The Dakotas Conference delegation at the Postponed 2020 General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., April 23-May4, 2024. Left to right, Rev. Sara Nelson, Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Bishop Lanette Plambeck, Kara Heagel, Beata Ferris. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

Thank you to the Dakotas Conference delegation, who spent countless hours in Charlotte. Together, they worshipped, discussed, voted, and shared the stories of the Dakotas Conference with United Methodists from around the world. The days were long, and the nights were short, but they grew in love for The United Methodist Church. We extend our deepest gratitude to Beata Ferris, Kara Heagel, Rev. Sara Nelson, and Rev. Rebecca Trefz.

Bishop Lanette Plambeck, our esteemed resident bishop, arrived in Charlotte on April 17 and will return on May 5. Bishops met before and after the General Conference, and Bishop Lanette provided invaluable spiritual leadership and presided over sessions. We are deeply grateful for her exceptional leadership and profound love for The United Methodist Church.

The Dakotas Conference communication team, consisting of Doreen Gosmire and Dave Stucke, were in Charlotte during the second week of General Conference. They were joined by Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, who provided not just spiritual and emotional support, but also physical sustenance in the form of coffee and snacks. We are immensely grateful to Kris for being there and to the entire team for their invaluable contributions.

Everyone from the Dakotas Conference in attendance was overwhelmed with the many prayers, texts, cards, and gifts of support for the team in Charlotte. Thank you. Together, we are the church.