THIS WEEK

Pray with us | June 1-7
  God, there is chaos in my heart and my life. I am filled with fear and hesitation. So I really need the peace back to my life. I know, my God, that only you can give it. Please listen to my humbled heart; I so want to find rest in you. In the name of Jesus. Amen. We pray for all of God's people, but especially these persons. 

Kjerstad to leave | Corrected article and link 
    Deb Kjerstad, who serves as the Director of Leadership Development for the Dakotas Conference, will step away from her role on June 14, 2021. She has accepted an offer from Starbucks to be the District Manager for South Dakota. “For the past six years, Deb has had a wonderful ministry working to help our clergy grow in effectiveness, enhancing leadership capacity, and developing a culture of call throughout the Conference. Every day we see the result of Deb’s ministry through the fruitfulness of both our clergy and laity. She has a passion for identifying and equipping church leaders to bring more people to Christ,” said Bishop Laurie Haller.

NEW Clergy Financial Well-being Group for Couples this summer | Contact Diane Owen by June 4
     We have been offering 8-week virtual sessions for pastors with financial counselor, Sarah Swantner. These successful experiences have encouraged another opportunity for couples. We know that finances and money can have a tremendous impact on relationships. What a better way to work on improving your financial health than engaging in a small group as a couple! Contact Diane Owen if you are interested to discuss details and scheduling options by June 4!

Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. mountain time, 9 a.m. central time 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. central time, 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Pre-Conference Gatherings | Videos and resources
    Registered delegates to the twenty-eighth session of the Dakotas Annual Conference spent time learning about various legislation they will be considering at the business sessions happening on June 11, 2021, at one of the four Pre-Conference Gathering sessions held on May 20, 22, 23, and 26. Jeff Pospisil moderated the session with Rev. Rebecca Trefz. Pospisil and Trefz guided participants through presentations including the 2022 Budget Proposal, a report from the Board of Pensions, items on the Consent Calendar, a report from the Committee on Nominations, and an overview of the two proposed resolutions. Watch the video presentations and review the questions and responses.

2021 Miracle Offering | Feeding the Dakotas
   The 2021 Miracle Offering: Feeding the Dakotas is a hope-bringing, spirit-fueled activity that will have a lasting impact on thousands of hungry people across North and South Dakota. Our goal for the 2021 Miracle Offering is $75,000 to be shared with the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota, Feeding South Dakota, and grants to local hunger ministries.  Access resources for the 2021 Miracle Offering.  

Watch worship live 
     You can watch the three worship services that will happen at the 2021 Dakotas Annual Conference live. View Opening Worship, Friday, June 11, 2021, starting at 8:25 a.m., Bishop Laurie Haller will deliver the Episcopal Address. The Celebration of Life in Ministry Service willbe held on Friday, June 11, 2021,  at 7 p.m. here.  Closing worship will take place on Saturday, June 12, at 4:30 p.m., view the service here. 

COMING UP

CAMP IS BACK! SPRING 2021 CAMP APPEAL
    We are excited to return to offering summer camp and we are confident that our campers will be safe. Yet there is still much unknown in 2021 and your help is needed. Please consider a financial gift to your Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries. A gift to your camping ministries helps to ensure our United Methodist Camps, places special to so many, will be available and remain a part of our world for years to come. Get the details here.

Builders Club |  Call for Journey at Spirit Lake 
     Builders Club supports the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of people across the Dakotas Conference. Builders Club's goal is to assist churches in need of financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects. Providing support for churches’ building projects allows them to grow current or begin new ministries.  The recent Builders Club call asks individuals and congregations to support the Journey at Spirit Lake.  Join | Donate online

Investing in Leaders Grant | Apply by Aug. 1
     the Investing in Leaders Grant is part of the Financial Well-Being Initiative funded through a Lilly Endowment Grant. This $5,000 annual grant to reduce educational debt is open to all active clergy in the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. Applicants must complete a course of personal financial education.  Learn more about the grant by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

IN OUR HEARTS

In our hearts | Maryann Jacobs
    Maryann Lee Jacob, 82, passed away May 25, 2021 in Brookings, South Dakota. Maryann is the mother of Dakotas Conference elder, Rev. Teri Johnson, who serves in extension ministry at South Dakota State University.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | ADS

Dakotas Conference | Church Planter-New Congregation Developer
     The Dakotas Conference is seeking a planter/new congregation developer!   The opportunity exists in a college town in partnership with a center city UMC church that seeks to form a relevant new worship and discipleship community for young adults and new people.  Best applicants have entrepreneurial gifts, disciple making experience and an evangelistic heart.   For details, please contact ben.ingebretson@dkmnareaumc.org.

Work at camp! | Apply here
     Your summer adventure awaits! Come work at camp this summer! You will make a difference! Calling adventurers, Christ-seekers, gardeners, and cooks! Are you wondering what the summer will hold and eager to make a positive difference in someone's life?  Be bold- apply to work at Storm Mountain today! Apply online. Please reach out if you would like more information. call 605-343-4391  or e-mail smc@dakcamps.org. 

Mitchell Downtown First | Family Ministries Coordinator
    Job description: In this full-time role, the Family Ministries Coordinator will oversee all discipleship ministries for birth through young adult; reach out to families both within the congregation as well as those in the surrounding community; and recruit, train and deploy volunteer discipleship staff for Children’s and Youth ministries. We are looking for someone who will consider this a ministry and not just a job. Access details

Canyon Lake UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Canyon Lake UMC in Rapid City is seeking a full-time director of youth & young adult ministries.  Come join our generous, fun, collaborative team in the beautiful Black Hills!  Click here for job description and more info.  Contact Pastor DeAnn Eidem at deann.eidem@clumc.com. 

Asbury UMC | Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
    Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently accepting applications for a Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries develops, directs, and evaluates the youth/young adult education program with the goal of making disciples for the transformation of the world at Asbury United Methodist Church. This is a 20-hour per week position. A full job description can be found here: http://sfasbury.org/about-us/staff-openings. Please email a resume to info@sfasbury.org or mail it to the church at 2425 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.