THIS WEEK!

Annual Conference Registration NOW OPEN!
    Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual Conference in Bismarck, ND June 5-7! Join us as we gather under this year’s theme, Created to Serve Joyfully. From engaging workshops to meaningful connection and exciting new activities introduced this year, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to register early and sign up for workshops to make the most of your experience. We’ll see you in Bismarck!

Lead Courageously webinar | March 21. @ 9:00 a.m. CDT
    In the lead up to the gathering, the Council of Bishops is working with United Methodist Communications to host a series of three webinars open to all United Methodists. These webinars will focus on how the vision statement’s call to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously” connects back to the denomination’s mission and Wesleyan theology. The webinars are free and recordings will be made available publicly. Each will be roughly an hour and half in length.
    The third webinar is themed "Lead Courageously" and focuses on Wesleyan understandings of leadership and church life. Participants will explore the connection, shared leadership, and ways the church is reimagining structures and practices to support faithful and courageous leadership in a global context. The webinar is scheduled for March 21, 2026, 9:00am Central Time. A recording of the webinar will be available to the public. Register here. 

Investing in Leaders Resource Grant
    During these times of financial strain - increases in 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!

RESOURCES

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Camp Sunday Resources
    Get ready to bring the joy, adventure, and spirit of camp right into your church! Camp Sunday is a day to celebrate all things camp—think campfire-style worship (minus the actual fire, of course), energetic music, and real stories of how camp changes lives. Deck out your church with campy décor, serve up s’mores or trail mix, and dive into fun activities that showcase everything camp has to offer. Plus, it’s the perfect time to share info on camp registrations, financial support, and exciting opportunities for all ages. Whether it’s Sunday school, youth group, or the whole congregation, everyone gets a taste of that unforgettable camp magic—right at home!
    The Camp Sunday worship program includes call to worship, hymn suggestions, children's message, scripture, sermon ideas, prayers, invitation to communion, Invitation to offering, and a benediction. Use this program or change it to make your own! This worship service is based on Acts 2:42-47 and the 2026 Camp Curriculum, In the Wilderness. Using stories from both the Old Testament and New Testament, the curriculum explores daily themes ensuring God is with us in any wilderness in which we find ourselves.

Serving Joyfully Looks Like...    
    Across the Dakotas, United Methodists are Serving Joyfully in their churches and communities –people of different ages and differing abilities, people who have been a part of the church for years and those who have just gotten connected, members of churches in large cities and rural communities. These individuals faithfully share their time and talents in ways that give glimpses of the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. We want to celebrate these small but significant acts of service.
    We invite you to record and submit a short video (less than 30 seconds) or written testimony about examples of serving joyfully in your church or community. We will share these during annual conference session as well as on social media throughout the year so that we can continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds! Check out this form for more information and share your story before May 18th! And thank YOU for all you do to Serve Joyfully!

Annual Conference Awards
    Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Nomination deadline extended to April 15. Nominations for the following awards are now being accepted:

• The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award is jointly presented by denominational regional bodies (annual conference, district, etc) and the Foundation. The award honors lay persons with exceptional evangelistic ministries that bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, encourage continued discipleship, and emphasize living out one’s faith in daily life. Nominate someone here. 
• The Francis Asbury Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level of the church. Nominate someone here.
• The Streams of Justice Award calls attention to a United Methodist sponsored program or event which promotes justice in our Annual Conference. Ministries on Native American reservations, local churches and outreach centers in communities (rural and urban), and state-wide and regional organizations which have programs that offer components of justice education, advocacy and empowerment in addition to material assistance and spiritual support are encouraged. Submit nominations here. 
• NEW AWARD! #BeUMC Award, presented by the Dakotas Conference and UM Communications, honors one church, one layperson, and one clergy member each year who exemplify the spirit and mission of the United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Recipients of this award should also reflect our shared UMC vision - to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Submit nominations here. 

Annual Conference 2026 Resolutions and Petitions | due March 27
    Do you have a resolution, petition, or specific legislation you would like to have considered at the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference All proposals for petitions and resolutions for the Dakotas Annual Conference Session must be submitted electronically, by March 27. Items should be created using the Legislation Submission form. If you have questions about resolutions and petitions, you may contact Rev. Rebecca Trefz by e-mail or phone 605-990-7781. The Dakotas Conference Petitions and Resolution Committee will review submissions before being placed on the agenda for consideration at the upcoming Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference.

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
    Open Camping Positions | All locations