THIS WEEK

Lay Academy | Register now
    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. The training will be held October 25-27 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, SD, with preaching arranged that Sunday at various UMCs in the area. Register by September 25th. If you are interested in attending but unable to travel to Rapid City, a Zoom option may be available. Contact Rebecca Trefz for more information and learn more here. 

COMING UP

Zoom gathering with Rev. Susan Jennys
Building Relational Bridges with our Native American Siblings
     Join us for a time of learning and discussion as we continue to continue to strive to better Love our Indigenous Neighbors. These Zoom gatherings will be led and facilitated by Rev. Dr. Susan Jennys and Rev. David Jennys. Topics will include: Getting to know our neighbor; Cultural revitalization initiatives; Relationship between church revitalization and decolonization; and Supporting Tribal Sovereignty. The one-hour Zoom gatherings will be held on Tuesday evenings October 15, 22, 29, and Nov 5 beginning at 7pm Central/ 6pm MT. Register HERE.

Fresh Expressions Third Thursday Zoom call
     You are invited to participate in DK-MN FX 3rd Thursdays! This month, we will gather via zoom to talk about WHY Fresh Expressions and also share what’s working, what’s challenging, and what we are dreaming about. These calls are open to all who are interested. 3rd Thursday take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT. Use this zoom link to join us.

Leadership Institute 2024 | Sept. 25-27
    Remember the incredible energy of last year's Leadership Institute? Want to find out what everyone's talking about? Experience the spirit of connection and growth at this year's conference, September 25-27, 2024. Register now. Get the details.

EarthKeepers training | Oct. 5
   An afternoon of workshops, networking and energizing for action! Whether you have been an EarthKeeper for years, or are just beginning to explore how to get involved in creation care, join us on October 5 from 2-7pm CST / 1-6pm MST to get inspired and learn practical skills for worship and congregational life. We’ll be hosting workshops from 2-5pm CST, and a pizza and networking time from 5-7pm CST. You can also join us online via Zoom. Register here. Earthkeepers will offer workshops with Rev. Dr. Tim Eberhart, Rev. Dr. Nancy Victorin-Vangerud, and Joshua Lewis.

DakYouth | Oct. 11-13
    Join The Skit Guys, Winona Avenue, and Matt Rawle, along with middle and high school youth in Aberdeen, South Dakota for DakYouth 2024. This year’s them is “Crossroads” with a scripture focus on Joshua 24:15. Register by Sept. 19 to get a t-shirt and discount on lodging. Check out a video promo here.

RESOURCES

Continuing Education for Church Leaders
     ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders. Class instructors are noted authos, clergy, and leaders from through the denomination.  Upcoming Wednesday Webinars cover topics such as Lessons from Living the Small Church Advantage, Understanding AI (for church leaders) and Followers Under 40: Where have they gone? Will they come back. Additionally, you can access previously recorded webinars about topics such as Building with Strengths for the Small Congregation, Growing Your Church by Becoming Part of the Community, and Launching Leaders.

Optimize Your Year-End Giving - Free Webinar from Discipleship Ministries
     The last three months of the year are crucial in funding ministry and mission. It’s about more than whether you will meet the budget, it’s about whether your church will have the strength and confidence to meet the challenges of ministry in the coming year! In these days of economic uncertainty, an emphasis on the joy of generosity and a wider view of how ministry support may be found can be key elements to help your congregation step into the future with confidence. Join Ken Sloane, Discipleship ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 pm CT / 5:30pm MT, as he shares ideas on how your church might end the year strong! Register here today!

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.

SOP Director Position | Hiring now
    “Our Executive Director must be the face of Solar Oven Partners!" These words from our Advisory Board echo the importance of this position in stewarding the important work of SOP! Can you help us find that person? Are YOU that person? Solar Oven Partners is seeking a new executive director. We need your help in encouraging potential applicants. See the full job description and application form here. Please post and share this opportunity in your church’s communications and share it with persons who may have the gifts and graces of administrative and supervisory skills combined with passion for mission partnership.

Facilities Manager | Lake Poinsett Camp
    Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center, a ministry of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is seeking an experienced professional in the area of facility maintenance.  This is a full-time, exempt position that includes salary, on-site housing, benefits, and meals provided when guests are present. Anticipated start date of November 2024, though actual start date can be flexible. A full job description can be found here. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Nicole Anderson via email or via phone. Applications accepted through 10/01/2024.

Youth and Children's Ministry Coordinator | Sioux Falls Sunnycrest UMC
    Sunnycrest UMC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has an opening for a full-time Youth and Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Interested candidates should submit a resume to Sunnycrest UMC. Find link to full job description on our website.

Worship and Technology Director | Watertown First UMC
    First UMC in Watertown, South Dakota has an opening for a full-time Worship and Technology Director. Access a job description here. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Rev. Sara McManus.