THIS WEEK

Preach with Impact | July 18
    Back by popular demand, Pastors Annie Carlson and Jordan Minnich Kjesbo, provide a streamlined version of their January 2023 workshop in this virtual event, Tuesday, July 18 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT. Register here.

Lay Ministry Academy August 4-6 | Early Bird registration is July 17
    The upcoming Lay Academy will help strengthen your understanding and skills for planning and leading the spoken parts of worship, including preaching. Please CLICK HERE to register by Monday, July 17 for training beginning at 1 p.m., Friday, August 4, and finishing early afternoon on Sunday, August 6, at Huron Riverview UMC. Training led by Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, Rev. Doug Diehl, and Rev. Michele Slott.

2023 Mission u
    Don’t miss Mission u 2023! United Women in Faith have a commitment to lifelong learning. Mission u is a perfect example of how that commitment is put into action—and not just for ourselves, but to better reflect God’s love to others. This summer, do yourself a favor and attend this three-day learning adventure. Participate in one of three sessions: Southern Site: July 14-16, 2023, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, access details; Northern Site: July 20-22, 2023, University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND, access details; Virtual: August 10-12, 2023, on Zoom, access details.

Investing In Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | Apply by August 1, 2023
   Get Ready for Student Loan Repayments to Resume! LSS Financial Counseling continues to provide guidance for clergy in the Dakotas and Minnesota annual conferences  - which for some has resulted in the forgiveness of educational debt through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Read this LSS article to learn more about the lifting of the repayment pause and related considerations. If you have outstanding Federal loans, apply now for the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant due August 1, 2023.

Apply by August 1 for the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant, formerly known as Student Debt Reduction Grant. First-time applicants are considered first. Applicants must have completed personal financial education and worked with a financial loan repayment counselor (at least one session). If you need more information about connecting with a student loan repayment counselor, please contact Area Director of Clergy Well-Being Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org. Grant awards up to $5000 are available. Applications are due Aug. 1. Notification of grant awards will occur by Sept. 15. Access application for first-time applicants. Access renewal application if you have applied before.

COMING UP

Youth 2023 | July 22-29
    Middle and high school students are invited to travel with other Dakotas Conference youth to Daytona Beach, Florida, July 22-29, 2023. Join thousands of other youth and their leaders at Youth 2023, at the Daytona Ocean Center and lodging at the Hilton Ocean Front Resort. Check out the cost and further details here.

2023 Mission u
    Don’t miss Mission u 2023! United Women in Faith have a commitment to lifelong learning. Mission u is a perfect example of how that commitment is put into action—and not just for ourselves, but to better reflect God’s love to others. This summer, do yourself a favor and attend this three-day learning adventure. Participate in one of three sessions: Southern Site: July 14-16, 2023, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, access details; Northern Site: July 20-22, 2023, University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND, access details; Virtual: August 10-12, 2023, on Zoom, access details.

Tree of Life grand opening | July 26
    Tree of Life has a new building and a new look. A grand opening is planned for July 26, 2023. If you are coming to the grand opening you can bring any prom attire to donate. We were gifted with about 45 prom dresses during Annual Conference, and more will help. It is only with the help of our generous donors that Tree of Life can help the young people of our area schools have that "fairytale" night at their proms! Read an article about the new signage at Tree of Life.

Called special session | August 15
    After consultation with the Dakotas Appointive Cabinet, Bishop Lanette Plambeck has called a special session of the Dakotas Annual Conference for August 15, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Central Time,  6:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The session will be entirely virtual. This will be the final called conference for disaffiliation in 2023.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Workshop |  August 25
    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Learn more at an information session on Wednesday, June 28 and August 25, 2023. Access details.

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.

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. 

Fresh Expressions | Sept. 30
    Save the date for Fresh Expressions: Imagine Day happening on September 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at hub sites across the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences. Bring your teams and join Rev. Dr. Michael Beck as we imagine new ways to reach new people in new places.

RESOURCES

July Creation Justice Tips | Let’s go plastic free
    Learn how to reduce your consumption of single-use plastics with this list of practical tips from the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement. Plastic Free July is an invitation to learn about the devastation single-use plastic, especially, is causing and what you can do to bring about change.

Update your Find-a-Church profile
    My Portal is great for keeping your communication preferences up to date. It is even better for helping your church keep all of its information current! Church leaders and staff will love the brand-new Find-a-Church 2.0. Access my portal and update your profile. 

AC 2023 | Lost and found
    These two items pictured to the right were found at the 2023 Dakotas Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, SD. Contact Susan Punt at 605-990-7796 or susan.punt@dakotasumc.org if you know the owner of these items. We would love to return them!

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. 

Clergy Well-Being Grants | Apply now
    The 2023 Clergy Well-Being Resource Grant committee is now accepting applications! The Dakotas-Minnesota Area offers our clergy this grant of up to $1,000 for first time applicants and up to $500 for those who received a grant in 2022. Funds could be used for a health coach, spiritual director, gym membership, hiking boots, a creative art experience, a course on resilience or trauma, and more.

IN OUR HEARTS

Rev. Berty Hekeem | July 2, 1936 - June 27, 2023
    Rev. Berty C. Hakeem, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Berty passed away, at the age of 86, in Rapid City. He served in the Dakotas Conference  before transfering to the Northern Illinois Conference. 

Jim Beddow | April 8, 1942 ~ June 25, 2023
     James Bellamy Beddow, a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather, died on June 25, 2023, in Sioux Falls after a brief and unexpected illness. He was 81. He was the longest-serving President in the history of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. 

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.

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.