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The power of connection can start with just one person sensing a call, multiplying their passion and gifts by inviting others to join in, and taking a bold step to connect across racial, cultural, socio-economic or other lines. The Streams of Justice Award is meant to lift up and celebrate a United Methodist sponsored program or event which has as its main purpose to promote justice in the Dakotas Conference. The recipient of this year’s Streams of Justice award is Pastor Susan Jennys and the Morningstar Fellowship.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Perry writes about a recent historical discovery—Turning west toward the edge of town, we soon parked in front of a sign that read, “Emerado Sunset Prairie Cemetery 1883.” We got out of our vehicle, walked to what seemed to be the oldest sections of the cemetery, and started looking at gravestones. But was this even the right cemetery? Not all rural cemeteries are known to the Internet or anybody except people who live near them. In about ten minutes, we found a barely legible gravestone. “Dora Mellicent/ Dau. of /TF & Mary/Ward/Born/Oct. 22, 1870/Died/Aug. 18, 1888/[epitaph].”

“Liminal” is a Latin word meaning “threshold.” Being “on the threshold” is the way we describe someone at a point of transition—not entirely in…not entirely out. “I believe more than ever that pastoral leaders need to be designers of liminal space and experiences—thresholds for people to take one step toward Christ,” Rev. Ben Ingebretson, area director of new church development, said in his latest blog post. He gives five examples of congregations and pastors employing the “threshold principle.” Read blog post.

This summer, the Dakotas will host historians and others interested in our history from throughout the jurisdiction. The event called the annual convocation of the North Central Commission on Archives and History will take place in Bismarck on July 10-13. The convocation will include six presentations, a film, a bus tour and worship. Registrations are still open.

Yes it is feeling like summer but God and the Dakotas Conference do not slow down. Apply for a Breakthrough Ministry grant. Learn about what happened at annual conference. Please send us your Vacation Bible School stories. Enjoy some of the many opportunities available to you like Mission u.

TUTTLE, North Dakota — There is no school in Tuttle, North Dakota but 66 kids, age two-sixth grade showed up for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at the United Methodist Church. “What better way to share the love of Jesus with these kids? Many do not get to go to church any other time,” said Susie Heidt, coordinator for VBS at Tuttle UMC and 2017 recipient of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award.

Brookings First UMC Vacation Bible School had over 80 kids attend “Passport to Peru”. “People remember Bible School,” said Gretchen Knutson, director of children’s ministry at Brookings First UMC. “I hear stories from people all of the time about VBS. It is very impactful and important to do it well. It is an awesome way to have people experience the Bible and God’s lessons.” The stage set was epic and could be yours. We would love to hear about your 2017 VBS.

Bishop Ough writes a pastoral letter about the recent jury decisions related to the acquittal of police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the death of Philando Castile and the mistrial in the sexual assault case against Bill Cosby. "Together, we are called by God to combine our fervent prayers, our heart for truth and justice, and our advocacy for the common good so that there is never again a question that all lives matter."

Mondays @ Dakotas June 19: Town with no school serves 66 at VBS, Bishop Ough issues pastoral letter on Yanez, Cosby trials, Brookings First UMC offers passport to Peru, plus more...

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA—The Francis Asbury Award for fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education was awarded to President Amy Novak, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, South Dakota. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church’s ministries in higher education at the local, district or annual conference level of the church.  The award is named for Bishop Asbury and is based on his admonition to the people called Methodist to erect a school in the vicinity of every church. The Asbury award is administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.