THIS WEEK

Pray with us | August 31- September 6
    Guide me lord, you are my heart you are my strength, you are my hope. Teach me Lord, and guide my way I love you more each passing day. We pray for all of God's people but especially these persons:
 
Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. Mountain, 9 a.m. Central 
    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, 8:00 a.m. Mountain.

UMW Assembly - Orlando | Registration opens Sept 1
    The UMW Assembly will be May 20-22, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. The theme is Turn It Up! Now more than ever, women need to come together to reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to move forward, finding ways for faith-filled women to make a difference in the world. Early registration begins Sept 1, 2021.

COMING UP

Solar Oven Partners Voyage Across the Dakotas | Sept. 22 - Oct. 3
    Solar Oven Partners (SOP) Volunteer-in-Mission teams may have been home-bound during the pandemic, but you can invite your mission team and supporters, youth directors, and possible volunteers to join SOP’s Dominican Voyage Across the Dakotas this fall. SOP Director Marjorie Evans-De-Carpio and Dominican Director Erasme Figaro plan to make stops at churches and events across the Dakotas from September 22-October 3. Find out how SOP has continued its solar oven ministry in the midst of COVID-19, and attend the opening of the long-awaited new workshop in Rapid City. Details here. 

Walk to Emmaus - East | September 17-19
    Have you attended the Walk to Emmaus? If you have, then we have an event for you.  This fall we are holding retreat at Lake Pointsett Camp and Retreat Center, September 17-19, 2021.  The theme for these retreat is 'Rekindle Your Spiritual Fire'.  We want the entire 4th Day Community to be energized for the Walks that will be held next year. Get the details here.

REACH! With Missional Communities | Sept 23
    Making new disciples requires that followers of Jesus deeply engage their communities in transformational ways.  Rachel Gilmore comes to us having experience and wisdom on forming missional communities that accomplish that deep engagement.  If you are looking for principles to move out of your building and into your neighborhood with greater effectiveness, register for this Reach! webinar.

Leadership Institute 2021 | September 29-October 1, 2021
    You're invited to the Leadership Institute at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. Come for inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership. You can attend online or in-person. Get the details here. 

Dakotas United Methodist Women | Annual Celebration Oct. 1-2, 2021
    The Dakotas Conference United Methodist Women's Annual Celebration will be held Oct 1-2 in Jamestown, North Dakota. A registration form will be posted on the UMW page of the Conference website very soon. 

Walk to Emmaus - West | October 1-3
    Have you attended the Walk to Emmaus? If you have, then we have an event for you. This fall we are holding retreat at Storm Mountain Center, October 1-3, 2021. The theme for these retreat is 'Rekindle Your Spiritual Fire'. We want the entire 4th Day Community to be energized for the Walks that will be held next year. Get the details here.

Confirmation Retreat | October 22-23
    Experience connections with other United Methodist churches and confirmands. Learn about a part of your Christian and United Methodist heritage. Develop your faith while playing and studying during this retreat. Bring your own group leaders and youth to Storm Mountain Center October 22-23. Register here. 

Relax, Refresh, Renew | October 22-24
    Experience a time to relax, refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit. In the beauty of creation, you will find both group time to build Christian community, and time apart for Sabbath and renewal. Join other women from across the Dakotas Conference at Storm Mountain Center, October 22-24. 

RESOURCES 

FPU special offer | Free leadership materials
    Thinking about hosting a Financial Peace University group this fall? We have 32 leadership sets of the latest version of Financial Peace University materials (prior to the digital change) FREE for any church wishing to host a small group. Individual participant materials must still be obtained. The $500 Financial Ministry grant can help with that, too.
E-mail Diane Owen to have the leadership materials sent to your church and help you with funding a small group through a Financial Ministry Grant.

Creating a Narrative Budget with Ken Sloane
    Discipleship Ministries is excited to announce the launch of a new course for local church leaders: Creating a Narrative Budget – The Story Behind the Numbers. This course opens in early September. The new course is written and hosted by the Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship & Generosity, who has spoken oat our Annual Conference sessions. Rev. Sloane will serve as instructor for the course, interacting with participants through their responses to questions throughout the course, and answering questions that might arise. Thanks to your apportionments, this course is free to UMC clergy and laity.

The Impact of COVID-19 on The UMC
    Research findings from the final phase of the Impact of COVID-19 Study are now available. This phase assessed the pandemic’s influence on local church services and ministries, finances and clergy well-being, and also explored demographic trends. United Methodist Communications conducted the study, and published their results here.

JOBS | ADS | OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Property Manager - Storm Mountain Center | Closes Sept. 4

    Storm Mountain Center, a Christian camp & retreat center in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, seeks a full-time Property Manager to oversee the upkeep and enhancement of the facility. This is a salaried position that includes a house and generous benefits package. Position open immediately. More information here, or by calling Lara & Levi at 605-343-4391. Application deadline:  September 4, 2021.
 

Food Service Manager - Storm Mountain Center | Closes Sept. 8
    Storm Mountain Center, a Christian camp & retreat center in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, seeks a full-time Food Service Manager. This growing ministry serves 3,000 people annually through traditional summer camp and year-round retreat ministry. This salaried position includes a house and a generous benefits package. Access application information here, or call Lara & Levi at 605-343-4391. Application deadline: September 8, 2021.

Fargo Calvary UMC | Discipleship and Youth Pastor/Director
    Calvary UMC is seeking a shepherd with a heart and a passion for discipleship and youth (6th-12th grade). Their primary role is to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. This person will have characteristics and qualifications consistent with 1 Timothy 3:1-7. We desire someone with a strong knowledge of the Bible and the ability to teach. See the full-time job description, duties, and necessary qualifications here. Email a cover letter and resume to Calvary UMC.

OTHER JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS |  VIEW ADS 
    Jobs available at Bismarck McCabe, Pierre First, Southern Hills, Canyon Lake, and Asbury United Methodist Churches across our conference.