NEW THIS WEEK!

Moving Seminars - corrected time | May 5 
    The Appointive Cabinet will host two moving seminars on May 5th: Clergy at 1pm CT and S/PPRC members at 6:30 pm CT. Individual invitations with more details will be emailed out separately. These meetings will be recorded for those who may need this information after the meeting day has passed. For any questions, please contact your district superintendent.

United Methodist Men & Scouting Ministry National Gathering | June 31-August 2
    Traveling with your "WHY?" Registration is open for the 2025 National Men's & Scouting Ministry Gathering from July 31st to August 3rd. Attend this dynamic and empowering experience focused on men's ministry, spiritual growth, and Scouting activities. This event, held at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simon's Island, GA, is designed for men and scouts who are looking to deepen their faith and become true disciples in their communities. Conference registration. Register for room and meals. 

SAVE THE DATE! Peace with Justice Sunday | June 15
    As one of the Special Sundays, the United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. We renew our commitment that, to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict. Check out these resources from ResourceUMC.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     This week, Jesus presents some challenging teachings about money--ones that clearly frustrated some of the listeners. It also upended the idea that the being rich was a sign you were favored by God and being poor was seen as a punishment. This culminates with the image of the Rich Man and Lazarus and a subtle, yet poignant, message in verse 31 that perhaps the people had been missing God's message for generations. Additional resource: Commentary on Luke 16

Easter season Breakthrough Prayer from Bishop Lanette
    Risen Christ,you break through the walls we build and roll away the stones we cannot move. You call forth life where we feared only death, and summon hope from the deepest tombs of despair.
     In this Easter season, break through our weary spirits, break open our cautious hearts, break into our waiting churches. Awaken us, O God, to dreams we have not yet dared to dream. Stretch us beyond what we see, and lead us where only resurrection light can guide.
     By your Spirit, make us bold in love, relentless in hope, audacious in grace, and alive to the new creation you are making among us. Roll away every stone, and set our feet running toward the future you have already redeemed. In the name of the Risen One, Amen.

RESOURCES

"Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast | Interview with Dr. Ashley Boggan
    It’s time to get uncomfortable, says Dr. Ashley Boggan, author of “Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity,” a book that challenges United Methodists to reclaim our Methodist roots, embrace holy disruption, and live out the radical, inclusive love that defines our faith. In this episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape,” host Crystal Caviness interviews Dr. Boggan about her new book and her excitement about the way the Holy Spirit is moving in the United Methodist Church. View the episode here. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Lay Academy Training | June 20-22
    Are you or a lay person you know feeling called to grow in knowledge and skill around planning, preparing and leading the spoken parts of worship, including the sermon? Apply to be part of the next Lay Academy Training, June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, S.D. The event will begin at 1pm MT/2 pm CT on Friday and will end after everyone has completed worship and debriefed on Sunday. Registration (including recommendation from your pastor) is due by June 13th.

Historical Society lunch and meeting | June 5
    The Dakotas United Methodist Historical Society will explore the involvement of Dakotas United Methodists with Haiti at its annual meeting, June 5, 2025, 4 p.m., at Dakota Wesleyan University. Bruce Blumer, John Claggett, Ope Niemeyer, and Dave Hansen will be among the presenters.
     Dakotas United Methodists started taking mission trips to Haiti during the 1980’s. The well-known Solar Oven Project, originally directed to Haiti, developed later. As political conditions deteriorated more recently, official Conference sponsorship of mission trips ended. But United Methodists from the Dakotas are still connected. For 40 years or more, this connection has changed lives for the better in both Haiti and the United States.
     A meal costing $20 will be served at 5 p.m. for those who sign up during annual conference registration. A business meeting will follow to consider closing the Historical Society and folding its work back into the Conference Commission on Archives & History. All are welcome!

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Office Coordinator | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Contemporary Worship Director | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Weekend Children’s Program Leader | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD