Reunions are a typical part of the summer. White Lake, South Dakota recently held their all-school reunion weekend. White Lake United Methodist Church joined in the festivities by providing worship and music in the city park.

White Lake UMC is part of the Journey Renewal Partnership.  As part of the Journey Renewal partnership, a consultation team visits each church over two days. The team conducts interviews, reviews data and meets with various groups. At the end of the visit, the team prepares a report of feedback for the congregation and unique “prescriptions” (recommendations), of next steps the church needs to take.

One of the prescriptions for White Lake UMC was reaching out to the community. The church decided that one of the ways they could reach out was by being part of the all-school reunion weekend. So, they offered worship in the park and a band for afternoon music on Sunday.

The Thrive band from Madison United Methodist Church came to White Lake to provide entertainment in the park on Sunday afternoon.

“We invited the Thrive band at the suggestion of our youth,” said Pastor Randy Hedge, who serves White Lake UMC. “The youth had heard the band at the DakYouth 2017 event. They thought they were great and suggested we invite them.”

Summer celebrations are just one way to reach out to the community around you.

The Thrive band from Madison UMC performs at the White Lake all-school reunion. Photos courtesy of Pastor Randy Hedge.