THIS WEEK

Pray with us | May 18-24
  God above, the first of my thanks is that I thank You for even being before You today. Only by Your grace, would I have the opportunity to pray to You as I do now. And I give eternal glory to your name Oh Lord. We pray for all of God's people, especially these persons. 

Pre-Conference Virtual Gatherings: May 20, May 22, 23, 26 
     Each member of the 2021 Dakotas Annual Conference is asked to participate in a pre-conference webinar to discuss legislation and other key items. Sessions will be hosted by Rev. REbecca Trefz and Jeff Pospisil. Register when you register for Annual Conference. You will want to have access to the 2021 Conference Workbook. 

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.  JOIN US ON ZOOM

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 | Access the 2021 Clergy Packet

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

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

Clergy Financial Well-Being Group for Couples: | Express interest by June 4
    This summer, The Dakotas-Minnesota Area will offer clergy and their partners an eight-week virtual small group with a financial counselor to discuss finances, money, and money's impact on relationships. Contact Diane Owen to discuss the schedule that would work best for you.

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

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.

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. 

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.