Report on the Indigenous Mission Day with Wright Memorial Church June 14, 2025

The plan for the Indigenous Mission Day in June included both Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church and Jimersontown Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately, due to a major gas leak at Jimersontown on the Wednesday before the event, we had to postpone that location. We were grateful that everyone who registered for the Jimersontown location joined Wright Memorial for their Mission Day instead. Because of this, we had about 20 people participate in Wright Memorial’s Mission Day in addition to the members of the church and their moderator.

The morning began with a presentation by Flip White, member of the Tribal Council. He showed us a few examples of Wampum belts and explained that they are a symbolic representation of treaties, history, and cultural values. He explained that the three things the Seneca use to guide decision making are the people, environment and the future and gave examples from recent experiences of how these principles were lived out.

After the presentation, church members explained what they would like done and we broke up into groups to get started. The tasks we accomplished were cleaning the sanctuary and kitchen, organizing a storage closet, repairing the handicap ramp, and landscaping the front of the church.

Lunch was provided by Beanie who prepared food sourced from local farmers. We had bison burgers in gravy, fried fish, mashed potatoes, green beans and her special recipe for strawberry shortcake. The food was absolutely delicious, and we were all grateful for the love and care she put into preparing the meal.

In addition to the cleaning, landscaping and ramp repair, it was gratifying to see relationships being created. Conversations between church members and volunteers included storytelling, sharing experiences and laughter. At the end of the day, the church members were incredibly pleased and grateful for all that was accomplished. This Mission Day connected the church and the Synod of the Northeast, as well as the Western New York and Genesee Valley Presbyteries. My hope is that this day brought greater understanding and respect for the struggles of the Seneca people and the faithful and resilient witness of the Wright Memorial Church for over 200 years.

Mission Day Joint Worship Service Report
Jimersontown and Wright Memorial Presbyterian Churches
Date: June 15, 2025
Location: Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church

 

The Mission Day Joint Worship Service was a powerful and Spirit-filled gathering that united the congregations of Jimersontown Presbyterian Church and Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church, alongside members of the Western New York Presbyterian community. The service focused on community, reconciliation, and spiritual reflection, highlighting the collaborative work of the Native American Reconciliation Group and honoring the faithful witness of Indigenous and local congregations.

 

Worship Highlights

  • Rev. Abigail Trautmann
    Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk, Western New York Presbytery

    • Preached the meditation titled “Wait! There’s More?!”, based on Mark 10:17-31.

    • Reflected on the call to deeper discipleship, justice, and communal responsibility.

    • Explored the challenges of following Christ wholeheartedly and the hope that lies in God’s promises.

  • Rev. Dr. Mary Lee Talbot
    Moderator, Wright Memorial Church

    • Served as Worship Leader and Communion Celebrant.

    • Brought warmth and liturgical grounding to the service.

  • Rev. Dr. Marvin Abrams
    Worship Leader, Jimersontown Church

    • Assisted with Communion and brought a faithful presence of Jimersontown’s leadership.

  • Sacrament of Communion:

    • Presided over by Rev. Dr. Mary Lee Talbot and Rev. Dr. Marvin Abrams.

    • A sacred moment of unity, remembrance, and recommitment.

 

Special Guests and Attendees

  • Stanley Bhasker and Family

    • From Brookville Presbyterian Church, Brookville, PA

    • Attended with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, showing ecumenical support.

  • Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wickwire-Lundquist

    • Member of the Anti-Racism Task Group and Native American Reconciliation Group

    • Offered presence and encouragement for continued justice and healing work.

  • Suzanne John Blacksnake

    • Member of the Native American Reconciliation Group

    • Represented Indigenous voices and perspectives in the service.

    • Representative for Jimersontown Church

 

Following the worship service, a Community Potluck Lunch was held in the Fellowship Hall. Attendees shared food, stories, and fellowship, further strengthening the bonds between the two congregations and affirming the spirit of community that undergirds mission and worship.

 

This Joint Worship Service marked a meaningful step in partnership, healing, and spiritual growth among the congregations of Jimersontown and Wright Memorial and the broader Western New York Presbytery. With strong leadership, engaged participation, and shared commitment to justice and reconciliation, the event reflected the living body of Christ at work in the world.

 

Submitted by:
Janis Quinn, Elder

Wright Memorial Church

Mark Bennett