TODAY!

Today is Giving Tuesday!
    Join the millions of United Methodists across the Dakotas and the world coming together to joyfully share gifts with missions and ministries on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Support Dakotas Conference and other United Methodist missions and ministries through the Dakotas Methodist Foundation as well as through The Advance.

Solar Oven Partners | Alternative Gift Giving Dec. 3
    Giving Tuesday started nine years ago as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”  Giving together to causes we believe in multiplies our giving power. Today is the perfect day to make your own annual gift to Solar Oven Partners. Date your check December 3, 2024 and make it payable to Solar Oven Partners or Dakotas UMC Advance #637. Mail to: Solar Oven Partners, 1331 W. University Ave., PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301. Or give online though UMCOR Advance. You can sign up for a one-time gift or a recurring monthly gift here. Check out the SOP Facebook page to learn about some of the ways your gifts are making a difference. 

NEW THIS WEEK!

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.

RESOURCES

Equipping Collaborative Teams - Jan. 28, 2024,10 a.m. CST/9 a.m. MST 
    This training, offered through clergyeducation.com, aims to redeploy the laity to serve as intentional disciples, not just members of our congregations - something that is crucial for the health and vitality of congregations. A few topics to be included in this online training will be:
**Refocusing out mission and vision statements in the local church
**Creating new structures for healthier outcomes
**Building teams that lead to growing involvement in the church

Faith Talks on Executive Function - Dec. 5, 1 p.m. CST /  2 p.m. MST
    Children develop at different paces. Some kids appear to be naturally fast. Others appear to move slower. The pace at which a child completes various tasks and projects is known as processing speed. When children have slower processing speeds, it can be challenging for the child and the adults around them. But processing speed is not indicative of intelligence or I.Q. And with support, children with slower processing speeds can thrive. It is therefore imperative that parents, grandparents, educators, and caregivers gain strategies for supporting all children, regardless of how they learn. 
    On December 5, please join a live recording of the United Women in Faith Faith Talks podcast for a discussion with Dr. Ellen Braaten. Braaten co-authored the book Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up. She’ll share tips for seeing and honoring all children, while equipping us to better support the young people in our lives. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Saving Grace Cohort - Zoom sessions starting in January
     Start the new year by finding the peace that comes with being in control of finances instead of having them control you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource written for the Methodist family and rooted in a Wesleyan perspective. This 6-week session which includes content on the unique aspects of clergy finances, will be led by Marcia Alexander.  Please register by December 15, or contact Diane Weller for more information.

Winter Scripture Circles | Register by Dec. 13
    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 13th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

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
    Director | Solar Oven Partners, DK-MN Area
    Youth & Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sunnycrest UMC, Sioux Falls, SD

ITEMS AVAILABLE 

Robes
    A former United Methodist church has donated several choir robes with the cross and flame on them. We have sizes from small to x-large.  In very good condition.  Zippers & snap at the top of the robes. Contact the Conference office if interested.