Christmas in the Valley, Montrose, S.D.

Angels were just some of the many characters of the improv production.

Even Santa and Mrs. Claus turned up!

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The community of Montrose, SD, ushered in the spirit of the season through the first-ever "Christmas in the Valley" event on Dec. 15th. The event kicked off with a pop-up play, "The Silent (Noisy) Night," held at the Montrose United Methodist Church, was open to children of the Montrose community.

Several Marys, Josephs and animals were part of the cast for the play that required no rehearsal.

"It was a way to let children from the community at large who wanted to be part of telling the Christmas story," shared Connie Smith, lay member of Montrose UMC.

Later, the event moved to the nearby Legion Hall where a free-will dinner raised dollars for a school event and a silent auction of Christmas treats raised dollars for a Montrose family whose young child is battling cancer. The high school junior class served hot cocoa for a free-will offering to help fund the prom. The event culmniated with a walk to the outdoor plaza for the lighting of the town Christmas tree.

"It was a fun event and a great collaboration between people from all three churches in town--plus others," shared Smith.

Miracle of Christmas, Minot, N.D.

Shopper select gifts at the Miracle of Christmas event in Minot, N.D.

Volunteers prepare the space for the shopping experience at the Miracle of Christmas event.

Members of Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot, N.D., have worked to ensure that individuals and families in the area the joy of giving during the Christmas season through the third annual Miracle of Christmas event. Nearly 350 people engaged in this year's event.

Organizers of the event from Vincent solicity community groups, business and individuals, for dontions that patrons "shop" from. The event has also received grant funding.  

When individuals or families arrive at the event, the are given a ticket to “pay” for the gifts they select. The items are also gift-wrapped for the shoppers.

In an article published in the Minot Daily news about the event, Scott Evanoff, a lay member at Vincent UMC who helps with the event, said it has not only outgrown its beginnings at the church, but now has grown to reach those outside the Minot community. “There are people in need all over, and it’s growing,” Evanoff said, sharing how donations come from cities like Carrington and other surrounding communities.

Sixty-nine pans of lasagna were also served in to-go containers so that families could have a holiday meal. Additional, each child received a free hat and gloves.

“The whole idea is that when (shoppers) are done that night, they should have a gift to go home with, and hopefully a full stomach and a smile on their face, is what we’re looking for,” Evanoff said shared in the article.

 “It’s full of smiles and good feelings for both those walking out with the gifts, and those helping with the event,” he said.

For more glimpses of Christmas around the Dakotas Conference, check out our Flickr album.