Prayers for Rev. Randy Cross
    Rev.  Randy Cross is in continuing need of our prayers. Keep up to date on his condition at: https://www.rmcross.com/ "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."    Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

2022 Lenten Study - Week Two | 
    This week in our Lenten study we look at the movement of sorrow to joy. Rev. Joel Winckler, the Northwest District Superintendent, says, "As human beings we all have experiences of sorrow and joy. Our losses are many throughout the course of our lives." Moving from sorrow to joy is a movement that shapes our spiritual formation. "When we accept the reality that we cannot control everything, it places us in a fuller dependence on God’s grace and sustaining," says Winckler. See all the resources here.

First Aid for Mental Health | March 10 & 24
    One in every five Americans experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected, undiagnosed and untreated. Wespath is offering First Aid for Mental Health, a two-part live training webinar. This training is free for all UMC clergy and their spouses and congregation members. Details here.

March 5 Tornadoes | Iowa UMC Disaster Response
    Saturday, March 5, 2022, a large, severe storm front moved across Iowa resulting in tornados in the late afternoon. Many communities have been impacted and sadly these storms resulted in seven deaths. There are many ways you can help today.
    -PRAY for those affected, those in shelter, and those responding.  
    -DONATE a financial gift to Iowa Disaster Response, Special Advance #223 or to a local church impacted by the storm.
    -REACH OUT to someone you know who was affected by the storm and call, send a note or text them. Knowing that others care and are praying makes a HUGE difference. It’s the best of who we are as a connectional church.

COMING UP

Incubator Training | March 23-25
    Join this online, onboarding discovery process to prepare new church planters or those exploring start up/restart church projects. Learn the skills, behaviors, and tools of a church planter. You will make a plan that can be put into action. Get details here. 

Discernment Retreat | March 26 and April 30
    Are you wondering how God is calling you? Attend the Discernment Retreat on March 26 and April 30, 2022, at the Dakotas Conference Office in Mitchell, South Dakota, or via Zoom. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders. Details here.

UMCOR Sunday | March 27
   United Methodist Communications has created a variety of resources to help you teach your congregation why we recognize and celebrate UMCOR Sunday, a Special Sunday that is coming up on March 27; 100 percent of your gift to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) are used to support disaster relief. Get resources here.

Practical Church Leadership Course | Application window open
    The Practical Church Leadership certificate program (formerly known as Nonprofit Church Leadership, or NPCL) is a year-long, online graduate certificate program for clergy through Dakota Wesleyan University. The course is designed to increase competencies in leadership. View summaries of past applied projects by pastors in 2019 and in 2020 or view the application to learn more about the program. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation form. The deadline to submit your application is May 1, 2022. 

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. Info here.

RESOURCES 

 Lenten reflections | Ardell and Gordon Graner
    Ardell and Gordon Graner, missionaries from the Dakotas, working in the Dominican Republic and supported in part by the Dakotas Conference, have been involved in developing a booklet of Lenten reflections with the theme “Mission Experiences of Compassion, Challenge and Hope.” The reflections are written with love from the ecumenical community around the world, including a variety of missionaries. Get it here.

Camp registration is OPEN | View by camp location below
    Summer 2022 camp registration is open! Check this link to see all the exciting camp offerings at Wesley Acres, Storm Mountain, and Lake Poinsett. Remember the Early Bird Discount? Register before April 30 and receive a discount of $5 off per night. Save even more by bringing a friend with you to camp. Click here for details, or call the camping office at 855-622-1973. 

Builders Club | Winter 2022 project
    The Dakotas Methodist Foundation's Builders Club has announced their Winter 2022 project. Tolstoy UMC is in need of a new roof, as water is leaking into the Sunday School rooms. The congregation is doing all they can, and hope to make additional improvements to provide a base for their ministry outreach. See how you can help here.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads 

Rapid City First UMC | Contemporary Worship Leader 
   Rapid City First United Methodist Church is seeking applicants for the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. This part-time position is tasked with leading contemporary worship music in a way that is appealing, inviting, engaging and worshipful. We expect the discipleship, musicianship, professionalism and care of this person will continue to help our congregation and music team grow in spirit and in knowledge. See full job description and contact info here.