THIS WEEK

General Conference Breakthrough Prayer by Bishop Plambeck
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck has prepared a Breakthrough Prayer for General Conference. You and your entire congregation are invited to pray the prayer daily, especially April 23-May 3. There are three versions of the prayer. A bookmark version to print, cut, and distribute. A digital graphic for screens and social media. A video version to share during worship and on social media.

General Conference | April 23-May 4
    The 2024 United Methodist General Conference (officially still titled "General Conference 2020") will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow the action.

Fresh Expressions Activate Day | April 20
    Did you miss the Fresh Expressions Activate Day on Dec. 2 and are you seeking to take a deeper dive into creating a Fresh Expression? Join us to continue the momentum at Activate Day on April 20, 9 a.m. to noon.

COMING UP

Register for Camp | April 30 Early Bird deadline
    Summer 2024 camp registration is OPEN! Don’t forget about the Early Bird incentive. Register before April 30 and receive a $5 per night discount. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due April 30
    Grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly as seed money to launch new ministries or expand an existing ministry.
Learn more about Breakthrough Ministry Grants here.

Practical Church Leadership Certificate Program | Apply by May 1
    Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resources. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Get the details.

Dakotas Conference Licensing school | Register by May 23
    The 2024 Dakotas Conference Licensing school will take place in a hybrid format. Register to gain access to the study materials you will need. The face to face teaching will take place June 23-27 at Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. If you are a candidate to become a licensed local pastor or certified lay minister access the details and register by May 23.

Long-Term Renewal | Apply by June 1
    The next deadline for the submission of a Long-Term Renewal application along with the related parts (Formational Plan and Pastoral Coverage Grant request) is June 1, 2024. This deadline is for all long-term leaves to be taken after December 1, 2024. Check here for all information related to the updated Renewal Leave and Pastoral Coverage Grant.

2024 Miracle Offering
    Each year, churches and individuals in the Dakotas Annual Conference demonstrate their love for God and their neighbors through the Miracle Offering that is presented during worship at our Annual Conference Session. This year the Miracle Offering will be divided among these recipients: The 31:8 Project—human trafficking, Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care, Recovery Ministry, and the Clergy Sustentation Fund. In addition to giving financially to the Miracle Offering, congregations are invited to collect supplies and backpacks for the Bravery Backpacks program through the 31:8 Project. Access resources.

AC 2024 | June 6-8, 2024
    The 31st session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be held June 6-8, 2024, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The gathering will include inspiring worship, business, conversations about who and where we are, and celebration of clergy milestones. Drawing on Isaiah 43:1, the theme of this year’s gathering is “Jesus. Redeemer.” We are all called and redeemed by God, who rightfully declares, "You are mine." We will gather as one body at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church. Here are some of the details for our time together: Get the details.

North Central Jurisdiction Conference | July 10-13
    The 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, July 10-13, 2024. Gathering around the theme “Lift Every Voice” participants will explore ways to live humbly, love genuinely, live with a sense of presence and joy amid affliction, united with all of our siblings in Christ. View details.

Scripture Circle Facilitator Cohort | June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30
    The six-week Scripture Circle Facilitator training will be on June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30, at 10:30-12 p.m. CDT. The purpose of this cohort is to better equip you to lead a group in a scripture circle style.  To maximize the learning and experience, have a group of 6 to 15 people, ready to study with you in your real world that you can practice on. This cohort is going to be capped at 11 people.  Get the details. 

Clergy Family Get Away | July 1-5
    Clergy, bring your family, and come join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating time away. Enjoy time at the lake and family fun. This event has limited planned programming, but there will be opportunities for campfires, crafts, games, and more! Get the details.

Impact Fargo: Taking God Seriously | July 28-Aug. 2
    Youth from across Dakotas are invited to a mission event in Fargo, N.D. IMPACT Fargo 2024: Taking God Seriously, is happening July 28-Aug. 2, 2024. Get the details.

RESOURCES

AC 2024 | Registration open
    Registration is now open for the 31st session of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. The three-day event will take place in Bismarck, North Dakota, at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church.

100 Days of Prayer | Week three
    This is the third week of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 100 Days of Prayer initiative. Throughout this week, reflect on the words “be still and know” from Psalm 46. Note the things that distract you. What throws you off course and causes you to forget God’s goodness, faithfulness, or work in your life and in the world? How is God showing up? Access resources for week three. Access all resources.

Free Resources at the Conference Office
    Several resources are available for free. If you are interested in any of the resources on this list, contact Susan Punt at susan.punt@dakotasumc.org or call 605-990-7796.

In Our Hearts

In our hearts | Lloyd Liken
    The body of missing 81-year-old Bismarck resident Lloyd Liken, a dedicated member of McCabe UMC, has been found in rural Wells County. Eighty-one-year-old Lloyd Liken has been missing since November 16, and law enforcement and volunteers have been searching for him since. View obituary and memorial service arrangements.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details on jobs available at these Conference churches and organizations.

Accompanist | Ben Clare UMC
    Ben Clare UMC near Valley Springs, S.D. is looking for a musical accompaniment for 9 a.m. traditional service and special services. The music includes, but is not limited to: hymns, prelude and postlude, offertory, special music. If interested, please send your resume to: Pastor Krista Ducker. Get more details.