Discernment Retreat | Jan. 8 & Feb. 5 
   Last call to register!  Are you wondering if God is calling you? Then, attend the Discernment Retreat on January 8, 2022, and February 5, 2022, at Spearfish UMC or on Zoom. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It explores: personal spiritual gifts, servant leadership, each leader's role in developing future leaders, the importance of consistent spiritual practices, the core ministries of leading, caring, and communicating, and much more. Register here. 

Foundation Christmas Appeal | Ministry Innovation Grants
There is still time, send your gift today! The focus for our 2021 Christmas Appeal is on innovation. Ministry is changing. The way we worship today is different than it has ever been. The Foundation hopes to encourage pastors and churches to explore their creative and innovative ministry ideas by offering Ministry Innovation Grants. Please join us this Christmas in helping to fund these Ministry Innovation Grants and unleash creative ministry in the Dakotas. 
Read more about the 2021 Christmas Appeal here. 

COMING UP

Interfaith Day 2022 | January 13 in Pierre, SD
    On Thursday, January 13, 2022, the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota will be hosting the Fifth Annual Interfaith Day at the State Capitol in Pierre for the start of the 2022 Legislative Session. Join with faith leaders for a day at the Capitol as we stand in solidarity and pray for peace for everyone who calls South Dakota home.

Winter Connection | January 28-29 
Winter Connection is an annual event for high school and middle school youth that takes place in Bismarck, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls this winter. This is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Each year there is a focus on a particular theme and scripture along with a unique and important component of service. Our theme for 2022 is "Gather Round/Bring it in," and our scripture is Luke 5:1.

BOM Candidacy Forum | February 15
Are you unsure of all the steps and what is next on your journey as a candidate for ministry?  Here is your chance to ask questions and get answers! Join a Zoom call with Rev. Rev.  Sara McManus, the registrar for the Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, on Tuesday,  February 15, 2022, at 12 p.m. MDT,  1 p.m.  CDT.  Get the details here. 

2022 Lenten Study | Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit
    Our relationship with God, who loves us beyond all measure is a  journey. This Lent (March 2-April 17, 2022), the Bishop and Cabinet invite all Dakotas United Methodists to join an all-conference Lenten book study. Henri Nouwen understood the spiritual life as a journey of faith and transformation that is deepened by accountability, community, and relationships. Spiritual Formation reveals Nouwen’s sage advice on how to live out the five classical stages of spiritual development. This Lent explore Nouwen’s unparalleled wisdom on how to move from the mind to the heart and live there in the center—the place where God dwells. More info here.

Bible Land Exploration | Departing February 1, 2022
    Join Bishop Laurie and Rev. Gary Haller along with others from the Dakotas  and Iowa Annual Conferences on an 11-day Bible Land Exploration, starting at $3,996 from Bismarck and Fargo, ND or Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD departing on February 1, 2022. Journey to places such as Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Temple Mount, Garden of Gethsemane, Jericho, Bethlehem, Galilee, and much more!

Best of Italy and the Oberammergau Passion Play | Departing on August 15, 2022
    Join Bishop Laurie and Rev. Gary Haller along with others from the Dakotas and Iowa Annual Conferences for 12 days in Germany, Austria, and Italy. You'll explore Innsbruck, have the opportunity to see the Oberammergau Passion Play and spend time in Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. Pricing starts at $5946  from Bismarck, Fargo, ND,  Rapid City, SD, or Sioux Falls, SD departing on August 15, 2022.

RESOURCES 

Scholarships from United Methodist Higher Education Foundation | Applications open
    The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) is accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 academic year between January 1 – March 1, 2022. Students who are members of The United Methodist Church and planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, college, university, or seminary full-time are eligible to apply.

Human Relations Sunday | January 26
    The offering on Human Relations Sunday on Jan. 26, supports ministries of social justice and outreach like the Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. The 2022 Human Relations Day Pastor and Leader’s Kit.These are digital resources that you can download, print out and insert to help promote this upcoming Sunday. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads 

Fargo Calvary | Discipleship and Development Pastor/Director
     Fargo Calvary is seeking a Director of Discipleship and Development. This position is 15-20 hours per week. Calvary’s Discipleship and Development Ministries include the Calvary Ministry Institute, leadership development program, life/small groups, Bible studies, and life coaching programs (fitness, finance, and marriage). Email a cover letter and resume to hr@calvaryfargo.com. View a detailed job description. 

Large Projector Screen available
     Steele/Tuttle United Methodist Church in North Dakota has a screen that is electric. The churcht replaced the large screen with a televsion. If any church is interested in the screen they can have it. Call  701-516-7407 for more details.