NEW THIS WEEK!

Clergy Epiphany Gathering - January 5-7, 2025

    All clergy are invited to join the Dakotas Conference Cabinet for the Clergy Epiphany Gathering in Aberdeen, SD. Come reconnect, renew and recess with your colleagues as we explore Rhythms of Renewal with Rev. Tony Alstott - lead pastor of Wesley Chapel, Indiana Annual Conference. We will gather on Sunday evening at North Highland UMC for worship and at the Dakota Event Center Monday-Tuesday. Register now! If you have any questions, contact Bea Stucke, or your district superintendent.

Confirmation Camp - Lake Poinsett Camp - Feb. 21-22, 2025
    Confirmation Camp is a transformative retreat where youth from different churches come together to grow in their faith and build lasting connections. We’ll dive into core United Methodist topics like the sacraments, grace, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and the membership vows we make as we are confirmed into the church.  All confirmation youth are welcome and must bring their own group leader(s). Learn more and register here.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES THIS WEEK!

Saving Grace Cohort - Zoom sessions starting in January
     Start the new year by finding the peace that comes with being in control of finances instead of having them control you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource written for the Methodist family and rooted in a Wesleyan perspective. This 6-week session which includes content on the unique aspects of clergy finances, will be led by Marcia Alexander.  Please register by December 15, or contact Diane Weller for more information.

Winter Scripture Circles | Register by Dec. 20
    A new round of Scripture Circles begins the week of January 13 for 10 weeks. Cost for Dakotas-Minnesota clergy is $100. The options to select from are:
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 13- March 17
Tuesdays, 7:30  a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  CT, beginning Jan. 14- March 18
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 14 – March 18
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT, beginning Jan. 14 -March 18
Registration deadline is December 20th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

RESOURCES

Global Ministries Global Mission Fellows - Application deadline Jan. 15, 2025
     The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is excited to announce the launch of the application for the next cohort of Global Ministries Global Mission Fellows (GMF). The GMF program is now accepting new applications, for young adults ages 20-30 to be placed in social justice ministries for two years of service. Please share the information with your network of young adults and influencers. GBHEM will offer an information session on December 19 at 7 a.m. CST.

Blue Christmas Resources from UM Discipleship Ministries

     The season of Advent invites us into the profound mystery of Emmanuel — God with us. The incarnation, where divine love takes on human form, is both a joyous and deeply meaningful event. Yet, like the incarnation itself, this season is filled with complex emotions. Alongside the awe and promise of new life, we also acknowledge the frailty and struggles of being human, including grief and loss. Even as we celebrate the birth of Christ, the church is also called to recognize and honor the grief carried by those whose relationships have been altered or lost through death or other forms of separation. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries provides resources to minister to people in your congregation and community through in-person or social media platforms.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Winter Connection
    Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Our theme for 2025 is: Don't be a Jerk: Love Everyone. Our scripture is John 3:16-17. Don't take love for granted. Recognize God's love - which encompasses you and your neighbor.
    Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, weather appropriate clothing, winter jacket, and gear. Apply here. 
*Note for Southeast site attendees: CCYM members are asking for chuch and personal donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths, socks, and deodorant for "Home For Now" (Mitchell's homeless support and resource group). Please only donate items on the list provided above.

2025 Conference Lenten Study - The Third Day by Bishop Tom Berlin
    In this six-week study, Bishop Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss. Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives. Videos by the Appointive Cabinet will be provided for each week of the study.

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.
    Facilities Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp
    Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Director | Solar Oven Partners, DK-MN Area
    Youth & Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sunnycrest UMC, Sioux Falls, SD

ITEMS AVAILABLE 

Robes
    A former United Methodist church has donated several choir robes with the cross and flame on them. We have sizes from small to x-large.  In very good condition.  Zippers & snaps at the top of the robes. Contact the Conference office if interested.