THIS WEEK

Foundation Food Security Grant | Due Sept. 1
    Due to the Generosity of committed donors across the connection, The Dakotas & Minnesota Methodist Foundations are offering one-time grants to churches across the Dakotas that are actively partnered with local schools and non-profits. This funding is intended to support and expand feeding ministries that serve children and families experiencing food insecurity. In the Dakotas, we will award five grants of up to $2,000 each. Funds may be used to support:

• Summer feeding programs that provide meals when school is out of session
• After-school meal programs during the academic year
• Weekend food programs (such as backpack programs) that ensure students have access to food outside of school hours

Applicants must demonstrate an active partnership with a partnering school or nonprofit organization. This collaboration is essential to effectively identify needs, coordinate services, and ensure that food reaches children and families who need it most. Application Deadline: September 1, 2026.

2026 Advent Study with Bishop Lanette | Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, 7-8:15 p.m., online.
    Save the date for this beloved tradition! This Advent, join Bishop Lanette Plambeck for When Hope Is Born, a four-session journey through Scripture exploring the sacred work of midwifery: noticing what God is bringing to life, tending what is vulnerable, making room for what is emerging, and courageously participating in the birth of hope. Learn more here. 

RESOURCES

Amplify/Technology Connection Grants
    The Dakotas Conference through our Dakotas Connection Initiative is offering grants to assist with Amplify Dakotas access, as well as church to church technology connections.

These grants are designed to serve two main purposes.

1. Grants are available to rural churches needing assistance accessing the Amplify Dakotas Channel – this could include appropriate computer hardware, peripheral equipment, or internet service depending on location and available services.

2. Grants are available for technology connection between churches of any size with the intent to share resources and services within our rural UMC congregations.

Please note, these grants are not for use to simply replace outdated technology.

You can apply for grants using this link:   The grant application requires answering a few simple questions to assess your current technology status and access needs.  Beata Ferris, Amplify Dakotas Project Manager, will review applications and contact applicants for additional information as needed.  Grant applications will be reviewed individually, and awards will be based on merit and need.  You can contact Beata by email at beata.ferris@dakotasumc.org

Amplify Dakotas continues to build membership – we currently have 339 subscribers on our channel and would love to see that number grow. You can be the next to subscribe for free at this link.  Home-grown worship and discipleship resources for local churches developed by Dakotas Conference family are added to the platform often. The best part – there is no cost to subscribe to Amplify Dakotas for at least the next three years. Plus, the more we can connect our rural churches digitally within the conference, the better prepared and encouraged we will be to share resources with each other. Learn more about Amplify Dakotas Channel HERE.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Let's Preach 2026-27
    Clergy, The Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The UMC invites you to grow your preaching skills. Join two great opportunities to continue learning. Attend the PREACH! 2026 gathering, then participate as a small group in Let's Preach! throughout 2026 and 2027.

Save the Date! Dog-Eared Disciples | Beginning 9-10:30 a.m. CDT, online
    Save the date for this book study initiative from Bishop Lanette Plambeck. Registration and more details will be available in coming weeks.

Scripture Circles for Clergy & Laity | September start
    Scripture Circles for Clergy will take place Mondays, beginning Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m. CT, or Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. spanning 10 weeks, online. On Mondays beginning Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT a circle for laity will be held online for 10 weeks. Join together to discuss and savor the original language and context of scripture in these small group experiences through a combination of spiritual direction and deep bible study. Register now to reserve your spot. A $100 discount is available for those clergy new to Scripture Circles. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference.
    Find more information on our Conference website.
    Office/Operations Manager | Legacy UMC, Bismarck, ND
    Non-Traditional Worship Leader | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Digital Ministries Coordinator | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-Time Nursery Care Worker | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Coordinator of Youth Ministries | Yankton First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Music Coordinator | Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND