Dakotas United Methodist youth are invited to have a major IMPACT in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  IMPACT—Intentional Ministry Promoting Active Community Transformation— is a way for youth to be the hands of feet of Christ in several ways throughout the Sioux Falls community. “There are needs all around us, there is a lot we can do to be a good neighbor,” said Andrea Johnson, Sioux Falls First UMC minister of children, youth and families.

Sioux Falls First UMC is hosting this opportunity for students who are currently in the 6-12 grades, June 18-23, 2017.  The fee for the week is $225 and includes food, lodging, fun activities, a donation to Kids Against Hunger, a mission trip journal and a t-shirt.  A $100 deposit is due when you register. The final payment is due by May 15. 

Andrea Johnson, Sioux First UMC minister of children, youth and families, is coordinating IMPACT.  Johnson says IMPACT is an opportunity to learn how to serve your neighbor in your community.

“If you look around there are mission opportunities everywhere,” said Johnson. “We created IMPACT to let youth experience mission in your community. It is designed and similar to Urban Plunge."

Youth will be serving others in the Sioux Falls community by working at Kids Against Hunger, a whole list feeding ministries, helping individuals in the Sioux Falls First neighborhood, conducting a vacation Bible school for the neighborhood and more.

“The week will culminate on Thursday evening when we celebrate with a neighborhood barbeque and block party,” stated Johnson.

IMPACT is part of a four–year youth mission plan for youth at Sioux Falls First UMC. One year, this year, youth will serve in their local community, than nationally, internationally, ending in year four with Youth 19, a huge United Methodist youth gathering. 

One of the goals of Sioux Falls First UMC, identified as part of the Missional Consultation Church Initiative (MCCI), is to reach out to our neighborhood. IMPACT provides youth with an opportunity to make that happen.

“At first, when I told the youth about IMCPACT, they were like, ‘what we are not going anywhere,’ ” said Johnson. “Then they saw the plan and were more excited. The youth from Sioux Falls First UMC are going to stay at the church along with other youth that come from churches all over. “

There is still time to register for this 2017 mission trip for grades 6-12 at this link.  IMPACT is a lower cost option than many other mission trip opportunities and it is closer to home.

Johnson noted, “I think it is great for youth to see that there is opportunity right in their neighborhood, conference and community to do ministry. What you are doing here makes a difference. There are ways you can make IMPACT in the community.”