There are 2.2 billion Christians (32% of the world’s population), 1.6 billion Muslims (23%), 1 billion Hindus (15%), nearly 500 million Buddhists (7%) and 14 million Jews (0.2%) around the world according to a study conducted by Pew Research in 2010. Recently confirmation students from five Dakotas United Methodist churches traveled to Denver to experience diverse religious traditions. 

Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City has a tradition of hosting a bi-yearly interfaith trip to Denver, Colorado for confirmation students.  This year's trip took place on Feb. 13th - 15th and included confirmation youth from Canyon Lake United Methodist Church, Spearfish United Methodist, Hettinger United Methodist and students from UMC churches in Edgley and Ashley, ND. Clergy on the trip included Pastor Paul Lint, Pastor Thomas Carlson, Pastor Eric Grinager & Pastor Holly Sortland.

Students participated in a Friday evening Shabbat Service at Temple Sinai Synagogue and received a Torah lesson from Rabbi Rick Reihns.  Photo: Youth from the Dakotas get a lesson on the Torah. Courtesy Holly Sortland.

Saturday's events included a visit from Rev. Jerry Herships, the Founder of the Street Ministry "AfterHours."  Rev. Jerry feeds over 100 homeless people daily in Denver local parks. He talked openly about his experiences in sharing grace and communion with those on the fringes. Students then toured St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, and visited with the Colorado Muslim Society to learn about the Islamic Faith. Photo: Reverends Holly Sortland and Rev. Jerry Herships, Founder of the "AfterHours" Denver Street Ministry. Courtesy Holly Sortland.

On Sunday, the group was honored to worship at Scott United Methodist Church, a predominately African American church. Scott UMC students presented on Harry Hosier, a pioneering black Methodist preacher who traveled and evangelized with Francis Asbury.

The Canyon Lake United Methodist liturgical dance team, "Prayer in Motion" danced for the Scott UMC congregation, which was followed by an inter-generational praise dance from Scott UMC dancers.  Dancers ranged in ages 3 through 70!  The Canyon Lake United Methodist youth extended an invitation for Scott UMC to visit the Black Hills and worship at Canyon Lake this coming August. Scott UMC members provided a meal following the service, where youth and adults joined in fellowship. Photo: Praise Dancers from Scott United Methodist Church in Denver. Courtesy Holly Sortland.

The purpose of this inter-faith journey is to help confirmation students understand similarities and differences between the Abrahamic faiths, the Episcopal/Methodist traditions, and to experience culturally diverse worship services within the United Methodist Church.

The next inter-faith trip will take place in Feb. 2017.  For more information about participating in the 2017 trip, please contact Pastor Holly Sortland by e-mail.  

Photo: The 2015 multi-church Confirmation Youth Denver trip stops for a photo in the Temple Sinai Synagogue in Denver.