Summer 2017 youth mission trip

Calling all Dakotas Conference high school youth.  Come join us for the 2017 mission trip to Mission, Texas.  We will depart from the Dakotas on Saturday, June 24, and will return on Sunday, July 2.  The cost of the trip is $750 and includes everything except some meal money while we travel and any money you want to spend on souvenirs.

The core of our trip will be Monday through Thursday—four days working in the "colonial" area of southern Texas.  This strip of land just north of Mexico is home to many people in need.  Most of our work will be light construction type of work.  We will be staying at a beautiful camp just north of Mission.  We will eat our meals, worship and enjoy some free time on the courts and in the pool.

On the way back to the Dakotas we will spend a day at Six Flags Fiesta just outside of San Antonio. This day of fun together will celebrate all the great work we will do for the people of the "Colonial" region.

There is a non-refundable $150 deposit due with your registration forms.  You can register on-line at the camping web site (www.dakcamps.org) or you can print forms out and send them to the camping office.  There is a maximum of 150 seats available, so get registered soon!!

If you have any questions you can contact the camp office or the trip deans.  You can contact John Britt at: pastorjohnbritt@gmail.com or Steve Hilton at: andone39@gmail.com.  CLICK HERE for a brochure.

Christmas open house at Lake Poinsett

Lake Poinsett is hosting a great outing for families, churches, scouts and friends at no charge. Join the staff in the Living Waters Retreat Center, Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m., for an afternoon of Christmas activities including: gingerbread house making, cookie decorating, delicious appetizers, candy cane hunt, ornament making and more!

Stay the whole weekend for free December 2-4, 2016. You will stay at the Living Waters Retreat Center and if the building fills ups, overflow will stay in the Hubbard and Grinager cabins. We will start Saturday morning off with brunch, enjoy the open house in the afternoon followed by supper in the evening. We will conclude the weekend on Sunday with breakfast.  Limited overnight lodging so RSVP asap!  Please call 605-983-5547 or email lpc@dakcamps.org for reservations.  An RSVP is not required for Saturday open house but helpful.

Dare to Dream 2017 Lenten study

Are your goals too small? Are you living the “just get by” plan? Or is there a greater “God dream” for you that, if lived to the fullest, could permeate and inform every move you make?

Dare to Dream, by popular author and pastor Mike Slaughter, will be the 2017 Lenten study of the Dakotas Conference. The study will include a Ash Wednesday video message follwed each week by a video message from one of the Dakotas Conference cabinet members will be available for you to use.  Participants will learn how to develop a life mission statement that helps them fully commit to a God-directed lifestyle.

Click here to order Dare to Dream

Wanted: Advent and Christmas photos

Advent and Christmas are a busy and festive time of the year in most churches. We would love to share photos of your programs, your decorated church and events.  Please e-mail them to Doreen Gosmire or text them to 605-770-8540.  Make sure to provide the name of your church and a contact information. Video clips are also welcome.  Help us spread the story of the newborn Christ child through the eyes of your congregation.

Ministry Discernment Retreats

The Ministry Discernment Retreat is a one-day event, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) for those who are feeling CALLED to serve in ministry to others. The retreat is for anyone in the local church who would like to explore their calling. Participants will find where their gifts are best suited to serve the local church or to more intentionally serve beyond the churches four walls.  Here is a list of dates and places:

January 14, 2017--Aberdeen First, Grand Forks Wesley, Sioux Falls Asbury

January 21, 2017—Rapid City Canyon Lake

January 28, 2017—Valley City Epworth

February 4, 2017—Mitchell First, Pierre First, Bismarck Legacy

February 11, 2017—Fargo Flame of Faith, Aberdeen First

Click here to register

UMC #GivingTuesday is Nov. 29

On Nov. 29, United Methodists will come together to support the work of Advance missionaries and projects on UMC #GivingTuesday. Last year, more than 770 Advance missionaries and projects received 8,757 gifts through The Advance, the denomination’s designated giving channel.

The theme for UMC #GivingTuesday 2016 is “Give Light, Give Love, Give Life.” Every day, you give God’s light, love, and life through your faithful work, prayers, and gifts.

This year, consider supporting a project that is working in an area you care most about. Gifts made through The Advance make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. For more information and to download resources, go to www.umcmission.org/giving-tuesday/resources.