THIS WEEK

UMCOR kit update
    The Dakotas Conference is no longer collecting UMCOR mission kits. UMCOR recognizes that shipping these items may cause harm if the materials displace potential local purchases that would otherwise support the local economy. To this end, UMCOR determined that it would cease international shipment of material assistance. Even within the United States, the collection and distribution of relief kits are becoming challenging. Instead, consider supporting Midwest Mission or one of the Dakotas Conference mission ministries.

Scripture Circles for Clergy | September start
    Scripture Circles for Clergy will take place Mondays, Sept. 11-Nov. 20; Tuesdays, Sept. 12-Nov. 21; or Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon CT, online. Clergy, take time to discuss and savor scripture's original language and context in these small group experiences through a combination of spiritual direction and deep bible study. Register now to reserve your spot. Plenty of space is available on Wednesdays with seven places. There is room for three on Mondays and only two slots on Tuesdays. Get the details and register. 

COMING UP

National Day of Volunteer Training | September 23, 2023
    Fargo First UMC is once again hosting National Day of Volunteer Training through Download Youth Ministry. The date for this year's training is September 23, beginning at 9 a.m. Bring your team to this training. Current pricing is $99.00 for everyone on your team. Prices will go up on May 1. The training will be finished by noon. Fargo First UMC will be providing lunch for all attendees after the training.Please mark your calendars, register, and join us. 

Leadership Institute | September 27-29
    Leadership Institute, Resurrection's annual leadership conference for church leaders, is Sept. 27-29, featuring many great speakers, including Rev. Adam Hamilton and Carey Nieuwhof.

Fresh Expressions Imagine Day | September 30
    Bring a team to Imagine Day with Rev. Dr. Michael Beck on Sept. 30, and you’ll leave fired up to reach people through the Fresh Expressions movement and initial resources to help you do just that: a people map, listening tools, next steps for your church, and an invitation to group coaching sessions.

Worship planning retreat | Oct. 22-25
    Clergy are invited to join Pastors Annie Carlson and Jordan Minnich Kjesbo, Sunday evening, October 22, to Wednesday noon, October 25, at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center for a retreat of renewal, collaboration, and worship planning. Get the details and register.

Shoebox Christmas 2023 | November 10 dropoff deadline
    Start collecting your Shoebox Christmas gifts. Spirit Lake Ministry Center coordinates Shoebox Christmas gifts to over 6,000 children across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota reservations. Learn more about Shoebox Christmas gifts and the dropoff locations. 

RESOURCES

 Understanding who are the 'Nones'
    The rapid growth in the percentage of Americans claiming no religious affiliation is drastically reshaping the country’s religious and cultural landscape. Ann Michel of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership interviews Ryan Burge, a leading expert on “Nones,” about the characteristics of the growing cohort of Americans who say their religion is “nothing in particular.” Listen to the podcast. 

Find-A-Church | Check out the updates
    Local United Methodist churches have an opportunity to share what their church is all about with those who are searching for the right church home. Thanks to new, expanded search options on http://UMC.org ’s Find-A-Church online directory, visitors can filter results to identify a church that matches their needs and preferences. But first, churches need to update their profiles to make that information available.

In our hearts

In our hearts | Dan Baker
    Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Dan Baker, of Williston, North Dakota. Dan father of Rev. Ray Baker, passed away on August 24, 2023 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Read more.

GRANTS    

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous givers
    If you want to learn more about growing generous givers, starting a study such as Saving Grace, or providing a growth opportunity for key leaders, consider applying for a Financial Ministry Grant of up to $500 to fund your effort. Whatever your method for improving your church's financial health and embedding the value of generosity into your church culture, some financial support can jumpstart your efforts!  Apply for the Financial Ministry Grant using a simple application found here.
    
Discipleship Ministries | Ethnic Ministries Grant
    Discipleship Ministries is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support racial ethnic local churches. Deadline for applying is September 30, 2023. 

Renewable Energy Grants for UWFaith Groups
    United Women in Faith groups can apply for grants to help local organizing campaigns advance just energy for all. Funding is available for work at the circle, unit, district, conference, and jurisdiction level. Collaborative projects with other organizations or groups are encouraged. Awards range from $100 to $3,000. First-round applications are reviewed on July 24; the second deadline is based on available funding. More information here. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details on jobs available at these Conference churches and organizations.

Conference Position | Benefits and Human Resources Officer
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer to administer the conference clergy and lay staff benefits program, lead and direct conference human resource functions, and coordinate with the conference treasurer financial reporting for Wespath and the Board of Pensions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.

Ministry / Office Assistant | Brandon Celebration UMC
    Celebration UMC in Brandon, SD, is now hiring for the Ministry/ Office Assistant position. We seek a Christian, competent, energetic, motivated, and personable ministry assistant to join our dynamic team. This person will work directly with the pastoral team to provide personalized administrative and ministry support in a well-organized and timely manner. Duties include coordinating church communications, assisting with special projects, updating online and social media content, managing facility rentals, and assisting pastors with tasks essential to the church's ministry. If you are interested in this position, please get in touch with Addy Kenkel at pastoraddy@alliancecom.net.

Worship Arts Director  | Legacy UMC
     Legacy is looking for a full-time Worship Arts Director with a visible and contagious love for Jesus lived out in passionate worship. This person should be a good communicator with a creative spirit, possessing the musical ability to lead vocally and instrumentally and the leadership to develop the gifts and talents of a diverse team. See the full job description here.