February 2, 2026
FAITH IN ACTION: LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS First Quarter Congregational Survey Report
We’d like to thank each leader who took the time to complete the first survey on how their congregation is
embracing our diocesan theme, “Faith in Action: Love Without Limits.” Your thoughtful responses have
provided a window into your life, faith, and ministry, and we hope everyone finds this information inspiring
and useful.
Participating Congregations and Respondents
In this first survey, we heard from the following congregations and individuals: St. James Episcopal Church,
Belle Fourche (The Rev. Evelyn Weaver); Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission (The Rev. Kurt J. Huber); The
Diocese of South Dakota, with a focus on Rosebud Episcopal Mission West (The Rev. Canon Dr. Lauren R.
Stanley); St. Mary’s Our Blessed Redeemer, Flandreau (The Rev. Deacon Brenda H. Lewis, Margo Zephier);
Grace Episcopal Church, Huron (The Rev. Jean Mornard); Christ Church, Milbank (The Rev. Dr. Larry Ort);
St. Katharine’s Episcopal Church, Martin (Anita Hicks); Trinity Episcopal Church, Pierre (The Rev. Mercy
Hobbs); All Angels Episcopal Church, Spearfish (The Ven. J. Clay Riley, The Rev. Dr. Asmussen); Calvary
Episcopal Cathedral, Sioux Falls (The Very Rev. Ward Simpson); Church of the Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls
(The Rev. Dr. Christina O’Hara); Tiospaye Wakan, Sioux Falls (The Rev. Paul Sneve); Emmanuel Episcopal
Church, Rapid City (The Rev. J. D. Barnes); St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Rapid City (Debbie Renner; The
Rev. Deacon Marty Garwood); St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Rapid City (SaraBeth Donovan); Christ Church,
Lead, & St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Sturgis (The Rev. Robin Pierre); Rosebud Episcopal Mission East,
Rosebud (The Rev. Annie Henninger); St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Batesland (Connie LeBeau); Grace
Episcopal Church, Madison (Michele Keppen); St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Fort Pierre (Connie Carlisle);
Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown (Gloria Schultz; The Rev. Dr. Larry Ort); and St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church, Vermillion (Carol Geu). of Responses by Question
1. Where do you see God at work in your congregation right now?
Throughout the diocese, leaders most clearly named God’s presence in the faithful, compassionate action of
their people. Even amidst loss, transition, limited resources, and feelings of uncertainty, these leaders
expressed seeing God at work through worship, mutual care for one another, and a deep commitment to
remain engaged in mission and ministry. God’s love was also reported to be seen in congregations as they
support those who grieve, as they welcome people seeking sobriety, housing, or baptism, in caring for the
elderly and vulnerable, and by welcoming newcomers, especially children, young families, students, and
those who have felt excluded elsewhere. Across our diverse contexts, it is clear that our Diocese is
becoming a place where the grace of Christ is offered without judgment, fear, or limitation.
Leaders also shared that love without limits is being expressed beyond church walls through their
congregation’s outreach and advocacy: feeding neighbors, expanding soup kitchens, partnering with
community agencies, supporting Native communities, caring for pregnant women and young families,
honoring veterans, and sustaining ministries large and small. Respondents consistently describe these
efforts as “loaves-and-fishes” moments, simple and ordinary acts through which God’s abundance is being
revealed.. What word, image, or Scripture best describes who your congregation is becoming in Christ?
When asked to name the word, image, or Scripture passage that best describes who their congregations are
becoming in Christ, leaders consistently pointed to love that is expressed through faithful action.
Congregations understand themselves as being the hands and feet of Christ, relatives of Jesus, who are
called to serve their neighbors through kindness, compassion, healing presence, and pastoral care. The
frequently referenced Scripture passages were to the Body of Christ, the Beatitudes, and Christ’s call to
feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and care for the least.
Some leaders described their congregations as wounded healers, living honestly into vulnerability while
offering grace to others. Others spoke of new epiphanies that inspired their outreach and experimentation.
Whether small or growing, aging or welcoming children again, these congregations report that they remain
alive by God’s grace and that they are striving to be transformed by the Gospel rather than conformed to
the world.
3. What are you most thankful for in your congregation’s life this quarter?
When reflecting on what they are most thankful for this quarter, the congregations that responded
expressed gratitude for the faithfulness, dedication, and shared commitment of their people. Leaders gave
thanks for those who show up week after week, offering their time, talent, and treasure to sustain worship,
ministries, and mission, especially in small, aging, or transitional communities. Even amid grief, loss of key
leaders, and ongoing challenges, congregations are offering thanks to God for the perseverance, unity, and
the deep bonds of care that hold them together. Leaders lifted up Vestries and Bishop’s Committees who
are willing to ask hard questions, as well as clergy and lay leaders who shepherd communities through
change. Many gave thanks for renewed energy, growing participation, new members, joint services, and
creative visions for property and outreach that reflect a living Baptismal Covenant. The ability to worship
together, to remain open, and to continue “plugging away” in God’s hope was named repeatedly and is
viewed as a sign of God’s abiding presence.
4. Where have you seen “love without limits”—a moment of pure grace, compassion, or hope?
When asked where they have witnessed “love without limits,” leaders overwhelmingly pointed to moments
of compassion. They named God’s grace being made visible, such as when people return after long
absences, when parishioners notice who is missing and check in, and when individuals step forward in
moments of crisis to meet immediate needs. Love without limits has also been seen when members brave
winter storms to keep the church warm so that recovery groups can gather, when hands are held through
tears during worship services, and when people remain after services to pray with those who are struggling.These leaders are describing Christ’s love being expressed through the ministry of simply showing up,
especially when it would be easier to stay home.
This kind of love was also reported to be revealed powerfully through those who accompany others
through experiences of suffering and vulnerability. Leaders spoke of surrounding families after sudden
deaths, caring tenderly for children and spouses, and sitting through a vigil with the dying. Love without
limits was additionally seen in feeding ministries during times of fear and scarcity, in welcoming youth and
children into worship spaces as full participants, and in offering safe places for healing and reconciliation.
5. How has your congregation shared Christ’s love or light in your community recently?
Leaders who responded described their congregation sharing Christ’s love and light primarily through a
visible, practical presence in their communities. Respondents mentioned feeding ministries, community
meals, blessing boxes, food pantries, gardens, laundry assistance, and partnerships that address hunger,
housing insecurity, and basic human needs. Some of our congregations open their buildings, offering
restrooms during community events, hosting warming shelters, tutoring, grief support groups, and
providing safe spaces for healing, prayer, and fellowship. Seasonal services such as Blue Christmas and
Lessons and Music attracted broad participation beyond Episcopal circles, serving as powerful signs of
hope to the community at large. They also spoke of sharing Christ’s love and light through intentional
hospitality and courageous witness. Congregations speak of walking alongside individuals in recovery,
welcoming first-time worshipers, mentoring youth, serving unsheltered neighbors in all weather, and
collaborating ecumenically and across cultures.
6. How many baptisms have been celebrated since October 2025 (please insert number)?
Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission, Cheyenne River Reservation (5)
St. James Episcopal Church, Belle Fourche (9)
Trinity Episcopal Church, Pierre (1)
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Rapid City (4)
Rosebud Episcopal Mission West, (9)
Calvary Episcopal Cathedral, Sioux Falls (5)
Tiospaye Wakan, Sioux Falls (2)
7. If the Bishop has visited your congregation since October 1, 2025, how many people were confirmed or received
(please insert number)?
Trinity Episcopal Church, Pierre (3) (last Sunday in September)
Rosebud Episcopal Mission West, (4)
Tiospaye Wakan, Sioux Falls (7)
Trinity, Watertown (1)
Again, our thanks to everyone who participated in this first survey! When this report is posted onto our
diocesan website, it will include the responses from the individual congregations.
Parochial Reports
Parochial Reports are now available for each congregation to fill out. Each church office or someone in
leadership (Rector, Superintending Presbyter, Senior Catechist, Lay Leader) should have received an email
from the General Convention Office informing them that the report is ready. If you can’t find the e-mail,
simply go to reports.dfms.org, find your parish, and begin filling out the form.
Please remember to click on “Save” or “Save and Continue” at the bottom of each page before going to the
next page. There is a Supplemental Financial Page (Optional Diocesan Add-On) which is required for each
congregation.
While the narrative questions are optional, they are the place where you can tell your congregation’s story
and, in essence, “brag” about the work you are doing. Please fill these out if possible.
If you cannot access your report, have forgotten your password, or need any help, please contact Canon
Stanley at lauren@episcopalchurchsd.org, and she will assist you.
All reports are due by midnight on February 28. On March 1, you will not be able to access your report at
all.
Once you are finished, go to the page titled “Mark Complete,” click on the button “Mark Complete,” and it
will be submitted to this office.
Women Clergy Retreat: “Connecting, Creating, Celebrating”
May 31-June 3
A retreat for Women Clergy, sponsored by Provinces V and VI, will be held May 31 – June 3 at the
St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, Michigan (near Lansing, or a 90-minute drive from Detroit
Airport). This retreat is centered on the experiences of women clergy and everyone (trans, cis,
nonbinary, genderfluid, agender, and more) who feel this is for them is welcome and invited to
attend.
With the focus on “Connecting, Creating, Celebrating,” this retreat is intended to be an open, safe
space for women clergy to come together, support one another, learn from each other, and honor
the life-giving connections we have with God, each other, our congregations and communities, the
world, and the planet.
The cost for the retreat is $360, which includes lodging, meals, and retreat material. Those who
need financial assistance should look on the website, https://www.provincev.org/wcr26.html, or
contact Heather Barta at ProvinceVCoordinator@gmail.com or Ellen Bruckner at
To learn more, go to the website, https://www.provincev.org/wcr26.html. Registration is now
open!
“Managing Yourself During Conflict”
The Presiding Bishop’s Office is developing new resources for addressing conflict throughout the
Church. One new resource is a weeklong, in-person program that aims to equip clergy and lay leaders
to respond more effectively when conflict arises by deepening their understanding of their own
approaches to conflict and by observing, discussing, and practicing ways to enhance those responses.
One course took place in January. Future courses will be offered April 19-24, 2026, and October 4-9,
2026, with the locations to be announced soon.
The following is a description of the course:
“Managing Yourself During Conflict” offers practical skills to clergy and lay leaders to enhance their
responses to conflict. The weeklong, in-person workshop is framed around the Daily Office and
provides a safe, prayerful space for participants to notice, contemplate, and strengthen their
approaches to conflict. Participants will learn their preferred conflict response styles and explore ways
to effectively use other response styles. They will be provided opportunities to practice active listening
skills, neutral ways of speaking, and collaborative skills in a variety of learning formats. Models for
assessing conflict situations will be presented. The intersection of conflict with cultural issues and with
impairment will be discussed. Each participant will be asked to bring a conflict they are dealing with for
group discussion purposes. Time is devoted to developing an action plan for addressing the conflict.
The workshop is facilitated by the Rev. Becky Rowell (Diocese of Georgia), the Rev. Melanie Lemburg
(Diocese of Arkansas), and the Rev. Jan Brown (Diocese of Southern Virginia).
There is no cost for registration! The Presiding Bishop’s Office is funding this workshop, except for
participants’ travel and lodging costs. Please contact Mary Kostel (mkostel@episcopalchurch.org) to
request scholarship assistance if needed.
Please direct questions to Chancellor Mary Kostel at mkostel@episcopalchurch.org.
Elected Officers and Convention Certifications
If your congregation has not yet sent in the required forms listing the names of Vestry, Bishop’s Committee,
and Mission Council members for 2026, or your 2026 Diocesan Convention delegates and alternates,
please do so as soon as possible. The fillable forms can be found here: Mission Council, Vestry, or Bishops
Committee; Diocesan Convention Delegate/Alternate Certifications.
Thunderhead Episcopal Center (TEC) Updates
Planning for Summer 2026 at Thunderhead Episcopal Center is well underway, and we’re excited to share
what’s ahead. Camp registration is set to open in the first week of February, with sessions for children,
youth, families, and emerging leaders. As always, TEC remains committed to creating a welcoming, faithfilled
camp experience grounded in adventure, rest, community, and the love of God. More details about
session dates, themes, and scholarships will be shared as registration goes live.
We are also beginning to gather our Summer 2026 staff team. Anyone interested in working at camp—
whether as a counselor, program staff member, chaplain, or support staff—is encouraged to reach out now
to start a conversation. TEC continues to be a place where young adults grow as leaders, deepen their faith,
and form lifelong connections. Please help us spread the word by encouraging those who may be discerning
a summer at camp to be in touch. We are grateful for the diocese’s continued support and look forward to
another meaningful summer in the Black Hills.
For more information or questions, please contact Canon Sierra Kacher at sierra@episcopalchurchsd.org.
Clergy Day
On Thursday, March 5th, the clergy of our diocese will be having a Clergy Day at Trinity Episcopal Church in
Pierre (408 North Jefferson Drive). The purpose of this Clergy Day will be to learn how to do discernment
work with people who are sensing a call from the Holy Spirit and the Church to the ordained ministry. The
Rev. Jessie Thompson, co-rector of St. Paul's Palm Springs, CA, will be our presenter. Mother Jessie is a
spiritual director who loves the topic of discernment! A secondary purpose of this Clergy Day will be to
review the discernment process for our diocese. All clergy who are directly involved in parish ministry are
required to attend. Congregations without clergy are invited to send one layperson if they choose. A
registration form will be sent out in due course. At this time, we are planning for the Clergy Day to run from
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, but it may end earlier. (We are still working with Mother Jessie on the day’s schedule.)
Stay tuned!
Other Links of Note
1. Here’s a link to updated information for Niobrara Convocation (PREM).
2. Here’s a link to the authorized alternative liturgies from the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
(hat tip to Deanna Stands, who serves on this Commission): https://www.episcopalcommonprayer.org
3. Here’s a link that Deanna Stands has provided to the Rt. Rev. Dr. Craig Anderson’s obituary notice. If
anyone would like to write a condolence message in the Guestbook to his wife, Liz, and their family, you
may do so here: https://www.millerfh.com/obituary/right-reverend-craig-anderson. Bishop Craig’s
memorial service plans are still being made and have not been finalized as of this morning (February 2).
February Diocesan Events
(Click Link Above for Online Calendar)
2/1: Bishop’s Visitation at Grace Church, Huron
2/5: Clergy Zoom Mtg., 9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
2/7: Diocesan Council Meeting, 9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
2/8: Bishop’s Visitation at Holy Apostles, Sioux Falls
2/12: Clergy Zoom Mtg., 9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
2/12: Standing Committee Mtg., 5:00 PM MT / 6:00 PM CT
2:18: Ash Wednesday
2/19: Clergy Zoom Mtg., 9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
2/22: Bishop’s Visitation at Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls
2/26: “Faith in Action, Love Without Limits” Zoom Mtg., 9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
2/26 – 3/3: Winter Talk Conference