THIS WEEK!

Hunger Grant Applications - Due Nov. 30
     Dakotas Conference Hunger Grants are meant to address food insecurity and accessibility in your local communities through hunger programs. Grants up to $1,000 are being awarded to United Methodist Churches or United Methodist related organizations (can include church partnerships with local food ministries). Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2024 to be considered for a grant. Grants will be awarded by December 18, 2024.

RESOURCES

Daily devotions for advent
     Find inspiration and new insights each day of the Advent season through Scripture, poetry, music, a reflection and a prayer. Take time to center yourself and prepare for the birth of Christ with this resource from UMC.org.

“Re-membering the Body" - Sermon series and worship resource
    After Advent and Christmas have come and gone, Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord maintain the joy and the promise. The church has an opportunity to be gathered, reoriented, and put back together. At times, holidays can be hectic and draining. The first two weeks of the new year are an opportunity to be re-membered. This sermon series and worship planning resource from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries can help you do that. As a community, we turn to one another and see the light of Christ among us. As individuals, we hear the voice that declares us children of God and feel that acceptance, knowing God is well-pleased with us. This Epiphany, you are invited to be “Re-membering the Body.”

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Saving Grace Cohort - Zoom sessions starting in January
     Start the new year by finding the peace that comes with being in control of finances instead of having them control you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource written for the Methodist family and rooted in a Wesleyan perspective. This 6-week session which includes content on the unique aspects of clergy finances, will be led by Marcia Alexander.  Please register by December 15, or contact Diane Weller for more information.

Winter Scripture Circles | Register by Dec. 13
    A new round of Scripture Circles begins the week of January 13 for 10 weeks. Cost for Dakotas-Minnesota clergy is $100. The options to select from are:
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 13- March 17
Tuesdays, 7:30  a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  CT, beginning Jan. 14- March 18
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 CT, beginning Jan. 14 – March 18
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT, beginning Jan. 14 -March 18
Registration deadline is December 13th. For more information, contact Diane Owen. 

Solar Oven Partners | Alternative Gift Giving Dec. 3
    Giving Tuesday started nine years ago as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” Each and every act of generosity is a worthy act in and of itself. Making pot of soup for the busy parents down the road? Calling someone recovering the flu? Tipping you barber extra generously? Stuffing some extra dollars in the Salvation Army kettle? Silencing the phones and telling stories at dinner tonight? You get the idea. Giving together to causes we believe in multiplies our giving power. During Advent on our SOP Facebook page, SOP Communications team reporter Connie Smith shares a weekly mini-story to highlight some intriguing ways people donate to Solar Oven Partners. Meet some mission-minded United Methodists who live 1,578 driving miles from Placerville, CA, to the main Solar Oven Partners workshop in Raymond, SD. Read more. Tuesday December 3rd is the perfect day to make your own annual gift to Solar Oven Partners. Date your check December 3, 2024 and make it payable to Solar Oven Partners or Dakotas UMC Advance #637. Mail to: Solar Oven Partners, 1331 W. University Ave., PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301. Or give online though UMCOR Advance. You can sign up for a one-time gift or a recurring monthly gift here.

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.
    Custodian | Downtown First UMC, Mitchell, SD
    Director | Solar Oven Partners, DK-MN Area
    Youth & Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sunnycrest UMC, Sioux Falls, SD

ITEMS AVAILABLE 

Robes
    A former United Methodist church has donated several choir robes with the cross and flame on them. We have sizes from small to x-large.  In very good condition.  Zippers & snap at the top of the robes. Contact the Conference office if interested.