2022 Lenten Study |  Week Four: From Fear to Love
    We continue our journey through our Lenten study, “Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit” by Henri Nouwen.  Rev. Rebecca Trefz shares thoughts about the movement from fear to love. She states, "When it comes to our spiritual formation—our journey of becoming more like Jesus—this movement from fear to love is essential…but not easy. It requires praying at all times and a constant commitment to sit under the shelter of God’s wings so that God’s voice of love becomes louder than the Enemy’s voice of fear." See all the resources here.

Incubator Training | March 23-25
    Join this online, onboarding discovery process to prepare new church planters or those exploring start up/restart church projects. Learn the skills, behaviors, and tools of a church planter. You will make a plan that can be put into action. Get details here. 

Discernment Retreat | March 26 and April 30
    Are you wondering how God is calling you? Attend the Discernment Retreat on March 26 and April 30, 2022, at the Dakotas Conference Office in Mitchell, South Dakota, or via Zoom. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders. Details here. 

UMCOR Sunday | March 27
   United Methodist Communications has created a variety of resources to help you teach your congregation why we recognize and celebrate UMCOR Sunday, a Special Sunday that is coming up on March 27; 100 percent of your gift to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) are used to support disaster relief. Get resources here.

Facebook Live Town Hall Meeting | March 28
    Rebecca Trefz and Jeff Pospisil will share some relevant updates regarding the work of the Conference as well as take your questions. Join us on Facebook on March 28 at 3pm Central, 2pm Mountain. Join them March 28 here.

COMING UP

Call for Annual Conference 2022 petitions, resolutions and award nominations | Due April 15
     Do you have a resolution, petition, specific legislation, or award nomination you would like to have considered at the 2022 Dakotas Annual Conference, being held June 9-11, 2022, in Bismarck? All proposals for petitions and resolutions for the Dakotas Annual Conference Session must be submitted electronically, by April 15. Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Some are chosen by the cabinet, some by CCYM, and some via open nominations. Details here.

Clergy Benefits Academy and Revit up Event | April 25-26
    Wespath Benefits and Investments – Delivered to You is an online event for two days, April 25-26, 2022. It will begin at 1pm CDT and end at 4:30pm CDT each day. On April 26, there will be optional breakout opportunities beginning at 11:30 am CDT. Info here.

Practical Church Leadership Course | Application window open
    The Practical Church Leadership certificate program (formerly known as Nonprofit Church Leadership, or NPCL) is a year-long, online graduate certificate program for clergy through Dakota Wesleyan University. The course is designed to increase competencies in leadership. View summaries of past applied projects by pastors in 2019 and in 2020 or view the application to learn more about the program. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation form. The deadline to submit your application is May 1, 2022. 

Annual Conference 2022 | June 9-11, 2022
    The 29th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be held June 9-11, 2022, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The gathering will include inspiring worship, business, conversations about who and where we are, and celebrating clergy milestones. After two challenging years of being apart we are ready to gather as one body at the Bismarck Event Center. Drawing on Psalm 23 and John 10:10-11, our theme is “Jesus: Healer.” Details here.

Best of Italy and the Oberammergau Passion Play | Departing on August 15, 2022
    Join Bishop Laurie and Rev. Gary Haller along with others from the Dakotas and Iowa Annual Conferences for 12 days in Germany, Austria, and Italy. You'll explore Innsbruck, have the opportunity to see the Oberammergau Passion Play, and spend time in Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. Pricing starts at $5946  from Bismarck, Fargo, ND,  Rapid City, SD, or Sioux Falls, SD, departing on August 15, 2022. Info here.

RESOURCES 

In Our Hearts | Rev. Charles (Chuck) Sommers
     Retired Rev. Charles Sommers died on March 21, 2022 at the age of 87 in Newburgh, Indiana. Rev. Sommers served the Dakotas Conference as chaplain at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from 1976-1999. Our prayers go out to his wife Linda and the family. His obituary has been posted here.

UMC Outreach | Coaching, social media shareables and more
    Did you know that our Local Church Services team can help your church with free one-on-one coaching sessions? We can help you be more effective in using social media, placing ad buys and boosting your church’s posts on Facebook. We also can help you promote your upcoming Lent and Easter events and even provide you with a free library of graphics to use.

United Methodist Women Rebrand - United Women in Faith
     United Methodist Women is now United Women in Faith! The move is part of a refreshing of the organization that includes a new logo and an array of new and improved programs to nurture current members and welcome new women to join to put their love in action on behalf of women, children, and youth. More information here.

Camp registration is OPEN | View by camp location below
    Summer 2022 camp registration is open! Check this link to see all the exciting camp offerings at Wesley Acres, Storm Mountain, and Lake Poinsett. Remember the Early Bird Discount? Register before April 30 and receive a discount of $5 off per night. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details, or call the camping office at 855-622-1973. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads 

Rapid City First UMC | Contemporary Worship Leader 
   Rapid City First United Methodist Church is seeking applicants for the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. This part-time position is tasked with leading contemporary worship music in a way that is appealing, inviting, engaging and worshipful. We expect the discipleship, musicianship, professionalism and care of this person will continue to help our congregation and music team grow in spirit and in knowledge. See full job description and contact info here.