“What an excellent time to learn, be inspired, be energized for mission and justice, to fellowship, and to have fun!” These are the words of Cindy Yeager, dean and Bonnie Ostenson, assistant dean, for the northern site of Mission u.

The Northern Site of Mission u 2019 was held July 18-21 at the University of Jamestown at Jamestown, North Dakota There were 55 attendees for the event.
 

Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd leads one of the spiritual study groups at Mission u at the University of Jamestown. Photos by Julie Wayne, photographer of Northern Site Mission u.

There were three excellent study leaders. Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd led the spiritual growth study, Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship. Jodi Cataldo conducted the special publication study, Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission. Jeff Pospisil led the second year of the issue study, What About Our Money? A Faith Response. Some of the comments received from participants in the studies were: “Interesting, thought-provoking, challenging, and what a blessing to have such leadership!”

Music leaders, Alexis Huff, and Robyn Nadvornik shared their musical talents throughout Mission u. Music happened not only during the plenaries; but also, in Pastor Marty’s class. Alexis and Robyn have been a gift to Mission u!

Emily Marshall, the Director of Development for United Methodist Women, was able to attend for a day. She shared the importance of the Legacy Fund to support the future of UMW for years to come.

Rennae Petersen, former board president of Emma Norton Services in St. Paul, Minnesota, shared information on mission night, about the services provided at Emma Norton Residence, and Emma’s Place in Maplewood. Rennae and her husband, Lloyd, also shared about the Midwest Distribution Center in Pawnee, Illinois. Lloyd told about many of the things the Midwest Distribution Center distributes including UMCOR school kits, birthing kits, and feminine hygiene kits.  
 

Collecting and sharing love ribbons was part of Mission u at the University of Jamestown.

Marsha Timm, Dakotas Conference UMW President, shared the UMW video and recognized various conference and district officers that were present. All enjoyed birthday floats of four different flavors in celebration of 150 years of UMW.

An offering of $1,286 was received. The offering will be divided equally between Pledge to Mission fund and Emma Norton Services. The sharing of Love Ribbons totaled $366. Donations of $184 were received in memory of Rev. Janet Miller for Wesley Acres Camp. The offering for Rev. Miller was in response to a gift from Al and Sue Goehring of a communion chalice and paten given in Janet’s memory.