A Dakota Wesleyan University student ministry team led worship and learning at the 18th annual Southeast Pierre Mission Fair. Photos courtesy of Southeast Pierre UMC Facebook page.

The 18th Annual Mission Fair was held at Southeast Pierre UMC and Community Center on Saturday, September 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The day began with worship led by students from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Sierra Crater, DWU student, shares her Peru experiences.

The student ministry team from DWU included participants who had travelled to Peru on a mission trip. The two presenters were Bethany Admundson, a faculty member, and student Sierra Crater.

“It was gathering of a lot of United Methodists from area churches. We were blessed to share the work of the Peru mission team,” said Pastor Eric VanMeter, DWU campus pastor. “It was great to connect with Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty, a DWU alum and former Peru mission trip participant.” 

Pastor Valerie, who serves Southeast Pierre UMC and Community Center, invited the DWU team to connect those attending the mission fair through worship and learning about serving others throughout the world.

“I travelled to Peru when I was a student at DWU,” Pastor Valerie said. “I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone. It was a huge eye opener.”

740 UMCOR mission kits were collected and blessed at the Southeast Mission Fair.

A silent action was held to raise money for hunger projects across the Dakotas Conference and the world. The silent auction brought in about $1,200. The quilted projects were the most popular items at the silent auction. The day ended with worship and the blessing of 740 UMCOR mission kits.

“The day went well with lots of fellowship," Pastor Valerie Hummel LaBounty says. “It was great to combine worship and our learning about mission work. It was great networking.”

Two other fall mission events will take place:

Southern Hills UMC is hosting the Mission Café and Bakery on Saturday, September 29th, 2018, in Sioux Falls, SD with food stations, a bakery, and lots of kids’ activities. Get all the details here. 

The 2018 Black Hills Mission Fest will be October 14th, from 3pm - 4:30pm.
at Rapid City First UMC, 629 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701.  Learn more here.