THIS WEEK!

United by Hope | Sunday, Aug. 24
    Attention Sioux Falls area United Methodists! The six United Methodist Churches in Sioux Falls are uniting for worship and impact on Sunday, August 24 at 10 a.m. They will hold a joint worship service at the ALLIANCE (1600 W. Russell St., Sioux Falls) followed by lunch, fellowship and fun. ALL ARE WELCOME! Additionally, the offering collected that day will go to Hungry Hearts, a non-profit in Sioux Falls that works to ensure all children in the SF school district have hot lunch, school supplies, and other necessities. If you can’t attend worship that day but are interested in supporting this mission, you can donate here. 

Dakotas Connectors | Letters of interest due FRIDAY
    Do you know someone who is gifted in helping people grow in their faith or someone who loves to help others discover God’s call on their life? Do you know someone who is passionate about justice and mission or someone who is able to develop systems of organization and stewardship? Are you one of these “someones”? The Dakotas Conference invites individuals – lay or clergy – to apply for one of the new "Connector" roles that will undergird the mission and ministry of leaders and churches across the Dakotas. These part-time, contract roles will work in the areas of Renewal, Call & Development, Justice & Advocacy, and Strategy & System Design. Check out this article for more information and full descriptions. Please send Letters of interest and related experience to Dakotas.Connectors@umconnect.org by Aug. 22.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     As much as we are amazed by Saul/Paul's transformation, it is equally amazing to consider the role and response of Ananias. His courageous yes to Jesus made the rest of the story possible. How might Jesus be asking you to be brave and step outside of your comfort zone so someone else's life might be changed or saved? Additional Resource: Session 1 of The Call

RESOURCES

Webinar - Kay Kotan: Effective Church Structure for Smaller Churches - Sept. 25
    Smaller congregations often face unique challenges when it comes to church structure and leadership. With limited time, people, and resources, it’s essential to design a structure that is streamlined, focused, and effective. This training will provide be practices for identifying the right people for key leadership roles, guidance for structuring board meetings, tips for structuring a leadership board that is nimble, strategic, and spiritually grounded, key responsibility for leadership, clarity about roles that prevents confusion and micromanagement, and what an accountable leadership model looks like. This webinar is ideal for pastors and lay leaders looking to bring greater clarity, alignment, and health to their church’s structure — without adding unnecessary complexity. If your church is ready to function more effectively with fewer hands, this webinar is for you. Learn more and register here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

DakYouth | Oct. 10-12
    DAKYOUTH is an annual youth event like no other and is for both middle school and high school youth in the Dakotas Conference. Youth gather from all around the conference to learn about leadership, discipleship, and service. This year’s theme, “Living For God,” is centered on Job 23:11, challenging and inspiring youth to walk faithfully in their everyday lives. Rev. Rachel Billups will bring powerful messages as the main speaker, and VOTA will lead an unforgettable time of worship. Register today and reserve your hotel rooms before they’re gone!

Walk to Emmaus | Sept. 4-7, 18-21
    Dakotas Walk to Emmaus is holding a Men’s Walk and a Women’s Walk this September.  Men’s Walk is September 4th through 7th, and Women’s Walk is 18th through the 21st  at the Lake Poinsett Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center.  The walks are a spiritual retreat that helps equip and feed laity and clergy alike to live into the calling to walk with Jesus in our daily lives and do the work that he has commanded us to do.  If you want to attend or have someone you would like to sponsor, please fill out the forms linked. If you have questions, reach out to dakotaswte@gmail.com

Clergywomen's cohort | Begining Sept. 11
    RESTORE, a coaching cohort just for clergywomen, is offered by Rev. Stephanie Dunn, a United Methodist clergywoman and certified coach. The coaching cohort begins September 11 and includes 5 group sessions, 2 individual sessions, and 3 workshops – all virtual. A $300 scholarship to offset the $495 cost will be offered to the first five clergywomen from the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences who register. Simply send your proof of registration to Diane Owen, Area Director of Clergy Well-being. Learn more here.

Website Reorganization
    We are reorganizing and updating pages on our website to better reflect our mission and serve our churches and leaders. While we are moving things around, we will update commonly used links on this page. Please feel free to email or call Conference Staff directly if you have any questions.

Educational debt relief | Applications due Sept. 1
    Calling all clergy! Still paying off undergrad or seminary debt? Apply for the 2025 Investing in Leaders Resource Grant. Applications due by Sept. 1 for this grant of up to $5,000 to pay down educational debt. Renewal applications are also available for those who have already received this grant.

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.
    Administrative Assistant | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Alumni Engagement Associate | Dakaota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD