Monthly Newsletter
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus joins countless others across history in answering life’s ultimate question: “How does a person live the good life?” His answer is so compelling that people have been writing, discussing, and wrestling with his words for over 2,000 years.
This fall, we’re going to step into that conversation together. Week by week, we’ll walk through Jesus’ words in Matthew 5–7, asking what it looks like to live the blessed life, discovering the art of human flourishing, and considering how we as a community can live in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus today.
That’s why I want to personally invite you to join us for our Fall Kickoff on September 7th. It’s the perfect time to come back together after summer, reconnect with one another, and lean in to what God has for us in this next season.
But more than just filling a seat on Sunday, I want to challenge you: COME READY to participate in what God is doing through our church. Come ready to grow, to wrestle, to be shaped by Jesus’ words. Imagine what could happen if we, not just as individuals but as a church family, took seriously his vision for life in the Kingdom. What if we truly lived as a light in our community, embodying the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus?
My prayer is that this fall will not just be another series, but a turning point. A season where we hear Jesus’ voice afresh and courageously step into the life He is calling us to.
Pastor Brandon Dunham
Events, Birthdays & Anniversaries
Check out this months calendar + birthday and anniversary celebrations!
I am so excited to serve the Harrisburg United Methodist Church as the Children’s Ministry Director. My family and I have attended HUMC for the past 16 years, and our children have grown up in this church. I hope to help other children have the positive experience in our church that my own children were given.
As we approach the start of Sunday School, I am asking for volunteers to teach. It will be a rotation of volunteers so that leaders are not teaching every Sunday. Also, if any middle or high school students would like to help, I would appreciate that as well. Please email me at kelli.semmler@gmail.com if you are willing to help out!
I look forward to serving the church in this role, and I pray for the continued growth and strength of our Children’s Ministry program. Kelli Semmler Children’s Ministry Director
It's exciting! Another year is upon us, and we have some wonderful things happening at Youth Group this year. Our regular meeting will be packed full of amazing scriptures from an array of books in the Bible and Highs and Lows. We have events like our annual Trunk or Treat, Car Hop and Mission work. Fun activities include the Corn Maze, Air Madness, Thunder Road and a Canaries baseball game. This year, we have added a mission project packing meals with Kids Against Hunger, Mystery Trips and a Valentine Dinner and show.
Sound like fun? Our group is for Middle and High Students, every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. We would love to have you there!
September schedule:
September 10th - Light meal with Youth and Parents - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
September 17th - Regular Meeting - 6:30pm - 7:45pm
September 24th - Kids Against Hunger – (see description below)
WHERE LOCATED?
Our packs are NOW held at our NEW location, approximately 7 blocks north of the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. We are located at 1701 N. Louise Drive, which is easily “mappable” online, though we do not have signage in place just yet (we just moved in April of 2024). Vance Thompson Vision, whose ownership and staff support our mission, has generously donated funds for a professional sign for our location. Plans, production, zoning, and placement of the sign are in the works – so you’ll have to find the place on your own until our new sign is put in place!
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE PACK?
Your Pack Patrol will provide a brief training session, then you will work in assembly lines to package our highly nutritious meals. Please wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to rock a hairnet. After a short cleanup time, we will take a group photo for Facebook promotion of our mission and your volunteerism.
Help us spread the word by sharing photos on social media. Groups can expect to be at our Center for about an hour and a half.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Make a Difference with SHP
In August, we had the incredible privilege of partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to host a bed-build and what a day it was! Over 100 volunteers f rom our church and community came together to build 50 beds for children in need right here in Harrisburg. The energy, teamwork, and joy were truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who showed up to serve!
We’re not stopping there! For our September Mission Focus, we’re collecting new bedding (twin-size sheets, comforters, and pillows) to help complete these beds and bless the kids who will receive them. You can f ind the collection details and needed items here: Amazon Wishlist. We’re also exploring forming a delivery team to help bring these beds directly to families in the coming weeks (date TBD). Thank you for your incredible support—you’re making a lasting difference in the lives of kids in our community!
HUMC Small Groups
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
Did you know HUMC offers online giving and text-to-give? They’re easy to use and secure! You can give a gift of support online, or give via text message by texting the amount you would like to give to: (605)702-6954
Click below to view the .pdf version of the monthly newsletter. Here you can see more about the Giving Updates and how to get involved with the Church.