THIS WEEK

Pray with us | May 4-10
  Guide me, Lord, you are my heart, you are my strength, you are my hope. Teach me , Lord, and guide my way. I love you more each passing day. We pray for all of God's people especially, these persons. 

Wespath Investment Forum | May 5
     Dave Zellner, Chief Investment Officer, and Karen Manczko, director of institutional relationships, will present "Five Near and Long-term Risks Affecting the Markets" along with an overview of Wespath and fund performance. This virtual forum is hosted by the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations. Churches and organizations who invest with the Foundation, those interested in investing with the Foundation, and anyone interested in learning more about long-term sustainable investments are invited to join. Register here

Financial Foundations Webinar: Investment and Endowment Account | May 10  
   Join the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Foundations for the quarterly webinar Financial Foundations on May 10, 2021, at 6 p.m. MDT, 7 p.m. CDT.  In this session, you will discover how an investment or endowment account will benefit your church and align with your church's vision and goals. Register here. 

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

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.

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. Register here

2021 Annual Conference | Registration is now open
    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.  

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

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

Epworth UMC | Seeking a Director of Youth Ministries
    Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City, North Dakota, is seeking a Director of Youth Ministries. This individual will be responsible for leading weekly youth ministry gatherings, coordinating with the pastor regarding theology and purpose. The Director of Youth Ministries will also work with adult volunteers to maintain Safe Sanctuary standards and work with our Director of Christian Education to coordinate Sunday morning Christian education for youth. The position is for 10 hours a week and continues year-round, with a regular summer mission trip for youth and/or adults. Access a full job description.  Please send a letter of application, three references, and a resume to pastor@epworthvalleycity.com.

Dakotas UM Camps | Now hiring
    Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job that provides plenty of time outdoors, great fun with people of all ages, and an opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth positively?  If so, let us know! Join in the fun and help share Christ, Creation, and Community with campers of all ages at one of three Dakotas United Methodist camps!  We are now hiring cabin leaders, program leaders, support staff, and health care staff.  All positions include competitive industry salary, room, board, opportunities for certifications, and an unforgettable, life-changing experience.  Apply here

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.