THIS WEEK

GC webinar | Access summary and resources
    In preparation for General Conference 2024, the Dakotas Conference delegation—Beata Ferris, Kara Heagel, Rev. Sara Nelson, and Rev. Rebecca Trefz, held webinars to share information and answer questions. View recording and resources.

AC 2024 | Registration open
    Registration is now open for the 31st session of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. The three-day event will take place in Bismarck, North Dakota, at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church.

COMING UP

 Fresh Expressions Activate Day | April 20
    Did you miss the Fresh Expressions Activate Day on Dec. 2 and are you seeking to take a deeper dive into creating a Fresh Expression? Join us to continue the momentum at Activate Day on April 20, 9 a.m. to noon.

Passover Retreat | April 22-24
    It's a scripture circle retreat with a nod to Passover, for a number of reasons. Passover is the second event listed in the sacred calendar and is designed to be experienced in community. There are a few specifics in Lev 23, like do no "regular work", eat together unleavened bread, and offerings by fire. We will have "nods" to those things. This will not be a traditional Jewish Passover. The topics and passages that we choose to discuss will be chosen like we normally do, listening for the Spirit in everyone's thoughts, and then voting. Join us on April 22-24 Retreat at Lake Poinsett Camp.

General Conference | April 23-May 4
    The 2024 United Methodist General Conference (officially still titled "General Conference 2020") will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow the action.

Register for Camp | April 30 Early Bird deadline
    Summer 2024 camp registration is OPEN! Keep an eye on your mailbox for the NEW 2024 camp brochure! Don’t forget about the Early Bird incentive. Register before April 30 and receive a $5 per night discount. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due April 30
    Grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly as seed money to launch new ministries or expand an existing ministry.
Learn more about Breakthrough Ministry Grants here.

Practical Church Leadership Certificate Program | Apply by May 1
    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 resources. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Get the details.

Dakotas Conference Licensing school | Register by May 23
    The 2024 Dakotas Conference Licensing school will take place in a hybrid format. Register to gain access to the study materials you will need. The face to face teaching will take place June 23-27 at Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. If you are a candidate to become a licensed local pastor or certified lay minister access the details and register by May 23.

Long-Term Renewal | Apply by June 1
    The next deadline for the submission of a Long-Term Renewal application along with the related parts (Formational Plan and Pastoral Coverage Grant request) is June 1, 2024. This deadline is for all long-term leaves to be taken after December 1, 2024. Check here for all information related to the updated Renewal Leave and Pastoral Coverage Grant.

AC 2024 | June 6-8, 2024
    The 31st session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be held June 6-8, 2024, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The gathering will include inspiring worship, business, conversations about who and where we are, and celebration of clergy milestones. Drawing on Isaiah 43:1, the theme of this year’s gathering is “Jesus. Redeemer.” We are all called and redeemed by God, who rightfully declares, "You are mine." We will gather as one body at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church. Here are some of the details for our time together: Get the details.

Scripture Circle Facilitator Cohort | June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30
    The six-week Scripture Circle Facilitator training will be on June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30, at 10:30-12 p.m. CDT. The purpose of this cohort is to better equip you to lead a group in a scripture circle style.  To maximize the learning and experience, have a group of 6 to 15 people, ready to study with you in your real world that you can practice on. This cohort is going to be capped at 11 people.  Get the details. 

Clergy Family Get Away | July 1-5
    Clergy, bring your family, and come join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating time away. Enjoy time at the lake and family fun. This event has limited planned programming, but there will be opportunities for campfires, crafts, games, and more! Get the details.

Impact Fargo: Taking God Seriously | July 28-Aug. 2
    Youth from across Dakotas are invited to a mission event in Fargo, N.D. IMPACT Fargo 2024: Taking God Seriously, is happening July 28-Aug. 2, 2024. Get the details.

RESOURCES

100 Days of Prayer | Week two
    This is the second week of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 100 Days of Prayer initiative. Throughout this week, reflect on the words “be still and know” from Psalm 46. Note the things that distract you. What throws you off course and causes you to forget God’s goodness, faithfulness, or work in your life and in the world? How is God showing up? Access resources for week two.

Native American Sunday | April 14
    Explore these resources to learn how and why United Methodists celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday. Invite your faith community to give generously, knowing that half of the gifts remain in the conference to support Committee on Native American Ministries, create programs and resources and support seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans.

Get a jump start on VBS!
    Are you gearing up for an awesome Vacation Bible School this summer? We bet you are, and Resource UMC is here to help you make it the most talked-about event in your community! Access the tips and resources.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details on jobs available at these Conference churches and organizations.

Children's Music Director | First UMC Sioux Falls
    First UMC in Sioux Falls, S.D. is seeking a Children’s Music Director for four-year-olds through fifth grade. If you feel God is leading you to join this team and your skills match the position, please email Luann Berkhof your resume and cover letter. For more information, you can call the church office at 605.336.3652. View a full job description.

Accompanist | Ben Clare UMC
    Ben Clare UMC near Valley Springs, S.D. is looking for a musical accompaniment for 9 a.m. traditional service and special services. The music includes, but is not limited to: hymns, prelude and postlude, offertory, special music. If interested, please send your resume to: Pastor Krista Ducker. Get more details.