The Southern Site of Mission u was held July 11-14, 2019, at Dakota Wesleyan University at Mitchell, SD. WOW, what a jam-packed, fun-filled event we had! 

Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd leads a small group in his teaching session, Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship in the Wagner Chapel at DWU. Photos by David Stucke, Dakotas Conference Communications.

We had three excellent study leaders. Marty Toepke-Floyd taught the spiritual growth study: “Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship.” The geographic study was “Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission,” taught by Jodi Cataldo. The second year of the social issue study, “What About Our Money: A Faith Response,” was taught by Sheri Meister.

A wonderful highlight of the event was the Spearfish United Methodist Church Praise Team. They brought new and exciting music to Mission u again this year.

Thanks to Mitch, Nathan and the crew of “Fresh Ideas” we were provided with delicious and nutritious meals.

Dakotas Conference UMW President Marsha Timm addressed the participants in the Sherman Center.

Marsha Timm, Dakotas Conference UMW President, informed us of several upcoming UMW events, including the North Central Jurisdiction meeting which will be held June 26-28, 2020, in Sioux Falls, SD! We will need lots of volunteers.

In addition to the classes and plenaries, we had other unique opportunities. Jill and Dan Johnson from “Joyful Living” in Sioux Falls, SD, led us in Laughter Yoga. Marj Evans-de-Carpio, director of Solar Oven Partners, presented us with changes in the production of accessories that will lead to a smaller carbon footprint. We designated that half of our offering would go to Solar Oven Partners.

Diana Auwerter, dean of this year's Mission u, led the group in prayer during a session in the Sherman Center.

Colleen McKirdy facilitated a climate justice simulation on Friday evening. The eye-opening experience provoked much discussion. Then, keeping with tradition, we enjoyed root beer floats.

During Mission u each plenary and worship service was well presented, meaningful, and, of course, the Anointing Light Service was amazing on Saturday evening.

There were 56 attendees at the southern site of Mission u and $278 worth of Love Ribbons! Yeah!

To access facts, forms, and actions of the Dakotas Conference United Methodist Women, click here.