Mitchell Kernel players surround a Yankon Buck player in the South Dakota Boys AA Basketball championship. Photo courtesy of SD Public Broadcasting.

A friendly competition between First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, and Downtown First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, resulted in donations of $3,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

It started when the two congregations learned that Mitchell would play Yankton for the South Dakota High School AA boys basketball title. The last time these two teams played each other for the championship was 100 years ago.

"I thought it would be fun to challenge each other," said Rev. Keith Nelson, Downtown First UMC.

Nelson called Rev. Katie Ricke, who serves at First United Methodist Church in Yankton. The two did some brainstorming and realized that UMCOR Sunday was approaching.

"We see the largest giving on UMCOR Sunday compared to the other special giving Sundays," said Pastor Katie. "So, we thought, what if we competed between the two congregations to see which could raise the most funds for UMCOR?"

Nelson and Ricke introduced the idea, and it took off. "People in Mitchell knew Katie because she had previously served this church. They were excited for the connection and the challenge," said Pastor Keith.

To add a little more incentive, Pastor Keith said that if Mitchell lost, he would send popcorn balls from the Corn Palace to the staff in Yankton.

"Well, I wasn't sure what I would send to the staff in Mitchell. Probably deer jerky because our team is called the Yankton Bucks," said Pastor Katie. "I let Keith know our team is pretty scrappy. We were sure to win."

The Yankton Bucks won the Class AA South Dakota boys basketball championship. The final score between the Mitchell Kernels and the Yankton Bucks was 65-61.

The winner of the UMCOR challenge was First UMC in Yankton, donating $1,800. Mitchell's UMCOR donation was $1,300.

"I know that we have collected more funds for UMCOR, so it is probably greater than that amount," said Ricke.

Nelson headed to the Corn Palace to buy popcorn balls and mailed them to Yankton.

Nelson said, "It was pretty funny when I went to mail the package, and they asked, 'Do you have anything fragile or hazardous in this box?' I told the clerk we were just United Methodists having fun and shared the story of the challenge with her."

The UMCOR Sunday offering underwrites UMCOR's administrative costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given for humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need. The gifts on UMCOR Sunday ensure UMCOR can respond swiftly to disasters around the world and be a source of hope and healing for those left most vulnerable. Sunday, March 19, 2023, was the day designated as UMCOR Sunday. However, you are invited to celebrate on a day that works best for your church—access UMCOR Sunday resources. 

First UMC in Yankton made a new connection through the challenge. "We had a couple from Bridgewater that heard about the challenge and sent in a donation. Since then, they have visited us during worship," said Pastor Katie.

Mitchell may have lost the basketball game, but everyone won in the UMCOR challenge. Pastor Keith said, "It was a lot of fun and a win-win for everyone!"