THIS WEEK

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.

COMING UP

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 4, 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 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Central Time. Worship will be held on April 5, 7-9p.m. Central Time. There is a training for parents and professionals on Saturday, April 6 at 1-3 p.m. Central Time. Pastor Brock Morgan, author of 20 books will hold a question and answer session for everyone on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. Central Time. 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. 

Impact Fargo: Taking God Seriously | July 28-Aug. 2
    Youth from across Dakotas are invited to a mission event in Fargo, N.D. IMPACT Fargo 2024: Taking God Seriously, is happening July 28-Aug. 2, 2024. Get the details.

RESOURCES

2024 Lenten Study | Chapters 6, 7, and 8
    We conclude our 2024 Lenten study video messages this week. Renewal in the Wesleyan way revolves around the idea of church as a community of love and grace. In the chapter six message, Rev. Cynthia invites us to engage in the ways we can live out that love and grace. Rev. Cindy Gregorson illuminates how United Methodist are disciples of God’s love, in the message for chapter seven. As we journey to the cross with Jesus on Good Friday, Rev. Woojae Im outlines points of renewal for a refreshed United Methodist Church in the message for chapter eight.

Native American Sunday | April 14
    Explore these resources to learn how and why United Methodists celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday. Invite your faith community to give generously, knowing that half of the gifts remain in the conference to support Committee on Native American Ministries, create programs and resources and support seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans.

Plug and play podcasting
    Advances in technology have made virtually everything about podcasting, from recording to branding to distribution, much easier. Learn how easy it is to get into the podcasting game. Learn more.

In Our Hearts

In our hearts | Harriet Adel
    Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Harriet Adel. Harriet is the mother of Rev. Jeff Adel, Dakotas Conference elder, serving the Wheatland Parish of the UMC at Gettysburg and Onida, South Dakota. View the 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 are being accepted with 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.

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.