Pray with us | July 28-August 3
     Lord, lead us to make choices that bring You glory and allow me to experience the life You intended us to live. We pray for all of Your people, especially these persons.

Soul Fill-up | Join us July 29
     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. 

Financial Foundations webinar | August 10
     This quarter's topic: 3 Principles that will Transform your Church Budget. Are you disappointed with your church’s budget? If you didn’t have to have the budget approved at charge conference, would you even make the effort to create it? A budget should be a map to your church’s success. In this webinar, Sheri and Jeff will share three principles that, if implemented, will transform your budget and give new life to your finance committee. Join the webinar at 7-8 p.m. CDT, August 10, 2020 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. 

Getting Strated with Messy Church | September 12
     Getting Started With Messy Church conference will be held at First United Methodist Church, 23 N. Seneca Ave, Newcastle, Wyoming on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 9 am to 3: 00 pm.  Cost is $ 100 for an individual and $ 150 for a church team of 2-5 people. Register 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. 

In our hearts | Gladys M. Patrick
     Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Gladys M. Patrick. Gladys Patrick, age 88, of Beresford, died Saturday, July 11, 2020, at the Bethesda Care Center in Beresford. She is the mother of Rev. Janice Thompson.  Read a full obituary 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.  Search for Director of Family and Youth Ministries is on hold due to the pandemic. However, inquiries are encouraged. We are hoping to hire later this year. View the job posting here and the job description here.