Our 2024 Dakotas Thanksgiving Offering will support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in aiding hurricane relief and recovery efforts in the southeastern portion of the United States. 

As the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Committee on Relief – UMCOR – helps United Methodists and churches engage in direct ministry with persons in need around the globe. As described on the umcmission.org website, "UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. UMCOR provides relief, response and long-term recovery grants when events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. UMCOR provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development."

The video above shares a small glimpse of the ways United Methodists are coming alongside the communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to be the hands and feet of Christ in relief and recovery efforts. 

Please prayerfully consider giving and inviting your congregation to share in this important connectional opportunity for generosity. You may share your gifts online directly with UMCOR or through the Dakotas Conference or by mail (1331 W. University Ave., P.O. Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.)

A letter from Bishop Lanette as well as additional resources to use in your worship services and church communication platforms can be found here.

Your Thanksgiving offering is a gift that will bring hope. Your Thanksgiving offering is a gift that will bring honor to God. Your gift will calm the storms and restore life.  

Let us pray: Jesus, we see you calming storms—storm-tossed seas and stormy lives. Extend your power and grace again, especially upon these most recent storm victims. Speak peace and healing over bodies and spirits broken by the chaos. Speak peace and hope over families and communities devastated by sudden loss. Speak peace and protection over rescue workers as they reach out to those who are suffering. You are the Prince of Peace. You are the Resurrection and the Life. You are strong to save. Our hope and trust are in you. Amen. (Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, "A Prayer for Storm Survivors")