NEW THIS WEEK!

Register for Advent study
    Plan now to participate in the 2024 Advent Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this study, United Methodists across the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to read "The Christmas Letters" by Magrey DeVega, which has us looking at a special set of letters written to the earliest believers about the incarnation. We will look at Romans, 1 John, Philippians and Colossians to see what they reveal about the miracle that God became human in the birth of Jesus. 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.

This Week! Zoom gathering with Rev. Susan Jennys | Zoom 
    Join us for these Zoom gatherings to learn and discuss how we can better Love our Indigenous Neighbors. The one-hour Zoom gatherings will be held on Tuesday evenings October 15, 22, 29, and Nov 5, beginning at 7pm Central/ 6pm MT. Get more info and register HERE.

This Week! DKMN Fresh Expresssion - Third Thursdays - October 17
    We are excited to welcome Luke Edwards to our Fresh Expressions Third Thursday gathering this month.  Luke is the author of Becoming Church; A Trail Guide for Starting Fresh Expressions and serves as the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference. Luke will give us some very practical and accessible steps to begin listening to God, our congregations, and our neighbors as we discern what Fresh Expression we may plant in our communities. This evening zoom is open to anyone who is curious to learn about Fresh Expressions, especially around how to listen to the needs of your community.  Curious about the process?  Join us!  Already hosting a FX?  Join us!  Clergy?  Join us!  Laity? Join us!  It will be a great evening of learning and sharing! Check out the Facebook Group for more info.

Lay Preaching Academy postponed
    The Lay Academy scheduled for October 25-27 in Rapid City has been postponed. Watch for future dates! 
The Minnesota Conference is also offering an online lay speaking training in November. Check out their website for more information. 

RESOURCES

Soul Shop®: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide | November 1, 8:30 -4 p.m. | Sioux Falls, SD
    This workshop will equip leaders in faith communities, health-related fields, and community agencies to integrate suicide prevention into their regular life, ministry, and work. Register here. 

5 tips for right-sizing stewardship in your church
    In the face of declining membership and shifting demographic patterns, local United Methodist churches are tasked with the critical mission of right-sizing stewardship and adopting new strategies for long-term sustainability and vibrant ministry. Resource UMC provides five tips to effectively navigate these challenges. View their tips here. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Safer Sanctuaries training webinar | November 2 and 12
    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. The training will be offered at two different times: Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday, November 12, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Central Times). Check out the Conference website for more information and to register.

Relax, Refresh, Renew Womens Retreat | October 25-27
    During this year’s women’s retreat our theme is A Hope Deferred: A Biblical Woman’s Perspective when Life Doesn’t Go Exactly as Planned. Retreat will include free time to hike or relax, a chance to explore different spiritual disciplines, and the opportunity to be well fed and pampered throughout this weekend. Check out the DakCamps website to register.

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
    Administrative Assistant | Madison UMC, Madison, SD
    Youth Coordinator | Madison UMC, Madison, SD