THIS WEEK!

STARTS TOMORROW! Radicle Methodism study with Bri Heida
    Dakotas Connector for Renewal Bri Heida will lead a discussion group over Zoom to engage in "Radicle Methodism", a study by Dr. Ashley Boggan (found on Amplify Media) that explores the beginnings of Methodism and how it took root in America. The group will explore the ways the movement took hold and grew, and ask what such a movement could look like in this time, here in this place. It will be an opportunity to imagine what can happen if we say yes to having our own hearts set afire, and how that could spread across the Dakotas and beyond.
    The group will meet over five Wednesdays, roughly over the lunch hour, 11:30-12:30 MT/12:30-1:30 CT, beginning January 7. To register, click here and enter your information. 

Nominations open for Youth Worker Awards
    Do you know someone in your church or in the conference who has made an impact on the youth of the Dakotas and their journey with Christ? Nominate them for one of the following awards presented at annual conference. Nomination deadline is February 26.

• Youth Worker Hall of Fame—This award honors outstanding individuals who have committed a lifetime to serving Jesus Christ through youth ministry.  Criteria: 20 years or more of working with United Methodist youth, has not previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and not currently serving as an adult member of the CCYM. Nominate someone here.
• Darrel Leach Youth Worker of the Year Award—This award honors outstanding individuals who are currently serving Jesus Christ in youth ministry. Criteria nominees are: must currently be working with United Methodist youth in some capacity —volunteer, paid staff or clergy,  and is not currently serving as an adult member of CCYM. Nominate someone here.
   

Beloved Women's Conference | February 6-7
    You're invited to Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church for their first EVER Women’s Conference! Simulcast from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, this two-day women’s conference experience features worship, encouragement and connection. All women are welcome! Bring a friend as we gather together to be reminded that we are deeply loved! Sign up online here. 

Connector's Corner

Didn’t have time to watch the November webinar on trauma-informed leadership?  Not to worry! This guide is for you.

Trauma-Informed Leadership: The Quick + Realistic Guide for the Person Who Has No Time

WHAT is Trauma-Informed Leadership? Leading from “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” — noticing how past harm shapes behavior and taking simple steps to create safer, more supportive spaces.

WHY should I care? People bring trauma into the church — not just into their therapy sessions. Sixty-one percent of adults report at least one adverse childhood experience, reminding us that trauma is common. Jesus was a trauma-informed leader! Jesus models trauma-informed leadership by seeing people beyond their labels and acknowledging their pain without adding unnecessary shame.

HOW to start — 10 simple steps

1. Acknowledge that trauma is widespread and affects your congregation.
2. Check yourself before you lead or speak: am I stressed or defensive?
3. Use predictable agendas for meetings.
4. When conflict arises, slow the conversation down, lower your tone, and pause before reacting.
5. Take time out of your day for yourself (therapy, reading, rest, community).
6. Breathe — allow a pause before responding.
7. Be clear: say what you mean and mean what you say — clarity is kindness.
8. Offer a space, time, or service of lament for people to process feelings after hard events.
9. Don’t try to “trauma-proof” everything — it’s impossible! Just do your best.
10. Watch this short video to see an example of these things put into practice at Faith Harbor UMC

Want to learn or do more? Email Meaghan Wharton, Connector for Justice and Advocacy, or Diane Owen, DKMN Area director of clergy well-being!

Resources

Can We Talk? Tools for Difficult Conversations - Garrett Collective
    Many of us feel the divisiveness of our time. We long to talk about issues and topics that are important to us with people- especially family members and friends- who may see things differently, but we're afraid that doing so will break connection and create irreparable discord. How do we move from "us" and "them" to a sense of shared vision? This 2-hour online workshop introduces a framework for finding connection in challenging conversations, tailored for difficult conversations in the workplace, at home, and in daily life. Learn to identify, honor, and express yourself with clarity, honesty, and integrity. Using these strategies opens possibilities for win-win outcomes. The Garrett Collective is a program of Garrett Seminary that seeks to make theological education accessible to as many people as possible. Register online here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Winter Connection | January 30-31
    Winter Connection is an annual event for middle school and high school youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM.) This year's theme is Functioning Parts. The scripture focus is Romans 12:4-8. What is your calling? How can you serve? How can you use your hands, feet, gifts, and talents to share the Good News. There are three sites that will be hosting Winter Connection this year! Sioux Falls First UMC, Bismarck McCabe UMC, and Rapid City First UMC. Learn more and register 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.
    Director of Children's Ministries | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD