THIS WEEK

Dynamite Prayer | Jan. 14-Feb. 10
    Ready to see what God can do when we come together in prayer and ask God’s Spirit to unleash in us? Begin 2024 by joining a breakthrough prayer movement across the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area! Join us from Jan. 14-Feb. 10 for our area-wide Dynamite Prayer initiative. Get the details.

Care Ministry training | Oct. 28
    Are you feeling called to care ministry and wondering where you should start? Join the Care Ministry Training on October 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Riverview UMC in Huron, S.D., and Legacy UMC in Bismarck, N.D. Get the details and register.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Due October 31
   Breakthrough Ministry Grants: Grants are offered to churches and related organizations from the Dakotas Methodist Foundation and Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Grants will be awarded quarterly as seed money to launch new ministries or expand an existing ministry. Learn more about Breakthrough Ministry Grants here.

COMING UP

Heaven Meets Earth: Preaching on Advent | Nov. 2
    Join Bishop Willimon and host, Rev. Cameron Merrill, on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. CDT, for a webinar about preaching on Advent and the Incarnation in down-to-earth ways with stories, wit, and authenticity. Learn more and register for this FREE webinar.

SOP Sierra Leone trip plus 3 more | Nov. 4-18
    Join Solar Oven Partners Director Christopher Sylvah and Volunteers in Mission to help build ovens and learn solar cooking. If you would like more information about the trip to Sierra Leone Nov. 4-18 and three upcoming trips including for solar oven mission distribution opportunities, check out the details here.

DakYouth 2023 | Nov. 10-12
    DAKYOUTH is an annual youth event like no other and is for both middle school and high school youth in the Dakotas Conference. Youth will gather at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center from all around the conference to learn about leadership, discipleship, and service. This year the DAKYOUTH theme  is**“Good vs. Evil.”** The scripture focus is Isaiah 5:20. Get the details and register.

Shoebox Christmas 2023 | November 10 dropoff deadline
    Start collecting your Shoebox Christmas gifts. Spirit Lake Ministry Center coordinates Shoebox Christmas gifts to over 6,000 children across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota reservations. Learn more about Shoebox Christmas gifts and the dropoff locations. 

Advent Study | Heaven and Earth
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck is leading an Advent Study, Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation, by Will Willimon. Join the four week study on Tuesdays, beginning  November 28, at 7:30-8:15 p.m.  central time, on Zoom. Get the details here.

Fresh Expressions Activate Day | Dec. 2
    Fresh Expressions Activate Day is Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., online. Continue the momentum from Imagine Day at Activate Day. Each team will gather locally and begin the practical steps of cultivating a new Christian community. Attend even if you didn't make it to Imagine Day. Register today.

A Very Dakotas Christmas 2023 | Heaven and Nature Sing available Dec. 11
    Bishop Lanette Plambeck and the Dakotas Conference Cabinet present this gift of worship to you, "A Very Dakotas Christmas 2023." We celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with clergy, families, and scenes from United Methodists across the Dakotas Conference. The online service and resources will be available Dec. 11. Learn more.

Clergy Epiphany Gathering | Jan. 7-9
    Clergy save the date for the 2024 Epiphany Gathering on January 7-9, 2024. Join Jill and Michael Beck at the Dakotas Event Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It will be a Mardi Gras themed festival. A chance to celebrate being together as United Methodist clergy. We will gather with Bishop Lanette and the Dakotas Conference Cabinet on Sunday evening and end our time by noon on Tuesday.

SPRC Training | Feb. 22
    If you have new members in your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), or have recently received a new pastor, or haven't been through a training in a while, join an online (Zoom) training on February 22, at 6:30-8:30 p.m.

RESOURCES

From the Pulpit to the Square | Nov. 7
    As public discourse and policies continue to threaten the civil and human rights of so many in our communities, it is an important time to highlight our prophetic call as agents of the Gospel. Panelist will share will share examples of how United Methodists are advocating for equitable civil and human rights at the local and federal level. Register now to participate in this exciting event with Church and Society on November 7 from 3-4pm (ET).

UM Student Day | November 26
    100% of your UM Student Day donation goes to scholarships for students.Every year, GBHEM awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. Access resources for Student Day on November 26.

GRANTS    

Hunger Grants | Apply by November 30
    Dakotas Conference Hunger Grants are meant to address hunger 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, 2023 to be considered for a grant. Learn more.

Financial Ministry Grant |  Growing generous giver
    If you want to learn more about growing generous givers, starting a study such as Saving Grace, or providing a growth opportunity for key leaders, consider applying for a Financial Ministry Grant of up to $500 to fund your effort. Whatever your method for improving your church's financial health and embedding the value of generosity into your church culture, some financial support can jumpstart your efforts!  Apply for the Financial Ministry Grant using a simple application found here.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! Take a look at the job announcements across the Dakotas Conference. Get the details on jobs available at these Conference churches and organizations.

Conference Position | Benefits and Human Resources Officer
    The Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer to administer the conference clergy and lay staff benefits program, lead and direct conference human resource functions, and coordinate with the conference treasurer financial reporting for Wespath and the Board of Pensions. The full job description can be found here. To apply, email your resume and references to Leana Stunes at leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org.    

Spirit Lake seeks director
    Spirit Lake Ministry Center is seeking a director. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center is dedicated to supporting the peoples of the Spirit Lake Nation and is an approved United Methodist Volunteer in Mission destination. View a full job description and details on how to apply.

Discipleship Ministries Coordinator | Evergreen UMC
    Evergreen UMC in Wahpeton, N.D., is hiring a Discipleship Ministries Coordinator. Evergreen UMC is looking for a high energy, enthusiastic individual who loves engaging with children, youth and young adults and also is super crazy about Jesus!! Please contact Pastor Kori Lehrkamp or the church office for more information.