It is with deep thanks that we recognize and honor all those who helped our 2023 outreach to Sherman Indian High School. The generosity of so many enabled us to live out the tradition of giving, where both the giver and recipient are honored. We recognize that it is not in the accumulation of things that we are wealthy, but in the giving where all are valued and given an equal status. Wado (thank you)!

This year, we recognize 14 churches of the California-Pacific Conference, several individuals, and other organizations who helped the students arriving at Sherman Indian High School from many states and reservations feel welcome and that someone cares. These churches include Community UMC Pacific Palisades, Cornerstone UMC, Fullerton First UMC, Glendora UMC, La Cañada UMC, Laguna Beach UMC, Laguna Country UMC, Native American UMC Anaheim & L.A., Ontario First UMC, San Luis Obispo UMC, Sierra Madre UMC, St. John’s UMC – Los Angeles, Westchester UMC, and Whittier First UMC. Other organizations and groups included the Cal-Pac Young People’s Ministry, Anaheim Moose Lodge, and Southern California Edison’s employees, led by Cal-Pac Conference Chancellor Ms. Lori Meaders and the Edison Native American Employees Assoc. Individuals who supported this year’s efforts included Lisa Kadowaki, Rosetta Henderson (SCEdison), Joseph & Maryann Reuter, Rev. Sandie Richards, Valerie & Robert Tholl, Vera Tom, and Pastor Adalberto & Ms. Laura Valenzuela (Iglesia Rios de Vida).

Because of the generosity of so many, our Cal-Pac Conference was able to provide numerous backpacks, comforters, beach towels, personal items like shampoo & conditioner, body wash, a variety of snacks, school supplies, and over 400 gift cards, plus checks and cash that will be used to help students who arrive at Sherman Indian High with little to nothing. While items are still coming in and going to Ms. Lorene Sisquoc, Student Coordinator at Sherman Indian High, she shares how this helps students whose time off campus is very limited with items they do not arrive with or are not able to pick up once on site.

One student asked Ms. Sisquoc, “Who cares about us, and with so much?” Lorene was able to share, “The United Methodist Church cares!” Another student shared during a donation delivery, “Thanks so much, you have no idea how much this means to us!” So it is with a deep sense of gratitude that Thanks to all is given.

tohidu (good peace),

Rev. Gregory Douglass
Co-Chair, Cal-Pac Committee On Native American Ministries