ReNew Church in Kenmare, North Dakota held Christmas Eve Services in a new building that is being remodeled.  “We are a casual church with a contemporary attitude, “ said Pastor Joddy Meidinger, ReNew UMC, a new church start in Kenmare. “We welcome you in your jeans and comfy clothes.”

Photos: Candles burn during the service at ReNew United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of ReNew Facebook page.

The new church began meeting in July of 2014, worshipping not on Sundays but on Wednesdays. A former store in Kenmare, North Dakota, was purchased in the summer of 2015. The biggest challenge for ReNew has been the acquisition and remodeling of the 1907 building. Worship is held in the building as it is being remodeled. Remodeling efforts include demolition of walls, building bathrooms and installing heating and new electrical systems. “Everybody pitches in. We have an 80-year-old volunteer who has been working with us,“ said Meidinger. The goal was to have the space r welcoming as possible for Christmas.

Kenmare is on the eastern edge of the Bakken Formation. Electricians, contractors and plumbers are busy building in the Bakken region. Costs are high for materials and supplies. “What is happening is a testament to the resolve of this little congregation,” said Pastor Joddy. “One day I presented a matching gift challenge. I told the congregation an older couple had given us $10,000, and we received a donation of $8,000 from a church in the Dakotas Conference. I asked ReNew members to match the $18,000 in gifts, and they did it. They turned $18,000 into $36,000!” 

Since then, a lot more generosity has presented itself: countless volunteer hours getting ready for Christmas – especially one man who been working full time, yes FULL TIME, 6 to 7 days a week leading up to Christmas! And, he’s never even attended worship there. One family donated $2,500 in building materials, other families have donated supplies as well, including a new church sign! The Kenmare congregation also acquired a couple of local grants to assist with after school programs (robotics club, kid’s cooking club, and homework assistance).

Resources such as volunteers and financial gifts are critical to this new church start.  “It's easy to get down when you are starting a new church,” Meidinger said. “Then all of a sudden someone reaches out. We received a check for $10,000 from the Builder’s Club.”

Photo: Volunteers work on remodeling the new building that was purchased in July 2015 for ReNew United Methodist Church in Kenmare, North Dakota. Photo courtesy of ReNew Facebook page.

There are the voices that say the United Methodist Church has lost its way of being missional and does not connect to those in need: the least, lost and lonely. “We meet on Wednesdays,” said Pastor Joddy, “Church has been held on Sunday mornings for generations. We are trying to meet people in our community where they are--worshipping at a different time and space. We want to reach out to the people. Putting out your shingle does not mean you are connecting with the people.”