Don't Be Afraid 09.25.2026

When was the last time you tried something new?  When was the last time you intentionally read an article or a book about some topic you weren’t really familiar with.  When was the last time you set a goal to accomplish something that would really stretch you?  For myself I can say that I have recently read (or listened) to a book that dealt with a topic I wasn’t familiar with, but unfortunately, it’s been awhile since I challenged myself by taking up a new hobby or just trying some different activity just for the sake of trying something different.  As the saying goes, we tend to be creatures of habit.  I find that as I age that saying seems to be more and more true.  Yes, we all like to stay in our ruts.  Or as a friend and church member from years ago told me…he really liked his “comfort zone” and his comfort zone happened to be a Lazy Boy recliner. 

Well, the other day I came across a saying that really spoke to me.  The saying went like this… “Don’t be afraid to be bad at something new.”  Now read that phrase over again but a bit more slowly this time, “Don’t be afraid to be bad at something new.” 

Think about it, we all like to feel accomplished.  We all like to think we’re on the top of our game.  We all like to think we are in control.  None of us want to feel foolish or like we don’t know what we are doing.  And that becomes the reason why we stop trying new things…we don’t want to look foolish, unprepared, or unknowledgeable. Or at least I know I have that tendency within me.  

We’ve all heard the verse that says God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Sometimes that passage is used to explain why one’s faith, or things in the church should never change.  The argument is that God doesn’t change.  It is true, the character of God never changes, but the world is full of the evidence of God’s creativity and even God’s presence.   Just look around us. Every sunrise is a little different. Every spring brings new life. Every day presents opportunities that we didn't have yesterday. God is not a God who simply created the world, sat back, and decided that was enough. God is continually at work in our lives and in the world around us.

And perhaps that's a good reminder for us as people of faith. While we hold firmly to the things that never change about God, we also need to be open to the new things God is doing in our lives. Sometimes that means stepping outside our comfort zones. Sometimes it means being willing to try something different, even if we aren't very good at it. Sometimes it means being willing to learn and grow just to keep stretching ourselves in life as well as in our faith.  

So, here's my challenge for myself and perhaps for you, too. What is one new thing you've been wanting to try? Is there something you've been curious about but have been putting off because you might not be very good at it? Maybe it's time to take that first step.

And perhaps we can apply that same spirit of curiosity and willingness to our faith. Let's not be afraid to explore, to ask questions, to grow, and to discover new ways of living out God's love.  After all, we don't have to be good at something new to begin. We just have to be willing to begin.  Remember, don’t be afraid to be bad at something new.

Pastor Keith

PS – This is a great opportunity for many of us to do something new and learn about ourselves by taking the Spiritual Gift Inventory that I’ll be talking about Sunday in my message. Look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Remodel Surprises! 09.18.2026

Surprise!!!  That’s a word you really don’t like to hear when you’re involved in a remodeling project.  Yet the truth is, there probably isn’t a remodeling project ever attempted that hasn’t provided a “surprise” or two somewhere along the way.  

Well, as many of you know, we have recently started a remodeling project at our church facility.  We are remodeling the kitchen and the dining room.  The project started about two weeks ago and we’re mostly in the “tear out” phase of things.

Sidenote…Now in case you weren’t there at the end of worship several weeks back, when Dawn Williams, the Trustee Chair, presented the remodeling plan to the congregation, I’ll give a quick summary of things.  The basic footprint and floor plan of the kitchen and dining room are not changing.  No walls are being torn out, and no new walls are going up.  But there is going to be new flooring, new lighting, new drop ceiling, new cabinets, many new appliances, and freshly painted and textured walls.  In other words, the kitchen and dining room is really getting a complete refresh and makeover.  Considering all the meals and activities that have been served out of the kitchen and dining room, an update and refresh is certainly in order.  Our kitchen and dining room gets a lot of use, and I’m glad for that.  I believe a church facility should wear out from use rather than rust-out from disuse.  

Well, back to our remodeling project.  We are just a couple weeks into the project and already there has been a surprise or two…something that was unexpected.  There was a crack in the floor that wasn’t visible until old linoleum was removed.  Taking down the old drop ceiling reveals a couple of windows that weren’t known about.  Or there’s a task that is going to take some different tools to accomplish.  You understand how that goes.  There are always a few unknowns with a project…which means there are always going to be some surprises.  

Well, the same reality can be true in our spiritual lives as well.  From time to time, we need to do a “spiritual” remodeling within our being.  Our views about God, faith, humanity, who our neighbor is, etc. has to be updated.  We learn or experience something new about God, God’s love, God’s presence, or even God’s direction for our lives, and so we learn and grow, which means changes take place in our understanding, thus our faith gets remodeled a little.  But at least what I have found is that often when God is doing a little remodeling within me there are often few surprises that pop up or more specifically that God points out.  

God, I didn’t realize that anger was there!  I didn’t know that prejudice was present in my heart.  I never wanted to admit that “issue” was still impacting my mind.  Over time I have found that the Spirit slowly peels back the layers of my inner being to expose what holds me back or what trips me up so that God can continue the work of making me into the follower of Jesus that God sees is possible and is most useful for the Kingdom of God here on earth.  

It is exciting to watch the remodeling project take place in our church.  I know it can be a pain and inconvenient to get there…but the finished or remodeled rooms will look amazing.  I am convinced of that. In the same manner, the way God works in our lives to remodel each of us to be more effective and faithful in our following, can be a slow process but the end result can make God smile.  By the way, the process of growing and being remodeled on the inside is what John Wesley referred to as Sanctification.  God continually working to remove our rough edges to make us more and more in the likeness of Christ.  So, what part of your life, faith, heart, or mind is God working on?  Embrace the uncertainty, the surprises, and the mess…in the long run, it will lead to something beautiful and useful!!!

One final note – The Kitchen/Dining Room project is anticipated to cost roughly $120,000.  The Trustees have had some funds on hand and have received some donations, but there is still a significant need for donations.  If you would like to donate to help with this updating project, please make your check out to the church and put in the memo, Kitchen Fund.  Thank you so much!

Pastor Keith

More Light, More Hope, More Love 09.11.2026

As I am writing this article I am very much aware of two dates on the calendar this week that have the potential to make this somewhat of a heavy week, or at the very least these two dates can cause much reflection and remembering.

The date that most of us adults are quite aware of is September 11 or better known as simply 9/11.  And that is today, Friday, as I’m finishing this article and many of you are reading it.  Of course, 9/11/2001 is the date 25 years ago that terrorists attacked the USA here in our own country using airline jets to bring down the twin World Trade Center towers in New York city, and they also hit the Pentagon. A fourth airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.  It isn’t known for sure what the target of that airliner was, though it was suspected it was heading for either the Capital building or the White House, both in Washington DC.  Either way, it didn’t make it.  

The question is often asked, “Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?  My answer is, “Definitely YES!”  I was at home in Devils Lake, North Dakota.  Nancy called out to me, “Keith, an airliner hit a tall building in New York.”  I went to the TV and was watching the news coverage when the second tower was hit.  I knew this was not an accident…it was intentional.  Much of the rest of the day was a blur.  I know there wasn’t much office work accomplished and there were a lot of prayers offered.  I remember the feeling of shock to know that our country had been attacked right here at home.    But something good did come out of that day….

The second event that marks this week is that yesterday, September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a day for raising the awareness of death by suicide in our state, our nation, and the entire world.  Did you know that South Dakota has the 5th highest suicide rate per capita, in our nation.  South Dakota has ranked at least 5th in the nation for several years in a row. The entire month of September is Suicide Awareness Month, and 9/8, or this past Tuesday, is known as 988 day, the toll-free hotline number to talk to a mental health professional.

I truly believe in the cause of making people more aware of suicide, the thoughts and feelings that can lead in that direction, as well as all the mental health resources that are available.  During Suicide Awareness day I often think of the individuals that I have known who have died by suicide.  I also think of those whose funeral services I have officiated, that died by suicide.  I always feel a sadness knowing that someone felt such pain and despair that they felt death by suicide was their only option.  

So, as you read this, I’m sure you are feeling heavy too.  As I said…today is a heavy day.  But there is good news in all of this!  I remember the days following 9/11 and how united we felt as a nation.  We weren’t focused on a political party or a cause…we were Americans!  If it was possible then, it is possible still today.  I just hope we don’t need a tragedy to bring this feeling back.  

The other good news in the heaviness of this week is that there are greater efforts today about helping people understand mental health needs.  There is a great awareness of the reality of suicide.  In fact, just last evening I spoke at the Tegan’s Light Memorial Walk held at DWU.  What was shared with me was that because of information and resources that the Tegan’s Light organization was able to provide, they were able to help a couple of individuals receive the mental health help they needed so that they decided they weren’t going to end their lives.  That is a win!!  

My takeaway in all of this is that our world today needs more points of light, more reservoirs of hope, and more examples of love.  And that is exactly why we as a church are here in this community.  In fact, come to worship this Sunday or join us through technology and hear about the GOAL that we are going to be working on this year. Then on Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 pm, our church will be hosting our 4th annual “Service of Healing and Hope.” This is a service designed to provide an opportunity for people who have been touched by the reality of suicide to remember those they have lost and to take a step to find healing and peace in their journey of grief.  This service is just another way that we are truly seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus as a church family and faith community.  

Pastor Keith

Spreading Love 09.04.2026

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come from?”  Psalm 121:1

A week or so ago I had an experience that made me proud to serve and be a part of Downtown Mitchell First UMC.  I was at a care facility in Mitchell visiting a person whose health was failing.  As I visited with family of this person in the hallway, I noticed another individual further down the hall waving at me.  I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure who the person was.  She looked familiar but I couldn’t put a name to the face…or where I knew her from.  I eventually went over and greeted the woman.  She asked me, “Will I see you tonight?”  I did a fast memory scan in my head, “Tonight, what do I have going on tonight??!!”  I couldn’t come up with anything, so I finally said to her, “What do I have going on tonight?”  Her reply was, “Love Feast!”  

Of course, she was right.  Love Feast was taking place that evening.  I then realized that is where I knew her from.  She was one of our regular guests at Love Feast.  So, I told her, “Absolutely…I’ll see you there!!  And indeed, I did!

What struck me about this encounter and conversation was that I had just read Psalm 121 to the individual whose life was slowly ebbing away.  “I lift up my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come from?”  My hope was those words would bring some comfort to the individual and family as they remembered that their source of hope, help, and strength was in God and that God was with them on this journey.

But then it struck me as I was reflecting on my moment with the Love Feast person asking me about my participation for that evening, that maybe that bi-monthly meal, and trip to our church, was a source of encouragement, help, and hope for this person and the family members that always accompanied her.  This made me wonder how this person, and maybe even others who attend Love Feast, might rewrite Psalm 121 to reflect their life situation.  Maybe this particular Psalm would sound more like;

“I lift up my eyes to that bell tower.  Where does my help come from?

My help comes from a smiling face, a warm greeting.

My hope at times is found in a hot meal prepared for me.

It gives me strength to sustain me and my family,

And it helps me to know that in this community…someone cares

Even for me…..”

Isn’t it interesting how one brief moment or chance encounter with another person can change one’s perspective on something.  The simple question, “Will I see you tonight?” gave me a new perspective on the Love Feast and our church’s role in that ministry. 

I realize that at times I become the “face” of Downtown Mitchell First UMC.  I don’t believe the person I visited with was just wanting to see me that evening.  No, she was really looking forward to the affirmation, the sense of family, the connection, the pleasant atmosphere, and even the hope that a simple meal can give. 

Am I reading too much into that simple question, “Will I see you tonight?” ??  Maybe…but then again…maybe not.  It is my strongest hope and desire that our church and the ministries we partner with, like Love Feast, would truly become places that do indeed lift people’s eyes and hearts to see God and provide a sense of hope.  

Sometimes I believe we can forget what we are really doing when we are involved in ministry.  Yes, Love Feast is about serving a meal to anyone who would like to come to eat with us.  But it really is about so much more; companionship, hope, acceptance, etc. In other words, Love Feast isn’t just about the feast…or the food that is served.  Love Feast really is about the LOVE that is expressed and included with every plate that is served.  This brings another verse from the Bible to mind.  Words spoken by Jesus; “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John13:35  Yes, my friends, let’s keep on spreading love.

Pastor Keith

Ministry Opportunities 08.28.2026

Where or how does ministry happen??  It often happens in the moments where you least expect it and sometimes in the simplest of ways.  I believe this is in part what Jesus is getting at in Matthew 10 when he is talking to his disciples about rewards and the “giving of a cup of cold water to one of the little ones.”  Jesus is really talking about “Kingdom Work” or doing ministry in the ordinary moments of life.  Just the other day I got to experience one of those “ordinary” life moments in which ministry happened in the most unexpected way.    

As you know this is Corn Palace Week, with the carnival rides and food vendors along Main Street by the Corn Palace.  I decided to stop by and browse some of the food vendors for a sweet treat.  I found the item I wanted – mini-donuts.  I placed my order and simply started sharing a bit of conversation with the individual working the stand.  

“How’s it going today?”  “You from the Mitchell area?”  These are just a couple of the questions that the gentleman behind the counter and I shared.  Then came the question.  The gentleman asked me, “What do you do here in Mitchell?”  Answering this question can be a real conversation killer.  But I decided to simply jump in.  “I’m a pastor here in town.”  

“Oh, which church are you with?” the gentleman asked. 

“Downtown First United Methodist.” I replied. “It’s not far from here.”

“Is that the one a block over and a couple blocks down with the bell tower?” He asked.

“Yes, that would be the one.” I answered.

By then my order was ready.  I paid him and was getting ready to go my way.  That’s when the question came.  “Do you have a minute?” He asked.

“Well, I’m just heading back to my office at the church.” I shared.

“But do you have just a minute?” He persisted. 

I answered with, “Well, yes, what do you need?”

“Well, I really need to go to the bathroom and I’m the only one here.  I just don’t know who I can ask to watch my stand while I take a quick break.” 

I laughed and said, “Yes, I’ve got a minute.”  And off the man ran…literally!  

When he returned, he thanked me, and we visited a moment longer.  Once he settled back into his stand, I went my way and he continued making little tasty donuts.  As we parted, I think we both had a smile on our faces.  The gentleman, because of the relief he was feeling, and me, well, I was smiling for the good interaction and being able to help someone out in probably one of the most unique ways possible.  It wasn’t a cup of cold water, but it was a simple, meaningful, and unexpected moment of ministry.  The challenge for each of us today….be open to the “ministry opportunity” God sends your way today.  

Pastor Keith

Journey of Transformation 08.14.2026

The other day I was reading an article in which the author asked an interesting question.  He asked, “What has Jesus done for you today?”  He went on to encourage each reader to take five to ten minutes that day to quietly reflect on that question… “What has Jesus done for you today?”  So, I decided that was a good exercise to try.  I paused at my work and began to reflect.  What has Jesus done for me today?

At first, I couldn’t really think of anything.  Then something came to mind.  There was the moment in the grocery store.  I got in line to pay for my items.  I only had two things.  The person in front of me didn’t have a lot, maybe ten items or so.  But she started having a conversation with the check out people in response to the question… “Did you find everything OK?”  She obviously hadn’t and was talking to the staff about it.  But in doing so she wasn’t moving anything from her cart to the counter to check out.  Now, I’ll admit in situations like this I can tend to be a bit impatient.  I never say anything directly to the person, but I’m quite sure my body language is saying… “Can we move things along here…I’m in a bit of a hurry!”

But here’s the deal, I wasn’t doing that this time. I was just calmly standing there.   The person in front of me even turned and looked at me.  I smiled and she smiled. Finally, the conversation ended and everything was rung up, paid for, and my turn came.  OK, I think Jesus helped me in that moment because I wasn’t even thinking snarky thoughts while I waited.  Hmmm…this was a good exercise.  Jesus did help me today.  Thank you, Jesus!

Then after reflecting a few more moments on that original question, a second question popped into my mind.  “What have I done for Jesus today?”  Well, that’s an interesting question.  I had to stop and ponder that one for a bit too.  I can’t say there was ever an intentional thought in my mind, “I’m doing this (whatever I was involved with) for Jesus” as I went through my day.  Had I done anything for Jesus that day?

The more I thought about it, I reflected that I do try to live my life in such a way that it allows the presence and the love of Jesus to be seen in our world.  Do I always get it right or reflect Jesus well?  Probably not.  But like John Wesley talked about, we are going on to perfection.  Meaning, hopefully each day I’m living a bit more Christ-like than I did the day before.  If I can look back to a year ago to what my thoughts and attitudes were then and then consider what they are now, well, hopefully there has been growth and that I am not the same person that I was a year ago

As I’ve thought more about these two questions, 2 Corinthians 5:17 came to mind.  This a passage that I memorized many years ago; “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has passed away…the new has come.” The theme of this verse is being reflected, I believe, in these two questions I’m asking in this article.  You see, as a follower of Jesus, Jesus is making me into a new creation – that is what he is doing for me. And keep in mind, this isn’t a once and done thing…it is an ongoing transformation.  And because I am a new creation, a transformation is taking place within me and in how I live.  Living out this transformation is what I do for Christ each day.  How I live my life today is a direct reflection of what Jesus is doing in me, for me, and through me.  Wow…all of that from a simple question I read.  “What has Jesus done or me today?”  Great question.  

Today I would encourage each of us to ask these two questions; “What has Jesus done for me today?” and “What have I done for Jesus today?”  In the midst of these thoughts also read 2 Corinthians 5:17.  May the transforming power of Jesus continue to do its work within me and within each of us.  That, in great part, is what Jesus is doing in me.  And that impacts what I (and we) do for Jesus each day.  What a journey we share together…the journey of transformation.

Pastor Keith

Expect The Unexpected 07.31.2026

Years ago, in what would have been my second church appointment, I was serving at First UMC in Devils Lake, North Dakota. I was sitting in my office working when there was a knock on the office door. I wasn’t expecting anyone, but there’s always that saying, “Expect the unexpected.”  I said, “Come in,” and in walked an individual from the fire department. He explained that he was there to do our annual fire inspection.

I must have had a worried or horrified look on my face because he actually asked me, “Is it OK if I do the inspection?”  I told him it was fine with me. I just had never experienced anything like this before. But honestly, my brain was racing with thoughts: “What will he find?” “What do all those storage rooms look like?” “Are there things we need to fix?” And on and on my mind went.

Well, what brought that experience back to mind was a recent experience with a food truck.  I had decided to treat myself to a food truck lunch. While I was waiting for my order, I noticed a woman approaching the order window with a clipboard and some papers in her hand.  My immediate thought was, “The health inspector!”  Sure enough, she talked with the man taking orders and then made her way around to the back side of the food truck. Before long, I could see her inside doing her inspection.

Now, I’m glad there are health inspectors. I’m grateful that restaurants, food trucks and other places where food is prepared are inspected to make sure they are following proper health and cleanliness standards.

But I couldn’t help feeling a touch of anxiousness for the food truck operators. Their noon rush was just getting underway, and people were beginning to line up. I’m sure there was at least a little part of them thinking, “We don’t have time for this!” or maybe even, “Why now?”  It reminded me of my own experience with that unexpected fire inspection. Sometimes the unexpected has a way of showing up at precisely the moment when we least expect it.

And that brings to mind something Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 12. Jesus tells a story about servants who have been left in charge while their master is away at a wedding banquet. Rather than taking it easy because the master is gone, they remain dressed, alert and ready. They are prepared for the moment when their master will return and knock on the door.

Jesus’ point is pretty simple: Be ready.  But I think it’s important to understand what kind of readiness Jesus is talking about. It isn’t meant to be a life filled with worry, fear or anxiety—wondering when the unexpected is going to happen and whether we will be prepared when it does.  For followers of Jesus, readiness is supposed to be something different.  It is anticipation.

We don’t know what the next moment will bring. We don’t know what is around the next corner. We don’t know when Christ will return or when our own earthly journey will come to an end. But we do know this: Jesus is coming. And for those who belong to him, that is good news!

So perhaps living ready means living each day with our hearts open to what God might do next. It means loving people while we have the opportunity. It means serving when we can. It means forgiving, encouraging, worshiping and trusting God—not because we are afraid of what might happen next, but because we are excited about what God might do next.

There is a big difference between “What if something happens?” and “I wonder what God has in store!”  One produces anxiety. The other produces anticipation.  And I think Jesus invites us to live with the second kind of readiness.  None of us can truly imagine what that moment will be like when we see Jesus face to face. But I have a feeling there will be an incredible sense of joy, welcome and homecoming.

So, until that day, let’s stay ready—not with fear, but with joy. Not looking over our shoulders anxiously, but looking ahead expectantly.  Because when the knock finally comes, we won’t have to wonder who is on the other side of the door. It will be Jesus.  And that is one unexpected arrival I hope we are all looking forward to!

By the way, my food truck lunch was really good. And I trust the food truck made it through its inspection A-OK!

Pastor Keith

Faith Over Features 07.24.2026

“There’s an app for that!!”  That’s a pretty common phrase to hear these days.  You name it, there probably is an app that you can download to your phone or your device.  Churches have apps, restaurants have apps, the City of Mitchell has an app that allows you to report issues or even find city services.  There are apps that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  There is an app that can help you know the value of a coin. There are apps that can help you become more organized.  There are apps that allow you to play games.  There are apps that help you plan trips and routes to take.  There are apps to help with cooking and meal planning. There are apps that help you communicate with family and friends. Please understand many of these apps might have a fee involved, so don’t just start downloading lots of apps.

One app that I’ve been seeing a lot of ads for on my phone lately, is an app that allows you to take a picture of a plant and it can help you identify the plant, as well as tell you what you need to do to help make it healthy if it’s looking sickly or like it is dying. Some of the remedies that I’ve seen in the advertisements seem a bit bizarre, like cinnamon or lemon juice being applied to the plant.  But at least in the ads it always seems to work, and the plant very quickly perks up.   

Well, the other day I was having an off day – you know, one of those days when a person feels down and discouraged about things for no particular reason.  I saw one of those plant ads on my phone and I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great if they had an app like that for people!  Then I could just take a picture of myself and in a matter of seconds the app would identify what the problem was AND it would give me the remedy.  Read a certain paragraph in a specific book, go out and sit in the sun, listen to the message of a certain speaker or preacher, eat a certain food, go for a bicycle ride, etc.  Do a couple of these things and wa-la, everything will be fine and life will continue in a more normal fashion.

I pondered that thought for a moment and then I decided, there already is an app for that…but it isn’t an app on my phone.  It is the connection I have, and that we all can have, with God.  You see, this is why taking the time to read from the Bible regularly is important.  Doing so provides a practical and common way that God speaks into our lives.  Or having a few favorite Bible passages memorized is a sure way to hear God’s voice when having a difficult moment.  And if not a Bible verse speaking to you, maybe it is a hymn or the lyrics of a Christian song from one of your favorite artists.  Or maybe you’ll sense God’s presence when you are out serving and helping others in the community. There are all sorts of ways that we can become attentive to God’s voice in our daily lives.  This is what John Wesley called “means of grace.”  These are specific and intentional practices that allow us to hear and experience the presence of God in our lives.  No app necessary!  What is required is an open heart and a willingness to sense the presence of God in your life.  

Perhaps this week, before reaching for another app on your phone, pause for just a moment and reach for one of God's means of grace instead. Read a Psalm. Whisper a prayer. Sing a favorite hymn. Take a walk and notice God's creation. Call someone who needs encouragement. Worship with your church family. You may not receive an instant notification or a flashing alert, but don't be surprised if you discover that God has been speaking all along. Sometimes the greatest help doesn't come from downloading another app—it comes from deepening our connection with the One who knows us best.

Pastor Keith

"Dakota Nice" 07.17.2026

I had an interesting conversation yesterday.  Thursday is my usual day off since I tend to work on Sunday’s.  So, Thursday I was doing tasks around home.  I noticed a car that was slowly making its way down the street but on the wrong side of the road. It was going really slow and stopping in front of a lot of houses and just looking at them.  I’ll admit it made me think of some of the video’s I’ve seen about porch pirates stealing packages placed on the front steps of the home.  As the car slowly made its way down Thunderbird, I walked down the sidewalk to see what the occupants might be up to.  

Just then the car in question pulled onto Sawgrass…my street.  They pulled into one of my neighbor’s driveways and one of the people got out.  Since they were right by me, I asked if I could help them, since they looked like they were looking for something, or that they were lost.  The woman who got out of the car showed me what she was holding, campaign material, and told me that they were talking to people about the upcoming elections.  

The other person also got out of the car so I visited with her a bit too.  She used the opportunity to ask if I was going to vote in the upcoming election.  I told her yes, I would be voting, but I generally didn’t tell people who or what I was voting for.  She asked me what was most important to me in the upcoming election.  And I told her I wasn’t a one issue kind of guy.  I could tell she was a bit frustrated with me because I wasn’t clearly answering her questions in the way she wanted or that fit nicely into her form. 

She and I continued to have a good conversation about things. She told me that she wasn’t from South Dakota but grew up in Mississippi and her car license plate said Texas.  Since I lived here, she asked me what the little animals are that run across the road.  I told her I call them gophers.  Some people call them ground squirrels.  She wanted to catch one, to which I replied, “Good Luck!”  She made the comment that there sure was a lot of corn here in South Dakota.  I took that opportunity to ask her if she’d seen the Corn Palace yet.  She looked at me rather confused.  I told her you’ve got to go downtown and see the Corn Palace; it’s what Mitchell is known for.  

The conversation turned to people.  She admitted they were obviously different, she and her coworker were black.  She said the police had been called on them once since they’ve been in town.  They’ve had a few doors closed in their faces.  But then she paused and said, “But you know, of all the places we’ve been, South Dakota is definitely the friendliest.”  She said people have generally been friendly and talkative and have mostly treated them well.  My thoughts immediately jumped to what we call “Dakota Nice.”  Yes, it is a real thing!

You know, it was really great to hear that comment from someone who was an outsider to our neck of the woods and who looked different than me.  Yes, this is a nice, a good place to live.  That message was a great reminder.  Is ours the perfect community or the perfect state?  Of course not.  There are certainly plenty of challenges and issues to deal with, which is why it is important to study up on issues, candidates, and to vote!!  But still, to hear from someone who doesn’t live here, that this is a nice place to live, well, that is a wonderful affirmation about who we are as South Dakotans.  I have a feeling we all, and I know I do at times, tend to get caught up in the negativity of the day and age in which we live.  But I’m going to hang on to the message these women brought to me.  We do live in a great place.  And working together and living into God’s Kingdom each and every day…it will only get better.  Let that be our aim!

Pastor Keith

This Little Light of Mine...07.09.2026

 ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!  No, I’m really not shouting at you through the printed page (all caps and bolded letters is akin to shouting in the texting or messaging world).  It’s just that I want to emphasize what most of us know to be true.  Attitude is really a very powerful force that we can control.  Truly, attitude is everything!!

I felt this truth lived out in my life not too long ago.  I was having a “Crabby Pastor” kind of day which was coloring my outlook on things.  I walked into a store to do some business.  The salesclerk greeted me, but by the expression on her face I sensed that she wasn’t having the best of days either.  I told her what I was there to pick up.  She found the order and rang it up.  The total cost was more than what I expected.  I questioned it, she had a response.  I felt like two potentially crabby people were staring at each other and both on the verge of taking their crabbiness up one notch.  Nope, we didn’t want to go down that road.  I paid the bill and moved on, hoping that each of our days would go better.

For my next purchase I decided to do something a bit different.  I thought I’d try changing my attitude and see if that would change the overall experience that I had with the sales staff.  So, I picked up my items to purchase and went to the checkout station.  The clerk was rushing around trying to stock shelves in between caring for customers.  I was interrupting her progress with getting things on the shelf.  I recognized a potential crabby moment approaching.  

The clerk noticed what I was purchasing (OK, it happened to be two large bags of mint M&M’s).  She kind of grunted.  I said, “These are my favorites.”  She said, “They are the best!”   I said, “I know, and these are the last two bags, I didn’t leave any for you!”  The clerk laughed and proceeded to tell me about her favorite Christmas brownie recipe using mint M&M’s.  After her mouth-watering description, I said, “I’m coming by next Christmas.  I want to try those.”  She laughed and said, “Come on by, I love to bake.”  

And just like that, my purchase was rung up, cash was exchanged, my items were bagged, and it was time to move on so the next customer could be cared for.  We both exchanged, “You have a great rest of the day!”  We both left that moment feeling good, with genuine smiles.  I can even say the “crabby pastor” feeling was pushed way back into the deep recesses of my mind, all because of a brief one-minute conversation.  

I walked out of that store feeling more positive and light-hearted than I had when I walked in, all because of a shift from focusing on the troubles of my day to that of considering how to connect with another person experiencing the journey of life with me.  Attitude is everything!  

It seems that our world is filled with tension, anxiety, and psychological or emotional darkness.  What the world needs is more light.  Thank goodness, as Jesus followers, we know someone who said, “I am the light of the world.”  Today, let’s each focus on bringing the light to the world.  Think of all the lives we can touch and maybe even impact for the better.  Attitude is everything!!  This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith