THIS WEEK!

Register now for 2025 Bishop’s Advent Study
    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. The schedule is:
    - Dec. 1, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. CT / 6-7:15pm MT—Chapter 1: The Conception and Birth of Isaac and Ishmael
    - Dec. 8, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. CT / 6-7:15pm MT—Chapter 2: The Conception and Birth of Samson
    - Dec. 15, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. CT / 6-7:15pm MT—Chapter 3: The Conception and Birth of Samuel
    - Dec. 22, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m CT / 6-7:15pm MT—Chapter 4: Jesus: Heir to Traditions
      The Zoom link will be provided to those who have registered as the first discussion draws near. 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.

 LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     The works of Paul are highlighted throughout Acts and the remainder of the New Testament. However, Paul didn't work alone. In chapter 18 alone we hear of some of his most important partners in sharing the Good News - Priscilla, Aquilla, Paul, Silas, and Apollos. Too often we try to do ministry on our own. Who is God bringing into your life as a partner in God's mission? Additional Resource: An 18-month stay in Corinth

RESOURCES

Three ways to bridge our divides
    "See others for who they are: " 3 ways to bridge our divides and beat political resentment. Minnesota Council of Churches' Director of Strategic Relationships Rev. Jerad Morey, who is also a licensed local pastor in the Minnesota Conference, writes about the sobering reality of division in the U.S. and shares ways you can bridge divides in your own community. Explore strategies here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

REGISTER NOW! Using A.I. in Ministry webinar | Nov. 10 & 17
    In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and everyday life — and the Church is no exception. But what role should AI play within our faith communities? This training offers a balanced, thoughtful approach to understanding and implementing AI in ministry including Best and Worst Practices, Biblical Foundations, Ethical Considerations, and Tools for Ministry.
     The webinar will be offered in two parts: Part 1 on Nov. 10 and Part 2 on Nov. 17, both at 11:30am - 2pm CT/ 10:30am-1pm MT. The sessions will be recorded and available to registrants for 90 days. Registration fee is $30. For more information and to register, check out our website.

Shoebox Christmas - Dates and Locations
    Spirit Lake Ministry, Tree of Life Ministry, and some individual churches are preparing to reach over 6,000 children with Christmas shoeboxes. This is an opportunity for you to reflect the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ into our communities by ensuring that no child feels forgotten on Christmas morning.
     Each year, people like you pack shoebox gifts according to these guidelines and bring them to a collection site. Then, volunteers collect your shoebox gifts from these sites around our Dakotas Conference and get them ready to distribute. Your shoeboxes need to be at the nearest collection site by November 16 to arrive in time for distribution at the many schools across the Dakotas. Your gifts make a huge difference!

Safer People, Stronger Church: Practicing Trauma-Informed Leadership | Nov. 18 @ 6:30 p.m. CT / 5:30 p.m. MT
    As faith communities, we are called to nurture healing and hope. Many of us are still learning how trauma affects people, congregational culture, and the systems that support ministry. This webinar offers laity and clergy descriptive language, ideas, and options so each congregation can discern its own path toward being more trauma-informed. Click here for more information and to register.

Amplify Dakotas
    Churches across the Dakotas now have a powerful new tool for ministry: the Amplify Dakotas channel, which officially launches this week. With Amplify Dakotas, United Methodist clergy and laity across the conference will have the benefit of enjoying the same rich library of Cokesbury resources that Amplify Media has long provided in addition to content created for and by leaders in the Dakotas Conference. This resource comes at no cost to Dakotas United Methodists thanks to the support of a grant from the Dakotas Connection Initiative. Learn how to register 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
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD