By: Christa Meland

Note: Submission deadline has been extended to June 2!

The 2021 Annual Conference is around the corner, and we want to lift up and celebrate YOU and the ways you’re ministering in creative ways amid the pandemic. Given COVID-19 limitations related to travel and gathering, we need your help to tell these stories! Here’s how you can be part of Annual Conference while offering encouragement and inspiration to other United Methodists throughout the state:
 
1. Creative ministry stories: This year’s Annual Conference theme is “Jesus. Waymaker.” In a video that’s no more than two minutes, tell us—or better yet, show us—how God made a way for your congregation over the past year. How did you reach and disciple people? What unique ways did you find to connect with each other or meet needs in your community? What were the fruits of your efforts? Your video doesn’t need to be fancy; filmed on a smartphone is just fine! We’ll select videos to show based on: creativity of the idea presented, alignment with the “Jesus. Waymaker.” theme, engaging storytelling, and length (shorter is better!). Submit your creative ministry video. 

Check out our simple tips for filming here. If you happened to see the Southern Prairie District’s “Take it to the Hoop” videos, they are great examples. We’ll use up to 10 creative ministry videos, and if we use yours, you can choose one of these two thank you gifts:
• $500 off your church’s 2022 apportionments
• Treats/refreshments for your congregation on the Sunday of your choosing (up to $250)
 
2. Bloopers: While there is a lot to celebrate as we look back on the past year, most of us have also experienced occasional glitches because, hey, we’re human and we’re learning as we go. Which moment of hilarity did you happen to capture on camera while recording worship or some other message? Share it with us because we could all use a good laugh, and it’s nice to know we’re not alone in our less than perfect moments. We’ll create a blooper reel with as many of your snafus as we can, and it will provide a few minutes of levity during our virtual gathering.  Submit your blooper(s). 

Submit your video(s) by June 2; be sure to label each one with your church’s name and your name. Happy filming!

Questions? Contact Director of Communications Christa Meland.