THIS WEEK

Pray with us | May 25-31
  O Lord, my God, help me to trust you with my decisions and my future. Let me lean on you with all my heart instead of relying on my own imperfect understanding. Give me clear guidance in my life, Lord. We pray for all of God's people, but especially these persons. 

One date left to attend one of the Pre-Conference Gatherings: May  26 
     Each member of the 2021 Dakotas Annual Conference is asked to participate in a pre-conference webinar to discuss legislation and other key items. Sessions will be hosted by Rev. Rebecca Trefz and Jeff Pospisil. Register when you register for Annual Conference or contact Susan Punt by e-mail or phone 605-990-7796. You will want to have access to the 2021 Conference Workbook. 

CAMP IS BACK! SPRING 2021 CAMP APPEAL
    We are excited to return to offering summer camp and we are confident that our campers will be safe. Yet there is still much unknown in 2021 and your help is needed. Please consider a financial gift to your Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries. A gift to your camping ministries helps to ensure our United Methodist Camps, places special to so many, will be available and remain a part of our world for years to come. Get the details here.

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. central time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

COMING UP

2021 Miracle Offering | Feeding the Dakotas
   The 2021 Miracle Offering: Feeding the Dakotas is a hope-bringing, spirit-fueled activity that will have a lasting impact on thousands of hungry people across North and South Dakota. Our goal for the 2021 Miracle Offering is $75,000 to be shared with the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota, Feeding South Dakota, and grants to local hunger ministries.  Access resources for the 2021 Miracle Offering.  

Apply to be a member of CCYM | May 31 deadline
    The Conference Council on Youth Ministry  (CCYM) is a group of up to 20 youth and 10 adults who serve Jesus Christ through service to the youth and youth workers of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  Apply to become a member of CCYM in 2021! Applications are due May 31, 2021. High school students graduating years 2022, 2023, and 2024 are eligible to apply. Apply today!

NEW Clergy Financial Well-being Group for Couples this summer | Contact Diane Owen by June 4
     We have been offering 8-week virtual sessions for pastors with financial counselor, Sarah Swantner. These successful experiences have encouraged another opportunity for couples. We know that finances and money can have a tremendous impact on relationships. What a better way to work on improving your financial health than engaging in a small group as a couple! Contact Diane Owen if you are interested to discuss details and scheduling options by June 4!

Builders Club |  Call for Journey at Spirit Lake 
     Builders Club supports the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of people across the Dakotas Conference. Builders Club's goal is to assist churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects. Providing support for churches’ building projects allows them to grow current or begin new ministries.  The recent Builders Club call asks individuals and congregations to support the Journey at Spirit Lake.  Join | Donate online

Investing in Leaders Grant | Apply by Aug. 1
     the Investing in Leaders Grant is part of the Financial Well-Being Initiative funded through a Lilly Endowment Grant. This $5,000 annual grant to reduce educational debt is open to all active clergy in the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. Applicants must complete a course of personal financial education.  Learn more about the grant by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

2020 State of the Church Report | Blessed is the Church
    The United Methodist Church has continued to carry out its mission despite the unique challenges and uncertainties of 2020. That’s according to the new 2020 State of the Church Report produced by the Connectional Table and United Methodist Communications, themed “Blessed is the Church.”  

The report uses the framework of the Beatitudes to share a compilation of stories that provide an inspiring look at the ways the church responded in an unprecedented year – which included a global pandemic, renewed calls to end racism, a delayed General Conference and the possibility of a denominational split.

SURVEY REMINDER | Compete the  Finance and Stewardship Survey
   Last month, you recieved links to the  Finance and Stewardship Survey. This survey will clarify what topics and tools churches would like to know more about for finance and stewardship. The role of the Annual Conference is to equip you for this ministry —to provide training, education, and resources for you as ministry partners and leaders. The survey can be completed online or by using the paper version. There are three different surveys depending on your ministry role: pastor; treasurer, bookkeeper, or financial secretary; leader of the finance, trustees, or stewardship committee.  Acccess the onliine and paper versions. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | ADS

Work at camp! | Apply here
     Your summer adventure awaits! Come work at camp this summer! You will make a difference! Calling adventurers, Christ-seekers, gardeners, and cooks! 
Are you wondering what the summer will hold and eager to make a positive difference in someone's life?  Be bold- apply to work at Storm Mountain today! Apply online. Please reach out if you would like more information. call 605-343-4391  or e-mail smc@dakcamps.org. 

Mitchell Downtown First | Family Ministries Coordinator
    Job description: In this full-time role, the Family Ministries Coordinator will oversee all discipleship ministries for birth through young adult; reach out to families both within the congregation as well as those in the surrounding community; and recruit, train and deploy volunteer discipleship staff for Children’s and Youth ministries. We are looking for someone who will consider this a ministry and not just a job. Access details

Canyon Lake UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Canyon Lake UMC in Rapid City is seeking a full-time director of youth & young adult ministries.  Come join our generous, fun, collaborative team in the beautiful Black Hills!  Click here for job description and more info.  Contact Pastor DeAnn Eidem at deann.eidem@clumc.com. 

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.