November 29, 2020 - Harvest the Power: Thanksgiving Reimagined

Historically, UU ministers were instrumental in creating this U.S. holiday and the “Pilgrims and the Indians” pageant tradition that roots the holiday in an historically inaccurate and harmful colonial narrative. Many UU congregations in New England can trace their lineage directly back to early settler congregations that had a role in the genocide of Native communities. As a religious tradition, we cannot decide who we will be without reckoning with the truth of who some of our ancestors were. This year, let us be grateful in a genuine manner. Let our gratitude flow from our deep, ongoing commitment to justice and equity. Let our gratitude grow from the opportunities we have to be together authentically—whether virtually or in person. Please join me as we reimagine this day and gather in community to honor Indigenous ancestors, experiences and traditions. May it be a time to reflect and find meaning in how our shared values connect us. ” – UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray. This podcast includes portions of a UUA service offered Nov. 22, 2020 as part of a 6-week initiative, “Harvest the Power.”   Words of Welcome- Julica Hermann de la Fuente (:31) Opening Ceremony- Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow 2018 (3:22) Call to Worship- Nina Lytton, First Parish in Cambridge (5:30) Reflection - Hartman Deetz, Mashpee Wampanoag artist and activist (8:30) Poem - I am accused of tending to the past by Lucille Clifton; spoken by Nina Lytton (16:37) Interlude- excerpt from All Nations Rise by Lyla June (17:41) Sermon- Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray (18:12) Interlude- excerpt from One World (We Are One) by Taboo, IllumiNative and Mag 7 (35:20) Invitation and Blessing - Aly Tharp, UU Ministry for Earth (35:56)