Canyon Lake UMC provides care packages for cancer patients

By Jennifer Jungwirth, Rapid City Journal

Canyon Lake United Methodist Church is looking to provide a little extra comfort for those diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses. The church recently started a CLUMC Cares program, a new connectional ministry for individuals and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.

Photo: Holly Sortland holds a chemotherapy care package that is available for individuals and families affected by cancer as part of a new connectional ministry offered by Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. Photo by Josh Morgan, Rapid City Journal.

The program, which is part of a larger health ministry at the church, provides a chemo care kit for patients, as well as spiritual support and services such as running errands or helping with meals.

“We just have so many family members of our congregation that are affected by cancer and disease,” said Holly Sortland, CLUMC pastor. “We really just wanted to start something to let those people know they are loved.”  Click here to read the entire story.

Rev. Joel Higgins, Celebration UMC recieves a special holiday surprise

By KSFY TV, Sioux Falls, SD

The old holiday adage "it's better to give than receive" played out this holiday season in Brandon. An Army National Guard Veteran was surprised with a gift better than anything you could buy at a store.

Joel Higgins is a veteran of the U-S Army National Guard and he's also the lead pastor at Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon. It's his job to help others, but this time, it was others that helped him. Click here to read the entire story.  Watch the video below.

Fargo Calvary UMC participates in show to benefit the homeless

By John Lamb, Fargo Inforum News

FARGO – In the film classic "It's a Wonderful life," George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) gets a second look on his life. He returns from the brink of despair, joyfully running down the main street of his hometown, Bedford Falls, wishing a merry Christmas to the movie house, Emporium and the "wonderful Building and Loan."

The musical version staged this week at Bethel Evangelical Free Church could just as well add the New Life Center to that list of buildings blessed by George Bailey. The Fargo organization, which shelters homeless men as well as feeds and clothes men, women and children, isn't in the script, but it benefits from the production.

Fargo-Moorhead churches—Salem Evangelical Free, Triumph Lutheran, Calvary at Village Green, Calvary United Methodist and Ignite—have joined Bethel for the presentation. Click here to read the full story

United Methodist Women Donate To Local Food Pantry & APOC In Valley City

By: Steve Urness (NewsDakota.com)

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) United Methodist Women give a $3,500 donation to the Barnes County Food Pantry recently.  Bazaar treasurer Dorothy Schroeder said “our UMW mission is to help women and children in need with the proceeds from our annual bazaar.”  

Photo: Left to right--Dorothy Schroeder and Mary Lee Nielson hand a check to JoAnn Korf and Brenda Rohde of the Barnes County Food Pantry. Photo by NewsDakota.com

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