By: Doreen Gosmire, director of communications, Dakotas UMC
Where do you go for morning coffee or hot chocolate in Iroquois, South Dakota? The United Methodist Church, of course! On the second Thursday morning of each month, from 7:30- 9 a.m., people of all ages gather at the church to launch their morning with coffee and rolls and connect. The Fresh Expressions team has dubbed the time Mornings with a Mission.
Iroquois, population 294, is in the east-central part of South Dakota, along U.S. Highway 14. The church is located just a block away from the school. The only other place to get a cup of coffee in the morning is at the gas station. The United Methodist Church is the only church in town. There are churches just outside town.
Pastor Tia Felberg serves United Methodist congregations at Iroquois and DeSmet, South Dakota. The two congregations have formed a Fresh Expressions team. The team brainstormed and came up with the idea of Missions in the Morning. Coffee, hot chocolate, and treats are served to anyone who wants to come to both communities....
The noise level in the fellowship space rose as the number of guests gathering increased. Tracy, who works from home in health care, faithfully traced numbers and soon announced. "Bonnie, you are number 70!" Bonnie Moffit was the 70th guest that morning. She received joyful greetings and shared her joy with others. "I wouldn't want to miss this," she said.
"This is so much fun," said Darcy, a part-time nurse. "It doesn't take a lot of money or effort. We simply make coffee and hot chocolate. We buy some rolls, granola bars, and mini donuts and set them out. I love to see the people as they come in the door."
Tracy ordered stickers and wristbands with scripture references for people to take. "It is something they can take with them. Maybe it plants a seed," she said.
