THIS WEEK

Pray with us | May 11-17
  Come and embrace me, Lord, Hold me secure, Hold me strong, Hold me forever, In Your everlasting arms. We pray for all of God's people especially these persons. 

Nonprofit Church Leadership Certificate Program for clergy | Application deadline extended until May 13
   Clergy may apply for this year-long online graduate certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University to increase leadership competencies.  View summaries of the applied projects presented by the participating pastors in 2019 and 2020. Applicants will need to ask the leadership team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. Learn more about the program by viewing the application.  Contact Diane Owen for more information and any questions.

NON CONFERENCE EVENT  Preparing for A Hope-Filled Future | A Dakotas Global Methodist Gathering
    May 15, 2021, there will be an event to provide information on the future Global United Methodist Church.  There will be an opportunity to have questions answered during a Q&A portion of the event. Cornerstone Church in Watertown, South Dakota, will host beginning at 9:30 am with registration, 10:30 am worship, and conclude at 3:30 pm (lunch will be offered).  Satellite locations to be announced. Please register by contacting Lexie Vetch at lvetch@gmail.com.

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.

COMING UP

Clergy Session Tech check-in | May 20 11 a.m. MDT, 12 p.m. CDT
  Are you wondering how things will work for the 2021 Clergy Session? Clery can prepare by attending a virtual session, in Zoom webinar on May 20,  at 11 a.m , mountain time, 12 p.m. central time, for an overview of the agenda, how voting will take place, practice the question and answer features, and get your questions answered.  All clergy who are registered for clergy session by May 19, at 5 p.m., will receive a link to join the Clergy Session Tech check-in.  Register here. 

2021 Annual Conference | REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 21
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. Get more details. 

2021 Clergy Session | May 25 1:30 p.m. CDT
    All clergy are invited to attend Dakotas Conference 2021 Clergy Session by logging into a computer, laptop, or tablet in your home or office. Voting will take place electronically through the polling feature of the Zoom webinar platform.  If you feel like you would like to have hands-on support with the technology, please contact Susan Punt in the Conference Office by phone at 605-990-7796 or e-mail, susan.punt@dakotasumc.org to assist you in finding support from a local church.  Registerstration is required to receive the secure Zoom link. Register here

2021 Annual Conference | REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 21
    The 28th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference will be June 11-12, 2021, in a hybrid format. Drawing on our collective values of Jesus, mission, and connection, the theme of this year's annual conference session is Jesus Waymaker. We will explore ways in which we need to step out of our comfort zone and follow the path to living like Jesus in ways beyond our imagination. Get more details. 

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.  

Apply to be a member of CCYM | May 31 deadline
    The Conference Council on Youth Ministry  (CCYM) is a group of up to 20 youth and 10 adults who serve Jesus Christ through service to the youth and youth workers of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  Apply to become a member of CCYM in 2021! Applications are due May 31, 2021. High school students graduating years 2022, 2023, and 2024 are eligible to apply. Apply today!

NEW Clergy Financial Well-being Group for Couples this summer | Contact Diane Owen by May 31
     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 MAY 31!

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.

RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Help Rev. Boyd and Evelyn Blumer Celebrate their Birthdays
     Rev. Boyd Blumer will be 90 on May 15,  and Evelyn will be 89 on May 14. More than anything, they’d appreciate an email, call, or card for their birthdays. Send greeting to besquare@mit.midco.net, or call 605-271-2721, send a card to 1409 W. Dow Rummel St., #216, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. 

SURVEY REMINDER | Compete the  Finance and Stewardship Survey
   Last month, you recieved links to the  Finance and Stewardship Survey. This survey will clarify what topics and tools churches would like to know more about for finance and stewardship. The role of the Annual Conference is to equip you for this ministry —to provide training, education, and resources for you as ministry partners and leaders. The survey can be completed online or by using the paper version. There are three different surveys depending on your ministry role: pastor; treasurer, bookkeeper, or financial secretary; leader of the finance, trustees, or stewardship committee.  Acccess the onliine and paper versions. 

FEMA Funeral Resources | Access resources
    FEMA has a funeral assistance program that provides financial grants to individuals who suffered the loss of a family member due to COVID-19 since Jan. 20, 2020. The funeral assistance program started taking registration on April 12. The COVID -19 Funeral Assistance Number 844-684-6333 l TTY: 800-462-7585 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , eastern time.  Please share this information with anyone who may benefit. View a video explanation. 

REACH! Make more of Fall 2021 |  Access resources
    Fall 2021 will be a unique window for ministry. Rev. Ben Ingebretson recently presented a webinar, “Fall 2021 Re-Launching Post-Pandemic Public Worship with the Purpose.” Ingebretson shares a roadmap with four elements to a great launch focusing on one central purpose, creating strategic teams, preparing for the next five months, implementing for two months. View a summary article.

UMCOR Mustard Seed Grants | Apply by May 16
    As Jesus described in his parable, mustard seeds have the potential to grow into something big or pervasive that spreads throughout a field. Mustard Seed Migration Grants of up to $2000 will be awarded to 50 United Methodist churches in the United States to engage in new, one-time community-based service projects focused on refugees and migration. Get more details

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | ADS

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.

Organ and printer available | Contact Letcher Community Church
    Letcher Community Church in South Dakota has an organ available. The organ is large and has a separate speaker.  The organ dimensions are 4' wide x 28 1/2' deep x 38 1/2' tall.  The speaker is 26" wide x 16' deep x 56' tall. You must make arrangements to transport. View a photo of the organ. There is also a printer available. View a photo of the printer. For more details contact Shelly Hoffman by phone  at 605-770-6096, or e-mail sshawd@hotmail.com.