THIS WEEK

Scripture Circles | Beginning Sept. 9
    Clergy in the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to join a virtual Scripture Circle with Julie Stoll as facilitator. There will be groups meeting Mondays, Sept. 9-Nov. 11 (morning or evening) or Tuesdays, Sept. 10-Nov. 12 (morning or afternoon). More than half the cost is covered by the Dakotas-Minnesota Area Clergy Well-being Initiative. Register here.

COMING UP

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. 

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. 3-6, 2024
    Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training and incubator program that provides a collaborative space for United Methodists to develop and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training. A EarthKeepers training event will be held Oct. 3-6, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. See this Dropbox folder for promotional copy and graphics for social media posts or newsletter placements. 

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.

Building Relational Bridges with our Native American Siblings | Zoom gatherings
    Join us for a time of learning and discussion as we  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. The meetings will be held Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. CNT/6 p.m. MTN on Oct. 15, 22, 29, and Nov. 5. Learn more. 

RESOURCES

Shoebox Christmas 2024
    It's time again for the Shoebox Christmas across North and South Dakota. Shoebox Christmas is a program that provides Christmas gifts to needy children across the reservation communities and beyond in the Dakotas Conference. How can you participate? Read a letter of invitation with details. There are drop off sites throughout the Dakotas. Deliver Shoebox Christmas gifts by November 8, 2024 at one of the drop off locations found here.

Tips for a more vital leadership nominations process
    For many churches, this is the of year when the Nominations Committee begins its work of recruiting individuals to serve in various church leadership roles. For some, the nominations proccess can be lengthy and difficult. For other, it's simply something to check off the list to prepare for charge conference. But it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips on developing a more vital and missional nominations process. 

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 at lpc@dakcamps.org. Phone: 605-983-5547. 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 Office@sunnycrest.org. 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 at seniorpastor@watertownfirst.church.