THIS WEEK!

Earth Day | April 22
   April 22 is Earth Day! Celebrate by putting your faith into action. Equip your church with tools to care for God’s creation through worship, education, and service. View resources for Earth Day here.

Historical Society lunch and meeting | June 5
    The Dakotas United Methodist Historical Society will explore the involvement of Dakotas United Methodists with Haiti at its annual meeting, June 5, 2025, 4 p.m., at Dakota Wesleyan University. Bruce Blumer, John Claggett, Ope Niemeyer, and Dave Hansen will be among the presenters.
     Dakotas United Methodists started taking mission trips to Haiti during the 1980’s. The well-known Solar Oven Project, originally directed to Haiti, developed later. As political conditions deteriorated more recently, official Conference sponsorship of mission trips ended. But United Methodists from the Dakotas are still connected. For 40 years or more, this connection has changed lives for the better in both Haiti and the United States.
     A meal costing $20 will be served at 5 p.m. for those who sign up during annual conference registration. A business meeting will follow to consider closing the Historical Society and folding its work back into the Conference Commission on Archives & History. All are welcome!

New Contact information for Tree of Life - P.O. Box 149, Mission, S.D., 57555. Phone: 605-856-4266 and 605-856-2722.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Chapter 14 speaks of the cost of discipleship. Lots of people have started following Jesus, amazed by his miraculous power and drawn in by his teaching. But true discipleship is grounded in surrender and sacrifice - not in feel-good moments or miraculous occurances. As we prepare for Holy Week, it is a time to wrestle with our own discipleship: are we willing to humbly sumbit to Jesus as Lord of our lives? Additional Resource: Podcast about Luke 14

RESOURCES

MyCom podcast | Revitalizing church models and communicating change
    Matt Austin and Matt Patrick are co-pastors at University United Methodist Church.  Matt and Matt share their journey of reimagining church sustainability through alternate income models, space utilization, and unique ventures like their very own coffee trailer in this episode. Plus, they discuss the importance of embracing change, fostering a culture of learning, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re in church leadership or just passionate about community innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Church committees: Nominations and leadership
    What is the purpose of the committee on nominations and leadership development? The committee on nominations and leadership development functions kind of like a church’s “committee on committees.” But it’s ultimately charged with identifying gifts and callings of individuals in the local church and connecting them with opportunites to serve and lead the mission of the church. The fourth article in a series focusing on church committees.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Saving Grace Clergy Cohort | Registration open
    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.

SAVE THE DATE! Native American Ministries Sunday | May 4
    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!

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