Into the circle: truth through storytelling

Guest speaker Dayton Edmonds brings the power and mysticism of story to help criticize yet enlighten how we define history (or HERstory?).

By Jesse N. Love

On Saturday, June 23, clergy and lay delegates gathered in the Vine Room at the Holiday Inn in Pasco Wash. to meet other ethnic members of the Conference, as well as those supporting or interested in ethnic ministries.

Kristina Gonzalez and The Commission on Ethnic Ministries hosted this luncheon. Gonzalez opened the event by welcoming Steven Sohappy and Dayton Edmonds. Sohappy presented a traditional Native American hoop dance combining rhythmic dance steps with intricate handling of hoops. The hoops, symbolizing eternal life, were connected, formed and synched with Sohappy’s dance steps.

Kristina Gonzalez introduced Dayton Edmonds as the main speaker for the afternoon. Edmonds resides in Omak, Wash. and serves as a missionary. With a background in ministry, theatrical arts, Native American history, and having overall life experiences, Edmonds prepared a message helping listeners consider the power of story and the truths found in history. Here are some points from his message:

• Everything is a circle – such as seasons and planets. Jesus was aware of the circle.

• On sacred fires and sacred stories: Are “traditions” our stories? Or are traditions simply habits? Habits are not story. Children need to know what our stories are because they reveal truth.

• The ‘oogliest’ (ugliest) word in the dictionary is “exclude”. Children who are choosing others to join their team in sports have a chance to choose between who will help them win and those who don’t often have a chance to play.

• Is “history” story? Why is it HISstory? What about HERstory? The story of women also needs to be told. If we don’t tell her story we are lost. Here’s an example – 80% of farmers are women. When picturing a farmer how come we think of male farmers? What’s HERstory?

• A lie told often becomes reality. Take Christopher Columbus, for example. How could he discover something that was already found? Who discovered whom? Columbus was the one who was lost.

• In life, every decision we make becomes consequence. That consequence becomes reality. We have the power to create our own reality: we can change today.

• For every decision you make you are affecting the next seven generations. The creation story is continuing.

Edmonds received a standing ovation for his message and was presented a gift from Kristina Gonzalez. Gonzalez introduced Joan Holms announcing her as the newly-elected conference lay leader. With Holms taking on a new role within the Conference, Sophia K.R. Agtarap will be serving as the new chair of The Commission on Ethnic Ministries, the role formally held by Holms. Gonzalez announced Ethnic Clergy to be ordained and commissioned during the night’s service.

The Inter-Ethnic Luncheon celebrated Native American culture and storytelling, bringing together Korean, Fijian, American, African-American, Latino, Tongan, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese members of our Conference. With a diverse group of clergy and laity, the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference is charged with the responsibility to share our story – revealing God’s truth – as we create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of those within and outside of our circles.

Jesse N. Love serves as the Print & Publications Manager for the PNWUMC.
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