Sheri Meister shares some of the ways the Foundation is impacting ministry.

At this year’s session of the Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota, the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations were grateful to spend time with so many pastors, lay leaders, and ministry teams. Throughout Annual Conference, our booth became a place for conversation, questions, and shared stories of how God is at work in local churches across the Dakotas. We are thankful for every person who stopped by to say hello, learn more about the Foundation, and imagine together what might be possible.

Innovation in Youth Ministry Grants

One of the highlights of the week was announcing the recipients of the one-time Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant. This grant supports congregations that are launching, strengthening, or reimagining non-traditional ministries with youth and young adults — encouraging innovative engagement, nurturing faith, building meaningful relationships, and inviting young people into leadership and service. On Saturday, Sheri Meister, President and CEO of the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations, announced the recipients: Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City, North Dakota; Watertown First United Methodist Church in Watertown, South Dakota; and a collaboration among Clark United Methodist Church in Clark, Beresford Zion United Methodist Church in Beresford, and Ethan United Methodist Church in Ethan, all in South Dakota.

Leaders from these congregations shared gratitude and hope for what this funding will make possible.

“We are so grateful to receive this grant because it means we can jump in and focus our energy on the ministry with college students in our community rather than worrying how we will fund this new ministry in the short term,” said Rev. Bryce Blank of Epworth UMC, which is helping launch a new ministry with students at Valley City State University. Their hope is to “plant seeds of continued faith formation and support for college students” so that, as a community of faith is formed, students have people “to support them in their struggles, worship with, serve with, and talk through issues of faith that come up” and to discover “a deeper connection with God and each other as followers of Jesus.”

For Beresford Zion UMC, Clark UMC, and Ethan UMC — three rural congregations in South Dakota — the grant will help strengthen rural youth mission. Rev. John Schomberg of Beresford Zion shared, “Our hope is that this grant will help us to fulfill our vision of connecting rural United Methodist youth to impactful and affordable opportunities to love our neighbors.”

The Foundation shared resources and created connections at Annual Conference.

This summer’s Black Hills Mission Immersion will give middle and high school youth from three rural Dakotas churches “impactful, relationship-centered opportunities to put their faith into action” and serve as a launch pad for “rural youth to join us next summer as we work to partner with Tree of Life for a Mission Immersion to the Rosebud Reservation and to rural communities such as Parmelee, Two Strike, St. Francis, and more.”

Ministry Grants

In addition to the Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant, the Foundation hosted a ministry grant opportunity for congregations that visited the booth. Two churches received $250 ministry grants: First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, and Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. These flexible grants are designed to encourage creative ministry in the local church—supporting projects and ideas that help congregations share the love of Jesus in practical, contextual ways. We are grateful for the chance to walk alongside these churches as they live out their mission in their communities.

Connect to Why and Ignite a Culture of Generosity

Education and training were also important parts of the Foundation’s presence at Annual Conference. Dr. Alisha Vincent, the Foundation’s Vice President, offered a workshop titled “Connect to Why and Ignite a Culture of Generosity,” reaching nearly 100 leaders over two sessions (a recording and summary of the workshop will be shared in the coming weeks through Mondays @ Dakotas). The workshop invited participants to discover how connecting people to their deep sense of purpose can transform giving from a simple transaction into a life-changing act of discipleship. As a Foundation, we are committed to walking alongside churches with practical workshops, coaching, and learning opportunities that help cultivate a healthy culture of generosity.

As we continue walking together in generosity across the Dakotas, we would love to connect if your congregation is interested in generosity workshops, coaching, or other training for your leaders. To learn more about how the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations can be a resource for your church’s ministry and mission, contact Alisha Vincent at 612-230-3338 or via email to start a conversation.