Bishop Lanette Plambeck presides over business sessions at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Photos by NCJ communicators.

Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Dakotas Conference clergy delegate shares this reflection at the end of day three of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“This conference has inspired and challenged me to remember who we are as United Methodists. My mind is spinning about how we tell our story—not just to people who are new to Methodism, but those of us who have been United Methodist since birth. There is such richness in our faith tradition and the mission it calls us to live out in the world,” she said.

Delegates held a third business sessions to discuss two proposed motions framed around a racial audit report heard in previous sessions. Bishop Lanette Plambeck, resident bishop for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, presided for the afternoon and evening sessions.

“This is important work. We want to hear all voices and give this discussion the time that is needed,” said Bishop Lanette.  View the evening session.

In the afternoon session, North Central Jurisdictional (NCJ) Conference delegates agreed to add $80,000 to the $40,000 currently allocated in the 2025-2029 jurisdictional budget, specifically for the Episcopal Area Transition Fund. The purpose of this fund is to resource bishops and episcopal areas related to the reduction of bishops that was approved at the 2024 General Conference. Read more. View the afternoon session.

Retiring bishops Gregory V. Palmer and Julius Trimble and their spouses were celebrated. Bishop Dan Schwerin (Northern Illinois), preaching at the two bishops’ retirement recognition at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference on Friday, noted that the two will be taking on other jobs within the denomination. What Bishop Schwerin said he most appreciates about the two bishops—aside from their tireless passion for helping the church—is their courage. Read an article and view the service.

In that same worship service, the North Central Jurisdiction, offered gratitude to Rev. Art Scanson, a retired elder from the Dakotas Conference. He has made crosiers for 13 bishops within the jurisdiction. A crosier is a hooked staff carried by United Methodist bishops to symbolize the pastoral office. Received as a gift upon their election and consecration, bishops carry them during ceremonial events in their episcopal area, like ordinations. Read more and view photos.

Each person registered for the 2024 North Central Jurisdictional (NCJ) Conference was given the book Three Simple Rules — A Wesleyan Way of Living by Bishop Rueben Job. The book, about John Wesley’s three simple rules, helps people apply faith to everyday life and not only live in a way that honors God but encourages them to work toward continual growth and development of their faith. Those three simple rules— do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God — framed the topics for each of the first three days of the NCJ Conference. Read more.

Five lunch and learns were offered to delegates attending the 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, providing continuing education and training for church leaders: Clergy Well-being, Community Development and Ministry, Innovation in Ministry, Practical Church Leadership, and Regionalization. View descriptions and recordings.

Dakotas Conference staff, volunteers, musicians, and worship leaders have offered their talents and hospitality throughout the conference.

“Today I was proud to be from the Dakotas Conference. We have received so many comments about the hospitality shown by our staff and volunteers. This was our highest priority in preparing to host jurisdictional conference—that people would feel loved and cared for when they came to the Dakotas— the way that we hope all people feel when they walk into our United Methodist churches or encounter United Methodist in our communities,” said Rebecca Trefz.

Day 4 Schedule: Saturday, July 13

• 8:30-9 a.m. Opening devotions
• 9-10:45 a.m. Business session with budget discussion and special guest, Rev. Tyler Sit
• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Closing worship and announcement of episcopal assignments