THIS WEEK!

Dakotas Connectors | Send Letters of interest by Aug. 22
    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.

Breakthrough prayer
    God who calls us beyond what is familiar, break through our resistance. When we shrink from conflict or avoid hard conversations, give us courage. When your Spirit speaks through unexpected people, help us listen. When the old ways can’t hold the new thing you are doing, help us let go. Break down every dividing wall—language, culture, fear, or pride—and build a Church wide enough for your whole creation. Call us again, O God, and send us out with courage. In the name of Jesus, boundary-breaker and bridge-builder. Amen.

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     The story of Stephen begins in chapter 6 and comes to fruition in chapter 7. It can be very frustrating to read the ways in which false testimony was produced against Stephen, ultimately leading to his death. Yet, in his final words, like Jesus, he asks God to forgive his executioners. Could we do the same? Additional Resources: Sermon series starter

RESOURCES

Sustaining Your Real Estate Assets - UMI/Foundry Webinar | August 20
    In this webinar The Foundry team will cover the importance of preventive maintenance, record keeping and consistent property management. We will explore property checklists, condition assessments and other tools. To learn more about the speakers and register, click here. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Dream Forward cohort
    Earlier this year, as an outpouring of the work of the Equipping Missional Congregations Link, Revs. Kori Lehrkamp and Cory Thrall invited clergy to participate in a pilot "Dream Forward" cohort. The cohort was created to help clergy think about unique ways they can mobilize their congregations to engage with their surrounding community. A second 6-month cohort will begin this fall to help clergy focus on moving their congregation forward in a healthy and strategic way. This cohort will launch this fall and is open to all Dakotas clergy. Learn more and apply here. 

Scripture Circles for Clergy | Beginning Fall 2025
    Led by Julie Stoll, Scripture Circles are a communal, Spirit-led way of engaging Scripture that blends ancient rabbinic tradition with Christian faith. Each session begins by listening to the questions and wrestlings of those present, then exploring passages that speak into those themes, asking deep questions, and discovering fresh insights together. It’s scholarly and mystical, practical and pastoral—offering renewal for those longing to hear God speak in community. Whether online or in person, this is Scripture as a living conversation—rooted in the Word, open to the Spirit, and shaped by you.

Scripture Circle days/times:
    Mondays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 15- Nov. 17 (Returning participants)
    Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 CT, Sept. 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning and First-time participants)
    Tuesdays, 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Septs 16 – Nov. 18 (Returning participants)
    Thursdays 10:30 – 12:00 CT, Sept. 18 – Nov. 20 (First-time participants)

The fee is $230 per ten-week session for returning participants or $130 for first-time participants. Register now!

Clergy Connection at Legacy UMC
    Calling all clergy! Would you like a chance to connect with colleagues, grow as a clergy person as well as a human being? Would you like a place to ask questions and push the boundaries of your knowledge and experience? The Clergy Connection at Legacy is just such a place. Held at Legacy UMC in Bismarck, ND, Clergy Connection is a quarterly gathering of clergy where clergy choose, and direct, the time together. All clergy are invited to take a moment to complete this survey and share input on topics of learning and growth to be taught by a facilitator or by one of the clergy (this will also be helpful for future Clergy Connection groups in other locations). The first three Clergy Connection meetings are set for Oct. 23, 2025, Jan. 8, 2026 and May 14, 2026. We will meet at Legacy UMC from 10am to 4pm; lunch will be provided. We chose the meetings for Thursday to give clergy the opportunity to rest and relax in Bismarck before heading back home. Topics for the Oct 23rd Clergy Connection will be released soon. Contact Pastors Cory Thrall or Annie Carlson for more information. Register here. 

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 & Event Planner | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Summer Staff | Dakotas UM Camp
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Director for Children First | Spearfish UMC, Spearfish, SD