Around the Conference May 2
New Dakotas UM mission event in Sioux Falls
The Sioux Falls area UM churches have announced a new event for continuing our efforts to alleviate hunger locally and globally. The September event, called MISSION CAFÉ AND BAKERY, will replace Dakota Marketplace. Come to lunch at Southern Hills UMC on Saturday, September 24 from 11:00am -1:30pm. They’ll have a variety of food stations, a bakery, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more. As in the past, they’ll collect church remittance forms and the truck will be available to pick up UMCOR kits. There will not be a live auction at this event. More details coming soon. If you have questions, please contact Mary Jane Richardson or Karen Congdon via these e-mail links.
Bishop Mike Coyner's Retirement
Bishop Michael J. Coyner of the Indiana Conference, who served as the resident bishop of the 
Dakotas Area from 1996 until 2004, will retire in August 2016. As you may know, Bishop Mike experienced his call to ministry at a camp in Indiana and has always believed that encountering God in the beauty of nature can be life transforming for persons of all ages, especially children and youth. To honor his legacy and service to the Dakotas, Indiana, North Central Jurisdiction and The United Methodist Church, the Indiana Conference is in the middle of the Building Discipleship Centers campaign to raise $9 million to support the vital ministry of camping/outdoor ministries and discipleship development. The plan includes new facilities for campers of all ages to worship, fellowship, learn more about God and themselves at one of the seven camp and retreat centers across the state of Indiana.
Since the launch of the campaign at the 2016 Session of the Indiana Annual Conference more than $7.7 million has been raised to support this endeavor to honor the Coyners. This is not about building structures, it’s about investing in lives. Click here to see the campaign video or here to read more.
If you or your church would like to donate, please click here. Special gift inquiries may be sent to Cindy Reynolds, Executive Assistant to the Bishop.
Lay Speaking Retreat
August 19-21, 2016
This retreat is great for those seeking to renew their lay speaking status or to become a Certified Lay Speaker. This retreat will be held in the beauty of God's creation at Storm Mountain Center, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We will begin Aug 19th with registration/check-in at 6pm (MDT) with the first session beginning at 7pm (MDT) and concluding by 8:30am (MDT) so that you can experience worship in the Rapid City area. Cost of retreat $150 per person. Payments can be sent to: Taya Swanson, Dakotas Conference Leadership Development, PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.
Register HERE!
Registration Deadline August 15th, 2016
Click here for details about Storm Mountain Center
