THIS WEEK!

Virtual SPRC Training | March 13
    Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committees (S/PPRC) are encouraged to attend a virtual training hosted and led by Rev. Dan Bader, DK Conference superintendent, Rev. Becky Jo Messenbrink, MN Conference superintendent, and Diane Owen, Area director of clergy well-being. If you have new members of the S/PPRC, have recently received a new pastor, or haven’t been through a training in a while, you are recommended to participate. The training is best experienced if all SPRC members are viewing the training together thus allowing for engagement in table conversations. Register your SPRC here.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Chapter 10 includes a story that will be familiar to many readers - the Parable of the Good Samaritan. With familiar stories, we're challenged to read it with fresh eyes, to be curious - what kept the priest and the Levite from helping? What consequence did they fear? How was the innkeeper impacted by his involvement? After he recovered, how was this man's life changed by what happened? As he did with the original listeners, Jesus invites us to wrestle with what it means to be a good neighbor, even to those whom society would tell us to avoid. Additional resource: A clip from Rev. Adam Hamilton about true greatness as seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

RESOURCES

UMHEF Stations of The Cross
    Many Christians include a Stations of the Cross experience during Lent. The Catholic tradition involves fourteen stations, each depicting an event in the final hours before Jesus’ crucifixion. Other Christians often include only the eight events found in the Bible. This Lent, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation has created a resources for individuals and churches to use as they journey toward the cross and the empty tomb. Check out this helpfu resource here.

#SeeAllThePeople
    The #SeeAllThePeople campaign from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is a movement to focus on all of the people Christ calls us to reach. Check out their website for stories and resources to inspire and equip your church to SEE and REACH All the People!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Clergywomen's Retreat
    Come and enjoy the serene surroundings, worship, conversation and company of other United Methodist clergywomen at this year’s retreat. This year's retreat theme is Photography. Each small group time will involve different photography activities and exploring related scripture. God is at work all around us, and we carry cameras in our pockets that helps to capture it. Open your eyes, mind, and heart to experience God through a camera lens with your clergy colleagues. Learn more and register here.

UMCOR Sunday | March 30
    UMCOR Sunday seeks to increase awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)—a humanitarian organization that helps alleviate human suffering around the world by assisting the most vulnerable people affected by crisis or chronic need. UMCOR Sunday is one of six special denominational offerings each year. Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday cover UMCOR’s administrative costs so that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts in communities facing disaster and hardship. Make plans for your congregation to participate in this offering!  Learn about UMCOR Sunday / Access pastor and leader kit

AWARDS

Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Nominations for these award are now being accepted:

Harry Denman Award for Evangelism— This award - given annually to one clergy, one laity, and one youth - honors United Methodists whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word, Sign, and Deed – brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Nominate someone here.

Francis Asbury Award — Recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level of the church. Nominate someone here.

Streams of Justice Award— Calls attention to a United Methodist sponsored program or event which promotes justice in our Annual Conference.  Nominate someone here.

If you know of a church or individual who is deserving of one of these awards, please submit your nominations by April 11, 2025.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Work at Camp this Summer!