NEW THIS WEEK!

Moving Seminars | May 5 
    The Appointive Cabinet will host two moving seminars on May 5th: Clergy at 1pm CT and S/PPRC members at 6pm CT. Individual invitations with more details will be emailed out separately. These meetings will be recorded for those who may need this information after the meeting day has passed. For any questions, please contact your district superintendent.

Youth Night 2025 | Friday, April 25
    Calling all Youth! We are back for another incredible Youth Night this year. But this time it's going to be bigger and better! Join us for a night of crazy games, challenges, food, incredible worship, and a powerful message. This year's event will be held at Sioux Falls Asbury UMC on Friday, April 25, 6 - 10 p.m. The event is free and open to all grades 6th - 12th. The leaders do ask that you RSVP with the approximate number of attendees so they can plan food and supplies accordingly. They also ask for at least one adult for every five students to attend. Contact Eric Fjerestad or Emily Lawrence for more info.

Lay Academy Training | June 20-22
    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, June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, S.D. 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.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     As we read through these parables of lost items, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the times in our lives when we've been lost. How has God come searching for us? Who has God worked through?
     That being said, as we read these stories, it's not difficult to resonate with the older brother or even the "other sheep." Do we judge people who are "lost"-- blame them for "wandering off" or making "bad choices," and feel like those of us who have stayed have had to suffer because of that? In this Holy Week, it is, perhaps, an opportunity to wrestle with our own self-righteousness and how that might inadvertantly separate us from the power of God's grace and love. Additional resource: Video telling of the Prodigal son for kids

RESOURCES

Following Up on Easter Sunday Visitors
    As congregations finalize arrangements for one of their biggest services of the year, leaders need to make sure plans for following up with guests are in place. Because the congregation may not see their faces other times in the year, it can be tempting to neglect basic practices of hospitality and evangelism. ResourceUMC has tips for making connections. 

New Podcast from Church & Society
    Justice takes courage—and conversation. In a new podcast from Church and Society, host Bishop Julius C. Trimble welcomes United Methodists and interfaith partners each month to explore faith-based advocacy and global social justice issues. Check out the podcast here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Historical Society lunch and meeting | June 5
    The Dakotas United Methodist Historical Society will explore the involvement of Dakotas United Methodists with Haiti at its annual meeting, June 5, 2025, 4 p.m., at Dakota Wesleyan University. Bruce Blumer, John Claggett, Ope Niemeyer, and Dave Hansen will be among the presenters.
     Dakotas United Methodists started taking mission trips to Haiti during the 1980’s. The well-known Solar Oven Project, originally directed to Haiti, developed later. As political conditions deteriorated more recently, official Conference sponsorship of mission trips ended. But United Methodists from the Dakotas are still connected. For 40 years or more, this connection has changed lives for the better in both Haiti and the United States.
     A meal costing $20 will be served at 5 p.m. for those who sign up during annual conference registration. A business meeting will follow to consider closing the Historical Society and folding its work back into the Conference Commission on Archives & History. All are welcome!
 

Saving Grace Clergy Cohort | Registration open
    Registration is now open for the spring cohort: May 1 – June 12, Thursdays at 11:00 am – 12:15 pm.  Start the new year by finding the peace that comes with being in control of finances instead of having them control you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource written for the Methodist family and rooted in a Wesleyan perspective. This 6-week session which includes content on the unique aspects of clergy finances, will be led by Marcia Alexander. Learn more here. 

SAVE THE DATE! Native American Ministries Sunday | May 4
    On this denominational Special Sunday, United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. Contributions to this special offering help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry. Make plans for your congregation to participate in this offering!

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Office Coordinator | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Contemporary Worship Director | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Weekend Children’s Program Leader | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD