THIS WEEK

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due January 31
    Breakthrough Ministry 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 here.

Dynamite Prayer | Week 3: Holy Spirit Power
    During week three of our Dynamite Prayer Initiative we focus on the miraculous activities of the Spirit’s dunamis that become evident when we commit ourselves to a fueled life. Do you fine yourself striving hard for others to be impressed by your credentials or actions? Are you thankful for what the Spirit’s dunamis is accomplishing through you? Access resources.

GBHEM Scholarship Night | February 2, 2024
    The GBHEM Office of Scholarships is asking all United Methodist students to join a virtual scholarship information session on Feb. 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. CST. Students who register and attend the virtual session will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a $1000 scholarship from GBHEM. For more information please email umscholar@gbhem.org.

COMING UP

Fresh Expressions National Gathering | Feb. 7-9
    Fresh Expressions National Gathering is Feb. 7-9, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is a great opportunity for those interested in cultivating a fresh expression in their community. Bishop Lanette will be there too! Use discount code FXDKMN for $80 off your registration.

Clergy invited to spend time at camp
    As Dakotas United Methodist clergy, you have a special benefit gifted from the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Pensions. In appreciation of your ministry and acknowledgment that you deserve some time away, you are invited to schedule a personal retreat and/or a family vacation for the members of your immediate household at your favorite Dakotas United Methodist Camp! You may stay up to a total of two weeks each year for FREE at any of the three locations.

2024 Lent Study | Multiplying Love
    Join Bishop Lanette Plambeck and the Dakotas and Minnesota Conference Cabinets this Lent for a video study. Explore the power of the Wesleyan approach to the gospel and a compelling case for the future of The United Methodist Church. 

S.D. Interfaith Day | Feb. 12
    Join faith leaders, for a day at the Capitol as we stand in solidarity and pray for peace for everyone who calls South Dakota home. The annual Interfaith Day at the State Capitol in Pierre for the 2024 Legislative Session is Feb. 15 beginning at 9 a.m. Get the details.

Exploration 2024 | Feb. 16-18
    Exploration, is being held in Orlando, Feb. 16-18. It is a gathering, hosted by The United Methodist Church, that creates sacred space for young adults, ages 18-26, to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern God's call on their life, how ministry in and with The United Methodist Church might be a part of that call, and what faithful steps they can take in response.

SPRC Training | Feb. 22
    If you have new members to your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), or have recently received a new pastor, or haven't been through a training in a while, join an online (Zoom) training on February 22, at 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Builders Club | Winter 2024
    The winter Builders Club call is for Prairie View UMC in southwest corner of South Dakota. They are needed repairs to the parsonage. Learn more at this request. Join Builders Club and donate.

Confirmation Camp | March 1-2, 2024
    Confirmation Camp at Lake Poinsett is scheduled for March 1-2! Let Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty know if you are interested in helping in any capacity. You and your confirmation crew are invited to join!

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.

RESOURCES

Collect coins for a cause as a Lenten practice 
    Lent begins February 14. This church season is a good time to commit to giving money for a cause, either here in the Dakotas or beyond, that helps those in need. One way to involve the whole family is to collect coins during Lent and then, after Easter, donate the money. Discipleship Ministries has created a helpful calendar as a guide.

2024 IRS mileage rate
    The IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2024 increases to 67 cents a mile, up 1.5 cents from 2023. Learn more.

Interfaith Clergy Debt Relief Program
    Clergy can borrow up to $20,000 to alleviate high interest debt. This program is made possible through partnership with Wespath as part of their Financial Well-Being Initiative. Learn more.

SCHOLARSHIPS

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation scholarships | Apply by March 1
    United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards $2+ million yearly to students, graduate and undergraduate attending UM-related schools. Applications are open through March 1. Apply today.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Scholarships | Apply by March 13
    GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, annually an average of $5.5 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. Apply by March 13.

Dakotas Merit Scholarships | Apply by April 1
    The Dakotas Methodist Foundation awards scholarships each year to seminary students showing exceptional promise or achievement in preparation for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. In previous years, nearly $100,000 has been available for distribution. Scholarship amounts are dependent upon the number of applicants and funds available. Priority is given to applicants pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Applications are due by April 1st and applicants are notified of decisions in May.

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.

Facilties Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center
     Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center, a ministry of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is seeking an experienced professional in the area of facility maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a radical hospitality mindset, knowledge of a wide range of maintenance tasks, experience in working with volunteers and staff teams, and an understanding of ministry as a lifestyle. This is a full-time, exempt position that includes salary, on-site housing, benefits, and meals provided when guests are present. Anticipated start date of March 2024, though actual start date can be flexible.  A full job description can be found here.

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 not limited to: hymns, prelude and postlude, offertory, special music. If interested, please send your resume to: kristaducker@gmail.com. Get more details.