THIS WEEK!

Dakotas Connectors | Send Letters of interest by Aug. 22
    As part of the creative, Spirit-led work of the Extended Cabinet and the Wisdom Council, the Dakotas Conferences 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. "Connector roles are not secondary ministries—they are structural sinews that strengthen the body of Christ across the Dakotas," said Bishop Lanette Plambeck. "These leaders will serve as bridge-builders, resource-sharers, and holy disruptors—linking gifts with needs, wisdom with innovation, and call with context. Through their focused presence and Spirit-led agility, these ministry partners will embody the value and strength of connection and will help us move forward in collaborative mission." Learn more here. Please send Letters of interest and related experience to Dakotas.Connectors@umconnect.org by Aug. 22.

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. 

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     Acts chapter five begins with a somewhat unnerving story of Ananias and Sapphira. It's a reminder of how easy it is to justify our actions even when they may be leading us on a slippery slope away from Jesus. What or who helps you to be honest about the areas where you might be getting off track? Additional resource: Highland Park UMC Acts Bible study video

RESOURCES

Financial Leadership webinar | Register by Aug 15
    This half-day webinar equips leaders with financial tools and knowledge to increase the financial wisdom, integrity, and sustainability of your ministry context, no matter it's size, location or financial reality, by focusing on mission & money, leadership roles, and accountability topics.
    Led by Bonnie Ives Marden (a stewardship practitioner, specializing in leadership empowerment and financial accountability and author of "Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices in Financial Stewardship") and Rev. Cary James, Jr. (a financial coach, Elder in the United Methodist Church, and board member of Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, and on the Conference Investment Committee and Council on Finance and Administration).

Date: August 20
Time: 10am - 2pm Eastern Time
Cost: $150 with sliding scale available
Location: Zoom link will be provided to those who register
Registration Deadline: Aug 15, 2025

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!

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