"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Allison Jensen, member of Beresford Zion UMC, provides information about Head Start at the Truckload of Compassion event.

The value of connection and partnership is woven into the DNA of The United Methodist Church. It is a value that is lived out in the ways individuals and churches work with United Methodists across the conference and around the world. It is also lived out in the intentional ways they connect with other congregations and organizations in their communities to be a blessing and promote the flourishing of all people.

One example of this commitment to partnership was lived out in the town of Beresford, S.D., this past week through the "Truckload of Compassion" event. The purpose of the event was "to connect people to food, resources, services, and amazing organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in our community."

Compassion International approached the Beresford Ministerial Association with the idea of gifting their community with 24 pallets of food and other items. The members in attendance, including Zion United Methodist Church's Pastor John Schomberg, thought it sounded like a great idea – but also one they shouldn't take on by themselves.

"We understood that the best way to bless this community would be to partner with and bring together different ministries and organizations, knowing that we can accomplish greater things together," explained Pastor John.

Originally scheduled to be held at the Beresford High School Stadium, the event was relocated to the gymnasium due to the weather forecast. A group of local high school athletes helped prepare the space, and volunteers quickly configured the setup to allow guests to move through efficiently, receive items, and visit the other service providers in attendance.

Stylists from a local salon provided free haircuts as part of the event.

Volunteers distributed food, beverages, snack items, personal care items, paper products, cleaners, and also adult diapers during the eight-hour event. The Beresford Public Library hosted a sign-up for their summer reading program, and Head Start was present to register kids for early learning. Stylists from KA & Co, a local salon, offered free haircuts. Additionally, the Lions Club set up its mobile eye screening clinic, a free service that it encourages other communities to utilize.

Allison Jensen participated in the event as a member of the church and also a representative from Head Start. 

"When John first told me that the event was potentially coming to Beresford, I made sure to tell my co-workers who worked with families in the area," said Jensen. "It was very impressive to see the number of families that went through the distribution. And to know some of the families that went through the distribution was even more humbling."

In addition to Compassion International, the Community Cupboard, Faith in Action ministry, and Beresford Feeding SD Foodbox team were key drivers of the event. Other participating organizations included Sunshine Foods, the Senior Center, the Beresford Chamber of Commerce, and the Beresford Parks, Recreation, and Community Education Department.

Zion UMC has a strong commitment to partnering with others to put their faith into action through initiatives such as addressing food insecurity and accessibility in their community, packing personal dignity kits for Midwest Mission, or taking their youth group to serve at the local food pantry. Their values of collaboration and connection converged in a big way through this event.

"Beresford Zion has a long history of sharing the love of Christ with this community," shared Pastor John. "When this opportunity came about late in 2024, we were already in the process of becoming the new host of the region's Feeding South Dakota Food Box Distribution. So to us, this was yet another opportunity to share the love of Christ with our neighbor." In this community of just over 2100 people, the food distribution serves over 125 households, and the need is growing.

The Truckload of Compassion resulted in over 400 people being served, nearly 24 pallets of food and other items distributed, more than 30 children receiving vision screenings, almost 50 haircuts given, over $500 worth of diapers distributed, and over three tables' worth of children's clothes provided. Beyond that, over 80 volunteers turned their care and compassion into action, giving the gift of their time and talents to invest in the well-being of their community.

One of those volunteers was Carol Spike, a member of the Beresford Zion UMC congregation. She named the importance of responding to the growing needs and helping others, especially as basic food items become more expensive. She also emphasized that it can't be a solo endeavor. "We're an older church, and we have some folks that just can't do this kind of thing anymore. That's why it's so important to partner with others in the community," said Spike.

"It was impressive to see the love and care FROM our community FOR our community," added Jensen.
Schomberg echoed the importance of the church putting its faith into action and inviting others – whether they are part of a church or not – to share in that work.

"Everyone is our neighbor, and all who want to share compassion, kindness, and love for all are worth partnering with," said Pastor John.