2022 Lenten Study | Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit
    Our relationship with God, who loves us beyond all measure, is a  journey. This Lent (March 2-April 17, 2022), the Bishop and Cabinet invite all Dakotas United Methodists to join an all-Conference Lenten book study. Reknowned author Henri Nouwen understood the spiritual life as a journey of faith and transformation that is deepened by accountability, community, and relationships. Spiritual Formation reveals Nouwen’s sage advice on how to live out the five classical stages of spiritual development. This Lent explore Nouwen’s unparalleled wisdom on how to move from the mind to the heart and live there in the center—the place where God dwells. More info here.

COMING UP

First Aid for Mental Health | March 10 & 24
    One in every five Americans experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected, undiagnosed and untreated. Wespath is offering First Aid for Mental Health, a two-part live training webinar. This training is free for all UMC clergy and their spouses and congregation members. Details here.

Incubator Training | March 23-25
    Join this online, onboarding discovery process to prepare new church planters or those exploring start up/restart church projects. Learn the skills, behaviors, and tools of a church planter. You will make a plan that can be put into action. Get details here. 

Discernment Retreat | March 26 and April 30
    Are you wondering how God is calling you? Attend the Discernment Retreat on March 26 and April 30, 2022, at the Dakotas Conference Office in Mitchell, South Dakota, or via Zoom. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders. Details here.

Practical Church Leadership Course | Application window open
    The Practical Church Leadership certificate program (formerly known as Nonprofit Church Leadership, or NPCL) is a year-long, online graduate certificate program for clergy through Dakota Wesleyan University. The course is designed to increase competencies in leadership. View summaries of past applied projects by pastors in 2019 and in 2020 or view the application to learn more about the program. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation form. The deadline to submit your application is May 1, 2022. 

Best of Italy and the Oberammergau Passion Play | Departing on August 15, 2022
    Join Bishop Laurie and Rev. Gary Haller along with others from the Dakotas and Iowa Annual Conferences for 12 days in Germany, Austria, and Italy. You'll explore Innsbruck, have the opportunity to see the Oberammergau Passion Play, and spend time in Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. Pricing starts at $5946  from Bismarck, Fargo, ND,  Rapid City, SD, or Sioux Falls, SD, departing on August 15, 2022. Info here.

RESOURCES 

Discover ways to make the Lenten season meaningful
Enter a season of reflection and drawing nearer to God this year, by discovering more ways to make Lent meaningful. Here are some suggestions:
    - Ash Wednesday is March 2. Learn about this holy day of repentance that launches the 40-day Lenten season, a time for reflection and growing closer to God. 
   - Learn through a Lenten photo exploration.  Instead of giving up something, add a new practice by sharing photos of each day's introspective word. Use the #rethinkchurch hashtag.  
    - Ideas for observing Ash Wednesday. Check out meaningful ways to remember this holy day in the midst of your weekday. 

Camp registration is OPEN | View by camp location below
    Summer 2022 camp registration is open! Check this link to see all the exciting camp offerings at Wesley Acres, Storm Mountain, and Lake Poinsett. Remember the Early Bird Discount? Register before April 30 and receive a discount of $5 off per night. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details, or call the camping office at 855-622-1973. 

Builders Club | Winter 2022 project
    The Dakotas Methodist Foundation's Builders Club has announced their Winter 2022 project. Tolstoy UMC is in need of a new roof, as water is leaking into the Sunday School rooms. The congregation is doing all they can, and hope to make additional improvements to provide a base for their ministry outreach. See how you can help here.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads 

Rapid City First UMC | Contemporary Worship Leader 
   Rapid City First United Methodist Church is seeking applicants for the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. This part-time position is tasked with leading contemporary worship music in a way that is appealing, inviting, engaging and worshipful. We expect the discipleship, musicianship, professionalism and care of this person will continue to help our congregation and music team grow in spirit and in knowledge. See full job description and contact info here.