Feedback needed | AC evaluation
    Please share your feedback about the 2023 Dakotas Annual Conference. If you attended as a voting member, watched, or came as a visitor, please give us your thoughts by completing a short survey. Here is the link to the survey. 

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous givers
    If you are interested in learning more about growing generous givers, starting a study such as Saving Grace, or providing a growth opportunity for key leaders, consider applying for a Financial Ministry Grant of up to $500 to fund your effort. Whatever your method for improving the financial health of your church and embedding the value of generosity into your church culture, some financial support can jumpstart your efforts! Apply for the Financial Ministry Grant using a simple application found here.

COMING UP

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Workshop | June 28 and August 25
    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Learn more at an information session on Wednesday, June 28 and August 25, 2023. Access details.

#BeUMC t-shirt | Discount through June 30
    United Methodist Communications is offering, for a limited time, a special coupon code for members of your annual conference. See the details.

Bring a friend to camp and save $25
    For each new camper you or your family member bring to camp, you will receive $25 off the price of your camp. New campers are those who have not been to any Dakotas United Methodist Camps camping event in the past three years. Request the Bring-a-friend discount in your online forms. The discount will be applied when your friend registers. Register here. 

Minnesota Twins Faith Day | July 8
    The Minnesota Twins are hosting Faith Day on Saturday, July 8 in collaboration with Praise Alive 2023. Come watch the Twins take on the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m. with family and friends, while representing your local faith community! Stick around after the game for a postgame program featuring player testimonials, prayer, and live music from Christian rock band Sanctus Real! Get the details.

Youth 2023 | July 22-29
    Middle and high school students are invited to travel with other Dakotas Conference youth to Daytona Beach, Florida, July 22-29, 2023. Join thousands of other youth and their leaders at Youth 2023, at the Daytona Ocean Center and lodging at the Hilton Ocean Front Resort. Check out the cost and further details here.

2023 Mission u
    Don’t miss Mission u 2023! United Women in Faith have a commitment to lifelong learning. Mission u is a perfect example of how that commitment is put into action—and not just for ourselves, but to better reflect God’s love to others. This summer, do yourself a favor and attend this three-day learning adventure. Participate in one of three sessions: Southern Site: July 14-16, 2023, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, access details; Northern Site: July 20-22, 2023, University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND, access details; Virtual: August 10-12, 2023, on Zoom, access details.

Tree of Life grand opening | July 26
    Tree of Life has a new building and a new look. A grand opening is planned for July 26, 2023. If you are coming to the grand opening you can bring any prom attire to donate. We were gifted with about 45 prom dresses during Annual Conference, and more will help. It is only with the help of our generous donors that Tree of Life can help the young people of our area schools have that "fairytale" night at their proms!

Called special session | Aug. 15
    After consultation with the Dakotas Appointive Cabinet, Bishop Lanette Plambeck has called a special session of the Dakotas Annual Conference for August 15, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Central Time,  6:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The session will be entirely virtual. This will be the final called conference for disaffiliation in 2023.

National Day of Volunteer Training | September 23, 2023
    Fargo First UMC is once again hosting National Day of Volunteer Training through Download Youth Ministry. The date for this year's training is September 23, beginning at 9 a.m. Bring your team to this training. Current pricing is $99.00 for everyone on your team. Prices will go up on May 1. The training will be finished by noon. Fargo First UMC will be providing lunch for all attendees after the training. Please mark your calendars, register, and join us. 

RESOURCES

Fireside Chat | Means of Grace: Fasting
    Fasting is a powerful means of grace and the most neglected. It is powerful because fasting is a physical self-emptying that connects us with Christ (Philippians 2:7) and opens our hearts to his grace. Fasting is neglected for a at least one very good reason: people are naturally reluctant to voluntarily refrain from eating. No one wants to go hungry. Especially when we are bombarded by messages at all times of the day to eat and drink. In this episode Rev. Rebecca Trefz hosts Rev. Rob Salmonson, Clark and Garden City UMCs, and Andrea Plueddeman, director of youth ministries at Fargo First UMC. Watch the video and get the study guide here.

Foundation and Vanco partnership | Online giving & more
    The Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations are excited to announce their partnership with Vanco to provide online giving services to churches in the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences. As part of the partnership, Vanco will offer churches served by DMMF affordable rates and knowledgeable 24/7 live customer support, facilitating a successful giving experience for both churches and their members. Access the details.

Grants

Investing In Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | 2023 application is now open
    The 2023 application is now open for the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant, formerly known as Student Debt Reduction Grant. 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. Grant awards up to $5000 are available. Applications are due Aug. 1. Notification of grant awards will occur by Sept. 15. Access application for first-time applicants. Access renewal application if you have applied before.

Clergy Well-Being Grants | Apply now
    The 2023 Clergy Well-Being Resource Grant committee is now accepting applications! The Dakotas-Minnesota Area offers our clergy this grant of up to $1,000 for first time applicants and up to $500 for those who received a grant in 2022. Funds could be used for a health coach, spiritual director, gym membership, hiking boots, a creative art experience, a course on resilience or trauma, and more.

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.

Conference Position | Benefits and Human Resources Officer
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer to administer the conference clergy and lay staff benefits program, lead and direct conference human resource functions, and coordinate with the conference treasurer financial reporting for Wespath and the Board of Pensions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.

Assistant Benefits and Human Resources Administrator
    The Dakotas Conference Benefits Office is seeking a full-time Assistant Benefits and Human Resources Administrator to assist with administering the conference clergy and lay staff benefits programs and human resource functions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.

Worship Arts Director  | Legacy UMC
     Legacy is looking for a full-time Worship Arts Director, a person with a visible and contagious love for Jesus lived out in passionate worship. This person should be a good communicator with a creative spirit, possessing the musical ability to lead vocally and instrumentally and the leadership to develop the gifts and talents of a diverse team. See the full job description here.