"There's a lot of excitement with being involved in something that's bigger than ourselves," said Abraham Perez, worship pastor for Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

That "something" is United by Hope – an opportunity for Sioux Falls area United Methodists and friends to unite in worship, witness, food, and fellowship. The joint worship service begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 24th, at the ALLIANCE on 1600 W. Russell St. in Sioux Falls. A time for lunch and fellowship will follow the service.

"I'm not sure who first instigated the idea, but the thought was that we should have a combined worship service to witness to our community that we're united together and trying to make an impact," said Rev. Kip Roozen, senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.

"In a time when so many people are disconnecting from each other, churches, and institutions, it is a powerful statement for six churches to change their schedule, to come together to show their unity in Jesus and their commitment to serve the Sioux Falls Public Schools," said Rev. Brandon Vetter, conference superintendent for the southeast district.

A greater sense of shared purpose and unity among United Methodists across the Sioux Falls metro area is one of the hoped-for outcomes of the joint effort.

"I'm excited for United Methodists throughout Sioux Falls to come together for worship and fellowship," said Rev. Sara Nelson, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls. "In a world that is becoming increasingly divisive, it's important that we claim our connection, mission, and vision as United Methodists and invite others to join us."

"There is a sense of unity and a sense of urgency – I would even call it a burden – for the bride of Christ to come together and unite for one day," reflected Perez. "There are a lot of people who don't know that there are more Methodist churches in the city of Sioux Falls, which is shocking to me. Now there's really no excuse– and you can't say that there wasn't an opportunity, to meet Jesus or to meet a fellow Methodist."

Bishop Lanette will be preaching at the United by Hope event on Sun., Aug 24th in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Perez and the Sunnycrest worship team will provide the music for worship and Bishop Lanette Plambeck will bring a message of invitation and challenge for United Methodists in the Sioux Falls area to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in a way that builds bridges and blesses the community of Sioux Falls.

As these churches unite for worship, they will also be uniting in a witness of faith in action. During the worship service, an offering will be collected for Hungry Hearts. Hungry Hearts is a volunteer-run, non-profit that supports the Angel Fund for the Sioux Falls School District.

In an article in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Mark Fonder and Jesse Severson explained their motivation for starting Hungry Hearts.

"We both were on free and reduced lunches," Fonder said. "I know what it's like to carry more than just books to school (and) carry the weight of what you're going to eat that day at home. No child should have to worry about that. No child should sit in their classroom trying to learn while battling hunger pains."

Severson said children need food and can't learn or listen to their teachers "if their stomachs are growling louder than their teachers are teaching." (Read full article here.)

"There are like 12,000 students in the Sioux Falls district that are on reduced or free lunches," explained Roozen. "What [Hungry Hearts tries] to do is help the kids that are falling through the cracks, who don't qualify for reduced or free meals, and yet their parents can't afford it, so the kids aren't getting a lunch or whatever. The Angel Fund tries to fill in some of that gap."

Hungry Hearts is a non-profit that supports the SFSD Angel Fund.

It was decided to donate to the Angel Fund through Hungry Hearts because of the vital work they do to raise funds, including often finding matching donations.

"This offering is a witness to one another, as United Methodists, that we can do stuff together, that we are connected, that we can make a difference," said Roozen.

Beyond the offering for Hungry Hearts, there will also be a Blessing of the Backpacks and an opportunity to highlight the relationships each Sioux Falls United Methodist Church has with a specific school in the district and build excitement around the hope that can be shared through acts of generosity and service.

"I believe a long-term impact of this event can be a deeper connection and partnership with our local schools, all six churches leading out our Wesleyan way to worship Jesus and to serve others always," said Vetter.

"My hope is that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for Sioux Falls United Methodist churches working together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," added Nelson.