2021 Celebration of Life in Ministry Service

Celebration of

Life in Ministry June 11, 2021

Worship leaders Presiding Minister, Preacher Bishop Laurie Haller, Interim Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Area Ecumenical Representative Reverend Rachel Splichal Larson, Associate to the Bishop, South Dakota Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lectors and Worship Assistants Rev. Michelle Brennan, Order of Deacons Myrna Hill, Conference Co-Lay Leader Jane Hincks, Conference Co-Lay Leader Rev. Sara McManus, Order of Elders Rev. Val Reinhiller, Board of Ordained Ministry Worship Coordinators Rev. Lou Whitmer Rev. Rebecca Trefz Visuals and Technology Doreen Gosmire, communications director, Dakotas Conference Karla Hovde, communications specialist, Minnesota Conference Andrea Hult, intern, Dakotas Conference Pinnacle Productions, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Dave Stucke, communications association, Dakotas Conference Musicians One Way Up, Praise Band, Canton United Methodist Church, Canton, South Dakota

Dakotas Conference Cabinet Interim Bishop Laurie Haller, Dakotas-Minnesota Area Director of Ministries Rev. Rebecca Trefz Area Director of New Church Development Rev. Ben Ingebretson District Superintendents Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, Northeast Rev. Joel Winckler, Northwest Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, Southwest

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Service Gathering Goodness of God Gathering Music *Please stand as you are able.

Processional and Congregational Song

Words and Music: Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson

Holy, Holy, Holy Open the Eyes of My Heart

Words: Reginald Heber Music: John Bacchus Dykes Words and Music: Paul Baloche

Call to Worship Bishop: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

All: And also with you.

Bishop: Let us worship the eternal God, the Source of Love and Life who creates us; let us worship Jesus Christ, the Risen One, who lives among us; let us worship the Spirit, the Holy Fire, who renews us.

All: To the one true God be praise in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ!

All: Eternal God, give your grace to all servants of your church, that we may, with courage and faith, fulfill our various ministries. Be known among us now as we gather to worship and pray. Form us into a holy community of your own people. Mold us by the breath of your Holy Spirit, and reveal in this corporate body, the face of your anointed Christ. Amen.

The congregation is seated.

Ecumenical Greeting Greetings from Reverend Rachel Splichal Larson The Recognition of Common Ministry and Reaffirmation of Baptism Bishop: Ministry is the work of God, done by the people of God. Through baptism all Christians are made part of the priesthood of all believers, the church, Christ’s body, made visible in the world. We all share in Christ’s ministry of love and service for the redemption of the human family and the whole of creation.

Therefore, in celebration of our common ministry, I call upon all God’s people gathered here: Remember you are baptized and be thankful!

Congregation: We reaffirm our baptism and our common call to ministry. Thanks be to God!

A Time of Remembrance Words and Music: Phillip Paul Bliss, Horatio Gates It is Well Congregational Song Spafford, Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan Memorial Video Presentation Anyone present who has been part of the life and ministry of those being remembered are invited to stand in honor of them as they are memorialized. Complete memoirs can be found on pages 11-20 of this booklet.

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Clergy Reverend Norman Winkelman (November 6, 2020) Reverend Donald Greenough (December 1, 2020) Reverend Elizabeth Conrad Smart (December 7, 2020) Reverend Steven Olson (December 21, 2020) Reverend Raymond Earl Stucke (February 25, 2021) Reverend Gustav Van Tassel (April 23, 2021) Clergy Spouses Joan Teichmann, widow of Reverend Richard Teichmann (October 2, 2020) Grace Moe, spouse of Reverend Peter Moe (November 3, 2020) Marian Gabel, widow of Reverend Glen Gabel (November 12, 2020) Yoko Tsukamoto, widow of Reverend Minoru Tsukamoto (November 22, 2020) Darlene Finney, widow of Reverend Charles Finney (November 25, 2020 Vella Kaye Lord, widow of Reverend Glenn Lord (January 27, 2021) Judith Katter, spouse of Reverend John Katter (February 4, 2021) Phyllis Erdmann, widow of Reverend Edgar Walter Erdmann (March 28, 2021) Doris Vos, widow of Reverend James Vos (May 4, 2021) Laity / Conference Staff Robert Lower (March 27, 2021) We also remember in our hearts Betty Ann (Fisher) Boulton, widow of Edwin C. Boulton and Dennis Bradley “Brad” Kiesey, spouse of Bishop Deborah Lieder Keisey.

Prayer Bishop: Gracious and Eternal God, all of creation is given by you.

All: It is by your grace and blessing these beloved ones whom we have named, shared life with us. We treasure all of them that continues to live within us.

Bishop: Hold them in your arms of mercy, as we hold them in our memory.

All: As we once again entrust them to you, may we know full that peace and joy which is eternal life.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Recognition of the Retirement Class Conference Co-Lay Leader: We celebrate the faithful service represented by this class of retirees and their spouses. On behalf of the laity of the local congregations and the many persons who were reached by the ministry of these persons, we offer our deepest gratitude.

Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry: On behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry which has received their requests, and on behalf of the Clergy Session which has granted their requests, we honor these clergy entering a retirement relationship with the Dakotas Annual Conference.

Reverend Kenneth Ballard Reverend David Motta Reverend Jeffrey Neuberger Reverend Richard Pittenger Reverend Rodney Tkach

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Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry: Your calling has been an invitation to share in the most holy and tender moments of our lives: the sacred of the ordinary, and the power of sacred ceremony. Together we have struggled, laughed, cried, and grown.

Congregation: You answered God’s call to walk with us through our lives. You were there in moments of life, death, hope, despair, joy, and sorrow. You steadfastly offered to us the presence of the living Christ.

Conference Co-Lay Leader: Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you shared your gifts, you sacrificed, and you learned.

Congregation: You helped us all to relate to the Good News of Jesus Christ when you held candles with us on Christmas Eve, and sang triumphantly with us on Easter morning.

Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry: You brought care and compassion to families in grief, and guided others on their journey to eternal life. In your presence we remembered that God does not abandon us.

Congregation: You reminded us that death does not have the last word. In discouragement, you reminded us that we are beloved sons and daughters of the Creator.

Bishop: Together you represent over 245 years of service in ministry. Never underestimate that which God has already accomplished through you. Continue to be true to your calling, confident of the ever-present Spirit working through your lives. Let us join in prayer together: All: Gracious God, you fill your servants with love and empower us with your Spirit. We give heartfelt thanks for the ministries of these faithful leaders, and for the ways that you have ministered to us through them. In the days that follow, make your presence known to them as they continue to love and serve you. May they, like us, continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Used with permission and adapted from the West Ohio Conference

Proclamation Scripture Philippians 4:4-14 NRSV Sermon

Whatever

Bishop Laurie Haller

Offering The offering from tonight’s service is for ministerial student aid funds for the Dakotas Conference. , Offertory

Great Are You, Lord

Words and Music: Micheal W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith

Recognition of Licensed Local Pastors We are recognizing licensed local pastors who have been newly appointed and those who have completed their educational requirements through graduation from Course of Study or Master of Divinity.

Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry: We embrace the many ways of answering a call to ministry and so we take this time to recognize, thank, and bless those persons who have answered the call to the ministry of a licensed local pastor. Several of the following individuals were licensed and first appointed during the past year. The others will receive their license following the successful completion of licensing school in June and will begin serving as local pastors on July 1. We invite them forward at this time.

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John Anderson, serving Spirit of Faith at Woonsocket Robert Blackburn, serving Langdon Tiana Bohn, serving Milnor Anna Carlson, serving Washburn and Center Tia Felberg, serving De Smet and Iroquois Kimberly Hipple, serving Beach UMC at Howard Barbara Krumm, serving Amber Laffey, serving Flandreau Mary Morgan, serving Sterling and White Tiffany Ortman, serving in Extension Taryn Ragels, serving Fusion at Mitchell Matt Scherbenske, serving Vincent UMC at Minot Josh Willprecht, serving Brandon Celebration Additionally, we mark an important milestone in the ministry of the licensed local pastor—the completion of their educational requirements through Course of Study or a Master of Divinity. We invite forward: Jason Christensen Ken Mund Taryn Ragels Derek Runge Teresa Whetsel Bishop: Your leadership in ministry is essential to our conference, and together we declare it: All: We are grateful for your covenant as servant leaders of God’s people. We send you, trusting that God will be generous with and through you, shaping your lives and leadership in both mysterious and concrete ways. To this we say, “Hallelujah!”

Bishop: Let us pray. We thank God for calling these persons and are grateful for their readiness to respond.

Let us join with the Apostle Paul in a charge and blessing to them: All: We pray that, according to the riches of glory, God will strengthen you through the Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. We pray with all the saints, that you may have the power to comprehend the height, depth, breadth, and width of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and be filled with the fullness of God. Bishop: Now to the One, who through the power at work among us is able to accomplish far more than we ask or imagine, be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus now and forever. Amen.

Commissioning and Ordination Presentation of Persons to be Commissioned Conference Co-Lay Leader: On behalf of the laity of local congregations who have examined and approved these candidates, Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry: and on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, which has also examined and approved these candidates, Both: we present these persons to be commissioned for the work of an elder: Quaya Rae Ackerman Julie Han Gregg Rodney J. Knock Michele Vallery Slott

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Bishop: Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a solemn hour in your life and the life of the church. You have shared in the ministry of all the baptized and have witnessed to Christ’s call to leadership among the people of God. Serving among us as faithful disciples, you have shown gifts and graces for leading the people of God in living and proclaiming the gospel to all people.

Do you believe that you are called to the work of leadership and service among the people of God? Candidates: I do so believe.

Bishop: Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Candidates: I do so believe and confess.

Bishop: Are you persuaded that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

Candidates: I am so persuaded, by God’s grace.

Bishop: Will you be faithful in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and with the help of the Holy Spirit continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you, in the exercise of your ministry, lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you give yourself fully to the work of God in the world and to servant leadership in the life and work of Christ’s church?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God’s Holy Word, and committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to the bishop and those who are appointed to supervise your ministry?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Congregational Song

Take My Life (I Am Yours) Verses 1, 2 and chorus

Words: Frances R. Havergal Music: Jay LeBlanc

The Commissioning of Provisional Members Bishop: Pour out your Holy Spirit upon Quaya Rae Ackerman, Julie Han Gregg, Rodney J. Knock, and Michele Vallery Slott. Send her/him to be a faithful servant leader among the people, to lead the church in service, to proclaim the Word of God, and to equip others for ministry, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Thanks be to God! Amen.

Congregational Song

Take My Life (I Am Yours) Verse 3 and chorus

Words: Frances R. Havergal Music: Jay LeBlanc

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Presentation of Persons to be Ordained as Elders Conference Co-Lay Leader: On behalf of the laity of local congregations who have examined and approved these candidates, Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry: and on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, which has also examined and approved these candidates, Both: We present these persons to be ordained as elders in Christ’s holy church: Autumn Krueger Seth LaBounty Valerie Hummel LaBounty Bishop: My sisters and brothers in Christ, you have been called to ordained ministry. The Church now affirms your calling through ordination. As ordained ministers, you are to be co-workers with the laity, bishop, deacons, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, home missioners, commissioned ministers, local pastors, and elders. Remember that you are called to serve rather than to be served, to proclaim the faith of the Church and no other, to look after the concerns of God above all.

So that we may know that you believe yourselves to be called by God and that you profess the Christian faith, we ask you: Do you trust that you are called by God to the life and work of a deacon?

Candidates: I do so believe.

Bishop: Do you trust that God has called you to the life-time ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service, which is the work of an elder?

Candidates: I do so believe.

Bishop: Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Candidates: I do so believe and confess.

Bishop: Are you persuaded that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

Candidates: I am so persuaded, by God’s grace.

Bishop: Will you be faithful in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you, in the exercise of your ministry, lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice and freedom for all people?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and

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discipline, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God’s Holy Word, and committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to the bishop and those who are appointed to supervise your ministry?

Candidates: I will, with the help of God. Bishop: May God, who has given you the will to do these things, give you grace to perform them, so that the work begun in you may be brought to perfection.

All: Amen.

While other candidates are seated, the candidates each kneel before the bishop, as representatives join the bishop in the laying on of hands. Those who have been a part of an ordinand’s life and faith journey are invited to stand during the laying on of hands as a sign of support.

Bishop: Almighty God, pour upon Autumn Krueger, Seth LaBounty, and Valerie Hummel LaBounty the Holy Spirit, for the office and work of an elder in Christ’s holy church.

Bishop: Autumn, Seth, and Valerie, take authority as an elder to preach the Word of God, to administer the Holy Sacraments, and to order the life of the Church; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Thanks be to God! Amen.

An elder’s stole is given to the new deacons and elders by a retiring elder of the Annual Conference.

Foot Washing and Thanksgiving As a symbol of servanthood, the bishop, assisted by a deacon, washes the feet of the newly ordained deacons and elders.

Congregational Song

Take My Life (I Am Yours) Verse 4 and chorus

Words: Frances R. Havergal Music: Jay LeBlanc

Prayer Bishop: Gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for these newly ordained clergy and remember all who have gone before us in the life of ministry. May your presence be known to us. May you sustain us in the work for which you have called us. Continue to work in your people and raise up among us your faithful servants. Strengthen our hope so that we give you the glory as we give ourselves to others. In gratitude we pray.

All: Amen.

Invitation to Servant Ministry Congregational Song

Here I Am, Lord

Words and Music: Dan Schutte

All persons have gifts for ministry in Christ’s church, yet some are called to more specialized ministries. Servant ministry is offered in many forms, be it laity or clergy. Anyone who wishes to make a commitment to servant ministry, in whatever form it may take, is invited to come forward and pray with members of the clergy and laity of the Annual Conference.

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Bishop: We thank you, Generous God, for raising up among us faithful servants for ministry in your church.

Clothe them in righteousness, and grant that we, with them, may glorify you by giving ourselves to others, through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

All: Thanks be to God! Amen.

Dismissal with Blessing

Sending Forth

Deacon: Go in peace, open to the call and grace of God’s Spirit.

Bishop: The blessing of God’s unfailing love, Christ’s unceasing presence, and the Spirit’s unsurpassed gifts be with us all now and forever.

All: Amen and Amen!

Recessional Congregational Song

Postlude

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Trilogy I Saw the Light Are You Washed in the Blood I’ll Fly Away

Words and Music: Hanks Williams, Sr. Words and Music: Elisha Albright Hoffman Words and Music: Albert E. Brumley

In memory

Clergy

Norman Winkelman 1932-2020

Jamestown, officiating.

The Rev. Norman Winkelman, 88, of Jamestown, North Dakota, died of COVID on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no services were held. Graveside services are planned to bury Norman’s ashes at Lakeview Cemetery in Marion, North Dakota, after family and friends could gather safely, with Pastor Jennifer McDonald, of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in

Norman E. Winkelman was born on Oct. 14, 1932, to Erlene (Young) and Norman A. Winkelman at their farm home west of Marion. He attended school at Marion, graduating in 1950. He was on the Marion High School basketball team that placed second in the State Class C basketball tournament in 1949 and was selected to the all-tournament team.

In 1953, as a ministerial student, Norman was licensed to preach and admitted as a probationary member of the Dakota Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church. He graduated from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa, in 1954. He sang in the college traveling choir and in the church choirs all four years.

Norman married his high school sweetheart, DeLette Berg, on June 3, 1955, at First Lutheran Church in Valley City, North Dakota, with the Rev. Marvin Scherbenske, pastor at the Marion EUB Church, officiating.

Norman graduated from Evangelical Theological Seminary at Naperville, Illinois, in 1957, and was ordained elder and admitted to the itinerancy. Together, he and DeLette served

EUB and then United Methodist churches in North Dakota at Bowbells-Coteau (1957-1961), Fargo Edgewood (1961-1968), Bismarck Calvary (1968-1979), Wahpeton-Great Bend (19791987), and Jamestown St. Paul’s (1987-1995).

During his ministry, Norman served 20 years on the DakotaS Conference Board of Pensions and was a trustee for many years.

He served as a camp counselor from 1957-1987. The Winkelman family was at the first Trail Ride Family Camp that was started by members of the EUB Church in 1967 at Medora, North Dakota. In 1969, the camp relocated to the Little Missouri State Park near Killdeer, North Dakota, where it continues to this day.

Norman was a longtime Kiwanis member and served as Division Lt. Governor for two years. He also served on the McCoy Radio Ministries radio program on KSJB-AM for about two years, beginning in 1992. He helped Mrs. McCoy during Rev. N.E. McCoy’s illness and death and served until Elmo and Arva Dell Tahran began operating the ministry.

After retiring in 1995, Norman and DeLette bought a townhouse in Jamestown. In retirement, he served at EnderlinSheldon for six months in 1997, and at Montpelier Lutheran Church from 1997 to 2006. He was honored as Jubilee Clergy in 2003 for 50 years in ministry.

Norman is survived by his wife, DeLette; two sons: Brent (Janice) Winkelman, of Bismarck, North Dakota; and Mark (Sue) Winkelman, of Fargo, North Dakota; one daughter, Darcy (Chris) Beaver, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; 7 grandchildren; 5 greatgrandchildren; a brother, John (Karen) Winkelman; a sister, Teresa (Clayton) Scheaffer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patricia, and her husband, Wilfred Weight; a nephew; and a greatgranddaughter.

Donald Greenough 1926-2020 The Rev. Donald Greenough, 94, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, while residing at Bethany Home in Brandon, South Dakota. Due to the pandemic, private family graveside services were held at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. A celebration of life service is planned for the summer.

Donald Lee Greenough was born on April 16, 1926, in Salem, South Dakota, to Robert Lee and Astrid (Larson) Greenough.

Donald was raised in Salem and graduated from Salem High School in 1945. While he was a college student in Sioux Falls, he served as student supply at Egan-Riverview (1951-1952) in the South Dakota Conference, and then for a year at the Methodist Church in Melvin, Iowa. He graduated from Augustana in 1953.

Donald married Vivian J. Strom on Aug. 15, 1954, in Sioux Falls. He supplied Alpena-Virgil (1958-1962) and was admitted

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on trial and ordained deacon by the South Dakota Conference in 1962. The couple moved to Kansas, where Donald attended St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He graduated in 1964 and was admitted as a full member and ordained elder.

Together, Donald and Vivian served Methodist and United Methodist churches in the South Dakota Conference at Harrisburg (1964-1966), Harrisburg-Rowena-Ben Clare (19661968), Dell Rapids-Garretson (1968-1973), Miller-Greenleaf (1973-1982), Redfield-Ashton (1982-Aug. 30, 1985), and Elk Point United (Sept. 1, 1985-1991).

After Donald’s retirement in 1991, he and Vivian moved to Akron, Iowa, where he served the Akron UMC part-time for five years. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1996 and were active at Asbury UMC. In 2001, Donald was honored as Jubilee Clergy for 50 years in ministry.

Donald was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed working in his garden and yard. He also enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, watching NASCAR races, traveling to Washington State to visit his parents and siblings, caring for his many pets, and spending time with his family.

Donald is survived by four children: Steve Greenough and his wife, Laurie, of Sioux Falls; Allison Tyler, of Longwood, Florida; Dwight Greenough and his wife, Sandra, of Miller, South Dakota; and Dawn Kunzmann, of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: Wava Nichols and Doris Nelson, both of Washington; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Vivian, on Sept. 17, 2017; his parents; two brothers: Russell and Wesley Greenough; and one sister, Mavis Peterson.

Elizabeth Conrad Smart 1943-2020

Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.

The Rev. Elizabeth Conrad Smart, 77, of Milbank, South Dakota, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at AvantaraMilbank. Due to COVID-19 concerns, a family funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Parkview United Methodist Church in Milbank, with Pastor Barbara McKewin and Pastor Melanie Reiners officiating. A family graveside service was held on

Elizabeth Jean Bergland was born on Feb. 22, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Rowland and Edna (Dalseth) Bergland. She grew up in Big Stone City, South Dakota, and graduated from Big Stone School in 1960. A cute boy from Milbank, Arvin Conrad, caught her eye at the roller-skating rink in Milbank. They began dating and were married on Oct. 8, 1960, making their home at Milbank. She was employed as a secretary at Flannery Sausage Company, Milbank Central United Methodist Church, and the local insurance company.

Beth always wanted to be a mother and missionary. After raising their family, the couple moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, so Beth could pursue further education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sioux Falls College. Arvin passed away on Oct. 29, 1995.

Beth was ordained deacon and probationary member by the Dakotas Conference in 1996 and supplied Brothersfield, South Dakota, UMC (1996-1997) as a seminary student. She graduated

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from North American Baptist Seminary with her Master of Divinity degree in 1997 and served the Dakotas Conference in North Dakota and South Dakota at Mandan First-Mandan Good Shepherd-Mandan Rural (1997-1999), Lisbon (1999-2005), and Milbank Parkview-Big Stone City (2005-2010). She retired in 2010.

After being a widow for 17 years, Beth married Tim Smart on Nov. 12, 2012. They were married for almost four years before Tim passed away on Oct. 10, 2016.

She enjoyed the annual Conrad family camping trips. Her travels included visiting the Holy Land, a mission trip to Bolivia, and Norway.

Beth is survived by her children: Stephanie (Jim) Trevett of Corona, South Dakota; Julie (Dick) Schwandt of Big Stone City; Paul (Kathy) Conrad of Albany, Minnesota; Teresa (Jarrod) Stoddard of Big Stone City; and Nadine (Brian) Hogan of Stillwater, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings: Sally (Ken) Fischer of Scottsdale, Arizona; Rodger (Judy) Bergland of Blaine, Minnesota; sisters-in-law and brothers-inlaw: Cheryl Conrad and Linda Conrad, both of Milbank; Mike Smart of Madison, Minnesota; Joan (Mel) Diers of Minot, North Dakota; Rowena (Mel) Diers of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Barb Smart of Ottumwa, Iowa; four step-children; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arvin and Tim; her parents; brothers-in-law Arlen Conrad and Darwin Conrad; and one nephew.

Steven Olson 1957-2020 The Rev. Steven Olson, 63, of Oakes, North Dakota, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Memorial services were held Sunday, Dec. 27, and Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at the Oakes United Methodist Church. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks were required, attendance was limited, and the services were livestreamed.

Steven Lee Olson was born on Oct. 3, 1957, to Ivy Hendrickson at Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was adopted by Henry and Emma Jean Olson on April 7, 1958, and raised on a farm near Reynolds, North Dakota. He graduated from Central Valley High School in 1976 and attended Hillcrest Christian College in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

On Aug. 13, 1977, Steve married Shirley Strobel in Ashley, North Dakota. They moved to Broadview, Montana, where he served as pastor of the Broadview Evangelical Church. He received a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in 1980 from Hillcrest Christian College.

In 1981, Steve and Shirley moved to Portland, Oregon. While attending Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, he worked at the UPS hub, a tree nursery, and Publisher Paper Lumber Company. He received a Master of Divinity Degree in May 1984.

Steve served the Evangelical Church of North America at

Beach, North Dakota (1984-1985). His orders were recognized by the South Dakota Conference of The United Methodist Church, and he served at McLaughlin-McLaughlin UCC (1985-1989). He then served the North Dakota and Dakotas Conferences at Napoleon-Braddock, North Dakota (1989-1995); Claremont-Hecla, South Dakota (1995-1999); Belle Fourche, South Dakota (1999-2003); and Oakes-Cogswell (2003-2020).

He served on the Dakotas Conference camping board, building site committee and district board of ordained ministry. He also served on the Oakes Ministerial Association as president, treasurer, and secretary at various times.

A kid at heart, Steve could relate to the youth of the church.

He provided entertainment when trying to keep up with the kids’ activities, such as skateboarding and snowboarding.

Steve enjoyed woodworking, stargazing, reading, fishing, bowling, golfing, riding his motorcycle, and photography.

Indoor hobbies included puzzles, video games, and collecting pop bottles, Legos, A&W mugs, figurines, and comic books. He cherished family vacations at the lake.

Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley; son Bryan (Samantha) Olson, of Chaplin, Minnesota; daughters Nicole Olson and Hope Olson, both of West Fargo, North Dakota, and Joy Olson, of Missoula, Montana; four grandchildren; sister Charlotte Holweger; brother Melvin (Gerri) Olson; nieces and nephews; birth mother Ivy and birth sister Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; a son Gary Paul; and brother-in-law Calvin.

Raymond Earl Stucke 1929-2021 The Rev. Earl Stucke, 91, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at Monument Health in Rapid City, with family at his side. A memorial service is planned for June 24, 2021, at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church in Rapid City.

Raymond Earl Stucke was born on April 21, 1929, in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Joseph and Phebe (Sloat) Stucke. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Gettysburg High School as valedictorian in 1947.

At South Dakota State College in Brookings, he met and dated Grace Hay of Lake Preston, South Dakota. He graduated in 1951 and attended Navy Officers’ Training School in Rhode Island. He was then assigned to the heavy cruiser USS Los Angeles with

the 7th Fleet. Later he received shore duty and took charge of the San Diego Recruit Rifle Range.

Earl and Grace married in December 1953 and lived in San Diego. After Earl was honorably discharged from the service, they returned to Gettysburg to farm with Earl’s parents and start a family.

In the fall of 1959, Earl heard the call to be a pastor. He and Grace moved their young family to New Jersey to attend Drew Seminary. He was ordained deacon and admitted on trial in 1960 by the South Dakota Conference of The Methodist Church.

After his graduation from seminary in 1963, they returned to South Dakota, and Earl was admitted as a full member and ordained elder. Together they served Methodist and United Methodist churches in the South Dakota Conference at Colton-Chester (1963-1966), Tripp County Larger Parish, which included the Winner, Colome and Lakeview Methodist

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churches, Ideal Presbyterian, and Millboro and Wewela United Churches of Christ (1966-1972), Huron Riverview-Virgil (19721980), and Sioux Falls Hilltop (1980-1994).

Earl served as conference secretary for 12 years, and he chaired the Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions for several years, until the merger with the North Dakota Conference.

Earl retired in 1994, and he and Grace moved to Rapid City. In retirement, he served as interim pastor at First Congregational UCC and part-time pastor at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. He was honored as Jubilee Clergy in 2010, for 50 years in ministry.

Earl was involved with Kiwanis for 60 years and helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity. He loved reading, music, singing in the church choir, woodworking, camping trips with his family, and travel and mission projects with NOMADS. Earl is survived by his wife, Grace; five children and their spouses: Janet and Rob Young of Rapid City; Karen and John Stucke-Jungemann of Tempe, Arizona; Kathy and Mike Torgerson of Rapid City, David and Bea Stucke of Rapid City; and John and Lorie Stucke of Spokane, Washington; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Dar Stucke of Mesa, Arizona.

Gustav Van Tassel 1926-2021 The Rev. Gustav Van Tassel, 95, died on Friday, April 23, 2021, in Topeka, Kansas. A Celebration of Life was planned for July 2021.

Gustav Keith Van Tassel was born at home on Jan. 25, 1926, to Charles M. and Pearl E. (Sims) Van Tassel, near the prairie town of Holabird, South Dakota, where his family farmed. The family moved to Clear Lake, South Dakota, due to the dry years of the Great Depression. “Van” graduated from high school at Clear Lake and then attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, for one year. He then taught school at Rutland, South Dakota, for one year to raise money. It was at Rutland where he met his future wife, Doretta “Sally” Fallang. He then returned to DWU, serving as student pulpit supply at Artesian-Farwell (1945-1949) and graduating in 1949.

Van and Doretta “Sally” Fallang were married on June 29, 1949, by the Rev. Robert Wagner, pastor at the Methodist Church in Madison, South Dakota. He was received on trial by the South Dakota Conference of The Methodist Church in 1949, and served Rockham-Miranda-Carleton (1949-1951), while he taught school there.

While attending Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey, Van served a church at Matamoras, Pennsylvania, for more than three years. Van was ordained deacon in 1953 by the South Dakota Conference, admitted into full connection in 1954, and ordained elder in 1955.

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After receiving his master’s degree from Drew, Van and Sally returned to South Dakota and served at Iroquois-Esmond (1954-1957), where he helped organize the Iroquois Larger Parish, and served as its pastor for one year (1957-1958). He shepherded the building of a new church at Redfield (19581967), before serving at Watertown First (1967-1982). He was then appointed executive director of the United Methodist Foundation and director of stewardship and financial services for the South Dakota Conference (1982-1985). He continued as executive director of the UM Foundation until retiring in 1993.

In 1970, Dakota Wesleyan bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Van was honored as Jubilee Clergy in 1995, for 50 years in ministry.

After retiring and moving to Lawrence, Kansas, Van served as a calling and caring minister and was described as a person with a giant loving heart. He was a saver of things: cardboard boxes, jokes, quotes, sayings, and articles of interest. He had a penchant for electronic gadgets, saving up for the latest invention.

Van is survived by his wife of 72 years, Sally; two sons: Keith (Ann) Van Tassel and Jan Van Tassel; a daughter JoLynn (Timothy) Locke; six grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a young daughter, Deborah Sue, and his seven siblings.

In memory

Clergy Spouses

Joan Teichmann 1937-2020 Joan Teichmann, 83, widow of the Rev. Richard Teichmann, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Fargo, North Dakota. A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at the First United Methodist Church in Fargo. Masks and social distancing were required, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the funeral service was livestreamed. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery at Fargo.

Joan Valden Freschett was born on May 2, 1937, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Marvin and Dorothy (Rockwell) Freschett.

She grew up in Cavalier, North Dakota, and attended MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis. She worked as a public-school music teacher.

Joan met Richard Teichmann when he made a pastoral visit to her while she was in the hospital. They were married on June 1, 1965, at Cavalier.

During their 31 years of marriage, Joan and Dick served Methodist and United Methodist churches in North Dakota and South Dakota at Devils Lake, Sioux Falls Hilltop, Fargo Faith and Fargo First.

After their children were born, Joan taught piano lessons. She loved traveling and attended music teacher conventions in the United States and internationally. Richard often joined her on

these trips. She was active in music education, judging festivals and piano guild competitions. Shortly after moving to Fargo in 1980, Joan and her fellow teachers Marilyn Knutson and Mavis Wagner started the Multi-Piano Festival in Fargo.

She and Richard enjoyed spending summers at their lake cabin in Minnesota. Joan loved music and was a beautiful piano player. She believed in the power of music to heal, a belief that she put into practice after Richard’s unexpected death Jan. 4, 1997.

In 2003, Joan began playing the piano for Recovery Worship services. She loved to provide the music for the services because she could perform the hymns “her way” – all jazzed up.

Joan played for Recovery for 16 years, retiring in February of 2019.

Joan had slowed down in recent years but enjoyed traveling to Minneapolis to visit her friend, Dean Erickson, and to the North Shore of Lake Superior every summer. She was active in Music Club and her Red Hats group and she went to the gym several times a week until her health declined. She stopped teaching piano lessons because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joan is survived by her three children: John, Jennifer and Robert; her brother, Peter Freschette; and her friend, Dean Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and her parents.

Grace Moe 1932-2020 Grace Moe, 88, wife of the Rev. Peter Moe, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, masks were required, and the funeral was livestreamed on the Kirk Funeral Home website. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Grace Virginia Young was born on May 3, 1932, in Macksville, Kansas, the third of six children of L. Hobart and Gladys Young. She graduated from Macksville High School in 1950 and then attended Fort Hayes State College. While there, she experienced an historic flood on campus. After college graduation, Grace taught home economics in Turin, Kansas, for two years and then was education director at the First Methodist Church in Wichita. In 1957, she moved to Denver, Colorado, to attend Iliff School of Theology, where she earned her Master of Religious Education degree.

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It was at Iliff where Grace met Peter Moe, and they were married Dec. 27, 1959. The newlyweds moved to Edgemont, South Dakota, to begin serving Methodist and United Methodist churches in South Dakota at Edgemont-Burdock, Rapid City Canyon Lake, the Wesley Foundation and the University of South Dakota at Vermillion in campus ministry, Spearfish, Yankton-Gayville-Volin, and Watertown First. Peter became Western District Superintendent in 1992.

Peter was fond of stating that he often was greeted at many of the churches with, “Hello Pastor Moe, but where’s Grace?” After retiring from the ministry in 1998, Peter and Grace resided in Rapid City. Since 2011, they have lived at Westhills Village.

Grace was a gifted teacher, working for West River Mental Health while in Spearfish, and in an ophthalmology office while residing at Yankton. She was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her husband, daughters, and grandchildren.

Grace was a devoted sister of P.E.O. for 50 years.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Peter; two daughters: Shelli (Troy) Riggs and Shauna Moe; one sister, Delores Pitts; 4 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Lorna and Lola; and two brothers: Keith and Carl.

Marian Gabel 1916-2020 Marian Gabel, 104, formerly of Watertown, South Dakota, widow of the Rev. Glen Gabel, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, in Westfield, Indiana.

Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, with private graveside services. A celebration of life memorial service is planned for a later date.

Marian Elizabeth Anderson was born on Sept. 14, 1916, to Ambrose and Leila (McKeen) Anderson at a farm near Excelsior, Minnesota. She graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis and attended Northwestern College there. Marian then worked with children at Bethany Orphanage in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.

On Sept. 8, 1944, she married the Rev. Glen S. Gabel, and together they led congregations in ministering to communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota over a period spanning several decades. North Dakota churches included Langdon-Harvey-Center, Hope-Finley-Romnes, LidgerwoodWyndmere, and Milnor-Lisbon. South Dakota churches included

Timber Lake, Conde-Andover, Henry-Florence-Hazel-Thomas, and Bradley Baptist. After Glen died in 1971, Marian continued serving as a lay minister for the United Methodist churches at Henry and Hazel for seven years. She then worked as a visitation pastor for 9th Avenue (Cornerstone) UMC at Watertown.

In 1986, she retired to the Minneapolis area, where she provided pulpit supply and led Bible studies and prayer groups in her apartment complex. She later moved to Rochester, Minnesota, to be near a son, and then to Westfield, Indiana, to live with her daughter.

Marian is survived by her children: Daniel (Trudy) Gabel, of Watertown; Lois Joy Swenson Franklin, of Carmel, Indiana; Stephen Gabel, of Loves Park, Illinois; and Wesley (Diane) Gabel, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, on Dec. 14, 1971; foster daughter DeLores Peters; and her six siblings.

Yoko Tsukamoto 1935-2020 Yoko Tsukamoto, 85, widow of the Rev. Minoru Tsukamoto, died on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at the Jenkins Living Center in Watertown, South Dakota. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no public services were held.

Yoko Ogoshi was born on July 10, 1935, to Japanese immigrants living in São Paulo, Brazil. She had five brothers.

Although she loved studying and learning, the lack of family resources meant that she had to

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work at her father’s bakery rather than continue studying past elementary school.

In her early 20s, she heard the life-changing message of what God had done for her through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and gave her life to Him. She soon met a Japanese missionary, Minoru Tsukamoto, who had just arrived in Brazil. They married in 1960 and ministered together in Brazil for two years and then in Paraguay for 26 years. Their two children, Ruth and Daniel, were both born and raised there.

Yoko enjoyed cooking for groups at many church events.

Using her artistic abilities, she created children’s Sunday School materials by hand for many years.

In 1986, they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Minoru served the First United Methodist Church for two years.

Then they moved to Watertown, where Minoru served as chaplain at Jenkins Living Center for more than two decades.

her high school degree, this time in English. She could communicate in Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, and English.

She shared the gospel with those around her, especially through the unique hand-made cards she shared for holidays.

She will be remembered as a hard worker who was tireless in her commitment to ministry and missions.

Yoko is survived by her two children and grandchildren.

At Watertown, Yoko took on the challenge of completing

Darlene Finney 1929-2020 Darlene Finney, 91, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Mobridge, South Dakota, widow of the Rev. Charles Finney, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center. Memorial services were held at a later date.

Darlene June Moir was born on June 14, 1929, in Day County, South Dakota, to Walter W. and Alma (Huwe) Moir. She grew up near Webster, South Dakota, attended rural school and then graduated from Webster High School in 1947. She went on to attend Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and South Dakota State College in Brookings, before graduating with a degree in chemistry and home economics from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. She taught in rural and small-town schools in South Dakota.

On Aug. 17, 1954, Darlene was united in marriage with Charles Lee Finney at Bristol, South Dakota. The following year they both taught school in Willow Lake, South Dakota. Charles then pursued ministry, and together they served Methodist and United Methodist churches in South Dakota at FrankfortAshton, Seneca, Cresbard-DeVoe-Scatterwood, Buffalo Gap-

Fairburn-Pringle, Hurley-Davis-Viborg, Britton-Langford, Hitchcock-Broadland-LaDelle, Burke Larger Parish, White LakeUnderwood, Colman-Chester, Mobridge, and Faith. Charles retired in 1994.

They lived in Mobridge for many years. After Charles died on Feb. 27, 2017, Darlene lived in Clear Lake briefly before moving to Sioux Falls in the summer of 2020, to be near her daughter.

Darlene was a member of the Mobridge United Methodist Church. She enjoyed sewing, reading and art, specifically painting. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Darlene is survived by her children: Cheryl Finney, of Sioux Falls; Richard (Joyce Rutherford) Finney, of Morrison, Colorado; and James (Chris) Finney, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.; five grandchildren; a sister, Joyce (Jerry Corey) Helgeson, of Humboldt, South Dakota.; a brother-in-law, Marion Fabert, of Tacoma, Washington; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles; her parents; two infant children: Carol and Michael Finney; two sisters: Ruth Carlson Snow and Ellen Bailey; and a sister-in-law, Marcia Helen Fabert.

V. Kaye Lord 1941-2021 V. Kaye Lord, 79, widow of the Rev. Glenn Lord, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at District Heights, Maryland. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, at the Pope Funeral Home in Forestville, Maryland, with the Rev. Esther Holimon officiating. Graveside services were held at the Silent Vale Cemetery in Maine Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, on Feb. 8, 2021.

Vella Kaye Conrad was born on Nov. 11, 1941, to William Howard Conrad and Carrie Maye (Vanzant) Conrad at Coffeyville, Kansas. When she was 5, the family moved off the farm into Coffeyville. Her father died in 1949, when she was 7; her mother worked two jobs to support the family and later remarried.

Kaye grew up in Coffeyville, where she graduated from high school. She attended community college for one year, to begin a career as a bookkeeper and secretary, and worked at Carter’s Parts Supply in Coffeyville.

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Kaye was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Coffeyville, playing piano and organ there, starting when she was 16. At this church she met her future husband, the Rev. Glenn I. Lord, and his son Glenn Jr. They were married on May 30, 1966.

Glenn and Kaye served churches of the Nazarene at Scottsbluff and Omaha, Nebraska; Fairbanks, Alaska; and Mound City, Missouri. In 1980, the family moved to North Dakota, where they served the Wesley United Methodist Church at Edgeley and then the Carrington Federated Church in Carrington.

Glenn retired from the Dakotas Conference in 1994. He and Kaye moved to their new home in rural Underwood, Minnesota, and served at the nearby Maine Presbyterian Church. In 2014, they moved to District Heights to live with their daughter, Sherry.

A voracious reader, Kaye also enjoyed writing, penning columns for church newsletters and serving a short stint at the local newspaper in Edgeley. She was known for her sense of humor, and she loved dolls, collecting pretty dishes, prowling through antique stores, and playing piano. With every move, three things – her piano, typewriter, and dishes – always were packed.

Kaye is survived by her children: Glenn, Sherry, and Ryan; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline; two grandsons; her sister, Mary Joyce Hardaway Bailey; and her brother and sister-in-law, Charles Mont Conrad and Eddie Conrad.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Glenn, on June 23, 2020; her father; her mother, Maye Conrad Jennings, in 1976; her sister and brother-in-law, Greeta Conrad Cubie and Alex Cubie; her brother and sister-in-law, William Howard Conrad and Modena Conrad; and her brother-in-law, Elmer Hardaway.

Judith Katter 1943-2021 Judith Katter, 77, wife of the Rev. John Katter, of Springfield, Missouri, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, at the Shepherd of the Hills Nursing Home in Branson, Missouri.

Judith Marie Stefanski was born on Aug. 7, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Dora Stefanski. She married John Katter on June 17, 2000.

Together, John and Judy served United Methodist churches

in the Dakotas Conference at Olivet-Tripp (2000-2001), OlivetScotland (2001-2003), and Milbank Central (2003-2006). After John retired in 2006, they moved to Springfield.

Judy enjoyed knitting, quilting, reading, watching sports and movies, and playing board games and card games.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, John; one daughter, Missi; two sons: Mike and P.J.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Terry; and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis Erdmann 1924-2021

2021.

Phyllis Erdmann, 96, widow of the Rev. E. Walter Erdmann, died Sunday, March 28, 2021, at Good Samaritan Village of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A Celebration of Life was planned for Monday, July 12, 2021, at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.

Interment is in the Erdmann family plot in the Goodrich Cemetery at Goodrich, North Dakota, on Wednesday, May 5,

Phyllis Louise Olinger was born Dec. 21, 1924, the third daughter of John and Lena (Dietrich) Olinger, at Crystal, North Dakota. She was baptized at the Crystal Methodist Church.

She attended elementary and secondary schools in Crystal, followed by Mayville State Teachers College in North Dakota.

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Phyllis married Edgar Walter Erdmann on June 10, 1944, in Chicago. During WWII, Walt served in the U.S. Marines, and they lived on several military bases.

Together Walt and Phyllis served EUB and then United Methodist churches in North Dakota and South Dakota at Chaffee-Casselton, Grand Forks Zion, Bismarck First, Valley City, Milbank Central, and Jamestown St. Paul’s. After Walt retired in 1987, they served churches in Curlew and Ayrshire, Iowa, and Valley Springs, California.

Phyllis believed in nurturing women and children, as evidenced by the leadership roles she held: president of the Women’s Society of World Service of the Dakota Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, 1960-1964; and Parent-Teachers Association president of Belmont Elementary School, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, 1961-1962. She was

a certified laboratory teacher for nursery and kindergarten work of the Dakotas Conference, taught Sunday School and confirmation classes, and led Bible studies. She was a member of United Methodist Women and various church committees, sang in church choirs, and volunteered at elementary schools and nursing homes.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Rennae (Lloyd) Petersen of Marshall, Minnesota; Vince (Linda) Erdmann of Muleshoe, Texas; Cynthia (Ron) Moegenburg of Sioux Falls; Celeste (Michael) Eld of Blackfoot, Idaho; and Joel (Tina) Erdmann of Mobile, Alabama; 29 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 15 greatgreat-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

Phyllis was employed as a schoolteacher, credit manager at a JC Penney store, office manager at Dietrich and Son, Inc., school secretary, and church secretary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, on Oct. 18, 1994; her parents; two sisters; two brothers-in-law; one granddaughter and one nephew.

Her hobbies included quilting, music, games such as Scrabble and Rook, camping and travel.

Doris Vos 1923-2021 Doris Vos, 97, widow of the Rev. James Vos, died Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at her home in White River, South Dakota. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 10, at the Community Center in White River. Interment followed at the White River Cemetery.

Doris Eloise Brooking was born on June 16, 1923, to Herbert and Isadore (Hayes) Brooking. She grew up on the family farm nine miles northwest of Onida in Sully County, South Dakota. She attended schools in Onida and the rural Hartford school district. She graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1941 and then majored in home economics at South Dakota State College in Brookings.

It was at SDSC where Doris met James Vos of Oskaloosa, Iowa. On June 23, 1947, she married her “Army guy.” Their first home was in Ames, Iowa, where Jim attended school. Doris worked as home demonstration agent in Boone County, west of Ames.

In July 1948, they returned to South Dakota and farmed with Doris’s brother on the farm where she grew up. In September 1956, Jim began his ministry in the South Dakota Conference at the Methodist Church in Hayes. In March 1961, they moved to Philip, where Doris was a substitute teacher and worked for a year as a music teacher. In 1966, they moved to Conde. Doris taught homemaking classes in the high school for their five years there. In 1971, they transferred to Clear Lake, and Doris taught at Gary.

1979, Jim’s ministry took them to Selby, where Doris worked at the Good Samaritan Health Care Center. In 1985, Jim retired, and they returned to White River to live near daughter Phoebe.

Doris was involved in many organizations including United Methodist Women, Order of the Eastern Star (79-year member), American Legion Auxiliary, Home Demonstration Clubs, Federated Women’s Club, Senior Citizens, and church choirs. For more than 20 years, she joined residents at the White River Care Center for a weekly sing-along. Doris loved music, especially playing the piano. She was the church pianist for many years.

Doris and Jim traveled many miles in support of family activities. They rarely missed local school activities or community events.

Jim died Feb. 12, 2011. After a fall in 2013, Doris resided at assisted living facilities in Pierre and Winner. In 2017, she returned to her home in White River, where she was cared for by her children, primarily Martha.

Doris is survived by her children: Becky (Joe) Dougherty of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Andy (Jodi Hanson) Vos of Sioux Falls, Phil (Joyce) Vos of Sioux Falls, Martha (Byron) Janke of Sturgis, and Phoebe (Dan) Krogman of White River; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 10 stepgreat-grandchildren; sister-in-law Helen Vos; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; two brothers; two sisters; two grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; son-in-law Bill Logsdon; and one step-grandson.

White River became home in 1974. Again, Doris did substitute teaching and taught homemaking for two years. In

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In memory

Staff

Robert Lower 1942-2021 Robert Lower, 78, of Milbank, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at his home, following a brief illness. Funeral services, following pandemic safety precautions and livestreamed, were held on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota, with the Rev. Dave Motta officiating. Burial was on Friday, April 2, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Minot, North Dakota.

North Dakota (2007-2011). In January 2012, Bob was selected by the Dakotas Conference as the associate disaster response coordinator for the Minot area (2012-2015), during the Souris River flood recovery. At its 2015 session in Fargo, the Dakotas Conference awarded Bob the Genesis Award, recognizing his life-giving efforts at support, resiliency, and leadership.

Robert Wesley Lower was born on Sept. 14, 1942, in Eureka, California, to James Wesley and Evelyn (Norenberg) Lower. Bob grew up in Arcata, California, where he graduated from high school. He married Ada Shaffer on Oct. 24, 1964.

Bob was a kindhearted man with a huge heart for missions.

He and Ada donated countless hours to The Lord’s Cupboard Food Pantry and Taste of Heaven Soup Kitchen. He was active with the church’s men’s ministry and offered leadership and volunteerism. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans.

Bob served in the United States Air Force for more than two decades. He served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Bob was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot when he was honorably discharged on Sept. 30, 1983.

Bob was a business professor at Minot State University. He and Ada were missionaries for the Dakotas Conference, working with Children of the Harvest (2005-2007), from which they started the Spirit Lake Ministry Center. He then worked for the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation as associate director for

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He worked a variety of other jobs including tree farmer and business owner. Later he served as the business manager at Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo. Bob and Ada later moved to Milbank to be closer to their daughters.

Bob loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and enjoyed grilling and cooking for his family. He had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ada, of Milbank; two daughters: Tami (Lonnie) Boschee and Deb (Thom) Bowsher, all of Milbank; an extended daughter, Tracy (Dennis) Gramps, of Bellevue, Nebraska; four grandchildren and an extended granddaughter; two sisters: Evelyn (Mike) Boydstun and Jan Smith, all of Redding, California; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons; a granddaughter, Alexis; and a sister, Alice Hopkins.

In memory

Spouses of Bishops

Betty Ann (Fisher) Boulton 1931-2020 Betty Ann (Fisher) Boulton, 88, formerly of Lathrop, Missouri, died July 15, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Canton, Ohio, from complications following surgery. Betty was born on July 18, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ernest Lee and Bessie Ann (Steele) Fisher.

Betty had a musical career that thrived

as she moved from place to place with her minister husband, Edwin C. Boulton, whom she married on July 17, 1949. Edwin was bishop of both the North Dakota Conference and the South Dakota Conference, 1981-1988, residing in Fargo.

Dennis Bradley “Brad” Kiesey 1945-2021 Dennis Bradley “Brad” Kiesey, 75, husband of retired Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, died Jan. 27, 2021, after an eight-month battle with cancer. Brad was born to Theodore and Ernestine (Murdock) Kiesey on Oct. 19, 1945, in Washington County, Iowa. He practiced law in Washington County for 45 years.

Brad married Deborah Lieder in 1975. Bishop Lieder Kiesey was resident bishop of the Dakotas Conference, 2004-2012, living at Fargo and then Mitchell.

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Retirees Rev. Ken Ballard Ken Ballard never dreamed he would end up being a pastor. He spent several years working as a heavy equipment operator. Then he became a gunsmith.

He was getting set to open up a gunsmith shop, but God had other plans.

by former Bishop Edward Paup. He married his high school sweetheart Joyce.

One day the pastor at UMC in Cedaredge, Colorado, approached Ballard and asked him to think about his call to pastoral ministry. “It was at that point I decided to stop negotiating with God and just listen,” said Ballard.

“God called me to lead with my heart.

I am to love His people. I feel what they feel. I celebrate with them. I cry with them. That is how I lead. That is what I am called to do,” said Pastor Ken.

The answer came that he was being called into pastoral ministry. “I wondered, how is this going to happen? I don’t have an undergraduate degree. I have a wife and kids to support.

God was calling me back to the United Methodist Church,” said Pastor Ken. “I just turned it over to God. I then learned about the licensed local pastor process.”

As a child, he grew up Episcopalian. Ballard remembers his desire to serve the church as an acolyte. Being an acolyte required being confirmed and trained. That happened for Ballard, and that seemed to satisfy his call from God.

He has served the Dakotas Conference at Edgeley, Kulm, and Nortonville in North Dakota ; Sundance, Wyoming; Webster; and Eureka in South Dakota.

As he went through his high school years, he struggled to keep his connection with God. He ended up going to a youth group with a girlfriend at a United Methodist Church, led

In retirement he plans to enjoy his 60-acre farm in Merricourt, North Dakota.

Rev. Dave Motta “My faith has not changed but has grown. My faith is based on the word of God that doesn’t change, but we change. I have learned some lessons the hard way. I have more grace and compassion for all people,” says Rev. Dave Motta, who will retire after serving the Dakotas Conference for 38 years.

Rev. Dave Motta grew up in Illinois going to an Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB). He knew a lot about God but didn’t make a commitment to God until the age of 17. It was his brother Gary who led him on a path to follow Christ and be in ministry. He was a model. Gary is a retired United Methodist minister.

Motta attended Westmar College in Iowa on a wrestling scholarship. At Westmar, he found good fellowship in Bible study, and groups that shared testimony, sang at churches and helped with summer camps. Pastor Dave obtained a degree in secondary education and wanted to coach wrestling.

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He couldn’t find teaching jobs. A youth worker job was open, but Dave didn’t feel the job was a good match. Then Pastor Sam Graff drove from Milbank, South Dakota, to Westmar in LeMars, Iowa, to talk to him about the job. Graff asked that Motta interview for the job.

“Sam seemed Godly and different than me. He was in a nice suit and put together. I was wearing baggy pants and didn’t even have my shirt tucked in. But Sam accepted me for who I was.” said Motta. Graff convinced him to apply, and Motta spent three years in Milbank.

After seminary, Pastor Dave was appointed to Stickney, South Dakota. In 1991, he was appointed as the associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Then in May of 1996, he was appointed to serve Calvary United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota.

In retirement, he plans to move to a cabin in Finlayson, Minnesota. Dave and his wife Mary purchased the cabin a few years ago.

Rev. Jeffrey Neuberger When Jeffrey Neuberger retired from his work with the federal government, he answered God’s call to ministry. He accepted a position working at the Care Center in Strasburg, North Dakota.

Neuberger found himself filling in for pastors. He also conducted services at the Strasburg Care Center. Pastor Marlin Sapp encouraged his call and he soon found himself leading adult and youth Sunday School programs, working with the food

pantry, participating in the ministerial group, and working with the Kid’s Club at the United Methodist Church.

The path God had placed on his heart became very real, “I am extremely excited about my calling and I will do everything I can to serve God,” said Neuberger.

He entered the process to become a licensed local pastor and was assigned to serve at Park River and Fordsville Churches in North Dakota. Pastor Jeffrey is now serving at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota.

Rev. Rick Pittenger “Don’t seek to live someone else’s life. It is just not you. You have no right to put on a false face and pretend you are someone you are not. Instead, when you meet someone new, figure instead, I will bring something new into this person’s life. Because he or she has never met anyone like me, nor will he or she ever meet anyone quite like me.

For in the eyes of God, I am unique and irreplaceable.” This is the mantra of Rev. Rick Pittenger, who will retire after serving 40 years in ministry.

A family of pastors surrounded Pittenger. His dad was a United Methodist pastor. His mother was a deacon in The United Methodist Church. Rick’s aunt married a Methodist pastor. His mother’s dad was also a Methodist pastor.

Sitting in the pew as a pastor’s kid was not what led him to become an ordained elder. It was his spiritual journey at Dakota Wesleyan. At DWU, he became involved in campus ministry with the encouragement of Rev. Bob Ruedeusch.

“I thought I was headed to South Dakota State University to be a Jackrabbit fan. My dad and sister attended SDSU, so that was my plan also. I had even registered for classes,” said Rick. “I was in a singing group with Bob Ruedebusch, The All American BiCentennial Singing Group. I worked at a shoe store and thought I would take a year before I headed to college. Bob invited me to come to Dakota Wesleyan. He said they were looking for a bass, which I sing. I got into DWU Highlanders as the bass. We went all over with the president of DWU, Rev. Don Messer, and would sing where he spoke.”

Pittinger’s junior year of college, he responded to a call to serve as a youth pastor in Claremont, Hecla, Houghton, South Dakota, for the summer with Rev. Bob Brown. Rev. Brown took a leave for three months, so Rick ended up as the lone pastor.

“I had my first funeral that summer as a pastor. I didn’t know anything about funerals. So I called my dad. He wrote ten pages of written notes of everything he did from the time he got the call from the family through the completion of the burial. To this day, I use his graveside service liturgy,” said Pastor Rick.

He spent two summers serving at Claremont, Hecla, and Houghton. The second summer, he was driving through the rain, he asked God for a sign about what was next. He came over a hill. The sun was shining on the highway.

“I was dating Becky, who was in Sioux Falls. So I spent a lot of time traveling between Sioux Falls and Claremont, South Dakota. I knew this was only for the summer. I had just graduated from college. I was asking God for a sign. I was driving through this rainstorm, talking to God. I came over the hill and saw the sun. I felt that God was telling me you are on the right path,” said Rick. “I knew at that moment God was calling me to be a pastor.”

Rev. Pittenger has served the Dakotas Conference at Arlington and Lake Preston; Harrisburg; Minot Vincent; Fargo Faith; Avera Sacred Heart chaplaincy; Vermillon and Gayville; and Milnor, Sheldon, and Wyndmere.

After 20 moves and 40 years of ministry, Rick and Becky plan to retire at their home in Fargo, North Dakota, and spend time traveling and connecting with family. He always plans to have his camera nearby today and in the days to come.

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Rev. Rod Tkach When it comes to characterizing his ministry, Rev. Rod Tkach will tell you that, “It is as much about the head as it is the heart. It’s not only important that people know what they believe about Jesus, but why they believe it.”

Rod grew up in McClusky, North Dakota, in a family known as sidewalk farmers. That is, they lived in town and drove out to the farm. Through his involvement in the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB), God began to expand his world beyond McClusky. He was heavily involved with the United Methodist Youth Fellowship and was instrumental in providing leadership for a community-wide youth rally. The speakers were from Briercrest Bible College in Canada.

His mom’s faith continues to inspire him. Now in her nineties, the days of working the fields and writing Christmas programs are in the past. But her vibrant faith and desire to grow in wisdom and knowledge remain. Rod’s love of reading, learning, and writing can be traced to her. The tenacity of

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faith, the commitment to stay close to Jesus, in spite of the circumstances, and Rod’s work ethic can be traced to his dad.

Pastor Rod went to Jamestown College (now Jamestown University) where he got a dose of reality when it came to pastoral ministry. In college he shadowed the pastor of his home church, was involved with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, served as a student pastor at Jud, North Dakota.

Pastor Rod said, “I just tired of trying to outrun God. Wherever I went to get away from him, he was already there!”

He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and returned to the Dakotas Conference to serve at Elgin and Bowman, North Dakota. He then returned to Asbury earning a doctoral degree in preaching before returning to serve Washburn and Center; Wesley United Methodist Church in Grand Forks, and Faith United Methodist Church in Williston.

Pastor Rod plans to retire to Starkville, Mississippi. Time will tell how long he can resist the call of the mountains! In the meantime, Rod plans to continue to write, hopefully adding to what’s been published.

Candidates Candidates for Commissioning

Quaya Ackerman Quaya Ackerman describes Exodus 3:1-17 as a scripture that has shaped her ministry journey as “the burning bush that almost burned up.” She shares that she was hesitant, resistant, and ignorant of her true calling. A fourth generation United Methodist, she is grateful to my parents who strongly encouraged, but didn’t force attendance at church and Sunday School.

This year Quaya completed a Master of Divinity degree through the Kairos program at Sioux Falls Seminary. She also holds a master’s degree in health administration. She served 12 years in the Army National Guard. Her undergraduate degree is

in Exercise Science. Before entering ministry, Ackerman was a project manager with Sanford Health.

For multiple summers, she attended and later became a counselor in training at Wesley Acres Camp. She previously was a member of Flame of Faith United Methodist Church in West Fargo, North Dakota where she served in several leadership roles, including sometimes leading worship. Ackerman served as the Dakotas Conference Co-Lay Leader before entering ministry. She currently serves at The United Methodist Church in Arthur, North Dakota.

Quaya’s husband Matt works in landscaping. Her parents live in Elgin, North Dakota.

Julie Gregg A scripture verse that speaks to Julie Gregg is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Julie completed her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller University in California. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Trinity Evangelical Seminary. Julie earned a bachelor’s

degree at Emory University in Mathematics and Science.

She has worked as a youth minister, hospital chaplain, youth ministry internship coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls.

Gregg is currently a practicing spiritual director and serving United Church in Garretson, South Dakota.

Julie and her husband Brian have two teenage children, a daughter and a son. Brian also serves at the United Church in Garretson.

Rodney Knock John 11:35, “Jesus began to weep,” has become one of Rodney Knock’s favorite scripture verses. He shares that this verse is extraordinarily beautiful.

It expresses a depth of caring and the fullness of humanity expressed in this verse.

Rodney has completed his Master of Divinity through the Kairos

Program at Sioux Falls Seminary. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and theater from South Dakota State University.

Knock previously served as an educator in the Harrisburg and Sioux Falls School Districts as a technology coordinator.

He currently serves the congregations of the United Methodist Churches in Plankinton and White Lake, South Dakota.

He is married to Jeannette and has two sons Isaac and Caleb.

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Michele Slott Michele Slott credits her mother’s strong and active faith as a great influence on her spiritual faith. Michele leaned into pastoral ministry after hearing the clear voice of God calling her to ministry.

Slott completed her Master of Divinity from Sioux Falls Seminary through the Kairos program. Her undergraduate degree is from South Dakota State University in graphic design, communication

studies, and theater.

She currently serves three-quarters time as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church and one-quarter time at Open Heart United Methodist Church in Rapid City, South Dakota.

She has been a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, serving as the associate pastor since 2018. Previously she worked as a graphic designer.

She is married to Rodger. They live in Rapid City with their two sons.

Candidates for Ordination

Autumn Krueger Autumn Krueger was nurtured in her faith growing up in Harrisburg, South Dakota at The United Methodist Church. The pastor encouraged her to draw and hung-up Autumn’s art for everyone to see. She would listen to sermons and draw what she was hearing and feeling.

At Harrisburg UMC, she was invited to serve as a liturgist, serve on committees, work in the tech booth, and help with skits and plays for special services.

Autumn completed her bachelor’s degree at Dakota

Wesleyan University where she was active in Student Ministry Council. She has served as a camp counselor and camp dean at Wesley Acres. Her ministry experience includes serving as a youth ministry leader at Mitchell Downtown First UMC, helping with the launch of Fusion UMC, and serving as an Elisha intern at Harrisburg UMC. She completed her Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology. She currently serves as the Pastor of Student and Family Ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Anchorage, Alaska.

Autumn first fell in love with Alaska while working at Birchwood Camp, responding to a lifelong yearning for Alaska and a deep passion for working with young people.

Seth LaBounty Faith has always been a regular part of Seth’s life. He would attend church, go to Vacation Bible School, church camp, and other church activities his parents wanted him to do. Seth found himself attending and learning but not in love with his faith and God. While on a mission trip to Mexico, he truly opened his heart to God He attended Dakota Wesleyan University majoring in Religion and Philosphy. He took a workstudy job with Campus Ministries and become active in the Student Ministry Council, serving as the president his senior

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year. At DWU, Seth came to appreciate John Wesley’s ministry.

Seth received his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky After graduation he accepted an appointment at Union Grove United Methodist Church in Wisconsin, where he served for two years. He was appointed to First United Methodist Church in Pierre, South Dakota, where he served as associate pastor one year and the solo pastor the second year. He now serves the United Methodist Church in Hartford, South Dakota.

He is married to Valerie, also a pastor. They are expecting their first child.

Valerie Hummel LaBounty Valerie was surrounded by strong women who fed her faith, especially her mother and grandmother. She would find herself at the United Methodist Church in Yankton with these women and was involved in Sunday School, after school programs, and youth group at her local church.

She also attended camp and youth rallies.

She attended Dakota Wesleyan University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy. At DWU she was

active in Student Ministry Council, mission trips, and working at Wesley Acres Camp. Valerie attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for her Master of Divinity degree.

While at Garrett, she interned at a church in Glencore, Illinois.

Valerie’s first appointment was to Southeast Pierre United Methodist Church and Community Center. She currently serves at Montrose United Methodist Church.

She is married to her best friend Seth LaBounty, who is also a pastor. Her parents, who live in Utica, South Dakota, and brother, who lives in Wyoming, provide her with great support in her ministry journey.

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Welcome to this significant service of worship and celebration of ministry. We pray you may participate fully in offering praise and thanksgiving to our God for the work of the Holy Spirit.

IN ORDINATION, the Holy Spirit acts to maintain the priority of the gospel by setting apart men and women called to leadership as apostles.

The pattern for this response to the call is provided in the development of the early church. The apostles led in prayer, teaching, and preaching; ordered the spiritual and temporal life of the community; established leadership for the ministry of service; and provided for the proclamation of the gospel to new people and in new places. The early church, through the laying on of hands, set apart people with responsibility to preach, to teach, to administer the sacraments, to nurture, to heal, to gather the community in worship, and to send them forth in witness. The church also set apart other people to care for the physical needs of others, reflecting the concerns for the people of the world.

Ordination to this ministry is a gift from God to the church. In ordination, the church affirms and continues the apostolic ministry through people empowered by the Holy Spirit.

ACTS OF ORDINATION AND COMMISSIONING are anchored in the sacrament of baptism and the ministry of the baptized. All baptized Christians respond as “the priesthood of all believers,” and so, as we begin, we reaffirm our baptism together.

COMMISSIONING may be compared to the experience of the early church in Antioch as the Holy Spirit instructed the community to “set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2, NRSV). As provisional members are commissioned, we acknowledge and affirm God’s call and the individual’s response, gifts, and training for leadership in the local church and community. We offer our support for their continuing formation as each one journeys toward ordination and full membership in the conference.

ORDINATION is understood as the act of the Holy Spirit and, as a liturgical rite, the culmination of a process in which representatives of the whole church discern and validate the call, gifts and effectiveness for ministry. Ordination of deacons and elders is both to an office and for a lifetime. Ordination confers a new identity in the life of the church as well as authority for ministry. This identity is claimed in relation to Christ and his call to leadership and service with the baptized for the life of the world. Upon ordination, deacons and elders become accountable to the whole church, to the community of the ordained, and to the order of deacons or elders of which they are a part.

THE LAYING ON OF HANDS, referenced in Timothy 1:6, indicates the sign of calling on God’s Holy Spirit to bestow the gift of grace for ministry. Commissioned people are blessed on the shoulders as a sign of being sent into ministry for a specified period of time. They kneel facing the congregation as a sign that they are sent into the congregation for continued formation and service before ordination. In ordination, a bishop lays hands on the head of the candidate as a sign of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for a lifetime of ministry. The ordinands kneel facing the bishop as a sign that they are sent and supported by the congregation into a lifetime of service. The whole church affirms together with “Amen” to indicate recognition, gratitude, and commitment to the work of the Holy Spirit. The privilege of sharing in ministry with all in Christ’s holy church is celebrated by the inclusion of an ecumenical representative to share in the laying on of hands.

INSTRUMENTS AND SYMBOLS for the ordering of ministry are represented for the distinct orders. The Bible is common to all orders of Christ’s ministry. Commissioned ministers wear no stole. The ministry of the deacon is symbolized by the basin, pitcher, and towel, representing servant ministry. The deacon’s stole, worn over the left shoulder, across the body, symbolizes the servant’s towel. The ministry of the elder is symbolized by the chalice (cup) and paten (plate), representing the sacrament of Holy Communion. The elder’s stole, yoked at the neck, hanging straight down, symbolizes the yoking with Jesus Christ. The bishop’s instrument of ministry is the crozier, or shepherd’s staff, symbolizing the pastoral leadership of Christ and his flock. Like all Christians, licensed local pastors may wear a scapular, which represents the servant’s apron, and a pectoral cross.

OFFERING taken this evening will support the Ministerial Education Fund, which provides scholarships to seminary students and continuing education funds for clergy.

Dakotas Conference The United Methodist Church