Pray with us | July 21-27
     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.

Soul Fill-up | Join us July 22
     Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time to slow down, for church leaders. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the spiritual directors of the Higher Ground program.  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. 

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due July 31
     Breakthrough Ministry Grants are intended to be seed money to launch new ministries or expand existing ministries to reach and impact new people as a response to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of Dakotas United Methodists. Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include: new ministries and expansion of existing ministries to reach new people, ministries that create church and school partnerships, ministries that build relationships with college students or other young adults, programs that help individuals hear and discern their call to ministry, and technology that will enhance mission and ministry impact.  Apply here.

Online survey for churches,  Lake Institute on Faith & Giving | July 31
    Lake Institute on Faith & Giving seeks to better understand the unique ways that the COVID-19 crisis is impacting congregations. As leaders supporting congregations in this work, we know how much you care for these topics as well. At the same time, we also know the anxiety and unknowns that many religious leaders are facing at present. With those twin concerns, we would love if you might consider completing the survey at this link.  It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete asking for information from specific congregations, their finances, and responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

Investing in Leaders Resource Grant | Applications due August 1
     Did you know that the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant is open to all clergy under appointment for a year or more, without the ten-year tenure restriction or ceiling on time served, may apply? Formerly the student debt reduction grant, this updated version still provides up to a $5000 award to reduce higher educational debt plus offers an opportunity to obtain resources to improve financial health. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2020. Learn more about the requirements and how to apply here. 

Online Ministry Certifications, Institute for Discipleship online | August 24 
     There are four practical ministry certifications that are starting on August 24th, which are designed to give laity in the Church affordable and accessible foundations for ministry. Certifications are available in Spiritual Formation, Christian Care and Counseling, Youth Ministry and Ministry With Those With Disabilities. Get details here. 

Church of the Resurrection Leadership Institute |  Online Sept. 24-25
     The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection announced today registration is now open for Leadership Institute 2020, held online September 24-25.  There will be four general sessions on Thursday, September 24, led by nationally known speakers uniquely positioned to address the extraordinary issues church leaders are facing in 2020 and beyond, including:

Founder of Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, Ron Heifetz; Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Michael Curry; and Senior Pastor of Church of the Resurrection, Adam Hamilton. Friday, September 25, will include two breakout sessions on  with 6 topics to choose from at each session, followed by live Q & A with the presenter(s). Details and registration can be found at li.cor.org. Early Bird price of $49 is available through September 1.

Dakotas Annual Conference | Online October 9
     The 27th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will take place in a webinar format, Saturday, October 10, at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. central time, (9 -11 a.m. mountain time) and 1-4 p.m., central time, (12-3 p.m. mountain time).  Registration will begin the first week of August. Get more details here. 

Women's  Leadership Summitt | October 8-10
     The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women is also hosting a virtual conference called the I AM Her Women's Leadership Summitt from October 8-10th, 2020. View an informational video here. 

Job Announcement | Sunnycrest UMC
     Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager to provide administrative support to the pastor, staff and various committees. Duties include designing and publishing church materials, maintaining accurate financial records and greeting church members and visitors. Click here for job description. Seeking someone with a professional and positive manner to join this vibrant and growing church.  Bilingual skill of the English and Spanish languages is a plus. Compensation will be based on experience. To apply, send your resume to office@sunnycrest.org

Job Announcement | Madison UMC
     The Madison United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Family and Youth Ministries.  Candidates  with passion for youth and family ministries should apply, 50% of the position is to lead programs for youth and families, and another 50% is to work with the lead pastor and church leadership, focusing on the contemporary worship service. To apply, candidates should email a letter and resume to: madisonumcposition@gmail.com.