THIS WEEK!

Last chance for AC swag
    This is your friendly reminder that the Annual Conference apparel store will close Sunday night. If you've been meaning to order a t-shirt, hoodie, crewneck, or other AC gear, now is the time! The store will not remain open after the deadline, and orders will be processed once it closes. Order here.

Embodied practices - This Monday, June 22 at noon CT / 11 a.m. MT
    Our next Embodied Practices online gathering will be Monday, June 22. Clergy are invited to engage in these facilitated opportunities to slow down, care for yourself, and receive support. Join every month, or just when it fits. Register here for this monthly recurring virtual session. There is no charge. Check out this video for more info. 

Attention Clergy! Last chance to register for the American Methodist Pilgrimage | July 26-31, 2026
    Pilgrimage stops include John Street UMC (New York City), Historic St. George’s UMC (Philadelphia), Barratt’s Chapel (Delaware), Old Otterbein UMC (Baltimore) ...and more! Cost: $650 does not include airfare or most dinners. There are only TWO spots left for this experience. Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 23rd. Register here. 

RESOURCES

During Annual Conference, our three Conference Connectors shared a few tools to help you engage in mininstry and discipleship in new ways.
    Justice & Advocacy Connector Meaghan Wharton directed attendees to the website for the United Methodist General Baord of Church and Society and walked us through the links and resources to contact your United States Senators and Representatives. These tools are meant to give United Methodists a pathway to sharing their individual voice and perspectives on matters being discussed and voted on in Congress.
    Connector for Renewal Bri Heida guided members through a reflection and discussion. 1.) What does a member of a church look like? What do they do, what are their behaviors, what are their habits, how do they engage? 2.) What does a disciple looks like? What are their habits, what are their behaviors, how do they engage, what do you see them doing? 3.) Compare the two responses side by side. 4.) What is the difference between a member and a disciple? How do they move through the world differently? How do they look at the world differently? How are they showing up in different ways?  5.) Am I busy trying to recruit new members for my church or am I trying to make disciples? Have we been putting our efforts into just getting more bodies in the door, getting more members, or are we actually actively seeking to make disciples? 6.)  What are some of the barriers that you're facing (challenges/obstacles) that are preventing you from really making disciples?  What makes it easier to try and get members versus disciples? She invited people to share their responses to #6 at this link.
    Connector for Call and Development Rev. Annie Carlson shared a resource for relational discipleship and discernment called “Five Cups of Coffee.” Created by the a pastor from the Great Plains Conference, this simple tool provides questions for five conversations that lead people deeper into faith, discipleship, and discerning God’s call on their lives.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Bishop's Summer Book Study - Starts Saturday, June 27
    You're invited to participate in a 2026 Summer Book Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this Area-wide study, United Methodists across the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to read "Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny" by The United Methodist Council of Bishops. This book offers a prophetic roadmap for these turbulent times where we see polarization dividing communities and people of faith confronted with an urgent question: “What does faithful discipleship look like when beloved community is under attack?” Through biblical reflection, global perspectives, and practical strategies, participants will discern faithful responses to local challenges while connecting to the worldwide struggle for justice and peace. 
    All are welcome! Mark your calendar and encourage others to join you. Order your book or e-book now! 
    Discussions will be held via Zoom on the fourth Saturday morning in June, July, August and September, from 9-10:30 a.m. CT / 8-9:30 a.m. MT, centering largely on the discussion questions found at the end of each chapter. The schedule is: 
    June 27, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 1: Deceptive Detours (with Preface & Introduction) 
    July 25, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 2: Empowered by Grace 
    August 22, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 3: Staying Alert 
    September 26, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m Central—Part 4: Seeds of Change 
    You must register in order to receive the Zoom link to each gathering. The Zoom link will be provided to those who have registered as the first discussion draws near.

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.
    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
    Sunday School Coordinator | Mitchell Downtown First UMC
    Open Camping Positions | All locations