“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:26

When severe summer storms swept through parts of South Dakota last summer, they left behind damaged homes, fallen trees, and unexpected financial burdens for many families. In communities like Beresford and Woonsocket, local Dakotas Conference congregations stepped forward—not simply with words of encouragement, but with tangible acts of care.

Through support made possible by the wider connection of the church and the ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), congregations in the Dakotas Conference were able to offer meaningful assistance to neighbors navigating the aftermath of the storms. Their work is a powerful reminder of what it means to live as one body in Christ.

This Sunday, March 15, United Methodist congregations across the connection will celebrate UMCOR Sunday, one of the six Special Sundays in denomination. Formerly known as One Great Hour of Sharing, the special offering taken this Sunday will support foundational work of UMCOR allowing them to channel help and resources to congregations and communities like Beresford and Woonsocket in times of great need.

Caring for Neighbors in Beresford

At Zion United Methodist Church in Beresford, South Dakota, relief funds helped support 26 families and households impacted by the storms. Gifts ranged from $100 to $500, depending on each family’s needs. These funds covered a variety of recovery costs, including tree cleanup, flooding damage, and minor roof or fence repairs.

For many recipients, even these modest amounts made a meaningful difference. The majority of those assisted had little or no means to pay for the unexpected damage, making the support particularly impactful. At the same time, even individuals with larger properties expressed gratitude for the church’s willingness to help.

Storm damage in Beresford (photo courtesy of John Schomberg)

To distribute the funds in a welcoming and accessible way, the church organized a time at the local library where community members could come, share their stories, and receive checks to assist with expenses. The church also worked with city leaders to identify additional households that might benefit from support.

Pastor John Schomberg reflected on the experience, noting that the ministry extended far beyond the financial assistance.

“Many people who came to the local library for help were surprised by how real our support was,” Pastor Schomberg said. “And, although our resources were limited, the time and care our church gave made a real difference for everyone we helped.”

The relief effort also became part of a larger transformation in how the congregation engages its community.

“In the past 18 months, the UMCOR grant, along with other new ministries, has impacted how our community sees Beresford Zion United Methodist Church,” Pastor Schomberg said. “This church is known not just for talking about Christ’s love, but for showing it through real actions designed to love our neighbors.”

Microgrants and Meaningful Conversations in Woonsocket

A similar spirit of care shaped the response at Spirit of Faith Lutheran-Methodist Church in Woonsocket, South Dakota, where storm damage affected much of the surrounding community.

Through a system of microgrants of up to $500, the congregation was able to assist 28 family units recovering from the storm’s impact. Individuals were invited to reach out directly to the pastor to request funds.

This approach provided two important benefits: it ensured confidentiality for those requesting help and also created opportunities for pastoral conversations alongside the financial support.

Storm damage in Woonsocket (photo courtesy of John Anderson)

Those conversations proved invaluable.

Many families were dealing not only with property damage—such as fallen trees, damaged roofs, broken windows, or vehicle repairs—but also with the emotional strain that often accompanies unexpected hardship. The pastoral care that accompanied the grants allowed the church to respond holistically to people’s needs.

The church also partnered with the South Dakota Synod of the ELCA, combining resources to broaden the impact of the relief effort.

The results were significant. Not only did the funds help with immediate repairs and cleanup, but they also created meaningful connections between the church and the wider community.

“The impact of these funds was significant,” said Pastor John Anderson of Spirit of Faith. “Not only did they allow for some financial assistance in a difficult time, but they also created touchpoints between the church and the wider community where some may not have existed previously, or past relationships were able to be rekindled.”

For Pastor Anderson, the experience also highlighted the power of the church’s connectional system.

“Spirit of Faith is deeply grateful for the strong connection and support of our denominational partners,” he said. “It was even more remarkable that the Miracle Offering for the 2025 Annual Conference was UMCOR, and then just a month later we were able to help our people with these generous grants. They not only helped individuals with various needs and repairs related to the surprise July storm; they also strengthened our connectional identity.”

A Connection that Makes a Difference

Behind both of these local efforts stands the ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the disaster response and humanitarian relief arm of the United Methodist Church.

UMCOR volunteer helps clean up flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene (Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.)

UMCOR works around the world responding to disasters, supporting refugees and migrants, promoting food security, and helping communities rebuild after crisis. Yet the ability to respond quickly and effectively depends on a strong foundation—trained staff, established networks, and systems ready to mobilize when disaster strikes.

That foundation is sustained each year through UMCOR Sunday, one of six Special Sundays celebrated across the United Methodist Church.

Al Roll, missional impact development coach for the Dakotas Conference, has seen firsthand how this connection strengthens ministry at every level of the church.

“It has been so encouraging to be a part of the work of UMCOR at the Conference level,” Roll said. “The way in which they have come alongside us with not only grants but also training and resourcing is such a gift. It is a visible reminder of the blessing of the greater connection and the Holy Spirit working through all the parts of the Body of Christ to bless and care for others.”

Why UMCOR Sunday Matters

UMCOR Sunday helps sustain the essential infrastructure that makes disaster response possible. By covering administrative costs, gifts given on this Special Sunday ensure that 100 percent of donations designated for disaster relief go directly to helping communities in need.

UMCOR’s work includes:

· U.S. Disaster Response: Helping communities recover from floods, fires, tornadoes, and other disasters.

· International Disaster Response: Providing emergency food, shelter, hygiene kits, and recovery assistance after global crises.

· Global Migration: Supporting vulnerable refugees and migrants with essential resources and legal assistance.

· Environmental Sustainability: Helping communities prepare for environmental challenges and climate-related disasters.

· The Yambasu Agriculture Initiative: Supporting churches in Africa as they strengthen food security and agricultural sustainability.

Most congregations observe UMCOR Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, though churches may celebrate it on another date that fits their calendar.

Loving Boldly like Jesus

The stories from Beresford and Woonsocket demonstrate something essential about the life of the church. When congregations give faithfully and stay connected to the wider body of Christ, their generosity multiplies in ways they might never expect.

Paul’s words to the church in Galatia echoed this imperative when he wrote, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). When individuals and churches selflessly give of their resources to help lighten the burden of another, the bold love of Jesus is made real.

Through ministries like UMCOR—and through the faithful generosity of United Methodists across the connection—the church continues to live out that calling every day.

You can contribute to the important and impactful work of UMCOR through your local church as well as online.