THIS WEEK

Miracle Offering: The Road of Hope 
    In response to the increasing numbers of deaths by suicide, ideation of suicide, and attempts among youth in North and South Dakota, and the mental health crisis in our nation, the 2023 Miracle Offering recipients are: Helpline of South Dakota and FirstLink of North Dakota. Our goal for the 2023 Miracle Offering is $50,000 to be shared with Helpline of South Dakota and FirstLink of North Dakota. Access resources.

Call for nominations | 2024 North Central Jurisdiction reserve lay delegates
    At the 30th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference, to be held June 8-10, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, elections will be held for reserve lay delegates and one reserve clergy delegate to the North Central Jurisdiction Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, July 10-13, 2024. If you would like to nominate a lay person, or if you are a lay person who is willing to serve in this capacity, please complete the form. Information submitted will be included in the Conference Workbook.

Codependent No More | Start Date TBD
    The actual start date is to be determined. Registration for this coaching group will remain open until enough participants have signed up. Upon registration, Stephanie will reach out to you directly to discuss group parameters. Once the group is full, Stephanie will talk with participants to confirm the launch date. Clergy, take this time for your own health. For 12 sessions, join this small group and gain tools to end codependence.

COMING UP 

Festival of Homeletics | May 15-19
    “Preaching Hope for a Weary World” is the festival’s response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. Members of the Dakotas Cabinet invite you to join them in Minneapolis, May 15-19 to hear from outstanding preachers from diverse backgrounds, traditions, and ministry settings. For those who might be interested in coming a day early, you are invited to join Bishop Lanette and some of the cabinet at the Minnesota Twins / Chicago Cubs game on Sunday, May 14 (Mother's Day). Get the details here.

AC 2023: Register by May 22
    Registration is now open for the 30th annual Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church session. Register by May 22 to avoid a late fee and attend the Pre-Conference Gatherings. The three-day event will occur at the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Convention Center. The Dakotas Conference Sessions Committee invites you to experience powerful worship, rich learning opportunities in workshops and plenary sessions, and fellowship with United Methodists across North and South Dakota. Drawing on Luke 24:13-35, the theme of this year's gathering is "Encounter. Transform. Respond: The Emmaus Experience." Access more details.

Bring a Friend to camp and save $25
    For each new camper you or your family member bring to camp, you will receive $25 off the price of your camp.New campers are defined as those who have not been to any Dakotas United Methodist Camps camping event in the past three years Request the Bring-a-friend discount in your online forms. The discount will be applied when your friend registers. Register here. 

Youth 2023 | July 22-29
    Middle and high school students are invited to travel with other Dakotas Conference youth to Daytona Beach, FloridaJuly 22-29, 2023. Join thousands of other youth and their leaders at Youth 2023 being held at the Daytona Ocean Center and lodging at the Hilton Ocean Front Resort. Check out the cost and other details here.

2023 Mission u
    Don’t miss Mission u 2023! United Women in Faith have a commitment to life-long learning. Mission u is a perfect example of how that commitment is put into action—and not just for ourselves, but to better reflect God’s love to others. This summer, do yourself a favor and attend this three-day learning adventure. Participate in one of three sessions: Southern Site: July 14-16, 2023, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, access details; Northern Site: July 20-22, 2023, University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND, access details; Virtual: August 10-12, 2023, on Zoom, access details.

Called special session | Aug. 15
    After consultation with the Dakotas Appointive Cabinet, Bishop Lanette Plambeck has called a special session of the Dakotas Annual Conference for August 15, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m., central time,  6:00 p.m. mountain time. The session will be entirely virtual. This will be the final called conference for disaffiliation in 2023.

RESOURCES

Fireside Chat episode four | Stay in Love with God
    In this Fireside Chat, Rev. Rebecca Trefz asks Rev. Boyd Blumer and Rev. Amber Laffey, two Dakotas Conference UMC clergy, how they practice staying in love with God. This third rule of Bishop Rueben Job's book, "Three Simple Rules" writes that to Stay in Love with God, is a more comprehensible form of John Wesley's third rule, attending to the ordinances of God. Access the episode. Access the entire series.

Honoring moms without hurting others
    Mother’s Day honors mothers in all forms and the many ways they impact and nurture lives. However, this day can also be incredibly painful for some. It is important that the church appropriately honors mothers while respecting the feelings and experiences of members and visitors. Access ideas and resources.

National Day of Volunteer Training | September 23, 2023
    Fargo First UMC is once again hosting National Day of Volunteer Training through Download Youth Ministry. The date for this year's training is September 23 beginning at 9a.m. Bring your team to this training. Current pricing is $99.00 for everyone in your team. Prices will go up on May 1. The training will be finished by noon. Fargo First UMC will be providing lunch for all attendees after the training. Mark your calendars, register and join us. 

Grants

Investing In Leaders Resource Grant (Student Debt Reduction) | 2023 application is now open
    The 2023 application is now open for the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant, formerly known as Student Debt Reduction Grant. First time applicants are considered first. Demonstration of completing personal financial education and working with a financial loan repayment counselor (at least one session) are both required. If you need more information about connecting with a student loan repayment counselor, please contact Area Director of Clergy Well-Being Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org. Grant awards up to $5000 are available. Applications are due Aug. 1. Notification of grant awards will occur by Sept. 15. Access application for first time applicants. Access renewal application if you have applied before.

Clergy Well-Being Grants | Apply now
    The 2023 Clergy Well-Being Resource Grant committee is now accepting applications! The Dakotas-Minnesota Area offers our clergy this grant of up to $1,000 for first time applicants and up to $500 for those who received a grant in 2022. Funds could be used for a health coach, spiritual director, gym membership, hiking boots, a creative arts experience, a course on resilience or trauma, and more.

In our hearts

In our hearts | Theda Craig
    Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Theda E. Craig. Theda, 85, of Vale, Oregon, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Theda is the mother of Rev. Rick Craig, who serves at Faith United Methodist Church in Minot, North Dakota. Read a full obituary.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

     We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details.