November 2022 Newsletter
Book Review: How I Became A Ghost
How I Became A Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story, by Tim Tingle
Roadrunner Press, 2015
Reviewed by Adam Stoller, 7th Grade
Congregation: St. Andrew, Shadyside
How I Became a Ghost, by Tim Tingle, is a story about a boy named Isaac. In 1832 he lived in the Choctaw country, known today as Mississippi. After hearing his father say something about treaty talk, he gets worried and shares this with his talking dog, Jumper. He asks his mom, and she says nothing. Later she takes him into the woods, and they see Choctaw people doing spiritual things to say goodbye to their home. He then feels a warm tingle and he sees these people in states like burning and sores all over them, and he soon knows these people will be ghosts and he will soon be one too. Later that night the Nahullo/white people burn down their home and they retreat into the swamp. Then they find people heading west and they join them. This later became known as the Trail of Tears. They met a new family and later, Isaac and his panther friend try to find that family's daughter held captive by the Nahullo.
I love this book for its magical realism, its historical place and all in all action-packed adventure. It is also important to learn about Native American culture and this is a fun way to learn and accurate way to learn. It is also written by a Native American author. So if you have the time, give this book a try.
Note from Adam’s mom, Melissa: Adam was introduced to this book in his school curriculum and we have appreciated reading it and learning along with him. How I Became a Ghost is available from many online retailers, but consider supporting your local bookshop or independent booksellers by using this link.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
November is Indigenous Peoples' Month. Creation Justice Ministries offers this prayer from Rev. Tweedy Sombrero Navarrate, Diné:
Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given us.
Thank you for the beauty of the universe that you created:
the trees, the sky, the mountains, the rain.
All things hold beauty in themselves and all are related and
touch each universe of the earth. You created the rhythm
and pattern of the universe in a harmony of movement,
sight, and sound.
Help us to appreciate your creation and to live with our
eyes, ears, and hearts open to your message. Amen.
Art exhibit and conversation
“Truth Be Told” engages the art of fourteen women—seven Black and seven white—who came together for conversation after the murder of George Floyd. Their work reflects on racism in their lives. Campus Minister, Brian Bennett, and Debbie Jacknin, one of the artists of “Truth Be Told,” will lead a conversation on the intersection of art, race, and faith on Sunday, December 4 from 4-5pm at the Lutheran University Center (4515 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh). For more information, and to register for this free event, visit here.
The Language of Advent
As you prepare liturgies for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, think through traditional language for the season that emphasizes a light/dark binary with this article from the most recent Wayfarer publication and this ADJ webinar from 2020.
Advent materials
As you're getting ready for Advent, here are some links for images, liturgy, and children's books that offer historically accurate and diverse depictions of the holy family.
Images: Art in the Christian Tradition image library from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Search images related to the RCL texts, or by keyword.
Liturgy: From Disrupt Worship Project, a selection of written liturgy pieces that highlight themes of justice and offer alternatives to the strong light/dark language in the Sundays and Seasons/ELCA liturgy options for Christmas Eve.
Picture Books:
Goodnight Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by Jane Chapman. A wonderful rhyming board book that imagines a not-so-silent night. With a Brown baby Jesus, appropriately postpartum Mary, and attentive father Joseph, this story is a delight.
The Story of Christmas (from Spark Story Bible), written by Martina Smith and illustrated by Peter Grosshauser and Ed Temple. This collection complies all the Christmas stories from the Spark Story Bible into a lightweight volume. Includes bright pictures and discussion questions.
Refuge, written by Anne Booth and illustrated by Sam Usher. Continuing the story after Jesus is born, Refuge highlights the experience of the holy family as refugees seeking safety.
That Baby in the Manger, written by Anne Neuberger and illustrated by Chloe Pitkoff. A beautiful book that demonstrates how the creche is an opportunity to show the historical Jesus and to teach children that Jesus loves them, no matter what they look like.
All the Colors of Christmas, written by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated by Gillian Gamble. The lyrical text moves through all the memorable sights and colors of the Christmas season. "It's a cradle soft with hay and a donkey's gentle bray. It's God within a baby's skin on that very first Christmas Day...Yes, Christmas is brown."
Racial Justice Training - Save the Date
Region 8 will offer an in-person racial justice training led by The Rev. Carla Christopher Wilson, with opportunities on both Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 6, 2023. More information about this event will be shared in the spring.