2009 Annual Report

     The Association of Christian Churches is an ecumenical organization that attempts ecumenically to further the message and work of the gospel.  It is where denominations come together to do work that is better done together rather than separately.
     We recognize that the different denominations vary in respect to their worship styles and fellowship.  We respectfully acknowledge each other's varying disciplines, traditions and practices.  Yet we also recognize that we worship and proclaim the same God and Savior and that there are sometimes and some arenas where we need to be together in action and conversation in order to better further the Word and work we all respect.
     The ministries we do together continue to be viable and strong ministries.  These represent three areas of ministry - ministry of support, ministry of presence and ministry of advocacy.
     Ministry of support includes disaster relief, rural economic development, prison ministry and children at risk.  Ministry of presence - we represent Christian denominations that have met together since 1971 when we became an Association succeeding the old South Dakota Council of Churches.  Despite differences of practice we meet at the cross.  Under the auspices of advocacy ministries we have taken public positions on issues such as youth, the death penalty, video lottery, the food tax and many others.
     Specifically these ministries that we/you are involved in, work with and/or sponsor have various and sundry names:  Rural Initiative Center, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, Man to Man, Person to Person, Peace and Justice Center, Prison Congregations of America, Bread for the World and the New Life Coalition.  Plus this past year we have also had interaction with the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls, the National Alliance on Mental Health and the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
     Funding, as it is for many of our member denominations, is an ongoing concern as denominational dollars themselves have seen somewhat serious decline.  But we marshal on, do the best we can and are very grateful for the support we receive.  So please do receive our heartfelt thanks.
     The Association is also responsible for representing South Dakota's ecumenical effort to other State's ecumenical organizations and promoting ecumenism within our own borders.  We are also the recipient and disseminating agency for National Council of Churches information.  All responsibilities that we take very seriously.
     Thank you, again, for your support and participation over the years and we look forward to another productive and Spirit led year in 2009.

Gene E. Miller
Executive Director

 ... the providence of God offers us in our time a singular opportunity to manifest more fully our shared faith and oneness in Jesus Christ ...