"What comforts me in overwhelming times, when I can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, is trusting that the Spirit is powerfully at work." —Rev. Susan Neinaber 

Rev. Nienaber currently serves as the superintendent for the Big Waters District for the Minnesota Conference. In July, she will serve as the Director of Ministries for the Dakotas Conference. She shares a pastoral message for all United Methodists across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Read the full message here. View a video interview with Rev. Nienaber here. 

Pray with us | March 24-30
    Jesus be with us. We need your love, grace, and guidance. Help us to be like you, open up our hearts, cultivate your generous spirit in us. We lift up the Dakotas Conference Office of Finance and Administration and the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation leaders as we pray this week. 

COVID-19 | Resources and updates
       There is a continuing effort to provide frequent email updates to inform and equip you as best we can to respond to COVID-19 within your congregation and community. If you have coronavirus-related questions for us, or things you'd like us to address in future updates, please email or phone the Dakotas Conference communication team.

Dakotas-Minnesota camps respond to COVID-19
        Keith Shew, who serves as the director of the camp and retreat ministry for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area announced that the five camping sites will close, temporarily, in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Shew says, "We’re still planning for an amazing summer camping season!" Register for camp for the 2020 season here. 

Reckless Love | 2020 Lenten study week five
     In this chapter of Reckless Love, titled Value the Vulnerable, Rev. Tom Berlin discusses the root of all conflict as the question of who's in, and who's out? We find it difficult not to judge, but Jesus teaches us to redeem ourselves by loving the vulnerable. The pathway Berlin lays out includes this checklist—be curious, engage, have expectations, and be kind. Rev. Cindy Gregorson,  who serves as the director of connectional ministries for the Minnesota Conference, and Rev. Roger Spahr, Southeast District superintendent for the Dakotas Conference, share the impact of this chapter through personal introspection. View the video here | Download a copy of the message here. 

General Conference 2020  | Postponed
     General Conference 2020 has been postponed until 2021. The Commission on General Conference is working on dates with the Minneapolis Convention Center. View the press release here. The 2020 General Conference delegation for the Dakotas Conference recorded a video presentation.  View and give feedback here. The Dakotas delegation will provide another video message with an invitation for your feedback on Monday, March 30. 

Non Profit Church Leadership Certificate Program | Applications due May 15
     Applications are being accepted for the 2020-2021 cohort of this program at Dakota Wesleyan University. The application deadline has been moved to May 15, apply here.

POSTPONEMENTS

The Generosity Journey Seminar | POSTPONED
     David S. Bell, an experienced pastor, development director, and regional and national church executive, will present a seminar on how to live a life of faith and  generosity. Read more about Bell here.  
Congregational Care Seminar | POSTPONED 
          Karen Lampe, author of The Caring Congregation, will lead a seminar to help your local congregation build a team and plan for care ministry. Read about one lay leaders experience here. 

Iglesia Renuevo bi-cultural event at Plankinton | POSTPONED
        Josh Brewer, of Lifelight will perfom at a later date at the United Methodist Church in Plankinton, South Dakota. Read more about Iglesia Renuevo here.

Youthworker Academy | POSTPONED
     Youth Worker Academy will feature guest speaker Chris Hansen of Leadership Harbor and suicide prevention. Read about Chris' ministry here.

EVENTS STILL SCHEDULED

AC 2020 | June 10-13 
     Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards: Denman Award for Evangelism, Francis Asbury Award,  Streams of Justice Award, Youthworker Hall of Fame, Darrell Leach Youth Worker of the Year Award.   All proposals for petitions and resolutions for the 2020 Dakotas Annual Conference Session must be submitted electronically. Award nominiations and legislative proposals are due  March 30, 2020.