THIS WEEK

Solar Oven Partners announces upcoming trips
    Join SOP Director Christopher Sylvah and Volunteers in Mission to help build ovens and learn solar cooking. If you would like more information about four upcoming trips for solar oven mission distribution opportunities, check out the details.

DakYouth 2023 | Nov. 10-12 Early Bird registration ends Oct. 19
    DAKYOUTH is an annual youth event like no other and is for both middle school and high school youth in the Dakotas Conference. Youth will gather at Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center from all around the conference to learn about leadership, discipleship, and service. This year the DAKYOUTH theme  is**“Good vs. Evil.”** The scripture focus is Isaiah 5:20. Early Bird Deadline for registration fee of $65, to receive a T-shirt is OCTOBER 19. Get the details and register. 

Relax, Refresh, Renew | Women's Retreat Oct. 20-22
    Come to Storm Mountain Center for a weekend apart and a time to relax, refresh and renew your mind and body. During the weekend you’ll find both group time to build Christian community and time apart in the beauty of creation for sabbath and renewal. Register and get the details.

Worship planning retreat | Oct. 22-25
    Clergy are invited to join Pastors Annie Carlson and Jordan Minnich Kjesbo, Sunday evening, October 22, to Wednesday noon, October 25, at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center for a retreat of renewal, collaboration, and worship planning. Get the details and register.

COMING UP

Care Ministry training | Oct. 28
    Are you feeling called to care ministry and wondering where you should start? Join the Care Ministry Training on October 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Riverview UMC in Huron, S.D., and Legacy UMC in Bismarck, N.D. Get the details and register.

Shoebox Christmas 2023 | November 10 dropoff deadline
    Start collecting your Shoebox Christmas gifts. Spirit Lake Ministry Center coordinates Shoebox Christmas gifts to over 6,000 children across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota reservations. Learn more about Shoebox Christmas gifts and the dropoff locations. 

Advent Study | Heaven and Earth
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck and cabinet members of the Dakota and Minnesota Conferences are leading an Advent Study, Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation, by Will Willimon. Join on Tuesday at 7:30-8:15 p.m. on Zoom. Get the details here.

A Very Dakotas Christmas 2023 | Heaven and Nature Sing
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck and the Dakotas Conference Cabinet present this gift of worship to you, "A Very Dakotas Christmas 2023." We celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with clergy, families, and scenes from United Methodists across the Dakotas Conference. The online service and resources will be available Dec. 11. Learn more.

Clergy Epiphany Gathering | Jan. 7-9
    Clergy save the date for the 2024 Epiphany Gathering on January 7-9, 2024. Join Jill and Michael Beck at the Dakotas Event Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It will be a Mardi Gras festival, a chance to celebrate being together as United Methodist clergy. We will gather with Bishop Lanette  Plambeck and the Dakotas Conference Cabinet on Sunday evening and end our time by noon on Tuesday.

SPRC Training | Feb. 22
    If you have new members in your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), or have recently received a new pastor, or haven't been through a training in a while, join an online (Zoom) training on February 22, at 6:30-8:30 p.m.

RESOURCES

UM Student Day | November 26
    100% of your UM Student Day donation goes to scholarships for students.Every year, GBHEM awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. Access resources for Student Day on November 26.

Imagine Day | Please give us your feedback
    Did you attend Imagine Day? We would love to hear your thoughts. Please go here to provide feedback for us about your experience. You can view photos of the day here.

Get resources now to prepare for Advent season
    United Methodist Communications offers Advent outreach resources ― banners, signs, postcards, invitation cards, posters and more ― in multiple languages. For a limited time, receive a $300 credit toward these resources. Order today and be sure to use promo code UMCA23. Check out the details.

GRANTS    

Hunger Grants | Apply by November 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, 2023 to be considered for a grant. Learn more.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due October 31
   Breakthrough Ministry Grants: Grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly as seed money to launch new ministries or expand an existing ministry. Learn more about Breakthrough Ministry Grants here.

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous giver
    If you want to learn more about growing generous givers, starting a study such as Saving Grace, or providing a growth opportunity for key leaders, consider applying for a Financial Ministry Grant of up to $500 to fund your effort. Whatever your method for improving your church's financial health and embedding the value of generosity into your church culture, some financial support can jumpstart your efforts!  Apply for the Financial Ministry Grant using a simple application found 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.

Conference Position | Benefits and Human Resources Officer
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer to administer the conference clergy and lay staff benefits program, lead and direct conference human resource functions, and coordinate with the conference treasurer financial reporting for Wespath and the Board of Pensions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.    

Spirit Lake seeks director
    Spirit Lake Ministry Center is seeking a director. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center is dedicated to supporting the peoples of the Spirit Lake Nation and is an approved United Methodist Volunteer in Mission destination. View a full job description and details on how to apply.

Discipleship Ministries Coordinator | Evergreen UMC
    Evergreen UMC in Wahpeton, N.D., is hiring a Discipleship Ministries Coordinator. Evergreen UMC is looking for a high energy, enthusiastic individual who loves engaging with children, youth and young adults and also is super crazy about Jesus!! Please contact Pastor Kori Lehrkamp or the church office for more information.