Join us on Sunday, September 13, as we kick off another year of ministry at Beresford Zion United Methodist Church. We have so much to celebrate, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends after a long summer or invite someone new to experience the fellowship and fun we share each week.

We can’t wait to see you as we embark on an exciting new year of ministry!

**KICKOFF BREAKFAST** - Join us on September 13 from 8:45 to 9:15 AM for our special Kickoff Breakfast Event. Our United Methodist Men and our youth will work together to welcome everyone back for a new year of ministry at Beresford Zion United Methodist Church.

Join us each Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, beginning with our September 16 Kickoff Potluck. Each night, we will begin with a story about Jesus' love for us, followed by our activity. Bring a friend.

Upcoming Schedule:

• September 16 - Kickoff Potluck Event (tailgate theme and games)
• September 23 - Family Board Game Night
• September 30 - Movie Night - The Prince of Egypt
• October 7 - Mental Health Night (led by Takara)

Sunday mornings, after worship, we begin with fellowship at 10:30 a.m., with opportunities to attend Sunday School and a new United Methodist 101 Class each week at 10:45 a.m.

In addition to Sunday School and our United Methodist 101 class, we will host occasional Cross Gen events, including a Kickoff Cross Gen on Sept 13.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - Join us for our revamped rotational Sunday School class, with lessons designed to experience a Bible story differently each week, beginning September 20.

This semester, we will be learning about the Days of Creation and Noah's Ark, in addition to a Letter to our friend Glorin and preparing for our annual Christmas Program scheduled for December 13

UNITED METHODIST 101 CLASS - Join us Sunday mornings after a short time of fellowship for our year-long class on the basics of our faith and the United Methodist Church. This is a great class to attend regularly or pop in from time to time, as we will tackle topics such as Grace, the Trinity, Baptism, Communion, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and more—no prep needed; hope to see you there.

We are once again serving with members of Beresford UCC on Tuesday, October 6, at The Banquet - West, 710 N Marion Rd.

We have two opportunities to serve:

• First shift: 2 pm - 5 pm (We need 3-4 volunteers)
• Second shift: 5:15 pm - 8 pm (We need 10-12 volunteers)

Other Info:

• Pastor John will be part of the second shift, leaving from Beresford at 4:30 pm, and can transport youth who can attend.
• Volunteers must be 10 years old, and all should wear closed-toe shoes.

Sign up at church or email Pastor John.

Everyone is welcome to join us at Mazing Acres on Sunday, September 27, from 1-4 p.m. for a day of fellowship and fun.

About Mazing Acres: All are invited to discover a fall destination just north of Yankton where natural beauty meets exciting farm festivities. Explore over 30+ fall attractions—including a pumpkin patch, 5-acre corn maze, scenic hayrides, flower fields, and adorable farm animals. Snap unforgettable photos at our Instagram-worthy spots and savor delicious seasonal treats.

Pastor John secured discounted tickets and can pass the savings along to you :)

Discounted tickets from Pastor John (regular price with tax is $24ish):

• Youth Group members - $8
• Youth Group friends (one per youth) - $8
• All others - $13

Sign up at church or by contacting pastor John

Nominations Committee - Sunday, Sept 13 after worship

SPRC Meeting - Monday, Sept 14 at 6:30 pm

Finance Meeting - Monday, Sept 28 at 7 pm

Admin Board - Monday, Oct 5 at 7 pm

Charge Conference - Sunday, Oct 18 at 6 pm

Interested in serving at BZUMC? Please contact Pastor John, as we are currently taking nominations for our 2027 Committees.

In the coming months, we will provide ongoing updates on the church's financial position, starting with this quarterly update on our General Fund.

As of July 31, 2026:

• 2026 Year-to-Date Actual Income: $69,694.10
• 2026 Year-to-Date Actual Expenses: $69,861.29

I would like to express my gratitude to our congregation, finance committee, and finance team for their hard work in putting us in a better financial position, as this is a significant improvement from last year and positions us well for the future.

I look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months. Please know that beyond financials, I am proud of the work we have done over the past four years to prioritize mission and ministry and make a meaningful impact in our community and region.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of the admin board or Pastor John.

Please have a look below for opportunities to grow, serve, and gather as a faith community. Now is a great time to find new ways to connect and grow in faith through study, bible reading, and prayer, to serve together in worship and beyond, and to gather together in community while having fun.

The Lighthouse Bible Study—We will begin our next study on Oct 14 at 1 pm with "Faith, 4 Essential Practices," a four-week series by Olu Brown. See Janet for more information.

Prayer Team—Prayer is a vital part of the Church, and the power of praying in groups is immeasurable. All are invited to gather with us each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. This group prays for requests that come in during the worship service, for the Prayer Cross, and for others they hear about.

Confirmation - Our one-year confirmation program will include our Sunday Morning United Methodist 101 class as well as two evening retreats. Confirmation Sunday is tentatively scheduled for May 2, 2027. Pastor John will meet with each family individually to discuss the program and expectations.

Share and Care is a ministry of Beresford Zion United Methodist Church. We are a proud regional partner of Feeding South Dakota, serving people facing food insecurity in Beresford and the surrounding region.

We host twice-monthly food distributions inside the west end of the church.  

Upcoming Dates: Sept 14, Sept 28, Oct 12, Oct 26, Nov 9, and Nov 23, with doors open at noon

We are the regional home of TEFAP and the Sr. Box program

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor John

Share and Care Potluck - Our volunteers are gathering at the church for a Potluck on October 11 at 6:30. More details to come.

Ushers/Greeters/Readers/Acolytes: Feeling called to serve in worship? Sign up on the clipboards in the entry or talk to Pastor John to serve in any or all of these important missions!

Coffee Fellowship - Each week, families or individuals can serve simple snacks and coffee after worship. This time of fellowship is among the most impactful in our ministry, and we invite all to take a week to support this vital ministry. The sign-up is in the Narthex. If you have never served and would like to learn more, speak with Pastor John.

Faith In Action - We are collecting items of greatest need in our community. Items can be dropped off in the grocery cart Faith In Action in our entryway. Items on the list are laundry detergent, dish soap, size 5 & 6 diapers, toilet paper, and shelf-stable food.

Men's Breakfast - The United Methodist Men meet on the Second Sunday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast and devotion.

The Gospel Thimble Workers—The Gospel Thimble Workers continue their mission of providing quilts for Missions, graduating seniors, and baptism celebrations. Visit MaryAnn Westberg or Renee Schultz to find out when they meet, usually once or twice a month on Mondays at 1 p.m.

Youth Events - Youth are invited to bring a friend and join us once a month for a fun activity.

Upcoming Schedule:

• Sept 27, 1-4 pm - Mazing Acres
• Oct 25, time TBD - Pumpkin Olympics
• Nov 15, time TBD - Service Event
• Dec 13, time TBD - Progressive Dinner and White Elephant Exchange

Amplify Media - Churches across the Dakotas now have a powerful new tool for ministry: the Amplify Dakotas channel. With Amplify Dakotas, United Methodist clergy and laity across the conference will have access to the same rich library of Cokesbury resources that Amplify Media has long provided, along with content created for and by leaders in the Dakotas Conference. This resource is provided at no cost to Dakotas United Methodists, thanks to the support of a grant from the Dakotas Connection Initiative. We will use these resources for our new Wednesday Evening programming and Sunday Morning Discipleship Programs, as well as children, youth, worship, and other ministry opportunities.

Register by clicking the link below.

Vanco Electronic Giving - Our new online giving page allows you to make recurring or one-time gifts to support our church's ministries, programs, and activities throughout the year. These opportunities include our General Fund, Trustee Account, Mission of the Month, Memorial Gifts, and occasional opportunities to support our tech fund, Youth Mission Trips, and others.

During worship, check out the new giving card located in the pews to access the giving page via a QR code, or you can visit the giving page on our website at https://beresfordzionumc.org/give/