Are you or a lay person you know feeling called to grow in knowledge and skill around planning, preparing and leading the spoken parts of worship, including the sermon? Apply to be part of the next Lay Academy Training. The training will be held June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City with preaching arranged that Sunday at various UMCs in the area. The event will begin at 1pm MT/2 pm CT on Friday and will end after everyone has completed worship and debriefed on Sunday. Registration (including recommendation from your pastor) is due by June 13th.

If you are interested in attending but unable to travel to Rapid City, a Zoom option may be available. Contact Rebecca Trefz for more information.

*The Basic Discernment module is required before attending Lay Academy. Please indicate on application if you need to complete this so that you can be provided the resources to do so before the training.

There is no fee to sign up, however, accommodations are up to the individual student to arrange.  Some meals will be provided.  We highly recommend those coming to stay at Storm Mountain Camp.

Register HERE.