THIS WEEK!

SAVE THE DATE! Native American Ministries Sunday | May 4
    On this denominational Special Sunday, United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. Contributions to this special offering help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry. Make plans for your congregation to participate in this offering!

Position Opening | NCJ Mission Engagement Liaison
    United Methodist Global Ministries is seeking a Mission Engagement Liaison for the North Central Jurisdiction. This full-time, remote position serves as the primary relational bridge between Global Ministries and the annual conferences to which they have been assigned. They will collaborate with conference leaders around strategic priorities and assist Global Ministries in developing appropriate relationships, capacity building, and resourcing opportunities. Additionally, this person will support conference leaders as they build healthy and robust partnerships grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit, linking local and global contexts. You can view the detailed job description and apply here.  If you have any questions as you complete your application, please contact HRGeneral@umcmission.org.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     A major theme in chapter 13 of Luke is repentence. Through different metaphors, stories, and actions, Jesus invites listeners to turn from the path they are on and paradigm from which they have operated and turn toward the Kingdom, toward the way of Jesus. This message is timely as we journey through this season of Lent and toward Holy Week. It's a time for us to lean into the heart of God who longs for us to re-turn toward God and away from the things that are separating us from loving God and our neighbor with our whole heart. Additional resource: Commentary on Luke 13

RESOURCES

SPRC Training Recording
    Recently Dakotas-Minnesota Area Cabinet members and Area Director of Clergy Well-being presented a webinar training for SPRC committees. Here is a link for the recorded webinar for those who would like to view and share.

How to get what you need from AI
    New to AI? Or just looking to get better results? Either way, United Methodist Communications has a course for you... and the best part is that it’s free and self-paced! You will learn what AI is, its capabilities and limits, how to use AI ethically, and how AI tools can be powerful partners. You’ll also discover how to craft AI prompts that get results.  Learn more.

AWARDS

Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Nominations for these award are now being accepted:

Harry Denman Award for Evangelism— This award - given annually to one clergy, one laity, and one youth - honors United Methodists whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word, Sign, and Deed – brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Nominate someone here.

Francis Asbury Award — Recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level of the church. Nominate someone here.

Streams of Justice Award— Calls attention to a United Methodist sponsored program or event which promotes justice in our Annual Conference.  Nominate someone here.

If you know of a church or individual who is deserving of one of these awards, please submit your nominations by April 11, 2025.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Practical Church Leadership Certificate Program: July 2025

    Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resource management and development. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Contact Diane Owen for more information.

Clergywomen's Retreat | April 27-29
    Come and enjoy the serene surroundings, worship, conversation and company of other United Methodist clergywomen at this year’s retreat. This year's retreat theme is Photography. Each small group time will involve different photography activities and exploring related scripture. God is at work all around us, and we carry cameras in our pockets that helps to capture it. Open your eyes, mind, and heart to experience God through a camera lens with your clergy colleagues. Learn more and register here.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Office Coordinator | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Contemporary Worship Director | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Weekend Children’s Program Leader | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD