NEW THIS WEEK!

Scholarship Opportunities | Dakotas Methodist Foundation 
    Apply now for scholarships through the Dakotas Methodist Foundation! The Merit Scholarship is available for Dakotas Conference seminary students, the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship for Dakotas and Minnesota seminary students, Dollars for Scholars which is available for Dakotas and Minnesota undergrad students attending UM-related schools, and the UMHEF General Named Endowment Scholarships for Dakotas and Minnesota seminary and undergrad students. Deadlines are March 31, 2025 and April 1, 2025. For more information about scholarships that the Foundation offers/partners with look here.

Come to Spirit Lake Ministry Center this summer!
    Spirit Lake Ministry Center is excited to launch the building of a new shower house! We invite you to consider being part of this project - pray pray pray; spend time this summer and help us pound a few nails, or if you can’t travel to see us please consider a donation to help with the costs to get this to the finish line! Check out our website for ways to either visit or to donate - here!!!

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

February Breakthrough Prayer
    God of liberation and light, the ministry of Jesus brought good news for the poor, freedom for the captives, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. Today, we hear this promise anew as we live as ambassadors of your goodness and grace. Break through our doubts, fears, and complacency. Break through our routines and awaken us to your Spirit moving in our midst. Break through every barrier that separates us from fully embodying your love in our communities and world. Anoint us with boldness to speak truth, with compassion to heal wounds, and with courage to set others free. As your Word is fulfilled in our hearing, may your justice roll down like waters and your righteousness like a never-failing stream. We trust You, O God, for the breakthrough we cannot yet see, knowing your Spirit is already at work. In the name of the One who proclaimed good news, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Luke-Acts Reading 
    Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke concludes with the powerful metaphor of old and new wineskins - a reminder that Jesus invites a transformation of the outside AND the inside, of our hearts and mindsets as well as our words and actions. Read Isaiah 58:6-12 as a cross-reference about the fasting discussion. Also, as we saw in the telling of the birth narrative in Luke, we continue to see Jesus cross social and religious barriers to bring healing, hope and glimpses God's Kin-dom. As you read this week, reflect on what "old wineskins" you may be holding onto that are preventing you from receiving a fresh word from the Lord. Additional resources: "The Pressing Crowd", UMC Discipleship Ministries

RESOURCES

Immigrant and Refugee Resources
    Our United Methodist siblings in the Iowa Conference have compiled a list of resources to help people be aware of general principles in law, and how the law protects the rights of individuals. It also provides suggestions of how we can support vulnerable individuals and communities. 

HR & Security Training for Your Ministry
    These hands-on events are designed to protect your ministry, empower your team, and prepare your church to thrive in 2025. Whether you’re leading security efforts, managing HR processes, or juggling every ministry responsibility, this event will provide you with actional insights, practice tools, and renewed confidence to face the challenges ahead. $20 per person (lunch included). Join us from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm at one of the following locations. February 25th: Lifespring Church, Bellevue, Nebraska February 26th: Site TBD, Colorado Springs, Colorado February 27th: Calvary Chapel, Aurora, Colorado

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Elisha/Samuel Intern applications
    Do you know a young adult or older high school student who has gifts for ministry or is sensing God's call in their lives? Encourage them to apply for an Elisha or Samuel internship. These internship programs allow students to explore, discern their call, and discuss where God is calling them while getting a taste of church and pastoral ministry.  Applications are being accepted until March 1. Churches interested in hosting an intern should contact their district superintendent. 

Virtual SPRC Training | March 13
    Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committees (S/PPRC) are encouraged to attend a virtual training hosted and led by Rev. Dan Bader, DK Conference superintendent, Rev. Becky Jo Messenbrink, MN Conference superintendent, and Diane Owen, Area director of clergy well-being. If you have new members of the S/PPRC, have recently received a new pastor, or haven’t been through a training in a while, you are recommended to participate. The training is best experienced if all SPRC members are viewing the training together thus allowing for engagement in table conversations. Register your SPRC here.

Men's Retreat | March 14-15
    Join us at Storm Mountain Center for our annual men’s retreat. The retreat will begin with an evening of worship, fellowship, and study, delving into the things that can distract us from our faith. Bob Goff’s book, Undistracted, will guide our learning. On Saturday, we will continue to explore this theme, finding ways to eliminate these distractions, freeing us to find joy. Cost: $110 (This includes lodging and three meals). For questions or more information call or email Pastor John Britt.

Saving Grace Clergy Cohort | Registration open
    Registration is now open for the spring cohort: May 1 – June 12, Thursdays at 11:00 am – 12:15 pm. 

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. Learn more here. 

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