NEW THIS WEEK!

Annual Conference choir
    You are invited to participate in the choir performance of John Rutter's beautiful anthem, "For the Beauty of the Earth," for the Celebration of Life in Ministry Service at Annual Conference on June 8.
Here are the details:
Practice: We will have one combined practice session on Sunday, June 8th at 8:15 am.
Location: Both the practice and the service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 310 N Rowley St, Mitchell, SD 57301. The Worship service is Sunday, June 8th at 10:00 am.
Important: To ensure a successful and smooth rehearsal, we kindly request that all participating choir members learn the song. Please RSVP to revthanael@gmail.com by June 1st so we can get you the music and plan for space and parts accordingly. We look forward to making beautiful music together!

AC Registration DEADLINE This Thursday, May 15!
    If you (or the clergy or lay member from your church/charge) have not registered for Annual Conference, take a moment to do so ASAP to secure your spot and avoid a late fee! Note: childcare registration will NOT be available after this date.

Men’s Dress clothes for Tree of Life
    Tree of Life is asking for dress shirts, slacks, and jackets for young men. You can drop these off at Tree of Life in Mission, S.D., or bring them to their display table at Annual Conference in Mitchell. For more information, contact Sandra Spotted Tail - 605-319-0174

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people proclaimed with shouts of joy that the Messiah had come. Their expectations of a triumphant king would be shattered by the end of the week. It is a reminder that the way we expect God is going to work is no necessarily how things play out. Additional resource: video about Palm Sunday 

RESOURCES

Why Are Pews Sitting Empty? —Get the Data!
    It started slowly. A few empty seats. Then entire rows. This guide reveals why attendance is dropping — and what thriving churches are doing differently. You’ll see the data, the trends, and the path forward. View an article from Vanco here. 

New UMC Vision Statement
     Recently, the United Methodist Council of Bishops shared a new vision statement for the denomination: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” 
     Leaders across our United Methodist are encouraged to celebrate the ways they are already living the vision, and to find new opportunities to love, serve and lead in their contexts. Build awareness and excitement with the help of this toolkit of resources. This collection will become more robust in the coming weeks.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

SAVE THE DATE! Peace with Justice Sunday | June 15
    As one of the Special Sundays, the United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. We renew our commitment that, to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict. Check out these resources from ResourceUMC.

Lay Academy Training | June 20-22
    Are you or a lay person you know feeling called to grow in knowledge and skill around planning, preparing and leading the spoken parts of worship, including the sermon? Apply to be part of the next Lay Academy Training, June 20 - 22, 2025 at Open Heart UMC in Rapid City, S.D. The event will begin at 1pm MT/2 pm CT on Friday and will end after everyone has completed worship and debriefed on Sunday. Registration (including recommendation from your pastor) is due by June 13th.

Historical Society lunch and meeting | June 5
    The Dakotas United Methodist Historical Society will explore the involvement of Dakotas United Methodists with Haiti at its annual meeting, June 5, 2025, 4 p.m., at Dakota Wesleyan University. Bruce Blumer, John Claggett, Ope Niemeyer, and Dave Hansen will be among the presenters.
     Dakotas United Methodists started taking mission trips to Haiti during the 1980’s. The well-known Solar Oven Project, originally directed to Haiti, developed later. As political conditions deteriorated more recently, official Conference sponsorship of mission trips ended. But United Methodists from the Dakotas are still connected. For 40 years or more, this connection has changed lives for the better in both Haiti and the United States.
     A meal costing $20 will be served at 5 p.m. for those who sign up during annual conference registration. A business meeting will follow to consider closing the Historical Society and folding its work back into the Conference Commission on Archives & History. All are welcome!

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 Camps
    Food Service & Housekeeping Manager | Storm Mountain Center, SD