Hodza Yaa Ahalyani (Wisdom Keepers) begin leadership journey

Left to right: Reverend Jacqueline Pagel, Mission Pastor Kate Adelman, Patty Charley, Patterson Yazzie, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer.

Sunday, August 8, 2021 launched an exciting new era at the Navajo Lutheran Mission, as local Navajo leadership is being developed at the Mission’s House of Prayer. The new Hodza Yaa Ahalyani (Wisdom Keepers) are Rock Point residents Patty Charley, Patterson Yazzie, and Benedict Bedoni.

The three prospective candidates to serve as “Wisdom Keepers” and spiritual guides were affirmed in ceremonies by Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation Reverend Jacqueline Pagel, and Mission Pastor Kate Adelman.

Each now begins a multi-year program of bible study, pastoral care, ceremony leadership and much more with focus on accompanying the local community in its understanding of the gospel as interpreted through Navajo culture, traditions, and language. 

We are blessed with the following people who will accompany the candidates in journey of learning and teaching from each other:

• Pastor Conrad Braaten

• Pastor Kurt Fangmeier

• Pastor Peter Perry

• Pastor Scott Summers

• Mike Wold

Also enjoyed by the Bishop and Reverend Pagel was a Monday morning visit to the Navajo Mission Preparatory School. Almost 40 bright-eyed and eager young kindergarten, first, and second grade students shared a healthy breakfast with the visitors and engaged in good-natured kidding about the benefits of “pancakes on a stick” and “funny big people sitting in little chairs”.