STARTING SOON!

Register for Advent study
    Plan now to participate in the 2024 Advent Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this study, United Methodists across the area are invited to read "The Christmas Letters" by Magrey DeVega, which has us looking at a special set of letters - Romans, 1 John, Philippians, and Colossions - written to the earliest believers about the incarnation. Discussions will be held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings, Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Registration is available. Zoom link will be sent the week before the study begins. Order your book now in paperback or ebook here.

NEW THIS WEEK!

Saving Grace Cohort - Zoom
     Start the new year by finding the peace that comes with being in control of finances instead of having them control you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource written for the Methodist family and rooted in a Wesleyan perspective. This 6-week session which includes content on the unique aspects of clergy finances, will be led by Marcia Alexander.  Please register by December 15, or contact Diane Weller for more information.
     Cost: $150.00. The Foundation will provide scholarship funds to cover the cost of the course and materials for the first 10 registrants in each session.
Choose One of Two Sessions:
     January 16 – February 20, Thursdays at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
     May 1 – June 12, Thursdays at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (No Meeting during Annual Conference Weeks)

Hunger Grant Applications - Due Nov. 30
     Dakotas Conference Hunger Grants are meant to address hunger in your local communities through hunger programs. Grants up to $1,000 are being awarded to United Methodist Churches or United Methodist related organizations (can include church partnerships with local food ministries). Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2024 to be considered for a grant. Grants will be awarded by December 18, 2024.

RESOURCES

The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer by Matt Miofsky
     Prayer is a spiritual practice, and daily prayer uses the repetition of forms and words to cultivate a deep, meaningful ritual, drawing the individual into an ever-closer relationship with God. The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer provides complete texts for Morning Prayers and Evening Prayers, with a new set of texts for each week of the year. Each week is anchored in its liturgical season and each set of prayers centers on a scripture passage, with an emphasis on the Psalms. The prayers draw from familiar historic, classic, and ancient Christian texts, and from Methodism’s rich hymnody. They also feature fresh, original words from new writers. This book facilitates deep daily connection with God--a method for spiritual sustenance.

5 top tips for welcoming once-a-year Christmas worshippers
     This is the time of year when you prepare, once again, for the Christmas crowd. Specifically for the once-a-year Christmas crowd. You know you may not see them again for another year. But it’s still important to create a high-quality worship experience that engages them fully. While you can’t pre-determine if any of these guests will join you for worship before the following Christmas, you can make sure you have created an environment that makes it more likely. In this article, author and consultant, Rebekah Simon-Peter, shares 5 tips for welcoming once-a-year Christmas worshipers.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Solar Oven Partners | Alternative Gift Giving Dec. 3
    A gift in someone's honor keeps giving. Perhaps that’s why nearly six in ten Americans say they would rather have a donation made on their behalf to their favorite charity than receive a gift for themselves this year. Consider a donation to Solar Oven Partners because giving in the name of others is both touching and practical. Solar ovens make a difference—one family at a time, one community at a time. Every act of generosity counts …and everyone has something to give. Go to SOP Facebook page for this week’s story about one person’s generous acts. Solar Oven Partners is an UMCOR Advance project and a mission project of Dakotas Conference.  There are two ways to donate:

• Give online
• Make check to: Solar Oven Partners  - Memo: Dakotas UMC Advance #637 

    Mail to: Solar Oven Partners, 1331 W. University Ave., PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.

Winter Scripture Circles | Register by Dec. 13
    A new round of Scripture Circles begins the week of January 13 for 10 weeks. Cost for Dakotas-Minnesota clergy is $100. The options to select from are:
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 13- March 17
Tuesdays, 7:30  a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  CT, beginning Jan. 14- March 18
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 14 – March 18
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT, beginning Jan. 14 -March 18
Registration deadline is December 13th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

Youth Worker Awards
    Each year, the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministries presents two awards to individuals who share of their time and talents to invest in the faith journey of United Methodist youth in the Dakotas. Help us recognize these faithful servants. Submit nominations for the Youth Worker of the Year and Youth Worker Hall of Fame. Nomination deadline is January 9, 2025.

Winter Connection - January 24-25 - Fargo, Rapid City, Mitchell
    Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Our theme for 2025 is: Don't be a Jerk: Love Everyone. Our scripture is John 3:16-17. Don't take love for granted. Recognize God's love - which encompasses you and your neighbor. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, weather appropriate clothing, winter jacket, and gear. Register here. 
     At the Southeast site (Downtown First UMC in Mitchell), the  CCYM members are asking for chuch and personal donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths, socks, and deodorant for "Home For Now" (Mitchell's homeless support and resource group). Please only donate items on the list provided above.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
   Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Director | Solar Oven Partners, DK-MN Area
    Youth & Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sunnycrest UMC, Sioux Falls, SD