Note e-mail scam

 Some clergy and lay leaders are receiving e-mails from Rev. Kris Mutzenberger requesting your immediate attention. This is a scam or phishing attempt. Please do not respond. She does not, nor do any of the conference employees, including Bishop Haller, send e-mail messages or requests to you from a g-mail account. 

THIS WEEK

Pray with us | March 30-April 5
  Lord, thank you for grace. Please help us move beyond the hurdles that trip us up and give us the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope we run toward in Christ. We pray for all of God's people, especially these persons. 

Thine Be the Glory |  UMC world-wide virtual Easter choir
   Watch as hundreds of United Methodists from across the globe join together to sing Thine Be The Glory. Thanks to the worship team at Discipleship Ministries for coordinating the project and providing the vision for the Easter choir, and of course, all 400 singers. The arrangement used of “Thine Be the Glory” was written and performed by Rev. Jared Wilson, Senior Associate Pastor and Director of The Music & Arts Academy at Madison Street UMC in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Call for AC 20201  resolutions, petitions, and award nominations | March 31 deadlline
    Lay and clergy are invited to submit petitions and resolutions to be considered at the 2021 Annual Conference by March 31, 2021. The Dakotas Conference Cabinet also invites nominations for several awards that will be a part of the session by March 31, 2021. 

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    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 time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

Merit Scholarships | Apply by April 1
    The Dakotas Conference and Foundation support those entering their  call to ministry and invite seminary students to apply for a Merit Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded each year to seminary students showing exceptional promise or achievement in preparation for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church and connected to the Dakotas Conference. In previous years, close to $100,000 has been available for distribution. Scholarship amounts are dependent upon the number of applicants and funds available.  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Weller. Apply here. 

2021 Annual Conference | Registration opens April 5
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. 

COMING UP

Global Ministries EarthKeepers Online Training | Apply by April 12 
    Apply to join the Global Ministries EarthKeepers. This is online training program, happening May 7-22,  that equips US-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training.  Get the details.

REACH! MAKE MORE OF FALL 2021: Re-launching Post-Pandemic Public Worship with Purpose
     Join Rev. Ben Ingebretson on April 14, 2021, from 12 p.m. MDT, 1 p.m. CDT,  for a webinar to plan for your church to show radical hospitality and invitation to your community. Welcome Back Weekend training will provide a roadmap for your church to use as you prepare to engage new people in fall 2021!  Get the details and register here. 

Clergy Financial Well-Being Group #2 | Register now
    This new opportunity begins Thursday, April 15,  for eight weeks. Sessions will be held  for 90-minutes from 2:30 – 2:00 p.m.  CDT.  The leader and facilitator, Sarah Swantner, owner of Black Hills Integrative Counseling and Coaching, will lead you through an exploration of topics around cash flow, money mechanics, insurance and asset protection, wills and legacy planning, setting and adhering to financial goals and plans, money beliefs, money in relationships, financial alignment with personal values and life purpose, and ways to reduce financial stress and increase financial satisfaction. Swantner is a professional financial counselor(CFP) and has been working with our Area clergy in groups and individually over the last two years. Register now as space is limited. Contact Diane Owen with any questions.

Youth Worker Academy | April 23 - Apr 25, 2021
    Join us for an amazing time of training, sharing, and connection for pastors and lay leaders that work with youth in churches across the Conference. Youth Worker Academy will be held at Storm Mountain Center on April 23-25, 2021. Our guest presenter will be Chris Hansen of Leadership Harbor. Find out more at leadershipharbor.com.  Check out all of the details and register now. 

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Applications accepted through April 30
    Apply for a grant to reach the next person for Jesus. Breakthrough Ministry Grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call.  The next grant application deadline is April 30.  Get the application and instructions here. For questions about the application process, contact Diane Weller in the Foundation office.

Nonprofit Church Leadership certificate program for clergy | Application process open until May 1
   Clergy may apply for this year-long online graduate certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University to increase leadership competencies.  View summaries of the applied projects presented by the participating pastors in 2019 and 2020. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. Learn more about the program by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

Financial Foundations Webinar: Investment and Endowment Account | May 10  
   Join the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Foundations for the quarterly webinar Fianancial Foundations on May 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. MDT, 7 p.m. CDT.  In this session you will discover how an investment or endowment account will benefit your church and align with your church's vision and goals. Register here. 

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camp Sunday: Plan a special day set apart for your congregation to celebrate the ministry of camping together. Camp Sundays typically include camp style, themed worship with music, and testimonials on camps’ personal impact. In-person worship can consist of decorating the church in a camp theme, special snacks or meals, sharing information on registering, and getting local financial support—access 2021 Camp  Sunday resources.

Both/And with Jason Moore | Available until April 14
    These prerecorded sessions and resources, from Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions, are available until April 14.  Jasaon shares tips and guidance as we look to a future when we can worship in-person again, and how we will need to prepare to maximize hybrid worship experiences for both online and in-person audiences. Session one,  Session two, Handbook

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dakotas UM Camps | Now hiring
    Are or someone you know looking for a summer job that provides plenty of time outdoors, great fun with people of all ages, and an opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and youth? If so, let us know! Join in the fun and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at one of three Dakotas United Methodist camps!  We are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff.  All positions include industry competitive salary, room, board, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life changing experience.  Apply here

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.

Yankton First UMC | Praise Team Leader
     At First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, the Praise Team Leader will provide vocal and musical leadership to the Sunday morning contemporary worship service. This position will be responsible for the planning, preparing, and coordinating of all aspects of music for the contemporary worship service. View a job description and application details here. 

FOR SALE

    Copier for sale: The United Methodist Church in Plankinton, South Dakota, has a copier for sale. It is a Toshiba e studio 356. It does black and white copies and has duplexing. The copier is in good working condition and has a total print count of 235,000.  The asking price is  $300.00, including two new in the box,  toner cartridges.  Contact Terry at 605-299-6450 or Tara at 605-682-8912. Please leave a message.