THIS WEEK

Pray with us | September 7-13
    Holy Lord, thank you for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. We pray for all of God's people but especially these persons.
 
Soul Fill-up | Wednesdays 8 a.m. Mountain, 9 a.m. Central 
    Soul Fill-up is a mid-week time for church leaders to slow down. Let us pour into your soul and refill your cup during guided scripture reading, prayer, and meditation led by the Higher Ground program's spiritual directors. There is nothing to do or prepare—just set this 30-40 minutes aside for yourself and join us! Click here to join, Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. Central, 8:00 a.m. Mountain.

Prepare for Advent | Thursday, September 9th - 1:00pm CDT
    Coming together with our faith communities will be more important than ever this Advent season. In this special online event — Sharing the Christmas Story, Sharing Our Faith: Advent Studies for Every Church — three of our most popular and thoughtful authors discuss with host Rachel Billups their new studies and what inspires them at Christmas.  Register and attend this webinar. 

UMW Assembly - Orlando | Registration now open 
    The UMW Assembly will be May 20-22, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. The theme is Turn It Up! Now more than ever, women need to come together to reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to move forward, finding ways for faith-filled women to make a difference in the world. Early registration opened Sept 1, 2021.

COMING UP

Solar Oven Partners Voyage Across the Dakotas | Sept. 22 - Oct. 3)
    Solar Oven Partners (SOP) Volunteer-in-Mission teams may have been home-bound during the pandemic, but you can invite your mission team and supporters, youth directors, and possible volunteers to join SOP’s Dominican Voyage Across the Dakotas this fall. SOP Director Marjorie Evans-De-Carpio and Dominican Director Erasme Figaro plan to make stops at churches and events across the Dakotas from September 22-October 3. Find out how SOP has continued its solar oven ministry in the midst of COVID-19, and attend the opening of the long-awaited new workshop in Rapid City. Details here. 

Walk to Emmaus - East | September 17-19
    Have you attended the Walk to Emmaus? If you have, then we have an event for you.  This fall we are holding retreat at Lake Pointsett Camp and Retreat Center, September 17-19, 2021.  The theme for these retreat is 'Rekindle Your Spiritual Fire'.  We want the entire 4th Day Community to be energized for the Walks that will be held next year. Get the details here.

REACH! With Missional Communities | Sept 23
    Making new disciples requires that followers of Jesus deeply engage their communities in transformational ways.  Rachel Gilmore comes to us having experience and wisdom on forming missional communities that accomplish that deep engagement.  If you are looking for principles to move out of your building and into your neighborhood with greater effectiveness, register for this Reach! webinar.

Leadership Institute 2021 | September 29-October 1, 2021
    You're invited to the Leadership Institute at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. Come for inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership. You can attend online or in-person. Get the details here. 

Dakotas United Methodist Women | Annual Celebration Oct. 1-2, 2021
    The Dakotas Conference United Methodist Women's Annual Celebration will be held Oct 1-2 in Jamestown, North Dakota. A registration form will be posted on the UMW page of the Conference website very soon. 

Walk to Emmaus - West | October 1-3
    Have you attended the Walk to Emmaus? If you have, then we have an event for you. This fall we are holding retreat at Storm Mountain Center, October 1-3, 2021. The theme for these retreat is 'Rekindle Your Spiritual Fire'. We want the entire 4th Day Community to be energized for the Walks that will be held next year. Get the details here.

Tuesdays at the Table | Starts October 5
     It is important for United Methodists to explore who we are, what we believe and how we live as people of God, today and into the future. The Connectional Table, in cooperation with our general agencies and others, is hosting a series of discussions that will help us better understand our faith, our church and ourselves. Get the details.

Confirmation Retreat | October 22-23
    Experience connections with other United Methodist churches and confirmands. Learn about a part of your Christian and United Methodist heritage. Develop your faith while playing and studying during this retreat. Bring your own group leaders and youth to Storm Mountain Center October 22-23. Register here. 

Relax, Refresh, Renew | October 22-24
    Experience a time to relax, refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit. In the beauty of creation, you will find both group time to build Christian community, and time apart for Sabbath and renewal. Join other women from across the Dakotas Conference at Storm Mountain Center, October 22-24. 

North Central Juriscitional Conference | Meeting virtually Nov.  10-12
    The NCJ College of Bishops have announced the cancellation of an in-person special session of Jurisdictional Conference. However, Bishop David Bard, president of the NCJ , indicated that a virtual special session will be held Nov. 10-12.  Read the press release. 

RESOURCES 

FPU special offer | Free leadership materials
    Thinking about hosting a Financial Peace University group this fall? We have 32 leadership sets of the latest version of Financial Peace University materials (prior to the digital change) FREE for any church wishing to host a small group. Individual participant materials must still be obtained. The $500 Financial Ministry grant can help with that, too.
E-mail Diane Owen to have the leadership materials sent to your church and help you with funding a small group through a Financial Ministry Grant.

Mighty Winds and Gentle Whispers, The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit | New book by Bruce Blumer
    Bruce Blumer has written a new book titled Whispers, The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit. Published by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Bruce’s book delves into the multi-faceted presence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and the world. Bishop David Bard writes, “In this book, Blumer invites us to pay more attention to this often mysterious third person of the Trinity, not solely as an exercise in pneumatology, but as an invitation to a richer and deeper spiritual life.” Profits from sales of this book will be used for the ministries of LaGonave Alive, a ministry co-founded by Blumer to serve the people of Haiti. More information here.

Let's talk about Critical Race Theory  | What Christians should know
    Critical Race Theory (CRT) examines how laws in the United States have built and supported racial inequities. It is an ideological framework that names race as a social construct and asserts racialized inequities in society are fostered by historic and current systemic, institutional, and legal policies and practices. View this video from the General Commission on Religion and Race to learn more about Critical Race Theory. Garlinda Burton speaks with guests, Dr. Karla McKanders, Dr. Cristian De La Rosa, and Dr. Miguel De La Torre.

World Communion Sunday | October 3, 2021
    The 2021 World Communion Sunday Pastor and Leader’s Kit is a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday in your church on Sunday, October 3, 2021. This kit has everything you need to empower your congregation to give generously. You can post some of these resources on all your social media outlets. We also have a downloadable poster and a bulletin insert you can print out and insert in your church bulletin the week prior to this special Sunday. Access the resources for World Communion Sunday. 

JOBS | ADS | OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Food Service Manager - Storm Mountain Center | Closes Sept. 8
    Storm Mountain Center, a Christian camp & retreat center in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, seeks a full-time Food Service Manager. This growing ministry serves 3,000 people annually through traditional summer camp and year-round retreat ministry. This salaried position includes a house and a generous benefits package. Access application information here, or call Lara & Levi at 605-343-4391. Application deadline: September 8, 2021.

Fargo Calvary UMC | Discipleship and Youth Pastor/Director
    Calvary UMC is seeking a shepherd with a heart and a passion for discipleship and youth (6th-12th grade). Their primary role is to make disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. This person will have characteristics and qualifications consistent with 1 Timothy 3:1-7. We desire someone with a strong knowledge of the Bible and the ability to teach. See the full-time job description, duties, and necessary qualifications here. Email a cover letter and resume to Calvary UMC.

OTHER JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS |  VIEW ADS 
    Jobs available at Bismarck McCabe, Pierre First, Southern Hills, Canyon Lake, and Asbury United Methodist Churches across our conference.