WELCOME JANET BEARD

      We extend a warm welcome to Janet Beard, who serves as the administrative assistant for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. Janet began her duties on April 1. She replaces Sheilah Kyburz, who retired. She brings years of experience working with the Minnesota Conference as the conference secretary. Welcome, Janet!

THIS WEEK

Pray with us | April 6-12
  Dear Lord, Help me remember you are indeed Lord of my life. You have the right to rule all that I think, believe, and do. When I allow my mind to run to places that destroy my peace, remind me these are unauthorized thoughts. You do not want me to dwell on thoughts and emotions that contribute to unreasonable fears. We pray for all of God's people, but especially these persons. 

2021 Miracle Offering | Feeding the Dakotas
   The 2021 Miracle Offering: Feeding the Dakotas is a hope-bringing, spirit-fueled activity that will have a lasting impact on thousands of hungry people across the Dakotas Conference. Our goal for the 2021 Miracle Offering is $75,000 to be shared with the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota, Feeding South Dakota, and grants to local hunger ministries.  Access reources for the 2021 Miracle Offering.  

2021 Annual Conference | Registration is now open
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. Get more details. 

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. central time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

Global Ministries EarthKeepers Online Training | Apply by April 12 
    Apply to join the Global Ministries EarthKeepers. This is online training program, happening May 7-22,  that equips US-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training.  Get the details.

COMING UP

REACH! MAKE MORE OF FALL 2021: Re-launching Post-Pandemic Public Worship with Purpose
     Join Rev. Ben Ingebretson on April 14, 2021, from 12 p.m. MDT, 1 p.m. CDT,  for a webinar to plan for your church to show radical hospitality and invitation to your community. Welcome Back Weekend training will provide a roadmap for your church to use as you prepare to engage new people in fall 2021!  Get the details and register here. 

Clergy Financial Well-Being Group #2 | Register now
    This new opportunity begins Thursday, April 15,  for eight weeks. Sessions will be held  for 90-minutes from 2:30 – 2:00 p.m.  CDT.  The leader and facilitator, Sarah Swantner, owner of Black Hills Integrative Counseling and Coaching, will lead you through an exploration of topics around cash flow, money mechanics, insurance and asset protection, wills and legacy planning, setting and adhering to financial goals and plans, money beliefs, money in relationships, financial alignment with personal values and life purpose, and ways to reduce financial stress and increase financial satisfaction. Swantner is a professional financial counselor(CFP) and has been working with our Area clergy in groups and individually over the last two years. Register now as space is limited. Contact Diane Owen with any questions.

Leveraging Communications for Greater Connection | April 20-21
     This two-day virtual conference will help church leaders focus on leveraging a variety of communication tools such as social media, digital ministry, and news writing to share their church’s story with the members and seekers in their communities. Conference attendees will benefit from trusted and proven tactics shared by communication experts. Workshop facilitators will also help participants identify best practices and techniques to take the next steps toward their communication goals. Get the details and register for this opportunity hosted by United Methodist Communications. 

Youth Worker Academy | April 23 - Apr 25, 2021
    Join us for an amazing time of training, sharing, and connection for pastors and lay leaders that work with youth in churches across the Conference. Youth Worker Academy will be held at Storm Mountain Center on April 23-25, 2021. Our guest presenter will be Chris Hansen of Leadership Harbor. Find out more at leadershipharbor.com.  Check out all of the details and register now. 

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Applications accepted through April 30
    Apply for a grant to reach the next person for Jesus. Breakthrough Ministry Grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call.  The next grant application deadline is April 30.  Get the application and instructions here. For questions about the application process, contact Diane Weller in the Foundation office.

Nonprofit Church Leadership certificate program for clergy | Applications accepted through May 1
   Clergy may apply for this year-long online graduate certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University to increase leadership competencies.  View summaries of the applied projects presented by the participating pastors in 2019 and 2020. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. Learn more about the program by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

Financial Foundations Webinar: Investment and Endowment Account | May 10  
   Join the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Foundations for the quarterly webinar Fianancial Foundations on May 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. MDT, 7 p.m. CDT.  In this session, you will discover how an investment or endowment account will benefit your church and align with your church's vision and goals. Register here. 

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camp Sunday: Plan a special day set apart for your congregation to celebrate the ministry of camping together. Camp Sundays typically include camp style, themed worship with music, and testimonials on camps’ personal impact. In-person worship can consist of decorating the church in a camp theme, special snacks or meals, sharing information on registering, and getting local financial support—access 2021 Camp  Sunday resources.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance from FEMA | Applications accepted starting April 12
    The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families.  Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.  FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021. Access the details and share this information with people in your congregation that have incurred COVID-related funeral expenses. 

Both/And with Jason Moore | Available until April 14
    These prerecorded sessions and resources from Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions are available until April 14.  Jasaon shares tips and guidance as we look to a future when we can worship in-person again and how we will need to prepare to maximize hybrid worship experiences for both online and in-person audiences. Session one,  Session two, Handbook

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dakotas UM Camps | Now hiring
    Are or someone you know looking for a summer job that provides plenty of time outdoors, great fun with people of all ages, and an opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth positively?  If so, let us know! Join in the fun and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at one of three Dakotas United Methodist camps!  We are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff.  All positions include competitive industry salary, room, board, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience.  Apply here

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.

Yankton First UMC | Praise Team Leader
     At First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, the Praise Team Leader will provide vocal and musical leadership to the Sunday morning contemporary worship service. This position will be responsible for the planning, preparing, and coordinating of all aspects of music for the contemporary worship service. View a job description and application details here.