Kensal youth clean up a yard of an elderly community member at the confirmation retreat. Photos by Jeanne Sortland.

“When you pray, you put Jesus first and amazing things happen!” These are the words of Rev. Jeanne Sortland, who serves the United Methodist Churches in Kensal and Wimbledon, North Dakota. 

What started as a youth group in Kensal, North Dakota, at the United Methodist Church grew into an ecumenical learning experience for confirmation.

A few years ago, a community Sunday School was started in Kensal. Today, the group that started in Sunday School is set to be confirmed thanks to an ecumenical effort by Rev. Jeanne Sortland. 

 “We just started a youth group the previous year,” said Sortland. “We found that there were the youth from the community and area that wanted to join us.

When the COVID pandemic hit, the youth group did not get together until this winter. “After we started meeting again. Some of the youth started asking about confirmation. I visited with the Lutheran pastor and put a plan together,” Pastor Jeanne said.

Five youth gather to study the Bible, look at the Lutheran catechism and Methodist doctrine, and engage in service.

“We read through Will Willimon’s, “Making Disciples,” said Pastor Jeanne. “We struggled with the idea of meeting once a week. So, we set up a block time where we could spend time learning and serving.

Retreat times were set up. The group decided to gather around school breaks. Easter break, they met on Saturday and Monday for an intense retreat. Ten hours on Saturday were spent doing service projects. They cleaned up the churchyard and the yard of a community member who was close to 100 years old.

“They took a lot of pride in their service work. It was such a shot in the arm for all of us to see what we can do together,” said Pastor Jeanne. “We also had time in fellowship and for just connecting.”

Kensal youth did a little "flinging faith" activity.

On Monday, the retreat focus was on learning. Time was spent in devotions and discussion. One of the activities was about finding our way and flinging our faith, based on the idea that Jesus needs to be part of our lives and invite others to know Jesus no matter the challenges. 

“We had some great discussion about how we can put Jesus first in our lives,” said Sortland. "We had a lot of fun learning about flinging our faith." 

The confirmation group spent time serving in the community beyond the retreat weekend by helping with Sunday School, school events, and community events.

The schedule and attendance were not always perfect, but the youth showed up to learn and serve. “You have to roll with it. You can be flexible but hold everyone accountable,” said Pastor Jeanne.

Sunday, May 16, five youth were confirmed because of this ecumenical effort. Pastor Jeanne hopes to continue meeting with the youth group thoruhg the summer and into the fall.