Each year, churches and individuals in the Dakotas Annual Conference demonstrate their love for God and their neighbors through the Miracle Offering that is presented during worship at our Annual Conference Session.

Drawing from Isaiah 43:1, the theme of this year’s Annual Conference is “Jesus. Redeemer.” This passage and theme remind us that as beloved children of God, we can live courageously as ambassadors of Christ. We are blessed to be a blessing to others—and that is precisely what our annual Miracle Offering is all about: expressing our gratitude for God’s provisions in our lives and sharing God’s redeeming love with a broken world. The 2024 Miracle Offering invites us to walk alongside our neighbors near and far, reminding them through our tangible actions that they too are worthy, loved, and beloved. Our generosity will have a lasting impact on each recipient  —Bishop Lanette Plambeck

The Miracle Offering will be divided among these recipients:

31:8 Project: 31:8 Project's mission is to equip and challenge society to proactively address issues regarding human trafficking. Based in Bismarck, North Dakota, 31:8 offers informative seminars, conducts research, and creates curriculum applicable to all levels of education and forms of human trafficking. Donation support activities like the Bakken Human Trafficking Summit, mentorships for survivors of human trafficking, and the Demand Reduction Program—an education partnership designed to reduce recidivism. Learn more about 31:8. Project. 

Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care: In 2013-2014 supporters of Abbot House came together to build Bridges Therapeutic Foster Homes in Mitchell, SD, so young girls could grow up with a family and a home. Today, there are 10 therapeutic foster homes serving, boys and girls, in Mitchell, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Donations will support continuing efforts for Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care.

Recovery Ministry: Through recovery ministries, people are building their relationship with Christ, and shaping a path to healthy living with those around them. Funds will be granted to United Methodist churches in the Dakotas Conference engaged in recovery ministry.

Clergy Sustentation Fund: A special fund has been set up to assist clergy with direct financial support when a desperate need does arise. The Clergy Sustentation Fund is a means to tangibly care for our clergy and families in a time of need. Your gifts become signs of hope and grace in difficult times.

In addition to giving financially to the Miracle Offering, congregations are invited to collect supplies and backpacks for the Bravery Backpacks program through the 31:8 Project. There will be an opportunity to put the backpacks together at Annual Conference in Bismarck. Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 2-12. Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 13-17. 

RESOURCES:

Download a copy of a letter from Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Bulletin insert: Microsoft Word | PDF
Presentation for churches: Power Point slides | JPEGS
Videos
Graphics for social media, websites, and newsletters