The Dakotas delegation joins with others at the opening worship at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. Photo by NCJ communicators.

The Dakotas Conference welcomed 300 United Methodists to the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Delegates, reserve delegates, bishops, and guests from 10 conferences and nine episcopal areas traveled from 11 states for the 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, happening July 10-13, for worship, business, and learning.

The conference opened with worship on Wednesday afternoon with a message from Bishop Lanette Plambeck. She explained that edge-walkers are called to live and lead where two cultures meet.

“I have a confession to make,” Bishop Lanette Plambeck told those gathered at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “I’ve discovered in my assignment in the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area that I’m an edge walker.”  Read more and listen to the message.

Retired and active members of the North Central Jurisdictional (NCJ) College of Bishops met with BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color) delegates for a time of reflection and conversation over lunch. Read more

The first business session included the official roll call of delegates, reserve delegates, bishops, and representatives from boards and agencies. Reports were received from the Mission Council, the Committee on Episcopacy and the North Central Jurisdiction Treasurer, Rev. Lonnie Chafin.

The body affirmed the Rules of Order, members of the North Central Jurisdiction committees and NCJ officers. Recommendations from the Committee on Episcopacy to not hold election of bishops, and to approve the names of two new episcopal areas—Ohio Area and the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area, were approved.

Attendees listened to Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the Commission on Archives and History, speak about our Wesleyan heritage, Three Simple Rules, and Addressing Racism in our Wesleyan ways. Watch the livestream of the session.

Tomorrow the day will begin with worship followed by three business sessions which will include learning from speakers Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote. 

Watch the Livestream                         

View the schedule