Across the connection, United Women in Faith (UWF) groups are continually discerning how to live out their purpose—love in action to improve the lives of women, children, and youth—in ways that are both meaningful and relevant in today’s world. That calling requires creativity, flexibility, and even a willingness to step beyond familiar ministries to meet emerging needs and challenges facing women and families in their communities. At Faith United Methodist Church in Minot, that spirit of tangible love in action has taken shape in a simple yet impactful way through Parents’ Night Out, an outreach that is both practical and deeply transformative for the families it serves.

The ministry began a few years ago as a practical solution during the Christmas season. “We started it to give people a chance to go Christmas shopping,” explained Nikki Paulsen, who serves as the president of Faith’s UWF unit.

“When I had small children, K-mart and Walmart had layaway and you could shove stuff on layaway and then that way you could distract the kids and you didn't have to take stuff home while the kids were with you,” Paulsen shared. “Now layaway is long gone, and people want to go out and shop without having their kids along.”

That insight sparked something more. “I thought maybe couples want to go out to dinner, and so we figured we’d set up a thing so parents could get out and do stuff—go out as a couple without the kids along. It kind of evolved from there.”

Today, the UWF group aims to host a Parents’ Night Out about three times a year. Each event offers something new for the children—crafts, games, movies, and special activities. One favorite is a partnership with a local ceramic shop, where children select and paint their own pieces.

“They have all the paints and everything, and then they do the firing, so the mess stays there,” Paulsen said with a laugh. “We always try to have them back prior to Mother’s Day so the kids can give them as gifts.”

Other events have included making tie blankets, creating Christmas ornaments, and simple evenings filled with games and “junk food.” Confirmation students have even joined in to help lead activities.

The format is intentionally simple and welcoming. “It’s like you just drop your kids off at your grandma’s,” Paulsen said. “We feed them junk food and we play games with them, and then you get them back.” Children of all ages are welcome. “We kind of operate on the theory of, if you want to drop off your newborn, I’m more than happy to hold that baby.”

While the activities are fun, the deeper purpose is rooted in the mission of United Women in Faith. “We’re supposed to be doing things to benefit women, children, and families,” Paulsen said. “It gives parents a chance to go out and be together… it’s going to make for a stronger relationship.”

For Paulsen, the ministry is also personal. She and her family moved to Minot with the military when her children were little. As a young military spouse new to the area, she remembers how meaningful something like this would have been. “I was a young mom when we came up here and we didn't know anybody,” recalled Paulsen. “It would have been nice if the church was saying, ‘Hey, you could drop the kids off so you guys could go out and have a date.’ That would have been so nice.”

That feeling resonates with families today. “Personally, as a military family with no family close to help out for quick shopping times or date nights, I, as a mom to four kids, love these events,” said Hannah Powell, a member of the church whose family participates in the program. “Whether it be the ones close to the holiday season so I can shop solo with no eyes peaking or a much-needed date night with my husband, we look forward to these nights – not only my spouse and I but all my kids enjoy it.”

“It’s like dropping my kids off with grandparents or aunts and uncles the kids love it as well,” she added.  “I will cherish these moments and my kids will also,”

Pastor Rick Craig sees the ministry as a powerful example of UWF living out its calling. “I am continually impressed by the ways that our UWF groups intentionally reach out in meaningful ways to our community,” he said. “They look for unmet needs and find ways to meet those needs. Providing a Parents’ Night Out is just one of the ways these faithful and caring women reach out to our neighbors. Our church and our community are blessed by their efforts.”

In many ways, the program is not new—but it is newly relevant. “It’s a fun program,” Paulsen reflected. “I don’t think we invented this idea… we just kind of dusted it off.”

And in doing so, the United Women in Faith at Minot Faith UMC are offering families something invaluable: a few hours of rest, connection, and care—reminding them that they are seen, loved, and supported by their church community.

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United Women in Faith in the Dakotas and across the connection have several events coming up to help encourage and inspire units and members in their mission.

Assembly 2026, May 15-17, 2026, Indianapolis, Indiana
    Assembly 2026 is a once-every-four-years gathering of women committed to faith, empowerment, and making a difference. Picture a weekend that uplifts your soul, strengthens your faith, and brings you together with an unstoppable sisterhood.

Soul Care Saturday
    This new event is for member enrichment and is also a pathway to connect with new women focused on giving care to your whole person – mind, body, and spirit.

Gettysburg - Apr. 11
Minot Faith - Apr.18
Valley City - Apr.18

Rapid City First - Apr. 18
Redfield - Apr. 18
Harrisburg Apr. 18