The 24th Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will take place June 8-10 in Bismarck, North Dakota.  There are several business items that the clergy and lay members will consider.  All of the details and information related to the business for Annual Conference can be found in the 2017 Conference Workbook.  Click here to view or download the Conference Workbook.

One of the business items proposed is rule changes related to the Missional Resources Link and the Short Team Leave policy.  “We are recommending an adjustment to the Missional Resources Link from a formal committee to a task force,” said Rev. Rebecca Trefz, executive director of ministries. The change allows for those that want to serve on the task force to be eligible on other boards or committees."

A proposal to change the time line of the application for short term leave is also part of the proposed rule changes. “Clergy are currently limited to when they cam apply for short term leave. The timeline for application is based on when the Board of Ordained Ministry meets,” said Deb Kjerstad, director of leadership development. "The proposal allows for clergy to make application 60 days before the leave is effective."

Watch this short video about the proposed rule changes to learn more.  Also read through the documents on pages 14-15 of the Conference Workbook.

Proposed Rule Changes for AC 2017 from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.