SCAM ALERT

We want to remind people about "spoof" emails purportedly from the Bishop or other Conference staff members. Scams involving emails purportedly from several District Superintendents, and Bishop Laurie Haller are now circulating, and many ask you to "Please don't call as I am in a meeting. Just email me back."

1. While some people may have a Gmail account, all official business is conducted with a dakotasumc.org, dkmnareaumc.org, or iumc.org account.
2. If a District Superintendent or the Bishop is asking for your help or directing you to do something, more than likely, it would be communicated by phone or in-person, which makes for easy verification.
3. There really isn’t anything that can be done from the Conference end as it isn’t necessarily a breach of anyone’s email. The best remedy is to utilize the advice to be skeptical and verify before deciding your response.

These three steps pretty much cover the recurring problems with email hoaxes.

However, the list isn’t exhaustive, as each new day brings another creative attempt to get something for nothing.

"... be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

THIS WEEK

Pray with us | April 27- May 3
  Lord,  may we see you in all we do. All glory goes to you.  We pray for all of God's people especially, these persons.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Applications accepted through April 30
    Apply for a grant to reach the next person for Jesus. Breakthrough Ministry Grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call.  The next grant application deadline is April 30.  Get the application and instructions here. For questions about the application process, contact Diane Weller in the Foundation office.

Camp Early Bird deadline | April 30
    The early bird discount is $5 per night. For example, a 5-night camp would have a $25 discount. **Some exclusions apply. Early Bird deadline is April 30! If you register online, the Early Bird price is already calculated. Registration cost will appear as the discounted price.  Scroll through the list of camping opportunities at Lake Poinsett, Storm Mountain, and Wesley Acres  and register today!

Nonprofit Church Leadership certificate program for clergy | Applications accepted through May 1
   Clergy may apply for this year-long online graduate certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University to increase leadership competencies.  View summaries of the applied projects presented by the participating pastors in 2019 and 2020. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. Learn more about the program by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

Pre-Retiree Health Insurance Seminar | May 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m., CDT 
    Leana Stunes will present the retiree health insurance program, Via Benefits and HealthFlex, in retirement for all clergy planning to retire in 2021 AND any other clergy considering retirement in the next two to five years. You must contact Leana Stunes by e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar  Part 1| May 4, 9 a.m.-noon, CDT
     Todd Creviston of Wespath presents the pre-retirement seminar. Todd will present the pension plans, Life Stage Investment, and death benefits. You must contact Leana Stunes by e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar Part 2 | May 4, 1-4:30 p.m., CDT
    The 2021 Pre-Retirement Seminar Part 2 will feature John Garrison of EY Financial Planning. This is a two-part seminar broke into 45-minute sessions. The first session will be on Social Security in retirement. You will explore how Social Security benefits are calculated when you can collect benefits, identify family members who may be entitled to benefits, understand how benefits are taxed, how to obtain projections of benefits. Also, look at Social Security in the context of "retirement planning." You must contact Leana Stunes by e-mail or phone at 605-990-7785 to register and receive the invitation link.

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. central time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

COMING UP

Wespath Investment Forum | May 5
     Dave Zellner, Chief Investment Officer, and Karen Manczko, director of institutional relationships, will present "Five Near and Long-term Risks Affecting the Markets" along with an overview of Wespath and fund performance. This virtual forum is hosted by the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations. Churches and organizations who invest with the Foundation, those interested in investing with the Foundation, and anyone interested in learning more about long-term sustainable investments is invited to join. Register here
 

Financial Foundations Webinar: Investment and Endowment Account | May 10  
   Join the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Foundations for the quarterly webinar Financial Foundations on May 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. MDT, 7 p.m. CDT.  In this session, you will discover how an investment or endowment account will benefit your church and align with your church's vision and goals. Register here. 

NON CONFERENCE EVENT  Preparing for A Hope Filled Future | A Dakotas Global Methodist Gathering
    May 15, 2021, there will be an event to provide information on the future Global United Methodist Church.  There will be an opportunity to have questions answered during a Q&A portion of the event. Cornerstone Church in Watertown, South Dakota, will host beginning at 9:30 am with registration, 10:30 am worship, and conclude at 3:30 pm (lunch will be offered).  Satellite locations to be announced. Please register by contacting Lexie Vetch at lvetch@gmail.com.

2021 Annual Conference | Registration is now open
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. Get more details. 

2021 Miracle Offering | Feeding the Dakotas
   The 2021 Miracle Offering: Feeding the Dakotas is a hope-bringing, spirit-fueled activity that will have a lasting impact on thousands of hungry people across North and South Dakota. Our goal for the 2021 Miracle Offering is $75,000 to be shared with the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota, Feeding South Dakota, and grants to local hunger ministries.  Access resources for the 2021 Miracle Offering.  

Builders Club |  Call for Journey at Spirit Lake 
     Builders Club supports the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of people across the Dakotas Conference. Builders Club's goal is to assist churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects. Providing support for churches’ building projects allows them to grow current or begin new ministries.  The recent Builders Club call asks individuals and congregations to support the Journey at Spirit Lake.  Join | Donate online

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

REACH! Make more of Fall 2021 |  Access resources
    Fall 2021 will be a unique window for ministry. Rev. Ben Ingebretson recently presented a webinar, “Fall 2021 Re-Launching Post-Pandemic Public Worship with the Purpose.” Ingebretson shares a roadmap with four elements to a great launch focusing on one central purpose, creating strategic teams, preparing for the next five months, implementing for two months. View a summary article.

ShareChurch Training Series | Announces two online events
    ShareChurch, a ministry of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, announces Serve with Impact: Missions, coming up June 24, plus an update on Leadership Institute.  Join our Missions Ministry team Thursday, June 24 from 10am-3pm to learn ideas and strategies for increasing the mission engagement of your congregation. Save the dates for Leadership Institute 2021, set for September 29 - October 1. 

Camp Sunday: Plan a special day set apart for your congregation to celebrate the ministry of camping together. Camp Sundays typically include camp style, themed worship with music, and testimonials on camps’ personal impact. In-person worship can consist of decorating the church in a camp theme, special snacks or meals, sharing information on registering, and getting local financial support—access 2021 Camp  Sunday resources.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Epworth UMC | Seeking a Director of Youth Ministries
    Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City, North Dakota, is seeking a Director of Youth Ministries. This individual will be responsible for leading weekly youth ministry gatherings, coordinating with the pastor regarding theology and purpose. The Director of Youth Ministries will also work with adult volunteers to maintain Safe Sanctuary standards and work with our Director of Christian Education to coordinate Sunday morning Christian education for youth. The position is for 10 hours a week and continues year-round, with a regular summer mission trip for youth and/or adults. Access a full job description.  Please send a letter of application, three references, and a resume to pastor@epworthvalleycity.com.

Dakotas UM Camps | Now hiring
    Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job that provides plenty of time outdoors, great fun with people of all ages, and an opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth positively?  If so, let us know! Join in the fun and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at one of three Dakotas United Methodist camps!  We are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff.  All positions include competitive industry salary, room, board, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience.  Apply here

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.