COMING SOON!

Bishop's Summer Book Study - Starts Saturday, June 27
    You're invited to participate in a 2026 Summer Book Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this Area-wide study, United Methodists across the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to read "Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny" by The United Methodist Council of Bishops. This book offers a prophetic roadmap for these turbulent times where we see polarization dividing communities and people of faith confronted with an urgent question: “What does faithful discipleship look like when beloved community is under attack?” Through biblical reflection, global perspectives, and practical strategies, participants will discern faithful responses to local challenges while connecting to the worldwide struggle for justice and peace. 
    All are welcome! Mark your calendar and encourage others to join you. Order your book or e-book now! 
    Discussions will be held via Zoom on the fourth Saturday morning in June, July, August and September, from 9-10:30 a.m. CT / 8-9:30 a.m. MT, centering largely on the discussion questions found at the end of each chapter. The schedule is: 
    June 27, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 1: Deceptive Detours (with Preface & Introduction) 
    July 25, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 2: Empowered by Grace 
    August 22, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m. Central—Part 3: Staying Alert 
    September 26, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m Central—Part 4: Seeds of Change 
    You must register in order to receive the Zoom link to each gathering. The Zoom link will be provided to those who have registered as the first discussion draws near.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE THIS WEEK!

Annual Conference Worship Resources 
    This year's Celebration of Life in Ministry service - a time when we ordain and commission clergy, recognize those pastors who are retiring, and honor clergy, clergy spouses, and former conference staff who passed away in the last year - will be held on Sunday, June 7 at 10 a.m. CDT at McCabe UMC in Bismarck, N.D.  
Resources are now available for churches to engage in this service in different ways:
     Live-stream the first hour of the CLMS starting at 10 a.m. CDT/9:00 a.m. MDT - For churches that want to participate in the service remotely but are limited to an hour, we have created a bulletin to accompany that format.
    Use Bishop Lanette’s recorded sermon (or sermon transcript) - For those churches limited by time or technology, we have created a worship bulletin and slides to accompany the Bishop’s sermon.
    Live-stream full service - We will provide a PDF copy of the CLMS order of worship to follow along (available next week).
     Access all resources HERE. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Conference Communications staff. 

Partnering with Midwest Mission!
    We are excited to partner with Midwest Mission, a cooperating depot for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), in showing God's love in practical ways to people in their time of need. As we near the end of the school year and prepare for Annual Conference, here are three great ways you can join in this important work:

1.  Like last year, churches are invited to bring kits to Annual Conference. Midwest Mission will have a trailer there for collection.
2.  Midwest Mission is setting up a hands-on service project for Annual Conference attendees to participate in on Friday night. Individuals/churches can contribute cash donations to help offset the cost of supplies. Learn more about Blessing Bags here.
3.  Midwest Mission recently launched a new initiative to collect school supplies at the end of the year. Churches are encouraged to partner with their community to collect these supplies and bring them to a drop-off site (e.g., Annual Conference or Sioux Falls Asbury UMC in the Dakotas), and MWM will transport them from there. Learn more here. 

Livestream and Social Media
    Can’t attend Annual Conference in Bismarck? Check out the Livestream and follow along on social media! All Plenary sessions and worship services will be livestreamed at this link. We’ll also be posting pictures and videos on our Facebook and Instagram accounts so be sure to follow along!

RESOURCES

Foundation 2026 Annual Conference Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant
    This grant aims to strengthen or launch innovative youth and young adult ministry programs that have the capacity for growth and sustainability. We will be awarding three grants of up to $3500. Funds may be used to support or address:

• Collaborative partnerships between youth groups and/or community partners (including cross-denominational partnerships).
• Innovative leadership and mentorship development programs.
• Creative youth-led service or worship experiences.
• Gaps in service or outreach areas for youth in the community.
• Innovative discipleship-centric programs that engage youth in performing arts, athletics, or other co-curricular programming.

These grants are not to be used for vacation bible school or camp scholarships. We are looking for new and unique opportunities to engage youth and young adults within the church and community. Applications will be accepted until DAY 2 of Annual Conference (June 6). Awards will be announced at the close of the session.

Foundation Food Security Grant
    Due to the Generosity of committed donors across the connection, The Dakotas & Minnesota Methodist Foundations are offering one-time grants to churches across the Dakotas that are actively partnered with local schools and non-profits. This funding is intended to support and expand feeding ministries that serve children and families experiencing food insecurity. In the Dakotas, we will award five grants of up to $2,000 each. Funds may be used to support:

• Summer feeding programs that provide meals when school is out of session
• After-school meal programs during the academic year
• Weekend food programs (such as backpack programs) that ensure students have access to food outside of school hours

Applicants must demonstrate an active partnership with a partnering school or nonprofit organization. This collaboration is essential to effectively identify needs, coordinate services, and ensure that food reaches children and families who need it most. Application Deadline: September 1, 2026

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.
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Sunday School Coordinator | Mitchell Downtown First UMC
    Open Camping Positions | All locations