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Land Acknowledgement Plaque at Foothills Christian Church
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, our congregation had the joy of welcoming special guests Terry and Darlene Wildman to worship. Terry and Darlene lead Rain Ministries, and Terry serves as the lead editor for the First Nations Translation of the Bible, bringing a wealth of experience and deep cultural insight to our community. The day was marked by a sense of connection, celebration, and reflection: Terry and Darlene shared their gifts through inspiring special music, and Terry delivered a moving sermon on the 23rd Psalm, inviting all present to consider the ways God’s guidance and care flow through our lives and communities.
Between our two services, we held a meaningful dedication ceremony for our newly installed land acknowledgment plaque. The ceremony was led by Foothills pastors Rev. Bekah Krevens and Rev. Janel Randle as well as our regional minister Rev. Jay Hartley. This plaque honors the ancestral and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples on the land where our church gathers, recognizing the rich histories, traditions, and contributions of the First Nations communities. The dedication was a moment for our congregation to pause, reflect, and commit to listening, learning, and fostering relationships grounded in respect and justice. The ceremony included words of blessing, shared prayer, and the communal affirmation of our desire to honor the land and those who steward it.
Our plaque reads:
“We acknowledge that Foothills Christian Church rests on the traditional homelands of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Piipaash (Maricopa) peoples, and near the ancestral lands of the Hohokam. We honor their stewardship of this land, past, present, and future, and recognize the deep spiritual connections Indigenous peoples continue to hold here. We commit ourselves to walk humbly, seek justice, and live in right relationship with all who call this land home.”
The day was not only a celebration of worship and music but also a tangible step forward in our congregation’s ongoing journey of reconciliation and awareness. The installation of the land acknowledgment plaque represents both a public commitment and a visible reminder of our responsibility to honor the land and the Indigenous communities connected to it. Through this ceremony, our church community came together to witness, reflect, and participate in a meaningful act of acknowledgment, remembrance, and hope for deeper understanding.
