January, 2018

 “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me,
and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me;
for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
Luke 9:48

Dear Faithful Followers of Christ -

               The new year brings us hope and prosperity as we begin 2018. The Builders Club in partnership with the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation has chosen to support South Maple United Methodist Church in Rapid City, SD. South Maple UMC invites their members and neighbors to imagine what God can do through a faith community that is open to all people.  They strive to be a place where they celebrate being saved by grace and where hurting can heal through God’s mercy. South Maple is a place to grow, serve, and build connections with a loving God through the joy of community. 

              When Pastor Holly Sortland was appointed to South Maple, “Waffle Church” (an innovative, intergenerational worship service that meets every other Saturday morning) followed and she’s been able to build on the energy of this inclusive service as she brings church to their community. Holly has also encouraged her lay leadership to coordinate outreach efforts through afterschool care for children and youth, a preschool program, and partnerships with the local schools. With Holly’s leadership, it is the goal of South Maple that these children’s programs will become a bridge to establishing a confirmation program for the youth. 

               This Builders Club call will help provide a fresh and updated welcome and entry space to reflect the energy which has been created in the short time of Pastor Holly’s appointment. It’s essential that the momentum continues so South Maple UMC is able to continue to do what they are doing so well. As their new mantra says: “Let’s Make Some Church.” And, with your support, they can make that happen!

               We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift of $20 or more to the Dakotas Conference Builders Club. The gifts for this call will be received until March 31, 2018. Please send your gift to:  Builders Club, Dakotas Conference Center, PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.  Or donate online.

               For the last call in 2017, the Dakotas Conference Builders Club will present $10,500 to Dickinson United Methodist Church in Dickinson, ND. We thank you for your continued generosity and ongoing support. 

              We hope you will support our current call to South Maple.  We also invite you to encourage others to join the Builders Club by clicking here to become a member.  Your support will help South Maple UMC as they continue to build their ministry to grow, serve, and build connections throughout the Rapid City community. South Maple United Methodist Church can continue to fulfill their mission of welcoming all God’s people as they continue to find ways of making new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Peace and Blessings for the new year! 

Bishop Bruce R. Ough