THIS WEEK

General Conference Recap
    General Conference 2024 has now concluded. Discover the outcomes and implications of this pivotal event. There is a collection of resources designed to help you share the significant moments and key insights from the past two weeks. View the resources.

Dakotas United Methodist Camps are hiring summer staff
    Join us at camp this summer and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center, Wesley Acres Camp & Retreat Center, and Storm Mountain Center. All positions include industry competitive salary, on-site housing, meals, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life changing experience. Find more information here.

COMING UP

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.

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. Check here for all information related to the updated Renewal Leave and Pastoral Coverage Grant.

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.

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.

RESOURCES

100 Days of Prayer | Week 6 
    The sixth week of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 100 Days of Prayer initiative began Monday, May 6. Join us in prayer as for week 6, Do not fear as we lift our voices in prayer. Access week six resources. Access all resources.

Pentecost Sunday | May 19
    Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. Explore this special day and ways to celebrate it here.

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.