Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Rapid City's Vacation Bible School starts today!

It’s time for VBS! Join us every day this week, July 22-36, from 2:00-4:15pm as we travel back to Bethany and learn all about kids in the Bible who were heroes. Rapid City SDA Church, 1636 Concourse Ct.

Attention, parents in the Dickinson, ND area! Are you looking for a nurturing, Christian environment for your child that has smaller class sizes and can give your child a great academic and character-building foundation? We are enrolling for all grades K-8 now! Give us a call for more information.

If you are in the Bismarck area, stop in at Brentwood Adventist Christian School and shop at their multi-party garage sale!

Come check out our rummage sale today through Friday! Closed on Saturday and open again on Sunday!

Please keep the Lawson Family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time. 🙏🙏

To Our Cleveland Church Family,
It is with great sorrow that we notify you of a tragic accident involving a family that has been attending our church. Stachia Lawson and her children, nieces, and nephews were involved in a horrible accident, and two of her nephews passed away, while one of her children was life flighted to Fargo. Stachia was also seriously injured. The other children were treated and released to family. We are asking that we all hold this family up in our prayers.

If you would like to help out with the funeral and medical expenses, please give to our benevolent fund and label it “Stachia Lawson Family.” The total will go to them personally or to the funeral home to help cover medical expense and funeral costs.

Please make the checks payable to the Cleveland SDA Church, and the treasurer will handle the rest. If you would like to mail donations, please do so to Cleveland SDA Church, PO Box 77, Cleveland, ND 58424. Thank you for your support of Stachia and her family.

For those who wish to donate online, you may do so by going to https://adventistgiving.org. Once you are on the main screen click on the "Donate" link in the top righthand corner of the page. Next in the "Where would you like to donate to" box you will search for Cleveland Adventist Church. Select our church and you will be brought to our page where you can enter the amount you would like to donate. Please enter your donation amount under the heading "Local Offerings - Benevolent Fund". Then click on continue to donate. You will then be asked to sign in to your account if you have one or you can continue as a guest. Follow the prompts to complete your donation. Thank you for your support.

-Funeral Expenses will go to Stachia’s nephews family or directly to the funeral home
-Medical/Hospital Expenses will be given to Stachia’s family.
-If not specified, funds will be evenly distributed between the two.

Still on the fence of where to send your children to school? Hillcrest Elementary
School is private PreK-8th grade school located in Jamestown, ND. We offer a safe and caring learning environment, with Jesus at the center of it. We would love to chat! Please reach out to us here or at 701-252-5409. We can’t wait to hear from YOU!

We are pleased to introduce Elder Jason Logan, the new vice president of administration and ministerial director for the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Elder Logan officially began his new role on Monday, July 8, 2024, following his appointment on July 1.

Logan brings a rich background in ministry and leadership to his new role. For the past two years, he has served as the pastor of the Invitation Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dickinson, North Dakota. He and his wife Grace, married since the summer of 1998, have three adult children: Abigail, an occupational therapy assistant residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband Drew; Gideon, a pre-med and International Rescue and Relief student at Union Adventist University; and Afton, an archeology major at Southern Adventist University.

Born in New Port Richey, Florida, Elder Logan was the fourth of six children. His family moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, within a year of his birth, where he grew up and met his high school sweetheart, Grace. Shortly after their marriage, he enrolled in the Black Hills Mission College of Evangelism, completing both the evangelism and pastoral programs. It was during his pastoral training that the Revelation Promises Hope evangelistic team was formed, with Elder Logan serving in full-time evangelism for three years across large cities in the United States.

After their first child, Abigail, was born, the Logans settled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for Bible work, where their son, Gideon, was born. Elder Logan then took a position as a western sales and service representative for Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., working there for ten years and returning the family to Wyoming. In Wyoming, he co-lay-pastored the Sundance Adventist Church where their third child, Afton, was born. Later the family moved and lay-pastored the Newcastle Adventist Church.

Shortly after moving back to Newcastle, at the age of 27, Elder Logan was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, he stepped down from church leadership but later became the head elder of the Newcastle Church—This role led to an opportunity to become the part-time pastoral assistant.

Logan's pastoral calling, present since his childhood, took a non-traditional route. After becoming a pastoral assistant, he was called by the Rocky Mountain Conference to serve as the pastor of the southwest district of Wyoming, overseeing five churches. Following his ministry in Wyoming, Elder Logan pastored the Greeley and Elm Haven churches in Colorado for approximately five years before his most recent role in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Elder Logan considers it a great privilege and honor to minister to God’s children. He seeks daily guidance and wisdom to effectively serve on his Savior’s behalf. He and his family look forward to God’s continued leading in their future and are committed to contributing to the growth of God’s kingdom in the Dakotas.

Photo credit to Joseph Lee.

Rapid City Students Shine in Essay Contest

In a display of persistence and effort, Rapid City Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School students have made their mark in the prestigious Americanism Essay Contest, organized by the Elks' Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee. Geared towards students in fifth through eighth grades, this contest aims to instill a sense of national pride and civic responsibility among young minds.

Despite competition from over 100 applicants across South Dakota, the Rapid City Adventist Elementary School students rose to the occasion, demonstrating their writing skills. This year's theme was “What the Bill of Rights Means to Me.” Their essays captured the judges' attention.

Among the top achievers, Tristan, a seventh-grade student, secured first place at the district level and second place at the state level. In the sixth-grade category, Damion won second place at the state level and first place in the district. Joining them in the ranks of success were Odin and Jacob, who earned second and third place in the district.

These achievements highlight the talent and hard work of these young scholars, reflecting Rapid City School's dedication to fostering the next generation of critical thinkers and writers.

Article and photos by Annabelle Harper. Published in the July 4, 2024, issue of the Dakota Dispatch.

Quilting for a Cause

Marilyn Schnieder and Helen Hoffer, members of the McClusky Seventh-day Adventist Church, have been dedicated to making quilts for those in need. Each quilt often comes with a cute stuffed animal. Once the quilts are completed, they are delivered to the local Lutheran Church in town. From there, they are distributed to the Ronald McDonald House, The Resource Center in Bismarck, and Camp Grassick in Dawson, North Dakota.

In addition to these efforts, Marilyn and Helen donate several sets of blankets and animals, as well as quilts, to Camp of the Cross in Garrison, North Dakota, for their auction. Marilyn, in particular, is experienced in quilt making and donations. In the past, she was heavily involved with Bags of Love, creating 250 tied blankets for the project. Each blanket was accompanied by a handmade bag, pillow, and stuffed animal, and then delivered to the Bismarck Adventist Church for distribution to Social Services.

The McClusky Adventist Church is deeply grateful for Marilyn and Helen, who serve as active witnesses for Jesus through their charitable work.

Article and photos by Lisa Heitzmann. Published in the July 4, 2024, issue of the Dakota Dispatch.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded of the profound gift of freedom we enjoy in our nation. This day marks the birth of our country's liberty and the countless sacrifices made to secure our rights and privileges.

But as we reflect on the freedom we have as Americans, let us also remember the deeper freedom we have through Christ. John 8:36 tells us, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This freedom from sin and spiritual bo***ge is the ultimate liberation, one that surpasses any earthly liberty.

May this Independence Day inspire us to cherish and protect the freedoms we hold dear in our country, and to embrace and celebrate the freedom we have in Christ. Let us give thanks for the blessings of both and strive to live in a way that honors the sacrifices made for our independence and the grace given for our salvation.

Stay Connected with the Dakota Conference!

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Look out for our "Dakota Insight" section, where you'll find comprehensive updates on board meetings, important announcements, Conference decisions, and personnel changes. Stay informed and never miss out on what's happening at the Dakota Conference!

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Attention 2024 Dakota Campmeeting Attendees,

We have several lost and found items that were left behind at Campmeeting. If you recognize any of these items as yours, please contact Julie Brude at 701.751.6177 or via email at [email protected]. (Please note: The shoes are from Campmeeting 2023.) Items remaining this fall will be donated to Goodwill.

Thank you!

As we bid farewell to our maintenance man, Marlin Miller, we reflect on his journey and the significant contributions he has made over his 17 years of denominational employment. His retirement marks the end of a period characterized by hard work and commitment.

Marlin began his church service as a literature evangelist in the Dakotas in the early 1990s. In the 2000s, he transitioned to the maintenance department at DAA. Later, he served seven years in the Wisconsin Conference.

When asked about his tenure, Marlin recalls starting his career with the conference, initially working at Dakota Adventist Academy as an assistant to Merlyn Gottfried and later for his wife, Lynette, at the Adventist Book Center. His role evolved, and he eventually applied for and secured a full-time position at DAA. A significant move to Wisconsin for his wife’s job was met with initial reluctance, but it offered him personal growth and new professional opportunities.

In Wisconsin, he worked extensively in maintenance for a contractor before landing a position at the Wisconsin Academy as the maintenance director. His role there included teaching a basic auto and home care class. He cherished his time with the academy students, building lasting relationships and diligently training them. His dedication to their growth and development was evident as he fondly reminisced about the kids who stayed in touch long after he left.

Returning to the Dakotas, Marlin undertook various jobs in the Bismarck/Mandan area, including driving for Harlows and working maintenance at the Days Inn, but it was a full-time offer from the Dakota Conference that cemented his role here. Reflecting on the changes in the maintenance field over the years, he noted advancements in technology, particularly in equipment like zero-turn mowers, which made tasks more efficient, and expressed his preference for John Deere equipment.

As he steps into retirement, Marlin acknowledges that while he will miss the camaraderie of full-time employment, particularly the relationships with service people and colleagues, he is ready for the next chapter. He plans to find a part-time job, possibly driving a school bus, and recognizes the importance of staying active and engaged, as advised by his wife.

Marlin's hard work and dedication have significantly contributed to the Dakota Conference. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service and wish him a fulfilling and joyful retirement. His efforts have made a positive difference in our community.

Join us this week from 1:00-4:00 PM for Thunder Island VBS at the Jamestown Seventh-Day Adventist Church!

Ages 3 and up are welcome. You can pre-register by calling or texting Teree @ (701) 320-3854, or register tomorrow when you bring your kiddos! Can’t wait to see you there!

Missed Cub Camp at Flag Mountain? No worries! You can still sign up for the one at Northern Lights from July 10-14. Don't miss out on this great experience!

dakotayouthandyoungadults.org/camps1.html

Exciting News from Dakota Adventist Academy!

Dakota Adventist Academy is continuing its efforts to refurbish dorm rooms and needs your help. DAA, ranked in the top three Christian high schools in North Dakota, is dedicated to providing the best living conditions for its students. A comfortable living space helps them focus better on their studies and grow in their faith.

For just $2,000, you can sponsor the renovation of a dorm room. This includes new carpet, fresh paint, and updated light fixtures. You get to choose the room, and it can bear your name, your family’s name, or even your church’s name. Imagine the difference you can make in a student's life by giving them a cozy, welcoming place to stay!

The campaign ends on August 30, 2024, so there's no better time to contribute than now. Every church in the Dakota Conference will have the chance to name a room, with priority given to students from your church. This is a fantastic opportunity to show your support and be part of something truly meaningful.

To donate, please send a check to:
Dakota Adventist Academy
15905 Sheyenne Circle
Bismarck, ND 58503-9256

Make sure to include “Dorm Room Renovation” in the memo. If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, feel free to call (701) 258.9000 or email: [email protected]

Let's work together to ensure the students have the best environment for their education and personal growth. Thank you for your support!

https://mydaa.org/donate/dorm-renovations/

I love old porches, and wonder what conversations women had on them with others, or alone with God.
Happy Sabbath!

This is a final reminder for the Rapid City Church Campout this weekend, June 7-9, at Sheridan Lake, North Cove Campground. Everyone is invited to join for any or all of the weekend activities, which start tonight (6/7) at 7:00 pm with a short vespers service. All campers/families will be responsible for bringing their own food and camping gear (and firewood if desired). We also welcome you to join us for a lakeside worship service Sabbath morning at 11:00 am, to which all are invited even if you aren't planning on camping. Simply tell the individuals working the park booth that you are with the Adventist church group. Worship services will also be held at the main church in town at the usual times for those who are not able to come.

Please come and enjoy God's creation with your church family! Don't forget the s'mores!

Merry Christmas to each of you! We wish you peace, joy, and love as you gather together with your loved ones.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
II Corinthians 9:15