Firetrucks and food were part of "Hoses and Hallelujahs in Piedmont. Photos courtesy of Grace UMC>

The ministerial association, comprised of four churches in Piedmont, South Dakota, invited the community to "Hoses and Hallelujahs." An event that included food, music, and fire trucks.

A ministerial association is an ecumenical Christian group active on the local level. Clergy from various congregations and denominations meet to discuss local issues that they can collectively address and host events.

A traditional activity or event for ministerial associations is hosting a community worship service around Thanksgiving. The Piedmont Ministerial Association wanted to add an event with a different twist to rebuild connection in the community.

"The Piedmont Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Technicians are mostly volunteer organizations. We wanted to hold an event that raised awareness and funds," said Rev. John Britt of Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont, South Dakota.

They decided to hold "Hoses and Hallelujahs." People gathered in a park to eat, enjoy music, and raise money.

"We did it at the city park. The ministerial association provided hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and paper products. We asked folks from our churches to bring sides and desserts. Grace UMC provided the music," explained Pastor John. "It was part potluck, part barbecue. The praise team from our church shared about ten songs. Then we had a meal and shared another nine songs. The fire department came with a couple of trucks."

The firefighters put out a boot with a donation sign. The donations went to the Piedmont Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Technicians.

Grace UMC contributes to the community through the community garden project. The congregation offers community garden space to individuals and groups. The church provides soil and regular watering. In exchange, people grow produce and are invited to give some of that produce back to a friend or neighbor in need or to the community food bank.

This year, herbs were planted in one of the garden boxes. That prompted an opportunity to invite people in the community to a class about cooking with herbs. Participants picked the herbs from the garden and prepared a meal.

"One of our members knew about a chef, Jeff Slathar, who does some cooking classes. He's the chef at Terra Santa [a retreat center]. We contacted him to see if he'd be willing to do one at the church. He planned it around his menu. He made homemade rolls, marinara, homemade sausage, a salad with some lemon vinaigrette, and some pesto, said Pastor John, "He involved people. He had people making the rolls; some were chopping herbs, and some were stirring this or that. He was very engaging."

There was also a sous chef, April Malik, who is a culinary instructor at Stevens High School in Rapid City, South Dakota. After cooking the meal, everyone sat down and enjoyed it.

Grace UMC is planning a garden tour. On the list to visit are a hydronic garden, a year-round greenhouse, a place that grows ancient grains—millet and spelt, and an organic butcher shop. The tour may lead to expansion ideas for the community gardens at Grace UMC.