WILLISTON, NORTH DAKOTA --  The Bakken Oil Rush is presenting many ways to do outreach beyond the church walls.  Churches in the Bakken are being called upon to be the” hands and feet Jesus”  in all kinds of ways.

Faith United Methodist Church (UMC) in Williston, North Dakota keeps church members informed about opportunities and what is happening in the mission field each week in their church communications.  Here is a listing of mission outreach activities for one recent week in Williston: 

• Helped man out with groceries. 
• Provided care to two men from Ghana.
• Pastor Mark spoke with another pastor about providing shelter for the homeless in the winter. 
• Provided spiritual guidance to a woman (with the father out of the picture) who has twin three-year-olds, is pregnant, and who is worried about her future.

In addition, members of Faith UMC served 99 people at Banquet West.   Banquet West is held at First Lutheran Church in Williston, North Dakota, and is an ecumenical effort to provide a sit-down, home-cooked meal "to those who dine alone, are without family in the community and/or are new to the community."  Area churches and organizations prepare their own food, which is served from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The old hymn (#247 in the black 1930's Methodist Hymnal) begins, "There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold."  Ninety-nine was the tally of those who received meals on Sunday night, August 18, 2013.  The 26 servers included Faith United Methodist members and friends, and the menu consisted of "Methodist Meatloaf," Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, and Confetti Cake for dessert.  

Decorations featured 'school bus yellow' and 'harvest maroon' table clothes with a "Back to School" theme.  A number of people took advantage of crayons, pencils and notebook paper to leave messages:  "Thanks for the wonderful supper!!” "We are much Greatful!! “

PHOTO CREDIT:  A word of appreciation to all who helped make this meal and fellowship possible. Faith UMC serves -- "Let the plating begin!!" (Note time on clock).  Photo submitted by Jacki Keck.