Spirit Lake Ministry held a service of consecration for Arthur Hall on May 21, 2016.  “This Holy service was attended by 65 of our friends and neighbors from on and off the reservation,“ said Mike Flowers, Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

After an extensive seven-month remodel, a 53-year-old quonset has become the new worship center and dining facility for the Spirit Lake Ministries, located near Wood Lake on the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota.

Photo: A drum group performs at the Arthur Hall consecration service at Spirit Lake Ministry Center. Photo submitted by Mike and Libby Flowers.

The new worship space, a dream of Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors at Spirit Lake, became a reality after a successful fundraising campaign. With the help of donors from all over the country, many having volunteered on the reservation in past years, and two significant donations, the dream became a reality.  Arthur Hall was completed on Friday, March 25, just in time for 47 of friends and neighbors to attend an Easter meal and the first United Methodist worship service on the reservation.

Officiates at the consecration service were: Rev. Keith Nelson, Sakawea District Superintendent, Rev Kermit Culver, incoming Sakawea District Superintendent and Rev. Mike Flowers, Co-Director Spirit Lake Ministry.

Photo: (Left to right) Rev. Kermit Culver, Rev. Keith Nelson, Rev. Mike Flowers led worship at the Arthur Hall consecration service at Spirit Lake Ministry Center on May 21. Photo submitted by Mike and Libby Flowers.

Also taking part in the service was Rev Fred Shaw, Director of Native American Course of Study, Chair of the North Central Jurisdiction Committee on Native American Ministry. Rev Shaw presented Spirit Lake Ministry with a gift from the North Central Jurisdiction Native American Course of Study (NCJCONAM).  “Fred blessed us with a wonderful story of forgiveness,” said Mike Flowers, Spirit Lake Ministry Center. 

Photo Rev. Fred Shaw, Director of Native American Course of Study, Chair of the North Central Jurisction Committee on Native American Ministry, speaks at the consecreation service on May 21. Photo submitted by Mike and Libby Flowers.

Rev. Jerry Bass, Grafton Federate / St. Thomas, was also in attendance.  Bass read a letter of congratulations from Bishop Ough.

Greg Holybull attended representing the Dakota Nation. The service included a meal, Dakota drum group, prayer and several remarks of congratulations and thanks.

Photo: Greg Holybull, Dakota Nation congratulates Mike and Libby Flowers on the opening of Arthur Hall. Photo submitted by Mike and Libby Flowers.

Spirit Lake Ministry has been worshipping since Easter and has seen growth with each service. “Our prayer is to provide a safe comfortable place for all God's children for worship and fellowship,” said Mike and Libby Flowers, Co-directors Spirit Lake Ministry Center.