THIS WEEK

Clergy Epiphany Gathering | Register now
    Register now for the 2024 Epiphany Gathering on January 7-9, 2024. Join Jill and Michael Beck at the Dakotas Event Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It will be a Mardi Gras festival— chance to celebrate being together as United Methodist clergy. We will gather with Bishop Lanette and the Dakotas Conference Cabinet on Sunday evening and end our time by noon on Wednesday. Register here. 

Dakotas Conference closed for holidays | Office hours change
    The business hours at the Dakotas Conference Office in Mitchell, South Dakota, have changed! Beginning January 2, 2024, the business hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1-5 p.m. The conference office will be open by appointment only on Fridays.

Missional Congregations Survey | Your input is needed
    The Missional Congregational Link is excited about equipping churches as they reach the next person for Jesus. Together with the Dakotas Connection Initiative, they are exploring ways to share and develop resources for congregations across the Dakotas Conference. Your input is needed to gain information and understand the needs. Respond to the survey.

COMING UP

CCYM Awards | Submit by Jan. 9
    The Conference Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM) is seeking nominations for the Darrel Leach Youthworker of the Year Award and the Youth Worker Hall of Fame Award. Submit nominations by January 9, 2024. Access the nomination forms.

Human Relations Sunday | January 14
    Because of you, we are able to change lives through social justice ministries and outreach through Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. Human Relations day is January 14, 2024, but we encourage you to celebrate on a day that works best for your church. Access resources.

Dynamite Prayer | Jan. 14-Feb. 10
    Ready to see what God can do when we come together in prayer and ask God’s Spirit to unleash in us? Begin 2024 by joining a breakthrough prayer movement across the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area! Join us from Jan. 14-Feb. 10 for our area-wide Dynamite Prayer initiative. Get the details.

Fresh Expressions National Gathering | Feb. 7-9
    Fresh Expressions National Gathering is Feb. 7-9, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is a great opportunity for those interested in cultivating a fresh expression in their community. Bishop Lanette will be there too! Use discount code FXDKMN for $80 off your registration.

Clergy invited to spend time at camp
    As Dakotas United Methodist clergy, you have a special benefit gifted from the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Pensions. In appreciation of your ministry and acknowledgment that you deserve some time away, you are invited to schedule a personal retreat and/or a family vacation for the members of your immediate household at your favorite Dakotas United Methodist Camp! You may stay up to a total of two weeks each year for FREE at any of the three locations.

2024 Lent Study | Multiplying Love
    Join Bishop Lanette Plambeck and the Dakotas and Minnesota Conference Cabinets this Lent for a video study. Explore the power of the Wesleyan approach to the gospel and a compelling case for the future of The United Methodist Church. 

Exploration 2024 | Feb. 16-18
    Exploration, is being held in Orlando, Feb. 16-18. It is a gathering, hosted by The United Methodist Church, that creates sacred space for young adults, ages 18-26, to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern God's call on their life, how ministry in and with The United Methodist Church might be a part of that call, and what faithful steps they can take in response.

SPRC Training | Feb. 22
    If you have new members to your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), or have recently received a new pastor, or haven't been through a training in a while, join an online (Zoom) training on February 22, at 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Confirmation Camp | March 1-2, 2024
    Confirmation Camp at Lake Poinsett is scheduled for March 1-2! Let Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty know if you are interested in helping in any capacity. You and your confirmation crew are invited to join!

RESOURCES

Spiritual decluttering: A fresh start for a new year
    As a United Methodist church member, parting with some things for a season, may help declutter your spiritual life. Doing so helps make room for a new movement of the Holy Spirit in the months to come. What might you set aside in the next year? Read how you can declutter your spiritual life.

What do you know about Epiphany?
    Did you know the word "epiphany" not only means an "a-ha!" moment, but also refers to an ancient church holiday celebrated on January 6? In this video, learn how a single celestially-guided voyage, which led magi to Baby Jesus, was an epiphany for the whole world. Watch and download video.

Fresh Expressions follow-up
    We want to tell the stories of Fresh Expressions across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area! When your group is out in your community meeting new people, we’d love it if you’d record a 2–3-minute video (on your cell phone is fine, but record in horizontal orientation if you can). Some prompts for you... Where are you (your physical location) and what are you doing in your community today? What’s the fresh expression you’re creating? What’s your ultimate dream or prayer for it? What’s something you’ve learned in your fresh expressions journey that has stuck with you? When you’re done, upload your video to this Dropbox folder, or text it to 605-770-8540 .

GRANTS    

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous giver
    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.

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.

Discipleship Ministries Coordinator | Evergreen UMC
    Evergreen UMC in Wahpeton, N.D., is hiring a Discipleship Ministries Coordinator. Evergreen UMC is looking for a high energy, enthusiastic individual who loves engaging with children, youth and young adults and also is super crazy about Jesus!! Please contact Pastor Kori Lehrkamp or the church office for more information.