THIS WEEK!

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!

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. 

Called to be Whole: Enneagram and Clergy Wellness - 4-Week Virtual Cohort
    Tuesdays, July 22 – August 12 | 10:30 AM – Noon (CT) | via Zoom | Cost: $200
Clergy are called to shepherd others—but who tends to the soul of the shepherd? This interactive cohort is designed to support clergy in deepening self-awareness, renewing a sense of call, and cultivating sustainable rhythms for life and ministry. Guided by the wisdom of the Enneagram, we’ll explore how personality impacts leadership, relationships, and wellness.
     Facilitated by Rev. Kori Robins and Rev. Lindsey Baynham, both certified Enneagram coaches, this space is open to clergy of all Enneagram experience levels. Register or learn more here. 

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Chapter 4 of the Acts of the Apostles is a powerful witness of faithfulness in the face of opposition. The disciples responded to hearing about Peter and John’s experience with an outpouring of prayer - asking God not for safety but for the ability to speak with boldness. Fear and attempted intimidation by the opposition would not have the last word. The fruit of this bold witness that we read about in the final verses of the chapter is a multiplication of bold, selfless, sacrificial love and generosity. What might that look like in our world today? Additional Resource: Video from NT Wright

RESOURCES

Reach new people with a Disciple Fast Track I small group this fall
    Disciple Fast Track I on the BeADisciple Study App makes small-group interaction and learning possible from anywhere. Reach people unable to attend regular in-person Bible studies, including homebound folks, people travelling, or members who live a distance from the church. Small groups spend 12 weeks in the Old Testament and 12 weeks in the New Testament, with updated and revised content to match current academic scholarship.

    The BeADisciple Study App is accessible from a smartphone, tablet, or computer and contains everything you need, including all study content (in both text and audio), 24/7 group message boards, videos, in-app notetaking and meeting guides, the entire CEB bible for reference, and even built-in video conferencing for weekly meetings. Leaders get in-app training and customizable promotional materials to recruit participants. Learn more about Disciple Fast Track I on the BeADisciple Study App.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Immigration Update: a webinar on Birthright Citzenship | July 17, 7 p.m. CT
    In response to the recent Supreme Court decision related to Birthright Citizenship, an alliance of United Methodist general agencies, the United Methodist Council of Bishops, and partner organizations are hosting a live webinar. The webinar will focus on the impact of the Supreme Court decision related to Birthright Citizenship, tactics employed by ICE, the travel ban, and traveling in general. Learn more and register. 

Educational Debt Relief
   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 & 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