THIS WEEK

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.

AC 2024 | Register by May 24 to avoid a late fee
    Registration is now open for the 31st session of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. The three-day event will take place in Bismarck, North Dakota, at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church. Register by May 24, 5 p.m., CDT, to avoid late fee.

Pre-Conference Gatherings | May 28, 30, and June 2
    There will be three Pre-Conference Gathering sessions held virtually via Zoom webinar. This will be an opportunity to discuss the legislation happening during the conference. Please register for one of the Pre-Conference Gatherings when you register for Annual Conference.  Review the times and dates.

COMING UP

Apply to become a member of CCYM! | Due May 31
    Applications are due May 31, 2024. High school students graduating years 2025, 2026, and 2027 who are baptized and professing members of The United Methodist Church are eligible to apply. There are three parts to the application.  1) The online application, 2) Recommendations for the applicant, 3) A recorded video interviews. All of the info and forms are on our webpage.

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. Go to the Board of Ordained Ministry page,  scroll down to the Long Term Renewal section,  for all information.

North Central Jurisdiction | Nominations Pool
    The North Central Jurisdiction Conference will take place July 10-13, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. One of the items of business will be to nominate lay and clergy from the jurisdiction to United Methodist boards and commissions. If you are interested in being in the nominations pool, contact Rev. Rebecca Trefz, at rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org, by June 3. At Annual Conference in Bismarck, we will affirm a list of nominees for the Dakotas Conference.

2024 Miracle Offering
    Each year, churches and individuals in the Dakotas Annual Conference demonstrate their love for God and their neighbors through the Miracle Offering that is presented during worship at our Annual Conference Session. This year the Miracle Offering will be divided among these recipients: The 31:8 Project—human trafficking, Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care, Recovery Ministry, and the Clergy Sustentation Fund. In addition to giving financially to the Miracle Offering, congregations are invited to collect supplies and backpacks for the Bravery Backpacks program through the 31:8 Project. Access resources.

Clergy Health Institute Cohort | June 4 - Aug. 4
    Clergy are invited to participate in a 10-week program that provides access to vitirual weekly workshops focusing on integrative wellness topics from sleep to finances to play! In clergy well-being will provide 100% funding. Contact Diane Owen if you are interested by email: diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org.

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. God 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.

Fresh Expressions coaching calls | June 27
    Fresh Expressions Coaching Calls will be held June 27, July 25, and Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., online. Coaching sessions for Fresh Expressions practitioners and teams are facilitated by Rev. Michael Beck. Share stories, ideas, and support. Learn more. 

North Central Jurisdiction Conference | July 10-13
    The 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, July 10-13, 2024. Gathering around the theme “Lift Every Voice” participants will explore ways to live humbly, love genuinely, live with a sense of presence and joy amid affliction, united with all of our siblings in Christ. View 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. 

Clergy Family Get Away | July 1-5
    Clergy, bring your family, and come join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating time away. Enjoy time at the lake and family fun. This event has limited planned programming, but there will be opportunities for campfires, crafts, games, and more! Get the details.

Investing In Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | Apply by Aug 1 
    The 2024 application is open until Aug. 1, 2024. First time applicants are considered first. Demonstration of completing personal financial education and working with a financial loan repayment counselor (at least one session) are both required. If you need more information about connecting with a student loan repayment counselor, please contact Area Director of Clergy Well-Being Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org. Learn more.

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.

DK UM Clery Women Retreat | Aug. 11-13
    Join clergy women from across the Dakotas-Minnesota are at Lake Poinsett for a retreat. It will be at Lake Poinsett Camp and Retreat Center. View the details.

Required Quadrennial Clergy Training: Becoming Whole and Holy Leaders | Aug 26-27
    Save the date: August 26 – 27, 2024, at First UMC in Pierre, S.D. All appointed clergy and assigned laity in pastoral roles will learn how healthy boundaries and ethics move us to wholeness and holiness. Get the details and register.

Leadership Institute 2024 | Sept. 25-27
    Remember the incredible energy of last year's Leadership Institute? Want to find out what everyone's talking about? Experience the spirit of connection and growth at this year's conference set for September 25-27, 2024. Registration is now open. Get the details.

RESOURCES

2024 Conference Workbook is available
    Take look at the business items for the 2024 Dakotas Annual Conference, June 6-8, 2024. The publication includes: organizational resolutions, 2025 Budget Proposal, 2024 nominations list, committee and agency reports. Access the Conference Workbook.

Peace with Justice Sunday | May 26
    This Special Sunday is a denomination wide celebration intended to raise awareness that even in a world plagued by war and terror, violence and destruction, people of faith have a clear call to build peace with justice. As United Methodists, our yearning for peace must move us to act. Access resources.

100 Days of Prayer | Week 8
    The eighth week of 100 Days ofPrayer initiative began Monday, May 20. You are a child of God. Jesus says, “I have called you by name.” Reflect on the call you have to serve Jesus. How are you refining and living God’s call each day? Access week 8 resources. Access all resources.

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.

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.