This Week @ Dakotas | April 7, 2026
THIS WEEK!
Partnering with Midwest Mission!
We are excited to partner with Midwest Mission, a cooperating depot for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), in showing God's love in practical ways to people in their time of need. As we near the end of the school year and prepare for annual conference, here are three great ways you can join in this important work:.jpeg)
- Like last year, churches are invited to bring kits to Annual Conference. Midwest Mission will have a trailer there for collection.
- Midwest Mission is setting up a hands-on service project for Annual Conference attendees to participate in on Friday night. Individuals/churches can contribute cash donations for to help offset the cost of supplies. Learn more about Blessing Bags here.
- Midwest Mission recently launched a new initiative to collect school supplies at the end of the year. Churches are encouraged to partner with their community to collect these supplies and bring them to a drop-off site (e.g. Annual Conference or Sioux Falls Asbury UMC in the Dakotas) and MWM will transport them from there. Learn more here.
RESOURCES
Lead Courageously webinar recording
In the lead up to the Council of Bishop's Leadership Gathering in October, the COB has worked with United Methodist Communications to host a series of three webinars open to all United Methodists. These webinars have focused on how the vision statement's call to "love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously" connects back to the denomination's mission and Wesleyan theology. Each is roughly an hour and a half in length. The third webinar is themed "Lead Courageously" and examines Wesleyan ecclesiology and leadership, exploring how courageous leadership is shaped by the Church's theology, connectionalism, and calling in local communities and around the world. The webinar took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central. View the recording here.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Practical Church Leadership Certification Program | Applications due May 1
Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resource management and development. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Contact Diane Owen for more information.
DWU Spring Eccumenical Youth Rally | April 29
Dakota Wesleyan University is hosting a spring Ecumenical Youth Rally open to middle schoolers, high schoolers, youth leaders and parents. Join us for a night of worship with DWU’s Campus Ministry worship team, fellowship & fun with our students, and a deep exploration of our calling to belong together in Jesus, led by speaker Michael LeBlanc, a UMC pastor from the Florida Conference. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pizza and snacks and a time of connection before we kick-off worship at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, cause it’s better when you’re here! Learn more about Rev. Michael here. Register for free here!
Become a 2026 EarthKeeper
The Global Ministries EarthKeepers program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 training for United Methodists in the U.S. to develop and lead bold, antiracist, environmental sustainability projects in their local communities and congregations. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the program, past participants may apply to participate again. Training runs May 1–16, 2026, and the application period is open now through March 25. Learn more and apply here.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS | View all Ads
Jobs Available
We're hiring! The following positions are open across the Dakotas Conference.
Find more information on our Conference website.
Church Accompanist | Pierre First UMC
Contemporary Worship Leader | Pierre First UMC
Office Administrator | Epworth UMC, Valley City, ND
Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
Open Camping Positions | All locations
