THIS WEEK!

Ignite 2026 | SAVE THE DATE
    North Central Jurisdiction is hosting a discernment event next March! The event is intended for those in the early stages of discerning a call to ministry, both lay and clergy roles. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more please reach out to conference leadership! Look out for more information as the event gets closer.

Care for college students
    Do you have a student who is starting college in the Dakotas? We encourage you to check out this list of campus ministers and pastors in several of our college towns in North and South Dakota and get your student connected! It’s a great way to support their faith journey in this season of life and also give them another person and community for support and encouragement!

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Chapter 10 is a paradigm busting moment in Peter's life and in the life of the church. Who they believed was "In" and "Out" would forever be changed. This story continues to be repeated throughout history as human nature can be drawn to inward focus and tribalism and God continues to reveal that he "shows no favoritism." Additional Resource: Sermon from Mark Batterson

RESOURCES

Guest Experience Standards
    Every handshake, smile, and act of kindness is an opportunity to embody the love and hospitality of Jesus. Having a set of Guest Experience Standards helps ensure that the welcome we offer is consistent and not reliant on a volunteer or staff person’s personality or mood. This is important, because our “guests” are often encountering our ministry – and sometimes the Gospel – for the very first time. This article from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (COR) offers some helpful guidance. View the article here. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Scripture Circles for Clergy | Beginning Fall 2025
    Led by Julie Stoll, Scripture Circles are a communal, Spirit-led way of engaging Scripture that blends ancient rabbinic tradition with Christian faith. Each session begins by listening to the questions and wrestlings of those present, then exploring passages that speak into those themes, asking deep questions, and discovering fresh insights together. It’s scholarly and mystical, practical and pastoral—offering renewal for those longing to hear God speak in community. Whether online or in person, this is Scripture as a living conversation—rooted in the Word, open to the Spirit, and shaped by you.

Scripture Circle days/times:
    Mondays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 15- Nov. 17 (Returning participants)
    Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 CT, Sept. 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning and First-time participants)
    Tuesdays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Septs 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning participants)
    Thursdays 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 18 – Nov. 20 (First-time participants)

The fee is $230 per ten-week session for returning participants or $130 for first-time participants. Register now!

Website Reorganization
    We are reorganizing and updating pages on our website to better reflect our mission and serve our churches and leaders. While we are moving things around, we will update commonly used links on this page. Please feel free to email or call Conference Staff directly if you have any questions.

Educational debt relief | Applications due Sept. 1
    Calling all clergy! Still paying off undergrad or seminary debt? Apply for the 2025 Investing in Leaders Resource Grant. Applications due by Sept. 1 for this grant of up to $5,000 to pay down educational debt. Renewal applications are also available for those who have already received this grant.

Clergy Wellness Allowance
    As we head into fall routines, don’t forget to include healthy practices! We are excited to offer eligible clergy - clergy appointed (or CLM assigned) as a pastor to a local church or extension ministry actively serving in the Dakotas or Minnesota Conferences - the 2025 Clergy Wellness Allowance. The wellness allowance is for a specific resource or experience that supports physical well-being. Apply here now!

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Administrative Assistant | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Alumni Engagement Associate | Dakaota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD