THIS WEEK

Shoebox Christmas 2023 | Gifts needed at drop off locations November 10
    Start collecting your Shoebox Christmas gifts. Spirit Lake Ministry Center coordinates Shoebox Christmas gifts to over 6,000 children across the reservations of North Dakota, South Dakota and into Minnnesota. Learn more about Shoebox Christmas gifts and the dropoff loactions. 

UMCOR kit update
    The Dakotas Conference is no longer collecting UMCOR mission kits. UMCOR recognizes that shipping these items may cause harm if the materials displace potential local purchases that would otherwise support the local economy. To this end, UMCOR determined that it would cease international shipment of material assistance. Even within the United States, the collection and distribution of relief kits are becoming challenging. Instead, consider supporting Midwest Mission or one of the Dakotas Conference mission ministries.

Explore how to become a UM EarthKeeper | Apply by August 23
    Join other UMs who are leading grassroots environmental projects that are action-oriented, antiracist, bold, and entrepreneurial. UM Board of Global Ministries' EarthKeepers training helps people to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. Apply to be part of next training events take place Oct. 5-8 in Birmingham, Ala.; Denver, Colo.; and Hartford, Conn.

COMING UP

Scripture Circles for Clergy | September start
    Scripture Circles for Clergy will take place Mondays, Sept. 11-Nov. 20; Tuesdays, Sept. 12-Nov. 21; or Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon CT, online. Clergy, take time to discuss and savor the original language and context of scripture in these small group experiences through a combination of spiritual direction and deep bible study. Register now to reserve your spot. There is plenty space available on Wednesdays with seven spots,  there is room for three on Mondays, and only two spaces left for Tuesdays. Get the details and register. 

Lay Ministry Academy  |  October 13-15 REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 13
    The upcoming Lay Academy will help strengthen your understanding and skills for planning and leading the spoken parts of worship, including preaching.  Register for training beginning at 1 p.m., Friday, October 13, and finishing early afternoon on Sunday, Oactober 15, at Huron Riverview UMC. 

National Day of Volunteer Training | September 23, 2023
    Fargo First UMC is once again hosting National Day of Volunteer Training through Download Youth Ministry. The date for this year's training is September 23, beginning at 9 a.m. Bring your team to this training. Current pricing is $99.00 for everyone on your team. Prices will go up on May 1. The training will be finished by noon. Fargo First UMC will be providing lunch for all attendees after the training. Please mark your calendars, register, and join us. 

Leadership Institute | September 27-29
    Leadership Institute, Resurrection's annual leadership conference for church leaders, is Sept. 27-29, featuring many great speakers, including Rev. Adam Hamilton and Carey Nieuwhof.

Fresh Expressions | September 30
    Over the next year, Rev. Dr. Michael Beck will help you create a fresh expression in your context. There will be three gatherings, each of which build on the last, with group coaching in-between:
· Imagine Day: Casting a vision, with some nuts and bolts and a plan for next steps
· Activate Day: A deep dive in what to do, with interactive team exercises and processing your journey
· Multiply Day: Reverse mentorship, with local church fresh expressions teams relaying what they learned and receiving coaching
Sign up for Imagine Day on Sept. 30—register here.  

RESOURCES

 Special Session | View the livestream recording  
    A Special Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference was held August 15, 2023, the ratification of disaffiliation agreements for 15 congregations were affirmed.  Access the legislation. 

Wildfires in Hawaii | Special sanctuary lost in Maui fires
    Join us in prayer for those affected by the wildfires in Hawaii. Wind-driven fires on Maui have prompted evacuations and caused loss of life and widespread damage. UMCOR is currently coordinating with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to provide a solidarity grant for emergency supplies. Donate to this and other U.S. disasters here.

UM Communications | Website services
    Your church’s website is one of the main ways people learn about your ministry and values. Is yours where it needs to be? With families settling in, students returning to school and fall activities quickly approaching, you’ll want to be ready. United Methodist Communication’s Local Church Services team can work with you to construct a fully customized website experience at an affordable price. Apply today and you’ll increase your church’s reach in no time!

Marketing and promotions | Coaching community
    United Methodist Communications has a solution. We are building coaching communities, creating cohorts that encourage church leaders to talk through marketing topics and find inspiration. And we’ll be with you every step of the way. Three Zoom sessions are scheduled for September.

In our hearts

In our hearts | Lois Ward 
    We extend sympathy to the family and friends of Lois Ward. Lois 91, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away August 12, 2023. View the obituary. 

GRANTS    

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous givers
    If you are interested in learning more about growing generous givers, starting a study such as Saving Grace, or providing a growth opportunity for key leaders, consider applying for a Financial Ministry Grant of up to $500 to fund your effort. Whatever your method for improving the financial health of your church and embedding the value of generosity into your church culture, some financial support can jumpstart your efforts! Apply for the Financial Ministry Grant using a simple application found here.

NCJ Mission Council Grant | Apply by September 1
    The North Central Jurisdiction Mission is announcing that applications are now being received for grant funding for 2024. As you consider your grant submission, the Mission Council asks that you thoughtfully consider how this grant will be a benefit to the entire jurisdiction in its scope and how you intend on communicating the use of your program through the jurisdiction. Applications are due September 1, 2023. 
    
Discipleship Ministries | Ethnic Ministries Grant
    Discipleship Ministries is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support racial ethnic local churches. Deadline for applying is September 30, 2023. 

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.

Conference Position | Benefits and Human Resources Officer
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer to administer the conference clergy and lay staff benefits program, lead and direct conference human resource functions, and coordinate with the conference treasurer financial reporting for Wespath and the Board of Pensions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.

Ministry / Office Assistant | Brandon Celebration UMC
    Celebration UMC in Brandon, SD is now hiring for the position of Ministry/ Office Assistant. We are seeking a Christian, competent, energetic, motivated, and personable ministry assistant to join our dynamic team. This person will work directly with the pastoral team to provide personalized administrative and ministry support in a well-organized and timely manner. Duties include coordinating church communications, assisting with special projects, updating online and social media content, managing facility rentals, and assisting pastors with tasks essential to the ministry of the church. If you are interested in this position, please contact Addy Kenkel at pastoraddy@alliancecom.net.

Conference Position | Assistant Benefits and HR Administrator
    The Dakotas Conference Benefits Office is seeking a full-time Assistant Benefits and Human Resources Administrator to assist with administering the conference clergy and lay staff benefits programs and human resource functions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.

Worship Arts Director  | Legacy UMC
     Legacy is looking for a full-time Worship Arts Director, a person with a visible and contagious love for Jesus lived out in passionate worship. This person should be a good communicator with a creative spirit, possessing the musical ability to lead vocally and instrumentally and the leadership to develop the gifts and talents of a diverse team. See the full job description here.