NEW THIS WEEK!

Practical Church Leadership Program information session 
    Dakota Wesleyan University will be offering informal online seminar sessions for leaders and prospective participants on the following dates/time. 
    September 24, 12 Noon – 1 pm (CST)
    October 22, 1 – 2 pm (CST)
    November 14, 11 – 12 Noon (CST)
    February 12 Noon – 1 pm (CST)
    To register for a session, email Janet Greenway with the participant’s full name, email address, phone number, position title, city, state. This program works for those who have, or have not, been through a formal seminary program. Elders, Deacons, LLPs and those in extension or parachurch ministries all benefit from PCL. For those who may not have a bachelor’s degree, DWU also offers an alternative pathway to complete the program and receive bachelor’s credit.  A PCL completer can also take an additional 18 credits (6 courses) and earn a master’s degree in Business Administration-Nonprofit Administration, MBA. 
    For more information about the PCL program and scholarship opportunities, contact Diane Owen.

RESOURCES

Church Giving Best Practices webinar | November 13
    Join this webinar offered by the UMC General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) on giving best practices to optimize digital donations, understand payment processors, and manage church finances successfully. Learn strategies for streamlining online giving and tracking contributions effectively. Register now to secure your spot. Can't make it? Register anyway, and GCFA will send you the recording afterward.

Insights for Churches Challenged by Property Insurance
    Numerous churches are dealing with challenges and questions related to their property insurance. In this article, Ken Sloane. Director of Stewardship & Generosity for Discipleship Ministries, provides 12 insights for navigating these difficult situations.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

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.

Winter Connection
    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. Apply here. 

Safer Sanctuaries Training | Tuesday, November 12
    Safer Sanctuaries training webinar - Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 6 pm-8:30 pm (CT) Brenda Lint and Beata Ferris, DK Conference Safer Sanctuaries trainers, will offer a conference-wide training webinar to equip churches in developing and implementing policies and practices to ensure safety for children, youth and vulnerable adults in your church. Check out the Conference website for more information and to register.

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:
Monday Mornings, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, beginning January 13- March 17
Early Tuesday Mornings, 7:30 – 9:00 CT, beginning January 14- March 18
Tuesday Mornings, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, beginning January 14 – March 18
Tuesday Afternoons, 1:30 - 3:00 CT, beginning January 14 -March 18
Registration deadline is December 13th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

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