THIS WEEK

Pray with us | April 20-26 
  Lord, give us strength in our weakness. Give us faith in our fear. Give us power in our powerless. We are trusting you. We pray for all of God's people, but especially these persons. 

Leveraging Communications for Greater Connection | April 20-21
     This two-day virtual conference will help church leaders focus on leveraging various communication tools such as social media, digital ministry, and news writing to share their church’s story with the members and seekers in their communities. Conference attendees will benefit from trusted and proven tactics shared by communication experts. Workshop facilitators will also help participants identify best practices and techniques to take the next steps toward their communication goals. Get the details and register for this opportunity hosted by United Methodist Communications. 

Youth Worker Academy | April 23 -25, 2021
    Join us for an amazing time of training, sharing, and connection for pastors and lay leaders that work with youth in churches across the Conference. Youth Worker Academy will be held at Storm Mountain Center on April 23-25, 2021. Our guest presenter will be Chris Hansen of Leadership Harbor. Find out more at leadershipharbor.com.  Check out all of the details and register now. 

Earth Day | April 22
    Churches typically observe Earth Day Sunday during the month of April. It is an opportunity to reflect on the goodness of God’s creation and the human responsibility to steward it through worship, education and action.  Earth Day worship resources were prepared by Global Ministries and have been curated by the Rev. Jenny Phillips, Senior Technical Advisor for Environmental Sustainability at Global Ministries.  Videos and resources available here

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. central time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.
 

COMING UP

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Applications accepted through April 30
    Apply for a grant to reach the next person for Jesus. Breakthrough Ministry Grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call.  The next grant application deadline is April 30.  Get the application and instructions here. For questions about the application process, contact Diane Weller in the Foundation office.

Nonprofit Church Leadership certificate program for clergy | Applications accepted through May 1
   Clergy may apply for this year-long online graduate certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University to increase leadership competencies.  View summaries of the applied projects presented by the participating pastors in 2019 and 2020. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. Learn more about the program by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

Pre-Retiree Health Insurance Seminar | May 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m., CDT 
    Leana Stunes will present the retiree health insurance program, Via Benefits and HealthFlex, in retirement for all clergy planning to retire in 2021 AND any other clergy considering retirement in the next two to five years. You must contact Leana Stunes by e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar  Part 1| May 4, 9 a.m.-noon, CDT
     Todd Creviston of Wespath presents the pre-retirement seminar. Todd will present the pension plans, Life Stage Investment, and death benefits. You must contact Leana Stunes by e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar Part 2 | May 4, 1-4:30 p.m., CDT
    The 2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar Part 2 will feature John Garrison of EY Financial Planning. This is a two-part seminar broke into 45-minute sessions. The first session will be on Social Security in retirement. You will explore how Social Security benefits are calculated, when you can collect benefits, identify family members who may be entitled to benefits, understand how benefits are taxed, how to obtain projections of benefits. Also, look at Social Security in the context of "retirement planning." Anyone looking to retire in the next five to seven years is welcome to attend. Spouses and church leadership are welcome. The second session will be on estate planning basics. Discussion  will take place on what an estate encompasses, the pros and cons of probate, roles of trusts, important estate documents, estate taxation, tools to reduce estate taxes, and resources available to assist you. Anyone interested in this topic is welcome to attend. You must contact Leana Stunes e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

Wespath Investment Forum | May 5
     Dave Zellner, Chief Investment Officer, and Karen Manczko, director of institutional relationships, will present "Five Near and Long-term Risks Affecting the Markets" along with an overview of Wespath and fund performance. This virtual forum is hosted by the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations. Churches and organizations who invest with the Foundation, those interested in investing with the Foundation, and anyone interested in learning more about long-term sustainable investments is invited to join. Register here

Financial Foundations Webinar: Investment and Endowment Account | May 10  
   Join the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Foundations for the quarterly webinar Financial Foundations on May 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. MDT, 7 p.m. CDT.  In this session, you will discover how an investment or endowment account will benefit your church and align with your church's vision and goals. Register here. 

2021 Annual Conference | Registration is now open
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. Get more details. 

2021 Miracle Offering | Feeding the Dakotas
   The 2021 Miracle Offering: Feeding the Dakotas is a hope-bringing, spirit-fueled activity that will have a lasting impact on thousands of hungry people across North and South Dakota. Our goal for the 2021 Miracle Offering is $75,000 to be shared with the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota, Feeding South Dakota, and grants to local hunger ministries.  Access resources for the 2021 Miracle Offering.  

Builders Club |  Call for Journey at Spirit Lake 
     Builders Club supports the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of people across the Dakotas Conference. Builders Club's goal is to assist churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects. Providing support for churches’ building projects allows them to grow current or begin new ministries.  The current Builders Club call asks Individuals and congregations to support the Journey at Spirit Lake.  Join | Donate online

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

REACH! Make more of Fall 2021 |  Access resources
    Fall 2021 will be a unique window for ministry. Rev. Ben Ingebretson recently presented a webinar, “Fall 2021 Re-Launching Post-Pandemic Public Worship with the Purpose.” Ingebretson shares a roadmap with four elements to a great launch focusing on one central purpose, creating strategic teams, preparing for the next five months, implementing for two months. View a summary article.

Research on young Christians can earn money for your ministry | Respond by April 30
    The Timothy Circle, a non-profit based at United Methodist-affiliated Southwestern College, is researching how young Christians think about calling. One hundred responses from young people ages 14-24 are needed to complete this research. Can you encourage several young people connected to your church to fill out the 10-minute online survey? The Timothy Circle will send $10 to your ministry for each young person who completes the survey, along with a copy of the study’s final report. Responses are needed by April 30, 2021. Visit the Timothy Circle website to participate!

Garrett Seminary 50/50 scholarship | Apply by April 30
    The 50/50 Scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will cover 50% of one’s tuition and 50% of the cost of living in one of our residence halls. The scholarship will enable students to live on-campus with their peers, where they will experience a global community and study alongside our world-class faculty. Applicants can waive the application fee through April 30th using the code FIFTYFIFTY. Completed applications and supporting materials (references and transcripts) for this program must be received no later than April 30, 2021.  Access more information can be found on the seminary’s website.

Camp Sunday: Plan a special day set apart for your congregation to celebrate the ministry of camping together. Camp Sundays typically include camp style, themed worship with music, and testimonials on camps’ personal impact. In-person worship can consist of decorating the church in a camp theme, special snacks or meals, sharing information on registering, and getting local financial support—access 2021 Camp  Sunday resources.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Epworth UMC | Seeking a Director of Youth Ministries
    Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City, North Dakota, is seeking a Director of Youth Ministries. This individual will be responsible for leading weekly youth ministry gatherings, coordinating with the pastor regarding theology and purpose. The Director of Youth Ministries will also work with adult volunteers to maintain Safe Sanctuary standards and work with our Director of Christian Education to coordinate Sunday morning Christian education for youth. The position is for 10 hours a week and continues year-round, with a regular summer mission trip for youth and/or adults. Access a full job description.  Please send a letter of application, three references, and a resume to pastor@epworthvalleycity.com.

Dakotas UM Camps | Now hiring
    Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job that provides plenty of time outdoors, great fun with people of all ages, and an opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth positively?  If so, let us know! Join in the fun and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at one of three Dakotas United Methodist camps!  We are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff.  All positions include competitive industry salary, room, board, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience.  Apply here

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.