THIS WEEK!

Practical Church Leadership Certification Program | Applications due May 1
    Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resource management and development. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Contact Diane Owen for more information. 

DWU Spring Eccumenical Youth Rally | April 29
    Dakota Wesleyan University is hosting a spring Ecumenical Youth Rally open to middle schoolers, high schoolers, youth leaders and parents. Join us for a night of worship with DWU’s Campus Ministry worship team, fellowship & fun with our students, and a deep exploration of our calling to belong together in Jesus, led by speaker Michael LeBlanc, a UMC pastor from the Florida Conference. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pizza and snacks and a time of connection before we kick-off worship at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, cause it’s better when you’re here! Learn more about Rev. Michael here. Register for free here!

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | April 30
    Breakthrough Ministry grants of up to $3,000 are available for churches looking to launch new ministries or to extend the impact of an existing ministry in a new way as a response to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of Dakotas United Methodists.
     These projects/ministries should:

• Be outward-focused (reach beyond the existing membership of the church)
• Create opportunity for relationship-building
• Move people closer to a connection with Christ and the Church

Grants are for United Methodist Churches and United Methodist-related Ministries in the Dakotas Conference. Grants are awarded quarterly. Application deadlines are January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31. For questions about the application process, contact Katie Meister with the Dakotas Methodist Foundation.

RESOURCES

UMC Heritage Sunday 2026 | May 17
    The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of women receiving full ordination rights and full membership in annual conferences in The United Methodist Church. In recognition of this milestone, the 2026 Heritage Sunday theme is “The Spirit Falls Equally,” an acknowledgement that God calls – and always has called – all people, regardless of gender. The General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) encourages local churches to lift up and celebrate stories of women who have impacted both the denomination and individual congregations. Heritage Sunday traditionally is recognized the third Sunday in May (May 17 this year), but congregations may choose to commemorate the special Sunday at any time. GCAH has curated a number of resources, including collaborations with other UMC general agencies, to be used by local congregations in recognition of this special Sunday in the life of our denomination.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Serving Joyfully Looks Like...    
    Across the Dakotas, United Methodists are Serving Joyfully in their churches and communities –people of different ages and differing abilities, people who have been a part of the church for years and those who have just gotten connected, members of churches in large cities and rural communities. These individuals faithfully share their time and talents in ways that give glimpses of the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. We want to celebrate these small but significant acts of service.
    We invite YOU to record and submit a short video (less than 30 seconds) or written testimony about examples of serving joyfully in your church or community. We will share these during annual conference session as well as on social media throughout the year so that we can continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds! Check out this form for more information and this video testimony! Share your story before May 18th! And thank YOU for all you do to Serve Joyfully!

UMC Worship books
    Know anyone who could use a softcover UMC Book of Worship and/or softcover bible? Retiring pastor, Lori Broschat, would like to pass these along to another pastor. If you are interested, you can contact her via phone or email.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference.
    Find more information on our Conference website.
    Church Accompanist | Pierre First UMC
    Contemporary Worship Leader | Pierre First UMC
    Office Administrator | Epworth UMC, Valley City, ND
    Office Assistant I/Bookkeeper | Madison UMC
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Open Camping Positions | All locations