THIS WEEK

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.

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.

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.

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.

COMING UP

2024 Lay Academy | Apply by January 17
    Calling lay persons who are interested in strengthening their knowledge and skills around planning, preparing and leading the spoken parts of worship, including the message. Apply to be part of the February cohort beginning, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. CST, 5 p.m. MST through Feb. 3, 4 p.m., CST, 3 p.m. MST. by January 17. Get the details and apply.

Winter Connection | January 26-27
    Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Our theme for 2024 is Be Bold Be Fearless, and our scripture is Deuteronomy 31:6. Winter Connection will be held in Fargo, Mitchell, and Rapid City. Learn more and register.

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.

Fresh Expression Coaching calls | Jan. 25 plus more
    Hop on a Zoom call to connect with others about Fresh Expression. The coaching calls are Jan. 25, Feb. 29, March 28, April 25, June 27, July 25, and Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m., online. Monthly coaching sessions are for Fresh Expressions practitioners and their teams and are facilitated by Rev. Michael Beck. Share stories, ideas, and support. Get the details.

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

Clergy Preaching cohort | January start
    Beginning in mid-January a second round of Preaching Cohorts will begin. These groups of 3-4 clergy meet together to help one another become better preachers. We watch and evaluate one another's sermons and give constructive input on what went well, and areas in which the preacher could improve. Each person sets their own goals and areas in which they wish to grow. Contact Rev. Teresa Whetsel if you are interested  pastorteresaw@gmail.com. View participant comments and details.

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.