THIS WEEK!

Dakotas Connectors | Send Letters of interest by Aug. 22
    As part of the creative, Spirit-led work of the Extended Cabinet and the Wisdom Council, the Dakotas Conferences invites individuals – lay or clergy – to apply for one of the new "Connector" roles that will undergird the mission and ministry of leaders and churches across the Dakotas. "Connector roles are not secondary ministries—they are structural sinews that strengthen the body of Christ across the Dakotas," said Bishop Lanette Plambeck. "These leaders will serve as bridge-builders, resource-sharers, and holy disruptors—linking gifts with needs, wisdom with innovation, and call with context. Through their focused presence and Spirit-led agility, these ministry partners will embody the value and strength of connection and will help us move forward in collaborative mission." Learn more here. Please send Letters of interest and related experience to Dakotas.Connectors@umconnect.org by Aug. 22.

Job Opportunity | Director of Children First, Spearfish UMC
    Spearfish UMC is seeking a director for Children First, a child care and early learning center that is owned by the church. See the job posting to learn more and apply. The center is licensed, therefore qualifications include education and experience in early childhood education.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Acts 6 challenge us to take both spiritual and practical roles in the church seriously as the seven are chosen to oversee the food distribution to widows. This expansion of leadership and responsibility ends up having a multiplying effect on the church. How have you seen the sharing of leadership in your church unleash the power of the Spirit in new ways? Additional resource: Devotion on from North Georgia Conference of the UMC

RESOURCES

10 ideas to guide your church's budget planning
    When it is time to build your church budget, it can be easy to slip into a “numbers-only” mindset. But a truly faithful budget reflects the mission and heart of your congregation. Building a budget is more than an accounting exercise; it’s an opportunity to invest in God’s work through your church. A good budget helps fuel ministry, grow disciples, and extend Christ’s love into the world. Before you put numbers in boxes, consider these 10 important ideas from ResourceUMC.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Dream Forward cohort
    Earlier this year, as an outpouring of the work of the Equipping Missional Congregations Link, Revs. Kori Lehrkamp and Cory Thrall invited clergy to participate in a pilot "Dream Forward" cohort. The cohort was created to help clergy think about unique ways they can mobilize their congregations to engage with their surrounding community. A second 6-month cohort will begin this fall to help clergy focus on moving their congregation forward in a healthy and strategic way. This cohort will launch this fall and is open to all Dakotas clergy. Learn more and apply here. 

Scripture Circles for Clergy | Beginning Fall 2025
    Led by Julie Stoll, Scripture Circles are a communal, Spirit-led way of engaging Scripture that blends ancient rabbinic tradition with Christian faith. Each session begins by listening to the questions and wrestlings of those present, then exploring passages that speak into those themes, asking deep questions, and discovering fresh insights together. It’s scholarly and mystical, practical and pastoral—offering renewal for those longing to hear God speak in community. Whether online or in person, this is Scripture as a living conversation—rooted in the Word, open to the Spirit, and shaped by you.

Scripture Circle days/times:
    Mondays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 15- Nov. 17 (Returning participants)
    Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 CT, Sept. 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning and First-time participants)
    Tuesdays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Septs 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning participants)
    Thursdays 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 18 – Nov. 20 (First-time participants)

The fee is $230 per ten-week session for returning participants or $130 for first-time participants. Register now!

Clergy Connection at Legacy UMC
    Calling all clergy! Would you like a chance to connect with colleagues, grow as a clergy person as well as a human being? Would you like a place to ask questions and push the boundaries of your knowledge and experience? The Clergy Connection at Legacy is just such a place. Held at Legacy UMC in Bismarck, ND, Clergy Connection is a quarterly gathering of clergy where clergy choose, and direct, the time together. All clergy are invited to take a moment to complete this survey and share input on topics of learning and growth to be taught by a facilitator or by one of the clergy (this will also be helpful for future Clergy Connection groups in other locations). The first three Clergy Connection meetings are set for Oct. 23, 2025, Jan. 8, 2026 and May 14, 2026. We will meet at Legacy UMC from 10am to 4pm; lunch will be provided. We chose the meetings for Thursday to give clergy the opportunity to rest and relax in Bismarck before heading back home. Topics for the Oct 23rd Clergy Connection will be released soon. Contact Pastors Cory Thrall or Annie Carlson for more information. Register here. 

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.
    Administrative Assistant & Event Planner | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camp
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Director for Children First | Spearfish UMC, Spearfish, SD