MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA –  Face painting, hay rides, roping a pumpkin, smores over a fire pit, garden goods for a penny were all part of the “Party on the Prairie” at Minot Faith United Methodist Church .  Why throw such a big party?  To celebrate the one-year anniversaries of their new church home and to extend love to all who came. 

Why through a party?

Minot Faith UMC lost their church building in the devastating flood of July 2011.  The building was lost but the church continued.  Worship services were temporarily held at Minot Vincent UMC.  The strong mission work of the food pantry and soup kitchen also continued at various temporary locations.

October of 2012 Minot Faith moved into a new location.  To celebrate the move and new church home the congregation held the first “Party on the Prairie.”

One year later the members of Faith decided to do it again.  “We wanted to show thanks to all for efforts in the flood recovery, the new church home, and mostly wanted anyone in Minot to come out and enjoy the event,” said Rev. Debra Ball-Killborne.

The celebration drew church and nonchurch members.  One of the highlights was the banjo and guitar music that was provided throughout the day and of course the free food. 

“Party on the Prairie” started with worship.  Rev. Greg Kroger, Director of Ministries for the Dakotas Conference preached a message of wisdom and hope. 

New challenges

Minot Faith UMC faces new challenges as do neighboring churches and communities.  The Bakken formation has brought new faces to the area.  The oil rush has also forced housing and living expenses to skyrocket.

“Housing is very expensive.  We have seen a 35-40% growth in the number we serve at the soup kitchen and food pantry,” said Ball-Kollbourne.

People have come from all over to western North Dakota in hopes of a job because of the booming oil industry.  “We hear many different languages being spoken.  The  Lord is providing more partners and resources for us to serve those in need as we see the many new faces,” stated Rev. Ball-Killbourne. 

Next year’s “Party on the Prairie” many look and sound a little different.