NEW THIS WEEK!

Worship Resources for June 8 coming soon!
    This year, our Celebration of Life in Ministry service - a time when we ordain and commission clergy, recognize those pastors who are retiring, and honor clergy, clergy spouses, and former conference staff who passed away in the last year - will be held on Sunday, June 8 at 10 a.m. CT at Downtown First UMC in Mitchell, S.D.  We are excited that so many clergy who hold their membership in the Dakotas Conference, as well as laity from across the Dakotas, will be able to worship together on a Sunday morning. However, we know not everyone will be able to make the drive to Mitchell. Therefore, in order to foster a greater sense of connection and shared ministry on this Pentecost Sunday, we are creating resources for churches to incorporate into their worship gatherings. 
     The entire service will be live streamed on our website so churches or individuals who want to join the service remotely can do so. We will provide an electronic copy of the CLMS order of worship to follow along. Because the time frame or technology may not be conducive to some churches, we will provided an abbreviated order of worship - incorporating the liturgy of the CLMS - for churches to use some or all of as their worship order that Sunday. Additionally, the Bishop will record a video message (and transcript) to go with this service for churches that would like to use that as the sermon that day. 
     These resources will be available on or before May 22. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the conference communications staff.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Luke 18:18-30 tells the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He comes seeking validation that he's doing "enough" to inherit eternal life. But Jesus' call on his life challenges him to step away from the things that claim his true allegiance. We may not all be called to "sell everything we have" but we are called to surrender all that we have an are to follow Jesus. Additional resource: Commentary on Luke 18

RESOURCES

Creative Summer Sermon series ideas
    Summer is a great time to incorporate some extra fun and creativity into your sermon plans and worship. This article from ResourceUMC provides a few ideas to get your wheels turning!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Register for Annual Conference and Order your T-shirt | May 15 
    Don't forget to register for Annual Conference! Registration deadline is May 15th. Check with your pastor and lay member to be sure they have registered! Also, share the AC theme throughout the year by purchasing a t-shirt with the 2025 logo - Created to Love BOLDLY!

SAVE THE DATE! Peace with Justice Sunday | June 15
    As one of the Special Sundays, the United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. We renew our commitment that, to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict. Check out these resources from ResourceUMC.

Lay Academy Training | June 20-22
    Are you or a lay person you know feeling called to grow in knowledge and skill around planning, preparing and leading the spoken parts of worship, including the sermon? Apply to be part of the next Lay Academy Training, June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, S.D. The event will begin at 1pm MT/2 pm CT on Friday and will end after everyone has completed worship and debriefed on Sunday. Registration (including recommendation from your pastor) is due by June 13th.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Administrative Assistant & Event Planner | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Office Coordinator | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD