THIS WEEK!

REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY! Register for Annual Conference 2026
    Today is the final day to register for Annual Conference 2026 in Bismarck, ND, June 4-7! Registration closes tonight, so make sure to save your spot before it’s too late. We can’t wait to gather together! Learn more and register.

Last call for CCYM applications and recommendations
    The Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) is a group of up to 20 youth and 10 adults who serve Jesus Christ through service to the youth and youth workers of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.  High school students graduating in 2027, 2028, and 2029 who are baptized and professing members of The United Methodist Church are eligible to apply. Youth applications are due by May 31, 2026. There are three parts to the application. 
1) The application can be completed online here.
2) Each application needs to have recommendations for the applicant; details here.
3) Recorded video interviews are due by June 4, 2026; details here. 

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

Amplify Dakotas Channel Update
    Exciting news! Amplify Media by Cokesbury just completed a systems update, and we're thrilled about what it means for our Amplify Dakotas experience! Here's what's new:

• More pages for our resources — making it easier than ever to find and access the content you need
• Individual account profiles connected to each of our Dakotas United Methodist churches, as well as the Dakotas Conference
• More TV app options to view Amplify Media content on any device
• Mobile downloads of videos — watch your favorite content anytime on your mobile device, even without an internet connection!

Want to learn more about Amplify Dakotas Channel? Plan to attend the Amplify Dakotas Channel Workshop at Annual Conference in Bismarck. Learn more about the workshops available.
Learn more about signing up for Amplify Dakotas Channel access. 

RESOURCES

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. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

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.    
    

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.
    Office Assistant I/Bookkeeper | Madison UMC
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Open Camping Positions | All locations