Dennis Rogers felt compelled to do something different this Christmas something that may never have been done before, at least in Topeka.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Rogers will be dressed in full eagle feather regalia as he leads a special Christmas service that will include elements of Native American spirituality at Sullivan Chapel Indian Methodist Church, 1937 N.E. Madison.

The service, which will offer a musical tribute to those who have died this year, will start outside the church building, where Rogers will have his lodge or teepee set up. People are welcome to come and look at the teepee and have their photos taken outside it.

Then, around 5:30 p.m., a community dinner featuring turkey, ham, potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, soft drinks and desserts will be served inside the church for all who attend.

The service, Rogers said, is designed especially for people who may not be attached to any particular congregation, as well as for those who feel drawn to Native American spirituality.

People who say they arent spiritual they seem to want to connect with something, Rogers said, and for a lot of them, its Native American spirituality.

Rogers said the service will keep the Christ child as the central focus, while also bringing in Native American elements.

We believe in a Great Spirit, and he has many different names in many different languages, Rogers said. There is a Creator. There is a Great Spirit. Native Americans have always believed in that concept that there is an Almighty, that he has all power and that there is an afterlife.

As part of bringing in elements of Native American spirituality, Rogers said he was hopeful the service would be an encouragement for those who come particularly those who may be experiencing difficulties this time of year.

Were all spiritual people, Rogers said. Were only human for a short time, and this is why we sometimes fall short of our goals and find it hard to forgive ourselves.

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Topekan to celebrate Native American Christmas service