THIS WEEK

Children's and Youth Ministry Survey
    We’re working on a grant application for The Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. We are asking that pastors, parents, children, Sunday School teachers and children’s ministry directors to help us collect data and ideas from children (0-12) and their parents. Access the survey here. 

GCFA Chapel Service | March 20
    Bishop Lanette will be leading devotions for the GCFA Livestreamed Chapel Service this week, Wednesday, March 20 at 10am. Anyone is welcome to watch; below are the links via Facebook or YouTube.
The theme is “Peace & Kindness” and Bishop Lanette’s message is called, “Be Bold Enough to Ask”, with scripture from Ephesians 3:14-21. I hope some of you will enjoy this break to worship with Bishop Lanette!

Fresh Expression Coaching calls | Next one is March 21
    Fresh Expression Coaching Calls will take place online March 21*, April 25, June 27, July 25, and Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., Central Time. Monthly coaching sessions for Fresh Expressions practitioners and their teams are facilitated by Rev. Michael Beck. Share stories, ideas, and support. *Note the change of date.

AC 2024 Legislation | Due March 22
    All proposals for petitions and resolutions for the Dakotas Annual Conference 31st Session must be submitted electronically, by 5:00 p.m. CDT, on March 22, 2024. Items should be created using the Petitions and Resolutions form. If you have questions about resolutions and petitions, you may contact Rev. Rebecca Trefz by e-mail or by phone here.

AC 2024 | Award Nominations due March 22
    Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Some are chosen by the cabinet, some by CCYM, and some via open nominations. Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards Denman Award for Evangelism, Francis Asbury Award, Streams of Justice, Youthworker Hall of Fame Award, and Youthworker of the Year. Nominations are due by 5 p.m.CDT, March 22,2024. Learn more.

A Day for DWU | March 19-20
    Support your campus ministry team at DWU by simply donating a dollar or more ($1!) to Dakota Wesleyan University during our Day of Giving competition!! Be sure to mark you donation for Campus Ministry Scholarships. Donate now.

COMING UP

Builders Club | Winter 2024
    The winter Builders Club call is for Prairie View UMC in southwest corner of South Dakota. They are needed repairs to the parsonage. Learn more about this request. Join Builders Club and donate.

Dakotas Merit Scholarships | Apply by April 1
    The Dakotas Methodist Foundation awards scholarships each year to seminary students showing exceptional promise or achievement in preparation for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church. In previous years, nearly $100,000 has been available for distribution. Scholarship amounts are dependent upon the number of applicants and funds available. Priority is given to applicants pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Applications are due by April 1st and applicants are notified of decisions in May.

GC Webinar | April 4 and 7
    Join your Dakotas Conference General Conference delegation—Beata Ferris, Kara Heagel, Rev. Sara Nelson, and Rev. Rebecca Trefz on April 4 at 7 p.m., Central Time, 6 p.m., Mountain Time, or April 7 at 2 p.m., Central Time, 1 p.m. Mountain Time, to learn and ask questions about the upcoming 2024 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 23-May 4, 2024. Info and registration here.

Mental Health Matters | April 5, 6, 7
    Mark your calendars and come to First UMC in Fargo, N.D. for Mental Health Matters with Brock Morgan. Youth leaders can enjoy dinner and a conversation on April 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. CDT. There is a training for parents and professional on Saturday, April 6 at 1-3 p.m.CDT. Pastor Brock Morgan, author of 20 books will hold a question and answer session for everyone on Sunday, April 6 at 11 a.m. Get the details.

Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation | April 7-12
    Mark your calendars for a spiritual retreat held right here within the Great Plains that could provide you with an opportunity to learn, worship, and connect—with God, yourself, and others. The Five-Day Academy will be offered shortly after Easter at St. Benedict’s Center in Schuyler, NE. It is a program of Upper Room Ministries led by presenters Elaine A. Heath and Jeanine B. Heath-McGlinn. Learn more.

 Fresh Expressions Activate Day | April 20
    Did you miss the Fresh Expressions Activate Day on Dec. 2 and are you seeking to take a deeper dive into creating a Fresh Expression? Join us to continue the momentum at Activate Day on April 20, 9 a.m. to noon.

Passover Retreat | April 22-24
    It's a scripture circle retreat with a nod to Passover, for a number of reasons. Passover is the second event listed in the sacred calendar and is designed to be experienced in community. There are a few specifics in Lev 23, like do no "regular work", eat together unleavened bread, and offerings by fire. We will have "nods" to those things. This will not be a traditional Jewish Passover. The topics and passages that we choose to discuss will be chosen like we normally do, listening for the Spirit in everyone's thoughts, and then voting. Join us on April 22-24 Retreat at Lake Poinsett Camp.

Register for Camp | April 30 Early Bird deadline
    Summer 2024 camp registration is OPEN! Keep an eye on your mailbox for the NEW 2024 camp brochure! Don’t forget about the Early Bird incentive. Register before April 30 and receive a $5 per night discount. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details.

Practical Church Leadership Certificate Program | Apply by May 1
    Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resources. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Get the details.

Dakotas Conference Licensing school | Register by May 23
    The 2024 Dakotas Conference Licensing school will take place in a hybrid format. Register to gain access to the study materials you will need. The face to face teaching will take place June 23-27 at Lake Poinsett in South Dakota. If you are a candidate to become a licensed local pastor or certified lay minister access the details and register by May 23.

Long-Term Renewal | Apply by June 1
    The next deadline for the submission of a Long-Term Renewal application along with the related parts (Formational Plan and Pastoral Coverage Grant request) is June 1, 2024. This deadline is for all long-term leaves to be taken after December 1, 2024. Check here for all information related to the updated Renewal Leave and Pastoral Coverage Grant.

AC 2024 | June 6-8, 2024
    The 31st session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be held June 6-8, 2024, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The gathering will include inspiring worship, business, conversations about who and where we are, and celebration of clergy milestones. Drawing on Isaiah 43:1, the theme of this year’s gathering is “Jesus. Redeemer.” We are all called and redeemed by God, who rightfully declares, "You are mine." We will gather as one body at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church. Here are some of the details for our time together: Get the details.

Scripture Circle Facilitator Cohort | June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30
    The six-week Scripture Circle Facilitator training will be on June 11, 18, 25 and July 16, 23, 30, at 10:30-12 p.m. CDT. The purpose of this cohort is to better equip you to lead a group in a scripture circle style.  To maximize the learning and experience, have a group of 6 to 15 people, ready to study with you in your real world that you can practice on. This cohort is going to be capped at 11 people.  Get the details. 

RESOURCES

Recognition of Women's History Month
    Women’s History Month is a celebration of the role women play in our history, culture and society. Typically in March, GCSRW celebrates the important role that women have played in the development of The Methodist Church. Access resources and information.

2024 Lenten Study | Chapter 5
    Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, shares a video message for the 2024 Lenten Study, Multiplying Love, on Chapter 5, The Opportunity Before Us. She says, "We are at a critical crossroad within The United Methodist Church—a crossroad that grants us the opportunity to evaluate, learn, and lean back into the foundations of the Wesleyan movement—namely, showing and sharing the love of God in Christ Jesus. May we be known by our love." Access video and resources.

Bishops call for cease-fire in Gaza
    The United Methodist Council of Bishops called for a cease-fire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza and pledged its prayers and commitment to work for a durable peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and all in the region. “The lack of a true cease-fire after more than five months of this deadly conflict compels us to raise our voices now,” the bishops said in their statement. Read statement.

In Our Hearts

In our hearts | Norma Peltier
    We lift up in prayer and extend sympathy to the family and friends of Norma Peltier, a member of Arthur United Methodist Church in North Dakota. Norma and her husband Joe, were dedicated to their church, community service and philanthropy. Norma served on the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation board. View 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.

Site Director | Wesley Acres
    A national search is underway to fill the position of Site Director at Wesley Acres. Applications will be accepted through March 22, and the projected start date is mid- to late May. View additional information and application instructions.

Sunnycrest Village | Executive Director
    Sunnycrest Retirement Village is seeking an Executive Director. This is a fulltime, administrative position. Contact Sunnycrest Village for the details.

Dakotas UM Camps | Hiring seasonal staff 
    Is someone in your church or community looking for an amazing summer job? All camp locations are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff. All positions include industry competitive salary, on-site housing, meals, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Applicants must be 18 or older. Check out the summer mployment opportunities.

Benefits and HR Assistant | Dakotas Conference
    The Dakotas Conference Finance and Benefits office is looking for an assistant. This person will assist with various accounting and administrative functions to support the ministries of The United Methodist Church. View a detailed job description.

Facilties Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center
     Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center, a ministry of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is seeking an experienced professional in the area of facility maintenance. The ideal candidate will have a radical hospitality mindset, knowledge of a wide range of maintenance tasks, experience in working with volunteers and staff teams, and an understanding of ministry as a lifestyle. This is a full-time, exempt position that includes salary, on-site housing, benefits, and meals provided when guests are present. Anticipated start date of March 2024, though actual start date can be flexible.  A full job description can be found here.

Children's Music Director | First UMC Sioux Falls
    First UMC in Sioux Falls, S.D. is seeking a Children’s Music Director for four-year-olds through fifth grade. If you feel God is leading you to join this team and your skills match the position, please email Luann Berkhof your resume and cover letter. For more information, you can call the church office at 605.336.3652. View a full job description.

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.