The COVID-19 pandemic has not canceled Christmas and the need to share the love of Jesus with our neighbors in tribal communities. Shoebox Christmas Gifts, distributed by Spirit Lake Ministry Center, will be collected in November. First UMC in Pierre, South Dakota and Canyon Lake UMC in Rapid City, South Dakota, are seeking donations to make Christmas a celebration of Jesus at Tree of Life. Or, consider giving to the 2020 Miracle Offering.

Spirit Lake Distritubtion:  Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors at Spirit Lake say, "There are no new rules for those making boxes due to Covid-19. We delivered over 5,400 gifts to six reservations in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Many children who otherwise would not receive a gift were blessed by those caring folks donating Shoebox Christmas Gifts. The pandemic makes this program even more important and difficult due to the number of persons struggling to make ends meet. Contact Mike and Libby Flowers by e-mail or view more information here. 

Pick up points are: 
North Highland UMC -- Aberdeen, SD
Sunnycrest UMC -- Sioux Falls, SD
Conference Office -- Mitchell, SD
McCabe UMC -- Bismark, ND
First UMC -- Jamestown, ND
First UMC -- Fargo, ND
Vincent UMC -- Minot, ND
Wesley UMC -- Grand Forks,ND

Pick up will begin on Monday, November 16th at Sunnycrest UMC. Please contact the closest drop-off location to arrange a time to drop off your gifts. 

Tree of Life:  First UMC in Pierre, South Dakota and Canyon Lake UMC in Rapid City, South Dakota, have connected with Linda Garriott, director at Tree of LIfe Ministry Center. Tree of Life would love to have gifts of money,  tooth brushes, hats, mittens, and gloves. Do not wrap any of these gifts.  First UMC and Canyon Lake will collect donations to make Christmas special at Treel of Life. 

Gifts to other Dakotas Conference Mission: The 2020 Miracle Offering, which will be divided among the mission ministries of: Bakken Oil Rush Minsitry in Watford City,  Out in Faith in Williston, Solar Oven Partners, Spirit Lake Ministry Center, and Tree of Life Ministry Center, remains open. Consider a gift to these conference missions that have struggled to serve and keep a steady stream of contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.