THIS WEEK!

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!

GBHEM Scholarship portal | Applications close THIS FRIDAY
    GBHEM Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more and apply.

DWU Spring Eccumenical Youth Rally | April 29
    Dakota Wesleyan University is hosting a spring Ecumenical Youth Rally open to middle schoolers, high schoolers, youth leaders and parents. Join us for a night of worship with DWU’s Campus Ministry worship team, fellowship & fun with our students, and a deep exploration of our calling to belong together in Jesus, led by speaker Michael LeBlanc, a UMC pastor from the Florida Conference. Doors open at 6 p.m. with pizza and snacks and a time of connection before we kick-off worship at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, cause it’s better when you’re here! Learn more about Rev. Michael here. Register for free here!

RESOURCES

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Practical Church Leadership Certification Program | Applications due May 1
    Apply by May 1 for this year-long, online certificate program designed to increase a pastor's capacity to be an effective church leader and improve skills in financial stewardship and human resource management and development. The program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University. Contact Diane Owen for more information.

Annual Conference Awards
    Several awards will be announced at annual conference. Nominations are due March 27. 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