The Higher Ground Initiative kicked off with the hiring of Amber Laffey as the project coordinator. Plans began for a steering committee and the first Higher Ground retreat. The $925,000, granted by the Lilly Endowment, funds two major components. The first component is based on the requirement by the Book of Discipline to have a process that clergy participate in every eight years of their ministry. Annually, the Higher Ground recharge-refocus retreat and program will provide approximately 15-25 clergy with a time of guided retreat, individualized coaching, and additional time away from church responsibilities to reflect on their ministry and refocus on personal and professional goals for the next season. The second component of Higher Ground is a process of customized individual or group coaching support (e.g. technical, therapeutic, spiritual, discipleship, etc.) provided to pastors based the clergy’s annual assessment process with their church and district superintendent. Read more 

 

In January, ten Minnesota pastors and eight Dakotas pastors, who are participants in the NCLP, presented their applied projects. The applied projects are designed to connect course content to each pastor’s professional work environment. Dakota Wesleyan University and the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church launched the first cohort of participants for the non-profit church leadership certification program in July 2018. The program is supported by a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. Read more 

The last week of January, Winter Connection deepened the faith of high school and middle school youth. How can we use our devices with all of their apps to develop our spirituality and invite others to faith? That was the question that 142 youth and adults pondered during the Winter Connection. The event was held at McCabe United Methodist Church in Bismarck, ND, First UMC in Brookings, SD, and at Storm Mountain Center near Rapid City, SD. Read more 
 

February the world watched and listened as delegates from across the globe met in St. Louis for a special called session of General Conference. The decision of the General Conference was majority support for the Traditional Plan. The vote was 438 to 384. The delegates then voted to ask the Judicial Council, the highest court in the denomination, to review the constitutionality of the approved legislation.  Here you will find articles, videos, and photos related to the 2019 General Conference. 
 

Clergy Academy Leadership participants, meeting at Living Waters Retreat Center at Lake Poinsett Camp, at the end of February, explored intentional faith development. Twice a year, roughly 25 pastors—most in their first three years of ministry—gather at a camp to learn, worship and recharge. Each participate shared resources that expand practices of personal discipleship. Sharing resources and reflection time are vital components of each CLA. Read more 
 

The 2019 Lenten video study featured the cabinet members of the Dakotas Conference and the book, "Renovate: Building a Life with God (The Connected Life),” by Jacob Armstrong. See all the details here. 

By March, the Lydia Project had exceeded the goal of 10,000 scarves. Because of congregations' generous response to the Lydia Project, every participant at General Conference 2020—delegates and alternates, bishops and spouses, dignitaries, visitors, musicians, and other guests—will receive a tangible reminder of God’s love and the prayers of the host conferences. This is hospitality that exceeds expectations! Read more