THIS WEEK!

Breakthrough Ministry Grants | Apply by Friday, July 31
    Applications are open for Breakthrough Ministry grants, specifically in the areas of outreach ministry, culture of call, young adult/campus ministry, and church/school partnerships. Grant requests for technology will be awarded as they relate to new ministry and not for the replacement of current equipment. Funds for Breakthrough Ministry grants are provided through the generosity of United Methodist Churches across the Dakotas who faithfully give through their apportionments, Foundation funds, Endowments, and Annual Conference Miracle Offerings. These grants are exclusively for United Methodist Churches and United Methodist-related Ministries in the Dakotas Conference. Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, and culture of call.

These projects/ministries should:

• Be outward-focused (reach beyond the existing membership of the church)
• Create opportunity for relationship-building
• Move people closer to a connection with Christ and the Church

Learn more and apply here. 

EarthKeepers Training | Register by August 1
    Global Ministries’ EarthKeepers program is accepting applications for the Fall 2026 in-person training, Oct. 1-4, in Atlanta, GA. United Methodists in the U.S. who are interested in creation care can develop and lead environmental sustainability projects in their local communities and congregations. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the program, commissioned EarthKeepers are welcome to apply again. Apply by August 1. Learn more and apply.

Investing in Leaders Resource Grant | Due Aug. 1
    During these times of financial strain - increases in the cost of housing, groceries, gas, and healthcare - the monthly bill amounts that do not change can feel oppressive. If you have educational debt - undergrad, graduate, seminary - apply for the Investing in Leaders Resource Grant open now. Grants up to $5000 may be awarded to reduce your student loan debt if you have been under appointment for at least one year by August 1, 2026. Review the application guidelines for first-time applicants and prior recipients. Reducing one financial stressor around debt is worth the time it will take to apply!

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training | August 1
    Adults who work with or care about youth are invited to attend a free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Saturday, August 1, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CDT at Downtown First UMC in Mitchell, SD. This training will equip participants to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, respond with confidence, and connect young people with the support they need. Lunch is provided. Registration is required by July 24. To register, contact Lana Loken at lloken@resilienttoday.org.

Fresh Expressions in the Dakotas | Monthly Zoom Meetup, August 20
    Fresh Expressions are growing in the Dakotas! In the spirit of Wesley himself, these new ways of being the church happen outside our walls, cultivating communities of love and grace for those who’ve been neglected by the church. They are inclusive, accessible, transformative, and connectional. Interested in learning more? Have an idea for a new form of church in your community? We’re launching a monthly meet-up over Zoom for anyone interested in learning how to start a Fresh Expression, how to create a culture that encourages experimentation, and how to ignite a holy imagination that allows Fresh Expressions to thrive. Our first meeting is August 20 at 7pm CT (6pm MT). We’ll be hearing from Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups, authors of “Dream, Dare, Disrupt: How Experiments, Risk, and Embracing Failure Can Build Life-Giving Ministry.” Sign up today and let’s start dreaming together!

Walk to Emmaus | September 2026
    The Dakota Walk to Emmaus group is holding our annual Walk to Emmaus this September at Byron Bible Camp.  The Walk to Emmaus is a Christian discipleship tool that inspires, challenges, and equips adults for Christian action in their world. It is for all who are seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, and discover firmer foundations for their lives.  Over the course of the four-day retreat, you will experience a set of talks about the Christian journey with God and God's grace, and you will enter into talks with others about how God has impacted you in your world.  The Men's Walk starts Thursday, September 10, 2026, and ends Sunday, September 13th.  The Women's Walk is September 17th through September 20th.  A sign-up form is on our website, and if you need a sponsor, please contact us via our website. 

RESOURCES

Dramatic Changes Are Ahead. The Small Church Can Guide Us.
    Church leaders are facing huge demographic shifts, leading to smaller denominations, fewer resources, and leaner institutions. Allen T. Stanton gives us three lessons we can learn from small-membership congregations about how to flourish in a shifting landscape. Read the article here. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Clergy Learning Scholarship Opportunities
    The Dakotas Annual Conference invests in leadership development of clergy. There are two events still open for scholarships. You must complete the scholarship application form to receive funds. Appointed clergy are eligible for one scholarship in 2026. Additional funds may be available upon request.

Register for Exploration 2026 
    Interested in ordained ministry? Attend Exploration, a vocational discernment retreat hosted by GBHEM, is set for November 6-8 in Orlando, Florida. With a blend of theological reflection, practical workshops, and networking opportunities, Exploration offers participants the tools and relationships needed to take next steps. Attendees connect with denominational leaders and resources while joining peers who are asking similar questions about their future. Registration is now open for adults 18 and older. Learn more and register. Scholarship support is available through the Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Contact Susan Punt for more info.

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.
    Non-Traditional Worship Leader | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Digital Ministries Coordinator | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-Time Nursery Care Worker | Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Coordinator of Youth Ministries | Yankton First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Music Coordinator | Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND
    Administrative Assistant | Wesley UMC, Sioux Falls, SD
    Open Camping Positions | All locations