NEW THIS WEEK!

THIS SUNDAY! Native American Ministries Sunday
    On this denominational Special Sunday, United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. Contributions to this special offering help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry. Make plans for your congregation to participate in this offering!

THIS WEEK! Saving Grace Clergy Cohort
    Discover the peace that comes from managing your finances rather than letting them manage you. Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being is a practical resource tailored for the Methodist community, grounded in Wesleyan principles. This six-week course, specifically designed to address the unique financial challenges faced by clergy, will be led by Marcia Alexander. Saving Grace has empowered many individuals of faith to build healthier relationships with money, aligning their financial decisions with their spiritual journeys. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your finances and embrace a more intentional approach to money management. **Dates: May 1 – June 12 (**no meetings during Annual Conference weeks.) For more information, contact Diane Weller.

Register for Annual Conference and Order your T-shirt | May 15 
    Don't forget to register for Annual Conference! Registration deadline is May 15th. Check with your pastor and lay member to be sure they have registered! Also, share the AC theme throughout the year by purchasing a t-shirt with the 2025 logo - Created for Love!

Job Opportunity | Administrative Assistant & Event Planner
    The Dakotas | Minnesota United Methodist Foundations is looking for a mission-minded Administrative Assistant & Event Planner to join our team! If you're organized, people-focused, and passionate about faith-based work that makes a difference in transforming lives—this could be the role for you. This is a full time position with a possibility for hybrid working. Someone located in Sioux Falls or the Twin Cities is preferred. Apply now by sending cover letter and resume to: info@dkmnmf.org 

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Luke 17 is full of important themes—faith, forgiveness, humility, gratitude, and the coming of the Kingdom. These teachings come in the everyday moments of life - talking with the disciples, traveling to Jerusalem, being questioned by the Pharisees. It is a snapshot reminder of how discipleship isn't restricted to one day of the week or one place in our lives. It is all encompassing. Additional resource: NT Wright Commentary on Luke 17:20-21

RESOURCES

Four things to be mindful of ahead of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
    Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are times of celebration for church members, but for many in your congregation and community these days can be stressors. It’s crucial that these individuals and families feel seen and have their feelings validated amid others' joy. ResourceUMC shares four situations that you might want to consider for outreach opportunities to help members know that you care. Learn more.

50 ways to improve pastoral transitions
    Pastors moving from one church to the next must be mindful of how to effectively conclude their ministry in the church they are leaving, paving the way for their successor, and how they can get off to a good start in their next church. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers some great tips for these transitions. Learn more.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

SAVE THE DATE! Peace with Justice Sunday | June 15
    As one of the Special Sundays, the United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. We renew our commitment that, to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict. Check out these resources from ResourceUMC.

Lay Academy Training | June 20-22
    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, June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, S.D. The event will begin at 1pm MT/2 pm CT on Friday and will end after everyone has completed worship and debriefed on Sunday. Registration (including recommendation from your pastor) is due by June 13th.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads

Jobs Available
    We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference. Find out more information on our Conference website.
    Office Coordinator | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Contemporary Worship Director | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Weekend Children’s Program Leader | First UMC, Watertown, SD
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD