NEW THIS WEEK!

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. 

STARTING THIS WEEK! Safer Sanctuaries Training | Sat., Nov. 2
    Safer Sanctuaries training webinar - Sat., Nov. 2, 10 am-12:30 pm & Tues., 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.

DEADLINE THIS WEEK! Breakthrough Ministry Grant application deadline
    Have an idea for a new ministry or project in your local church? Apply for a Breakthrough Ministry Grant. Grants are awarded quarterly with the next application deadline coming up on October 31. Grant-funded projects/ministries should:
    *Be outward-focused (reach beyond the existing membership of the church)
    *Create opportunity for relationship-building
    *Move people closer to a connection with Christ and the Church
Apply Today!

RESOURCES

Stewardship
    An increasing number of church leaders report a slow decline in church giving—both in total dollars and in the number of people giving. Stewardship expert Joe Park says churches can promote more generous giving by better communicating the impact of their ministry, encouraging recurring electronic gifts, and challenging people to grow in generosity as part of their discipleship. Here are nine questions to ask if the giving in your church is declining. 

BeADisciple.com
    BeADisciple.com is a helpful online resource for growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ and being equipped for mission and ministry. Here are a few examples of courses that are beginning soon:
    *Anxiety, Fear, and Faith
    *Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
    *Preaching on Fractured Ground
    *A Scriptural Walk to Refresh the Soul
Courses are offered in areas such as Christian Education, Church Administration, Evangelism, Worship, Theology, and Youth Ministry. Check out BeADisciple.com for a full catalog and list of course descriptions. 

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