Two Owasso churches will host a multi-cultural day of earth-focused experiences on Sunday, April 21 to mark Earth Day.
Activities will include a special worship service, potluck lunch, tree planting ceremonies, Native American dancing, environmental information, stew supper, food bank can collection, campfire and singing.
“I hope that many will come awaking their spirits and celebrate the sacredness of all creation. This earth-honoring Christian worship experience with Native American elements will nourish the spirits of worshipers by strengthening their sense of connection with one another and with God’s earth,” said Dr. Bill McCutchen, pastor at Disciples Christian Church in Owasso.
Organizers have labeled the weekend Celebrate Earth Owasso since several other groups have earth-friendly activities that weekend, followed by the official Earth Day on Monday, April 22.
The Owasso Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, April 20. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon at the YMCA parking lot.
The Owasso Native American Student Association will host a Pow Wow from 2 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at the Owasso Seventh Grade Center Gym, 1400 N. Main Street.
The Sunday events for Celebrate Earth Owasso will be held at Disciples Christian Church, located at 66th Street North and 129th East Avenue. The Disciples and Open Table United Church of Christ are co-hosting the events.
Rev. Dr. Bill McCutchen (second from left) will draw on his Native American heritage when he leads worship on Sunday, April 21.
Sunday’s schedule includes:
* 10:30 a.m. Eco-focused Christian worship service drawing on Christian and Native American symbolism will be led by Rev. Dr. Bill McCutchen, who is a Chickasaw as well as an ordained Disciples of Christ minister.
* Noon. Anyone is welcome at a community potluck. There will be a special focus on locally and regionally grown foods.
* Afternoon. Environmental information booths, dancing, and drumming are planned.
* 2 p.m. A Sacred Tree Planting ceremony will draw together Native American, Christian and other traditions to celebrate our bond with the Earth. All the participants will join in this special time to come together as community.
* 3 p.m. Friendship Tree Planting. Members of Open Table UCC will plant a friendship tree to mark the congregation putting down roots at the Disciples Christian Church facility.
* 6 p.m. Enjoy Stew Supper and bring a food item for a local food bank.
* 7 p.m. Cather around the Campfire to share songs and stories.
“We are excited to celebrate God’s awesome creation with our new partners at Disciples Christian Church,” said Faith Wylie, lay leader at Open Table.
Open Table began sharing facilities with the Disciples in February. The church made the move because members wanted to direct more of its resources toward missions.
For more information about Celebrate Earth Owasso, see www.opentableucc.com/earth or check on Facebook.
