Summit Was a Positive Step for EBLC pastors, lay leaders, and students Crystal Methamphetamines in Indian Communities was the topic for the Drug Summit held June 1-3, 2007. Justin Webb, a member of the Federal Drug Task Force, discussed the role of law enforcement from discovery of manufacture, distribution, abuse and addictions. Focusing on the harm of living where meth is manufactured, he warned of health dangers to the elders and children who become victims.
Jeremy Buchholz, Addictions Counselor, Capital area Counseling Services in Pierre, SD, gave his personal story of learning at an early age how to manufacture, distribute, and use meth. It was not until his second imprisonment that he came to grips with his addictions. Flinching, twitching and memory lapses were visible as he told his story and how he struggles to maintain being clean and sober. Danielle Rose, Catholic Social Services, presented strategies on coping with addictions on a personal level. Using herbal teas for relaxation and curbing urges, she talked of the importance of good physical and mental health care.
Rev. Byron Buffalo, Pastor, Upper Cheyenne & Frazier UCC Churches led the group in bible study, (Gospel of Matthew’s version of calling the disciples) encouraging preparation for and openness to working with families suffering from addictions. In conclusion, the group present asked that Drug Summits be an annual part of the curriculum at Eagle Butte Learning Center. |
Boundary and Ethics Training Rev. Lynn Bujnak, Minister for Vocation and Formation, Local Church Ministries led the retreat. This course satisfies the required boundary training for pastors in the UCC insurance program.
Lynn Bujnak, Dena Waloke, Joyce The importance of ethical decision-making in ministry and establishing proper personal, moral and ethical boundaries in the context of culture was taught and discussed. Worship is an integral part of retreats at Eagle Butte Learning Center. On Sunday mornings, worship and communion is open for the surrounding community.
God is still speaking, UCC History & Polity, Indian-Style The first full-week class offered was on History and Polity taught by the Reverend Dr. Jack Jackson and assisted by James McKinney, member of the EBLC board from Wellesley Hills United Church of Christ, April 21-25. The overview of church development led to discussions of the intersection of Christianity and American Indian belief and life ways. Conflicts, oppression, internalized oppression, and the questions of being native and Christian were thoughtfully addressed. The importance of knowing the UCC polity (self-governance) was presented and adaptations for Indian churches was discussed.
Norman W. Jackson, (Seneca Munci)
EBLC Class
LeRoy Bobtail Bear’s son UPCOMING EVENTS: September- Developing a Mentoring Program led by Rosemary McCombs Maxey, will be for establishing goals and objectives for relationships between mentor and “mentee” along with plans of action for a three-year program of one-on-one mentoring. October-First of three preparations for dialogues. In response to a request for cross-cultural conversations on plains tribes and settler people, American Indian people will prepare for dialogues on culture, history & Christianity. October 26-28- Postcolonial Theology Workshops will be led by Charles and Carol McCollough from Christ Congregational United Church of Christ, Princeton, NJ. Favorites of the Eagle Butte Learning Center, this is their third visit to lead in the workshops. November 9-11-Advent & Christmas lectionary studies will be offered to pastors and lay leaders. December- Second of three preparations for cross-cultural dialogues.
Partnership Notes: Our partnership relationships have grown to include ecumenical and interfaith partners. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri; The Second Baptist Church; The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the First Christian Church of Coralville, IA; the United Presbyterian, and individuals of goodwill have contributed labor, supplies, and equipment to the community and the learning center. Among the United Church of Christ partners are Local Church Ministries; Justice & Witness Ministries; Penn Central Conference; South Dakota Conference; Christ Congregational of Princeton, NJ; Wellesley Hills UCC, Wellesley, MA; Congregational Church in South Glastonbury; Gay McCormick, Alpharetta, GA; Norman and Faith Jackson; Claremont, CA; William & Grace Moremen, Claremont, CA; James & JoAnna McKinney; Wellesley, MA; Charles & Carol McCollough, Hopewell, NJ; Deb Smyth, Frankline, IN; Ceves Henkel, Art Rouner, Ed Finerty, Paul & Rosemary McCombs Maxey, Women’s Fellowship, Williamsburg, MA individuals who give financially and who donate their time to teach and mentor. Funds and talents from these are used for programs of the learning center. Thank you, Eagle Butte Learning Center |
