NEW!

Apply for Exploration 2026 Scholarships | Deadline Oct. 1
    Exploration creates sacred space for young adults, ages 18-26, to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern whether God’s call on their life is ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response. The Board of Ordained Ministry is offering ten scholarships of $1,000.00 each.  If interested in attending Exploration and receiving a scholarship, please fill out this scholarship application form. Deadline for scholarships is Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Let's Preach 2026-27
    Clergy, The Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The UMC invites you to grow your preaching skills. Join two great opportunities to continue learning. Attend the PREACH! 2026 gathering, then participate as a small group in Let's Preach! throughout 2026 and 2027.

Save the Date! Dog-Eared Disciples | Beginning 9-10:30 a.m. CDT, online
    Save the date for this book study initiative from Bishop Lanette Plambeck. Registration and more details will be available in coming weeks.

THIS WEEK

Fresh Expressions in the Dakotas | Monthly Zoom Meetup, August 20
    Join us for the first Fresh Expressions Monthly Zoom Meetup on Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m. CT (6 p.m. MT). We’ll welcome Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, authors of Dream, Dare, Disrupt, for a conversation about experimentation, risk, and creating life-giving ministry.

RESOURCES

Help Cokesbury test new curriculum for kids
    Cokesbury Kids has developed two new resources to encourage worship and prayer among kids and is looking for churches to test them. Art+Liturgy is a pastoral and worship planning digital resource for intergenerational, multi-sensory worship. Pastors will receive guides for preaching specific passages to kids, music options, liturgy, artwork, children's moment outlines, and more. Worship with All God's Children Curriculum is a One Room (preK-5th grade) curriculum  designed to bridge the experience of worship with children's faith formation. Participants will explore scripture, develop worship practices that last a lifetime and learn the prayers and songs that they experience in all-church worship. Test one of the resources, or both, in your congregation.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Scripture Circles for Clergy & Laity | September start
    Scripture Circles for Clergy will take place Mondays, beginning Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m. CT, or Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. spanning 10 weeks, online. On Mondays beginning Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. CT a circle for laity will be held online for 10 weeks. Join together to discuss and savor the original language and context of scripture in these small group experiences through a combination of spiritual direction and deep bible study. Register now to reserve your spot. A $100 discount is available for those clergy new to Scripture Circles. 

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.
    Office/Operations Manager | Legacy UMC, Bismarck, ND
    Non-Traditional Worship Leader | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Digital Ministries Coordinator | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-Time Nursery Care Worker | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Coordinator of Youth Ministries | Yankton First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Music Coordinator | Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND