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Ellam-Yua Service
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Episcopal Diocese of Alaska The Anti-Racism Diocese Sundays 4:00PM |
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“seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added unto you” Matt. 6:23
Ellam-Yua Service “Ellam Yua” is a Yupik word meaning God. Literally it means: “Owner or Spirit of the universe. In our Ellam-Yua Service we seek answers, direction and understanding from the one and only true creator of all universe. As a “seeker service” we hold Matthew 6: 23 “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” as our prompting scripture. With reverence and anticipation we process the Gospel into the center of a sacred circle while singing, “Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God.” After which we pray in unisons: “Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all of creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen.” [source: A Disciple’s Prayer Book] In consideration of the four winds approach of many indigenous nations, the Ellam-Yua Service is in approximately four fifteen minute major segments: Praising, Seeking, Listening, and partaking. Another way to say it is: Singing, Talking, Hearing, and Ingesting (Eucharist). When possible we will sit in a circle with the Gospel and gifts of the people (bread, wine, money) on a table in the middle.
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