THIS WEEK!

Bishop's Thanksgiving Offering
    As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we  are reminded that all we have—the resources we steward, the relationships we care for, the talents we engage, even the very breath in our body—is a gift from our Creator who tends the vast “farm of all creation.” Thank you to all who have contributed to the Bishop's Thanksgiving Offering and also shared stories of ways you are caring for your communities. Gifts can still be sent in to the Conference offices or contributed online. Also, continue share how you are blessing your neighbors by filling out this form, tagging us on social media or using #DKUMCHarvestOfGratitude. 

2025 Bishop’s Advent Study starts Monday! Register now!
    Plan now to participate in the 2025 Advent Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this study, United Methodists across the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to read "A Child is Born" by Amy-Jill Levine. Check out Cokesbury to learn more about the study and purchase books. You must register in order to receive the Zoom link to each gathering. Order your books or e-books now.
     The Zoom study will be held Monday evenings, Dec. 1-22, from 7-8:15 p.m. CT / 6-7:15 pm. MT. The Zoom link will be emailed out this weekend to those who have registered. Attending the sessions live will provide the most meaningful experience, but each one will be recorded and sent to all registrants within a couple days of each gathering.

Access 2025 SOP Alternative Giving Campaign Resources
        Nearly six in ten Americans say they would rather have a donation made on their behalf to their favorite charity than receive a gift for themselves. You’re probably part of that 60 percent. Please consider Solar Oven Partners, a mission of the Dakotas Conference, for alternative gift giving. Tell friends or family you’d like a donation to Solar Oven Partners for YOUR Christmas gift. Click here to access promotional materials and resources for the 2025 SOP Alternative Giving Campaign. You’re welcome to download and share these materials within your local church or online.

Clergy Time Off for 2026 - Renewal Leave application deadline December 1
    Plan now for long-term renewal leave in 2026. Taking time off for intentional growth, rest, and renewal is a provision for clergy found in the Book of Discipline, paragraph 351. The long-term renewal leave (Formational and Spiritual Growth Leave, BOD 351.3) provides an opportunity for clergy to request up to six months off with the approval of the SPRC, conference superintendent, and the Renewal Review Team. Clergy, if you are planning for this intentional time away, take action now and review the process. SPRC members looking for ways to support your clergy, discuss this opportunity with them now. The deadline for the 2026 long-term renewal leave is Dec. 1, 2025 (applies to leaves to be taken after June 1, 2026). Long-Term Renewal Overview/Guidelines, Long-term Renewal Application, Long-term Renewal Formational Plan, Pastoral Coverage Grant. 

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Verse 16 said, “Paul’s sister had a son who heard about the ambush and he came to the military headquarters and reported it to Paul.” This tells us something we might easily forget - that Paul had family members in Jerusalem. We don't know if they were supporters of what he was doing or embarrassed by the attention he was drawing to the family. But we do know God worked through Paul’s nephew, and his alert ears, to save Paul from a deadly trap. When have you seen God work through people, sometimes unexpected people? Additional resource: Acts 23

RESOURCES

The dos and don'ts of invitation and welcoming
    December and January are times of the year when churches often have people visiting, searching for a church home or a presence of God in their lives during the holidays or new year. In this article from UMC.org, Laura Buchanan from UM Communications offers tips for connecting with new people and learning how to keep visitors coming back.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Stewardship and Generosity webinar | Thurs. Dec. 11 @ 6:30 p.m. CT
    Join us for the final part in the four part series: "Let's Talk Money". From electronic giving to endowments and legacy gifts, discover creative and practical tools to inspire generosity and build sustainable support. Participating churches may also be eligible for grants. Previous webinars in this series can be viewed here.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference.
    Find more information on our Conference website.
    Administrative Assistant | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Administrative Assistant | Dell Rapids UMC, Dell Rapids, SD
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD