Our congregation has decided to sing Hymn #148, Many and Great, O God each time we gather for worship, or on our little online piece. We began singing this song the First Sunday after Christmas. We have decided to continue singing this song, in Dakota, as long as unrest continues in Minnesota, and maybe as long as unrest continues in this land, as regards our lack of seeing one another as family, as relatives, as other two leggeds.

This song began on December 26, 1862, at the mass execution of 38 Dakota men. Just prior to their execution by hanging, one of the Dakota men spoke up and asked that their spiritual leader speak for them before their lives in this life would be taken. Singer, their spiritual leader spoke up and said “Do not worry…for in just a moment we will all be together!” Then he sang what we now know as Dakota Hymn 141, Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa); Then all 38 Dakota men were hung in Mankato, Minnesota.

This remains a painful history to the Dakota people and beyond. Maybe that is why the American Indian Movement, AIM, began, in Minnesota, and is now patrolling the streets of Minneapolis seeking to bring a sense of safety to the area. Though the movement and song have painful beginnings, the words and spirit remain a beacon of faith and hope.

I invite others in the California-Pacific Conference, and across our Connection, to join Native American UMC of So Cal in singing Dakota Hymn 141, or UM Hymnal # 148, Many and Great, O God, until we find some peace! Let the Spirit lead us, and may we find wholeness in seeing each other as relatives!

tohidu – good peace

Rev. Gregory Douglass
Pastor, Native American UMC of So Cal

Hymn #148

1 Many and great, O God, are thy things,
Maker of earth and sky.
Thy hands have set the heavens with stars;
thy fingers spread the mountains and plains.
Lo, at thy word the waters were formed;
deep seas obey thy voice.

2 Grant unto us communion with thee,
thou star abiding one;
come unto us and dwell with us;
with thee are found the gifts of life.
Bless us with life that has no end,
eternal life with thee.