THIS WEEK

Juneteenth | June 19
    Juneteenth (officially, “Juneteenth National Independence Day”) is a federal observance in the United States, which commemorates the end of legal enslavement of African Americans. Juneteenth is a reminder that, despite the sins of our past as a church and society, the God of liberation comes always to champion those who struggle against evil and to bring good news, release, and justice. Learn more. Access resources.

COMING UP

Fresh Expressions coaching calls | June 27
    Fresh Expressions Coaching Calls will be held June 27, July 25, and Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., online. Coaching sessions for Fresh Expressions practitioners and teams are facilitated by Rev. Michael Beck. Share stories, ideas, and support. Learn more. 

Mission U | Register by July 1
    Mission u is a transformative educational event open to women, men, members and non-members of UWFaith and/or the UMC. The event encompasses both Bible-based curriculum and spiritually uplifting and mission-related components. The Southern Site will meet Friday, July 12, to Sunday, July 14 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University and the Northern Site gathers Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 20 at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, N.D. Register here. Order the study book.

Clergy Family Getaway | July 1-5
    Clergy, bring your family and join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating time away. Enjoy time at the lake and family fun. This event has limited planned programming, but there will be opportunities for campfires, crafts, games, and more! Get the details.

North Central Jurisdiction Conference | July 10-13
    The 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, July 10-13, 2024. Gathering around the theme “Lift Every Voice” participants will explore ways to live humbly, love genuinely, live with a sense of presence and joy amid affliction, united with all of our siblings in Christ. View details.

Investing In Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | Apply by Aug 1 
    The 2024 application is open until Aug. 1, 2024. First time applicants are considered first. Demonstration of completing personal financial education and working with a financial loan repayment counselor (at least one session) are both required. If you need more information about connecting with a student loan repayment counselor, please contact Area Director of Clergy Well-Being Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org. Learn more.

Impact Fargo: Taking God Seriously | July 28-Aug. 2
    Youth from across Dakotas are invited to a mission event in Fargo, N.D. IMPACT Fargo 2024: Taking God Seriously, is happening July 28-Aug. 2, 2024. Get the details.

Virtual Mission u | Aug. 8-10
    Virtual Mission u runs Thursday, August 8, 2024, Friday, August 9, 2024 at 7:30-9:00 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday, August 10 , 2024,  at 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Get the details and register.

DK UM Clergy Women's Retreat | Aug. 11-13
    Join clergy women from across the Dakotas-Minnesota are at Lake Poinsett for a retreat. It will be at Lake Poinsett Camp and Retreat Center. View the details.

EarthKeepers training | Apply by Aug. 14
    Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training., The next EarthKeepers training events will be held Oct. 3-6, 2024. Applications are Due by August 14, 2024.

Required Quadrennial Clergy Training: Becoming Whole and Holy Leaders | Aug 26-27
    Registration with general information is now available here for appointed clergy and assigned laity serving in pastoral roles in the Dakotas Annual Conference who will be attending BEcoming Whole and Holy Leaders -How our healthy boundaries and ethics move us to wholeness and holiness!, a required quadrennial gathering on August 26 – 27, 2024 in Pierre, SD.

Leadership Institute 2024 | Sept. 25-27
    Remember the incredible energy of last year's Leadership Institute? Want to find out what everyone's talking about? Experience the spirit of connection and growth at this year's conference set for September 25-27, 2024. Registration is now open. Get the details.

RESOURCES

100 Days of Prayer | Week 12
    Greetings! The twelfth week of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 100 Days of Prayer initiative began Monday, June 17. This week make a list of those things that cause you impatience and anxiousness. Then reflect on these questions. Where do you see hope today? What will you do today that brings hope to those around you.  Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. Access week 12 resources. Access all resources.

Bishop Beard requests long-term leave
    Bishop Frank J. Beard is going on long-term disability due to his ongoing battle with glaucoma, which has resulted in him becoming legally blind. He has requested to be relieved from his episcopal duties effective Aug. 1. The Council of Bishops will select Beard’s replacement, which could be a retired bishop in the interim or an active bishop who would assume additional responsibilities. Read more.

2024 Miracle Offering
    So far, $34,000 has been collected for the Miracle Offering. Gifts will be divided among these recipients: The 31:8 Project—human trafficking, Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care, Recovery Ministry, and the Clergy Sustentation Fund. Donations are still being accepted. Access resources.

In Our Hearts

In our hearts | Deanna Mutzenberger
    We lift up in prayer the family and friends of Deanna Delight (Tahran) Mutzenberger, age 77, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Deanna is the mother of Rev. Ryan Mutzenberger, serving Fargo First UMC; mother-in-law of Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, serving as the Northeast District Superintendent; and grandmother of Anna Mutzenberger, Dakotas Conference Intern. Read the full obituary.

In our hearts | Jennie Almer
    We lift up in prayer the family and friends of Jennie Almer. She went to her heavenly home on June 8, 2024. Jennie is the mother-in-law of Rev. Cory Thrall, serving Legacy UMC in Bismarck, North Dakota. View the full obituary. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details on jobs available at these Conference churches and organizations.

Accompanist | Ben Clare UMC
    Ben Clare UMC near Valley Springs, S.D. is looking for a musical accompaniment for 9 a.m. traditional service and special services. The music includes, but is not limited to: hymns, prelude and postlude, offertory, special music. If interested, please send your resume to: Pastor Krista Ducker. Get more details.