Registration is OPEN for Annual Conference 2022 | June 9-11, 2022
    Registration is now open for the 29th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference, June 9-11, 2022, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The gathering will include inspiring worship, business, conversations about who and where we are, and celebration of clergy milestones. After two challenging years of being apart we are ready to gather as one body at the Bismarck Event Center. Drawing on Psalm 23 and John 10:10-11, our theme is “Jesus: Healer”. Details here. Registration info here.

Virtual Mission Trip to Mexico | Beginning April 20
    Take a virtual mission trip with Nan McCurdy and Miguel Morena - both live, in fellowship hall at Faith UMC in Fargo or on Zoom from your home. Nan and Miguel will be on Zoom from Mexico and will be showing videos of the work they do and the area of the country they are located in, and discuss some of the endemic problems this part of the world faces, in part due to US involvement. Join us for 6 weeks of FUN and learning at 7 - 8:30 p.m. CDT each week. Contact Christopher Hansen or Jan Jones by e-mail or call Jan at 763-291-3658 for more details.

New for Dakotas and Minnesota Clergy | Clergy Well-being Grant
    The Dakotas-Minnesota Area offers this new grant of up to $1,500 to support clergy well-being. Examples of what this grant can be used for include a health coach, spiritual director, gym membership, creative arts experience, retreat, hiking boots, and more. Apply here.

Clergy Benefits Academy and Delivered to You | April 25-26
    Wespath Benefits and Investments – Delivered to You is an online event for two days, April 25-26, 2022. The 3.5 hour event begins at 1pm CDT / 12noon MDT each day. On April 26, there will be optional breakout opportunities beginning at 11:30am CDT / 10:30am MDT.  The Board of Pensions has financial assistance for participants. Contact Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org. More info here. 

COMING UP

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Applications due April 30
    Breakthrough Ministry Grants: Grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly as seed money to launch new ministries or expand an existing ministry. Learn more about Breakthrough Ministry Grants here.

Practical Church Leadership Course | Applications due May 1
    The Practical Church Leadership certificate program (formerly known as Nonprofit Church Leadership, or NPCL) is a year-long, online graduate certificate program for clergy through Dakota Wesleyan University. The course is designed to increase competencies in leadership. View summaries of past applied projects by pastors in 2019 and in 2020 or view the application to learn more about the program. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation form. The deadline to submit your application is May 1, 2022. 

Update: Wespath Student Loan Forgiveness Webinar | May9 & May11
    Wespath's Public Service Loan Forgiveness webinar will be May 9, 2pm CDT, or May 11, 12:30pm CDT, online. Clergy, church employees, and all those working in the public sector with federal student loans, attend this workshop to see if you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Note: the previously announced May 9 student loan workshop hosted by LSS is being replaced by this event. Please register for this event instead. Check eligibility here, or contact Diane Owen.

Youth Worker Academy 2022 | May 13-15
    Join us for an amazing time of training, sharing, and connection for pastors and lay leaders that work with youth in churches across the Conference. Youth Worker Academy will be held at Lake Poinsett Camp May 13-15, 2022. Kenda Creasy Dean from Princeton Theological Seminary will be there. Details here.

2022 Clergy Women's Retreat | May 15-17
    Come and enjoy the serene surroundings, worship, conversation and company of other United Methodist Clergywomen at this year’s retreat. Located outside Marvin, SD, the Abbey of the Hills, provides individual rooms for private space, outdoor activities and plentiful comfortable spaces for conversation inside and out. For more information, including retreat schedule, brochure, registration form, and Abbey information, click here. Direct any questions to Kris Mutzenberger.

RESOURCES 

Camp registration is OPEN | View by camp location below
    Summer 2022 camp registration is open! Check this link to see all the exciting camp offerings at Wesley Acres, Storm Mountain, and Lake Poinsett. Remember the Early Bird Discount? Register before April 30 and receive a discount of $5 off per night. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details, or call the camping office at 855-622-1973. 

Communications Learning Week | May 9-13
    Registration is open for Taking the Next Step, a week-long (May 9-13) learning experience focused on boosting your communication skills. You will receive valuable content and training in a variety of ways, including recorded workshops, podcast episodes and Q&A sessions with church communication professionals. Register HERE.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads 

Dakotas Annual Conference | Executive Director of Finance and Administration
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking an experienced financial professional to partner in leading and stewarding the vision and resources of the Annual Conference. The Executive Director of Finance and Administration is a full-time, exempt position. Applications will be received until April 29, 2022, with initial application review beginning April 22, 2022. For all the details see this listing.

Ministry Assistant | Celebration UMC, Brandon, SD
    Celebration UMC is seeking a Christian, competent, energetic, motivated and personable Ministry Assistant to join our dynamic team oin Brandon, South Dakota. This part-time person will work directly with the pastoral team, Monday-Thursday, to provide personalized administrative and ministry support in a well-organized and timely manner. For a full job description and contact information, please click here, call Pastor Addy at 605-630-4809, or e-mail Pastor Addy Kenkel.

Rapid City First UMC | Contemporary Worship Leader 
   Rapid City First United Methodist Church is seeking applicants for the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. This part-time position is tasked with leading contemporary worship music in a way that is appealing, inviting, engaging and worshipful. We expect the discipleship, musicianship, professionalism and care of this person will continue to help our congregation and music team grow in spirit and in knowledge. See full job description and contact info here.