2014 was filled with stories about how the spirit is moving throughout the Dakotas Conference. There are five stories that got a lot of opens, clicks and likes from the readers. The top stories most frequently viewed are here for you to view.
Town with a population of 37 sends 13 kids to United Methodist camp
Thirteen kids went to United Methodist camp this summer thanks to Tolstoy United Methodist Church. Tolstoy, South Dakota, has a population of 37 and sits on the western prairie of South Dakota where ranching and farming is the main source of income. Fewer than 25 members attend worship at Tolstoy United Methodist Church each week. READ MORE
Click here to watch a video about camping fun
God is Rockin’ in the Bakken through the Kenmare-Donnybrook vital merger
What do a ribfest, back-to -school picnic, and mission walk have in common? They are all part of the launch of a new church in Kenmare, North Dakota. Kenmare and Donnybrook United Methodist churches are starting a whole new thing.
Donnybrook United Methodist Church and Kenmare United Methodist Church are merging together to create a new church. The vital merger was a focus of the 2014 Dakotas Annual Conference miracle offering. The work to create something new is underway. READ MORE
Click here to watch a video about the Kenmare Vital Merger
Ministry on the move in Watford City
The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City, North Dakota is a ministry that is truly on the move where 200 people gathered for a Pre-Labor Day picnic and 27 families had needs met at the Mobile Thrift Center. Jim and Kathie Konsor are serving the area with the intention of meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people. READ MORE
Click here to watch a video about Ministry on the Move
Embrace continues to reach new faces in new places
This fall Embrace Church in Sioux Falls is climbing to a new level of growth. Outreach magazine named Embrace as one of the fastest growing churches in the United States in September, 2014. Embrace will launch a new campus in early 2015 at Summit Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Embrace averages a weekly attendance over 2,000. The church has three campuses: one at 57th Street in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, one in Tea, South Dakota, and an online campus.
Click here to watch a video about the journey of Embrace
United Methodists complete Minot rebuild
The last house has been rebuilt thanks to the efforts of United Methodists throughout the Dakotas Conference and the country. Over 10,000 people experienced major damage or a complete loss of their home after a flood of the Souris River in June 2011. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Dakotas Conference provided financial and administrative assistance to the rebuilding effort. United Methodist volunteers provided ten of thousands of hours for case management and rebuilding of homes. READ MORE