1. Making Christmas special in the Bakken

Story and photo by Kate Ruggles, McKenzie County Farmer

WATFORD CITY, N.D.—Since starting the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, Jim and Kathie Konsor’s desire has always been to reach and serve people in need, which they accomplish though their thrift store and monthly Gathering Place meal. Christmas gives the Konsor's a chance to give back even more.

“We are always trying to connect with the people that come through the thrift store,” states Jim Konsor, of Bakken Oil Rush Ministry.

For Jim, helping is more than a one-time thing. It’s about the people. That is why, during the mont of  December, rather than a regular Gathering Place get-together, the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry throws a Christmas party instead.

“We have traditionally invited the people that have come to our store. But we also invite friends of our ministry, people who support us financially or by helping us sort,” states Konsor. “We also invite the people who have just been a part of our ministry since it has started and have enjoyed what it has done for them.”

107 kids and 85 adults enjoyed singing, hearing the Christmas story from the Bible, hearing a story from Andy the puppet, eating goodies and batting balloons around to the song. Each child present picked out a new item from a large selection of donations, such as a toy or game, as a gift to bring home.

Jim and Kathie Konsor thanked the community for helping with the Christmas party. “We can't say enough about the terrific group of volunteers that helped with setup, serving, bringing goodies and helping with cleanup. These folks are truly a gift from God to us! Thank you!!”

2. Attention high school youth: CCYM applications now open

Join the Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) today and share your gifts with others. Apply online to join the team of youth who help plan Dakotas Conference events. If you are active within the life of your church and are looking for an opportunity to expand upon your gifts for leadership, prayerfully consider becoming a CCYM member.  Check out the website for more information dakyouth.com.

The Conference Council on Youth Ministry is a group of up to 20 youth and 10 adults who serve Jesus Christ through service to the youth and youth workers of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.

3. Nominate youth workers for awards

Each year there are two awards given to youth workers at the Dakotas Annual Conference in June. The recipients each year are nominated by fellow United Methodists throughout the Dakotas and selected by the Conference Council on Youth Ministry at their annual winter meeting.

The two awards are:
The Darrell Leach Youth Worker of the Year Award—This award honors outstanding individuals who are currently serving Jesus Christ in youth ministry. This award is announced annually at annual conference. Criteria: Must currently be working with United Methodist Youth in some capacity (volunteer, paid staff or clergy). Not currently serving as an adult member of CCYM.

The Youth Worker Hall of Fame—This award honors outstanding individuals who have committed a lifetime to serving Jesus Christ through youth ministry. This award is announced annually at the Dakotas Annual Conference. Criteria: 20 years or more of working with United Methodist Youth, has not previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame and not currently serving as an adult member of the CCYM.

To nominate an individual e-mail a letter of nomination to: awards@dakyouth.com. Within the letter of nomination, include your name, the name of the person you are nominating, contact information for your nominee (phone, address and e-mail, if possible), and the number of years the person has spent in youth ministry, as well as the specific award for which you are nominating him or her. You may also go online and fill out the nominations form here.

The deadline for nominations is January 1, 2018.

4. Youth are invited to a New Year's Eve B.A.S.H.

Come and enjoy a fun New Year B.A.S.H! Have fun listening and singing along with the live band THRIVE, coming to workshops, worshipping. and enjoying some great food in Plankinton, South Dakota! This event is hosted by Plankinton UMC.

B-bringing
A-anew
S-spiritual
H-heart

The cost is $7 per person. Click here for a registration form. You can download a informational flier here.

Click here for details or contact or contact Tara Bush via e-mail here.

5. The United Methodist Christmas Quiz

We invite you to take a short quiz to test your knowledge on the history and traditions of the season of Christmas. Be sure to share the link to this page with friends so you can compare scores later.

Download, print and share this Christmas Quiz with your church, family and friends! And spoiler alert: after you take the quiz, you can see all the answers and learn lots more about Christmas.