THIS WEEK

Investing in Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | Apply by Sept. 1
     The 2024 application period has been extended until Sept. 1, 2024. First-time applicants are considered first. Demonstration of completing personal financial education and working with a financial loan repayment counselor (at least one session) are both required. If you need more information about connecting with a student loan repayment counselor, please get in touch with Area Director of Clergy Well-Being Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org. Learn more.

Required Quadrennial Clergy Training: Becoming Whole and Holy Leaders | Aug 26-27
    Dakotas Conference clergy and laity serving in pastoral roles plan to attend Becoming Whole and Holy Leaders: How our healthy boundaries and ethics move us to wholeness and holiness! This required quadrennial training is August 26 – 27, 2024, at First UMC, in Pierre, S.D.. Register here.

COMING UP

Doreen Retirement Open House | Aug 28
    Join us Wednesday, August 28, at 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Conference Office in Mitchell, S.D.,  for an open house to celebrate the ministry of Doreen Gosmire. Doreen will be retiring as Director of Communications September 1st. This gathering will be an opportunity to express our gratitude and celebrate her impact on the Dakotas Conference.

Financial Leadership for Churches | Fall 2024
    Consider the Financial Leadership for Churches program Garrett Evangelical Seminary offers for pastors and church leaders, which will be offered online this fall. The cost is $450 (covering all participants).  Information can be found here. Should a church have difficulty paying the fee, financial ministry grants are available to provide matching funds (for this program $225 with the church providing $225). Contact Diane Owen, Area Director of Clergy Well-being, at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org.

Save 40% on Advent study book | Ends August 31
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck will lead a virtual Advent study, The Christmas Letters, on Tuesday evenings, November 26 through December 17.  Author Magrey deVega invites you to hear about the miracle of Christ’s birth from those who first told the story. Order your book from Cokesbury by August 31 to save 40%.

Leadership Institute 2024 | Sept. 25-27
    Remember the incredible energy of last year's Leadership Institute? Want to find out what everyone's talking about? Experience the spirit of connection and growth at this year's conference, September 25-27, 2024. Registration now. Get the details.

Builders Club | Riverview UMC
    In the last year, Riverview United Methodist Church in Huron, South Dakota, welcomed more than 100 new members. With the influx of new members and the many ministries happening, there are several projects throughout the church building that need to be addressed to create more welcoming and functional spaces. Through the Builders Club, prayerfully consider a gift to support Riverview UMC. The gifts for this call will be received until September 30, 2024. Get the details.

EarthKeepers training | Oct. 3-6, 2024
    Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training. A EarthKeepers training event will be held Oct. 3-6, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. See this Dropbox folder for promotional copy and graphics for social media posts or newsletter placements. 

DakYouth | Oct. 11-13
    Join The Skit Guys, Winona Avenue, and Matt Rawle, along with middle and high school youth in Aberdeen, South Dakota for DakYouth 2024. This year’s them is “Crossroads” with a scripture focus on Joshua 24:15. Register by Sept. 19 to get a t-shirt and discount on lodging. Check out a video promo here.

RESOURCES

Lead a study group on the new BeADisciple Study App for free
    The BeADisciple Study App allows small Christian study groups to meet no matter their distance. Featuring both short- and long-term studies from popular United Methodist authors, all study materials are presented in both text and audio format, making it easy to participate on-the-go. Imagine all those you could reach without the limitations of geography! Use promo code NEWLEADER2024 to lead a small group of any of app’s studies for free before December 31! Visit BeADiscipleApp.com to learn more.

Spiritual practices to ease back-to-school anxiety
    Each new school year is a time of great excitement and heightened anxiety, both for students and their parents. The Rev. Ryan Dunn shares some spiritual practices that families can integrate into their routine to provide a sense of peace and connection during this transitional period. Read story

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.

Facilities Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp
    Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center, a ministry of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is seeking an experienced professional in the area of facility maintenance.  This is a full-time, exempt position that includes salary, on-site housing, benefits, and meals provided when guests are present. Anticipated start date of November 2024, though actual start date can be flexible. A full job description can be found here. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Nicole Anderson at lpc@dakcamps.org. Phone: 605-983-5547. Applications accepted through 10/01/2024.

Youth and Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sioux Falls Sunnycrest UMC
    Sunnycrest UMC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has an opening for a full-time Youth and Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Interested candidates should submit a resume to Office@sunnycrest.org. Find link to full job description on our website.

Worship and Technology Director | Watertown First UMC
    First UMC in Watertown, South Dakota has an opening for a full-time Worship and Technology Director. Access a job description here. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Rev. Sara McManus at seniorpastor@watertownfirst.church.