Sa:go. That means Hello, in my language.

I’m Lee Claus.

That’s me in the middle of the photo, 4th from the right. I’m standing with some of the Indigenous ministers training at Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre. We spent a week together last fall.  

I’m a retired UCC minister. The congregation where I worship was looking for a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada. A way that looks to the future with hope.

I’m not the only one who believes that Sandy-Saulteaux’s training is one of the most important things the church is doing right now. 

SSSC students are showing the bigger church a path to reconciliation. They are building up their communities. And when Indigenous communities are strengthened, that helps move us all closer to reconciliation.  

Travel costs for a Sandy-Saulteaux student are approximately $4,800 per year, for five years. Many students are traveling from remote which is expensive.

My congregation wanted to help cover these costs. So far, there have been gifts ranging from $25 to $2000. Together we’ve covered almost 3 quarters of a student’s travel costs for a year! You can see the total gifts they’ve inspired below.  

I know many of you are praying for healing and justice for Indigenous communities in Canada. And you’re taking steps to live reconciliation.  

A gift to Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre is one way to answer those prayers. One way to take another step in our journey to reconciliation. This Anniversary Challenge is a concrete way to live out our Land Acknowledgments and celebrate 100 years.  

I’m so happy to be sharing my gifts with Sandy-Saulteaux students, like some of the incredible people I’m standing with here. Will you join me? 

 

Make a gift today.

Want to get your congregation on board?

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