NEW THIS WEEK!

Holiday Conference Office hours

     The Conference office will be closed December 20-29 and January 1. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration and find time for rest and renewal as we prepare for a new year!

2025 in Luke-Acts: an Area-wide Discipleship Journey
     As we prepare to turn the calendar to 2025, Bishop Lanette is encouraging United Methodists across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area to join in a journey through Luke and Acts, reading one chapter each week, throughout the coming year. We will share resources and journal/discussion prompts through our weekly conference emails and social media platforms to help participants engage the text starting the week of January 5th. Check out our website later this month for reading guides and graphics. Bishop Lanette will provide a breakthrough prayer each month, inviting the Holy Spirit to form and transform us through this communal practice. Our hope is that these resources not only encourage your personal journey into these passages of scripture and provoke you to new steps of faith, but also support you as you invite and lead others to do the same.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE THIS WEEK!

Winter Scripture Circles | Register by Dec. 20
    A new round of Scripture Circles begins the week of January 13 for 10 weeks. Cost for Dakotas-Minnesota clergy is $100. The options to select from are:
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 13- March 17
Tuesdays, 7:30  a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  CT, beginning Jan. 14- March 18
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 14 – March 18
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT, beginning Jan. 14 -March 18
Registration deadline is December 20th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

RESOURCES

Love Came Down at Christmas: A Very Dakotas Christmas
    The Dakotas Conference Cabinet and communications team have prepared this digital resource as a way to support our clergy and congregations in this holiday season. We hope the individual components or the service in its entirety can be a blessing and a reminder of the gifts of connection and shared ministry. A big thank you to all of the individuals, groups, and congregations who contributed to making this resource. 

Wesley Pilgrimage 2025 - July 7-17, 2025, England
    You are invited on an eleven-day, ten-night spiritual pilgrimage, walking in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley. This journey is an opportunity to:Learn, pray, worship, and explore places where the Wesley brothers encountered the living God; Form spiritual friendships with fellow pilgrims and Wesley scholars; Integrate Wesleyan theology, ministry, and missional leadership; Rekindle your spiritual passion. The Wesley Pilgrimage is open to all lay and clergy leaders. Apply by Jan. 31 for the best rates.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Clergy Epiphany Gathering - January 5-7, 2025
    All clergy are invited to join the Dakotas Conference Cabinet for the Clergy Epiphany Gathering in Aberdeen, SD. Come reconnect, renew and recess with your colleagues as we explore Rhythms of Renewal with Rev. Tony Alstott - lead pastor of Wesley Chapel, Indiana Annual Conference. We will gather on Sunday evening at North Highland UMC for worship and at the Dakota Event Center Monday-Tuesday. Register now! If you have any questions, contact Bea Stucke, or your district superintendent.

Confirmation Camp - Lake Poinsett Camp - Feb. 21-22, 2025
    Confirmation Camp is a transformative retreat where youth from different churches come together to grow in their faith and build lasting connections. We’ll dive into core United Methodist topics like the sacraments, grace, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, and the membership vows we make as we are confirmed into the church.  All confirmation youth are welcome and must bring their own group leader(s). Learn more and register here.

Winter Connection
    Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Our theme for 2025 is: Don't be a Jerk: Love Everyone. Our scripture is John 3:16-17. Don't take love for granted. Recognize God's love - which encompasses you and your neighbor.
    Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, weather appropriate clothing, winter jacket, and gear. Apply here. 
*Note for Southeast site attendees: CCYM members are asking for chuch and personal donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, wash cloths, socks, and deodorant for "Home For Now" (Mitchell's homeless support and resource group). Please only donate items on the list provided above.

2025 Conference Lenten Study - The Third Day by Bishop Tom Berlin
    In this six-week study, Bishop Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss. Join Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas as they feel the despair of losing Jesus and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the resurrection. This study traces events around these characters, along with Paul and the disciples at Emmaus, and how the resurrection transforms their lives. Videos by the Appointive Cabinet will be provided for each week of the study.

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.
    Facilities Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp
    Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Youth & Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sunnycrest UMC, Sioux Falls, SD