Free haircuts, gift certificates for shoes, games and crafts were all part of the neighborhood block party at Vincent UMC. Photos from Vincent UMC's Facebook page.

“We have been praying about how we can build relationships with those people who have left, been hurt, or are not in a church,” said Rev. Mark Erhmantraut, serving Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot, North Dakota.

Engaging people to meet Jesus, enlightening people to grow in Jesus, and empowering people to serve Jesus is the vision of Vincent UMC. The congregation is living out the vision.

This summer, a team of evangelistic leaders held events throughout the community to make connections and build relationships. In June, members of the Minot community were invited to go to the zoo. In July, Vincent UMC invited community members to a picnic in the park with games and a splash pad. The church hosted a neighborhood block party in August.

“The church is often the biggest building in the neighborhood,” said Pastor Mark. “Many people don’t even realize that it is there.”

Before the neighborhood block party, members of the congregation knocked on 200 doors. A group of volunteers met at the church to canvass the neighborhood and hand out an invitation.

Breakthrough prayer for unleashing the church.

“It was a step out of their comfort zone for several volunteers. Many had not done anything like this before. When people answered the door, they had their guard up, but after they saw the invitation, they felt more comfortable. There were a few doors that were shut,” said Erhmantraut. “People thanked us for stopping, taking the time to visit and deliver the invitation. People want to feel they belong and are connected.”

Judith Howard was one of the people that went knocking on doors. “I was a little hesitant. Some people initially seemed a little shy, but they appreciated the invitation. The turnout at the block party was bigger than I expected.”

This fall, the congregation is launching Messy Church on Wednesday nights. At Messy Church, all ages meet to learn about Christ through games, crafts and activities, music, and storytelling from the Bible. A foundational ingredient of Messy Church is to gather around a table for a snack or meal and build relationships with each other, God, and the world.

Howard and Irene Ost wrote a breakthrough prayer to launch Messy Church. “Prayer is our launchpad. It is how we invite the Holy Spirit to walk with and work through us,” said Pastor Mark.

Vincent UMC hosted an outdoor community bazaar. It was an opportunity for members of the congregation and community to purchase craft items, gift baskets, homemade baked goods, freshly canned vegetables, and jellies and grab a quick lunch.

“We raised $70,000 to fund ministry at the outdoor bazaar,” said Howard. “We tend to think small, and that is not correct. We have to think big and let God take care of it.”

Vincent UMC's new logo.

Pastor Mark states it is all about listening, sharing, laughing, and being together in real life. “We talk about being in community and building community. It is a lot of work to build relationships. But, we have great, passionate leaders that want to make disciples.”

Vincent UMC’s logo was recently updated to reflect the compassion for their vision and the mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. The torch or flame above the V for Vincent symbolizes inspiration for growing in faith and relationship with God and each other.

“We are in it,” said Pastor Mark. “It is about the faith in our relationship with God and one another.”