"One of the greatest dangers we might face as God’s people is that we would learn how to disconnect from one another. After all, when this is over, we might be satisfied in NOT being together. Instead, we permanently distance ourselves, socially, from the body of Christ. My prayer is that certainly our love for God and one another would keep that from happening."   -Rev. Randy Cross

Rev. Randy Cross currently serves as the Northeast District Superintendent for the Dakotas Conference, and will retire on July 1, 2020. Read more about Rev. Cross' ministry journey here. Read a pastoral message from Rev. Cross here. 

Pray with us | April 28-May 4
    Jesus be with us. We need your love, grace, and guidance. Help us to be like you, open up our hearts, cultivate your generous spirit in us. We pray for all of God's people, but especially these persons.

Apply for a Breakthrough Ministry Grant |  April 30 deadline
     Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include: new ministries and expansion of existing ministries to reach new people, ministries that create church and school partnerships,  ministries that build relationships with college students or other young adults, programs that help individuals hear and discern their call to ministry, and technology that will enhance mission and ministry impact.

Parish clergy assessment and clergy self-assessment | Check your e-mail and mail
     As the appointment year comes to a close, pastors are asked to meet with their S/PPR Committees to complete the annual clergy/church assessment forms. You can access that form here. Clergy are also asked to complete their self-assessments found here. Committee Chairs/Pastors will receive a mailing sent to their church through the U.S. Postal Service with hard copies of these forms and details about completing the assessment. We request that the clergy/church assessment forms be submitted by June 15, and clergy self-assessment by July 1.  If you have questions, contact Bea Stucke by e-mail.

Financial Foundations webinar | May 11, Old money, new opportunities
     Join this quarter's Financial Foundations webinar, Old Money, New Opportunties, May 11, at 7-7:45 p.m. CDT.  Jeff Pospisil, who serves as executive director for Finance and Administration for the Dakotas Conference, and Sheri Meister, president and CEO for the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation, will share ideas on how to end the struggle and look at ways to the the most of endowments or investments, and look at ways to connect these funds to the ministry of your church.  Details here.

Non Profit Church Leadership Certificate Program | Applications due May 15
     As pastoral leaders, you are navigating unchartered waters, learning new and virtual ways of being church for your congregations and your community. We recognize that your own professional development may be focused on leading differently today. However, you still need the competencies provided through the Nonprofit Church Leadership certificate program as we move through, and past, the impact COVID-19 will have on our individual and collective lives. More than ever, we encourage you to strongly consider applying for the NPCL program as part of your essential leadership development. Read about the three adjustments we have made to the NPCL program to give you time and space to pursue this opportunity. Read about two leaders' experiences here. Read how the program is making a difference for leaders and their congregations in the impact statement from Dakota Wesleyan University here.  The application deadline has been moved to May 15. Apply here.

Telling the old story, in a new time: Best practices for worshiping online and beyond in a physically distanced world:
     View a recording of the webinar hosted by Jason Moore, Midnight Oil Productions, about how to face  unique challenges to ministry when it is not possible to gather in-person. 
 

Builders Club | Spring Call for Legacy South and Celebrate Grace 
     Builders Club supports the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of people across the Dakotas Conference. The goal of Builders Club is to assist churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects. By providing support for the building projects of churches, it allows them to grow current—or begin new—ministries. This spring, individuals and congregations are called to support Legacy South UMC and Celebrate Grace UMC.  Join | Donate online

Job Announcements| Piedmont Grace UMC
     Grace UMC in Piedmont, SD is in search of two gifted and passionate individuals for a Children's Ministry Coordinator position and a Youth Ministry Coordinator position. These two ministry areas have seen exciting growth, transformation, and fruit in recent
years. For more information or to apply, contact Pastor Karl or visit Indeed.