MITCHELL, SOUTH DAKOTA -- Sixty-seven United Methodists from across the Dakotas Conference attended the Mission U held on the campus on Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. 

Mission U is sponsored by United Methodist Women was held July 11-14, 2013. Courses and workshops were held for adults, youth  in grades 7-12, and youth in grades 3-6. 

Three featured speakers or teachers provided learning throughout the event. Rev. Dayne  Zachrison led a session entitled Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly.  The study offered tools to deepen spiritual identity, engagement in community and involvement in mission.

The Roma of Europe was the title of the session offered by Kimberly Kaverny.. Kaveny introduced participants to Roma, also known as gypsies, the Roma of eastern Europe have a unique spiritual lifestyle and are often challenged by contemporary European culture.

Deanna Hawkins led a course on poverty.  Hawkins provided participants with a deeper understanding of the realities of poverty and how to commit to stand with the poor and be an advocate. 

Youth in grades 7-12 and students from Dakota Wesleyan attended and assisted with Mission U.  Students cleaned an old science lab to become home to the Weekend Snackpack Program for the Mitchell Community.  The Snackpack program provides food for children in Mitchell Public Schools over a weekend throughout the school year. 

Children in grades 3-6 were led by Colleen McKirdy, Spearfish United Methodist Church in a variety of activities throughout the campus.

The northern site of Mission U for the Dakotas Conference will be held July 18-21, 2013 at Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota.