Attendees picked up a hot lunch before heading to the lunch n learn workshops at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Photo by Dave Stucke.

United Methodists across North and South Dakota gathered on June 8, 2023 for the first day of the 30th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  

“I trust in the spirit of Christ and in memory of Bishop Rueben Job that we will gather here as people who will seek to do no harm, to do good, and to attend to the ordinances of God. Or as Bishop Job said that we would demonstrate,” said Bishop Lanette Plambeck as she opened the first plenary session in her first year as presiding bishop of the Dakotas Conference. “We gather with open hearts, open minds, to do our work with patience and grace."

The day began with the business of ratifying 24 disaffiliation agreements. Bishop Plambeck framed this session with prayer and by reading John 17. “We are here today because we were not able to live out Jesus’ dying wish, that we would live as one body in Christ. We must confess that we have failed. But here is the Good News. When we fail to be the people God calls us to be, God still redeems us.”  

The morning included a welcome from the Dakotas Conference Episcopacy Committee to Bishop Lanette Plambeck. “We are blessed and delighted that you are with us,” said Jennifer Larson, chair.

After viewing the Missional Report, John Srtska, and Karl Rockeman, Conference Co-lay leaders, shared the Laity Report. “We continue to work to strengthen and support the work of our laity across the Dakotas. During this liminal time of transition, the support and stability provided by active, involved laity is crucial to drive the work of the church forward,” Rockeman told attendees.  

Bishop Plambeck serves communion at opening worship with Bishop Bill McAlilly. Photo by jlynnstudios.

The afternoon began with a worship service inspired by the conference theme, "Encounter. Transform. Respond: The Emmaus Experience" and the scripture from Luke 24, the Road to Emmaus. Bishop Plambeck delivered her inaugural Episcopal Address.

Jim Ducker, who began serving in January 2023 as the Dakotas Conference Executive Director of Finance and Administration was elected treasurer. Ducker presented the 2024 Budget Proposal with Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, chair of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration.

The day ended with a festival at Terrace Park, just a few blocks from the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Attendees enjoyed music, a meal, corn hole games, and bouncy houses in the sunshine of a beautiful evening overlooking Sioux Falls.

At the Festival in the Park, kids and adults enjoyed a picnic served by Sioux Falls United Methodists, plus bouncy inflatables, yard games, and even a UMC shuttle service. Photo by Dave Stucke.

Photos:  
View Thursday, June 8, photos. 
View Wednesday, June 7, photos.