Attendees at the 23rd Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference celebrated the generous giving of individuals and churches to Thrive: Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, a capital campaign. Over $3.5 million has been pledged to date with more commitments to still come in.

Photo: Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Director of MInistries uses clappers to celebrate the gifts made to Thrive campaign during 2016 Annual Conference. Photo by Daktoas Conference Communications.

Thrive is a capital campaign to start new churches, strengthen existing churches and raise up the next generation of leaders. Over the next seven years, the gifts to the campaign will enable the conference to: start 10 new churches, assist 70 churches in revitalizing their ministries and sponsor 70 young people for internships to help them discern their call.

“When we began the Thrive: Strength for Today, hope for Tomorrow journey at annual conference just one year ago, it was with high hopes and great faith that we could, indeed, lean into the bold vision, alive in our hearts, for a growing, vibrant, missional United Methodist Church in the Dakotas,” said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, resident bishop. “Today we celebrate the effort of many leaders, pastors and churches.”

The celebration included noise makers, clappers and video animations that lead to a reveal of total gifts so far.  

“We had hoped by today, all of our churches would have had a chance to hear the Thrive story and make a decision about how they wanted to partner in this effort,” said Deb Kjerstad, campaign director.  “But there are many who are still at varying stages in their process.  Some have appointments set later this year and others are still discerning how God would have them to respond. “

The final giving report for the campaign will happen in 2017. "I can’t wait until next year when the rest of our churches come on board.  Can you imagine that celebration," said Ough.