American Indian Association of Millington, Tennessee members Reverend Tom and Rebecca Yoder were joined by Lee Overturf, Chairman of the AIA, his wife, Rebecca Burrow Overturf, Carol Bartlett, AIA Corporate Board Member and Pat Brophy, Secretary of the organization as Randolph United Methodist Church and Hopewell United Methodist Church celebrated Native American Ministries Day Sunday April 30TH 2006.
AIA members dressed in their Regalia for the occasion and the sermon was delivered by Rebecca Burrow Overturf. Mrs. Overturf, who has been active in Indian Ministries for many years and a Minister herself, spoke on the Indian culture and our historically long believe in the Creator prior to European contact, and God’s gift of love to all People.
Before and after the services Church members welcomed the AIA visitors and asked about their Regalia which is traditional Indian dress, and their American Indian culture and heritage. It was an uplifting day. Rebecca Yoder was presented with a beautiful yellow shawl with a “fringe of many colors” by Rebecca Burrow Overturf. Designs on the shawl included the Star of David in the center surrounded by a buffalo, wolf, bear, and eagle in the four directions. Carol Bartlett presented to Mrs. Yoder a large seashell containing the four sacred herbs of Cedar, Sage, Sweet grass, and Tobacco.
Native American Ministries days is a special day of offering to help with Indian scholarships to the Seminary. It is held every year the second Sunday after Easter.
