How $70,000 Is Sparking Kindness In The Sioux Falls Community

Here’s a cool story that captures the true spirit of the holiday season.

On Sunday, December 7, the Sioux Falls church Embrace surprised its congregation at all three Sioux Empire locations with something a little unexpected: cash. But it wasn’t a gift for personal use; it came with a single, meaningful request. Each person was asked to use the money to do something good for someone else in the community.

The effort is known as a “reverse offering,” and this year Embrace handed out a remarkable $70,000 in cash. Envelopes contained various denominations, with some people receiving as much as $100. Lead Pastor Adam Weber told Dakota News Now that the idea is simple but powerful:

Take the money and go do “Jesus Stuff.”

In other words, use it to brighten someone’s life, meet a need, or share kindness where it’s needed most.

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The hope behind the giveaway is that these small seeds of generosity will grow into meaningful moments of support for people who may be facing an especially difficult season right now. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, lifting up a stranger, or supporting a local cause, Embrace Church wants its congregation to feel empowered to make a difference.

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And this isn’t the first time the church has put giving directly into the hands of its attendees. In previous years, participants have gotten creative, and some even multiplied their reverse-offering funds through additional fundraising. Those efforts have helped pay for school lunches for kids whose families were struggling to cover the cost, among other heartfelt projects.

Stories like these are exactly what Embrace hopes to ignite: everyday people finding small but meaningful ways to show compassion. Their prayer is that these moments of kindness don’t stay confined to the holiday season but inspire a year-round spirit of generosity and giving throughout the Sioux Falls community.