A child is fitted with new shoes at Blessed Feet Forward ministry at Vermillion UMC. Photos by Russ Stone.

“It was really fun to see children running through the sanctuary, testing out their new shoes!” Rev. Nicole Anderson, who serves Vermillion United Methodist Church describes the scene as overflowing with excitement at the launch of Blessed Feet Forward ministry.

The congregation provided macaroni and cheese, new socks, new shoes and washed the feet of 30 children in the community. “The macaroni and cheese dinner was a hit,” says Anderson. “When the families came in, they were served. We washed the feet of each child, gave them new socks, and let them pick out a new pair of shoes."

The Vermilion community experiences a lot of transition. It is home to the University of South Dakota. Many families are coming and going. Many of the families are struggling to make ends meet while going to school or seeking employment through the university or community.

Kelly Stone, a member of Vermillion UMC, has worked for the Vermillion School District as a special education teacher for 20 years, says, “During my teaching career, I have witnessed the poverty level of several students and their families. We have had several families that were homeless.” Stone and other members of the congregation continually support efforts for families facing financial challenges through the Vermilion Backpack program, the Welcome Table— founded and hosted at Vermillion UMC, school supply giveaways, and Brian’s closet.

Washing of the feet of a child at Blessed Feet Forward.

It seemed natural that the congregation would find a way to help children with a new pair of shoes. “We started thinking about this two years ago,” said Anderson. “We prayed about it. We felt God was calling us to this ministry because of the connections we had with the schools.”

Besides Stone, Chelle Kirkpatrick, also a member of Vermillion UMC, worked as the secretary at the middle school. She currently works at the University of South Dakota in the School of Education, placing students, future teachers, in schools. “Living in a college town, we see a large number of transient people, most of which are families trying to make ends meet while attending college to better their lives. I remember as a child the excitement of getting a new pair of shoes to start school, so this ministry—to provide shoes for children— has been in the back of my mind for many years.”

The ministry was launched this fall with the support of a Breakthrough Ministry grant. “We have been thinking about this for a long time. This would not have come to fruition without the grant,” said Anderson.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants are intended to be a response to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of Dakotas United Methodists. Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include new ministries and expansion of existing ministries to reach new people, ministries that create church and school partnerships, building relationships with college students or other young adults, and technology that will enhance mission and ministry impact.

 Grants are awarded quarterly. Applications for the first quarter of 2019 are due January 31.  Get the details here.