THIS WEEK!

Basic Lay Servant Ministry Class
    Rev. Andy Bartel, Dakotas Conference elder who currently serves as the pastor of St. John UMC in Anchorage, AK, will be teaching a Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course via Zoom. The class will be on Sunday evenings, Nov. 2 - Nov. 30,  from 5pm-7pm CT/ 4pm-6pm MT. There will be a limit of 12 persons. Register here.

Walk in the Footsteps of John and Charles Wesley
    Join Rev. Joel and Kitty Allen from DWU for an unforgettable journey through the heart of England as they trace the life, faith, and legacy of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist movement. They’ll begin in Epworth, where John Wesley was born and famously preached from his father’s tombstone. Travel through the breathtaking Cotswolds, where Wesley brought his message of grace to England’s villages and countryside. Explore Oxford, the cradle of Methodism, where the “Holy Club” first gathered and the name Methodist was born. From there, the journey continues to Bristol, Bath, and London, where the Wesleybrothers’ vision transformed a nation and helped shape modern Christianity. Along the way, you’ll experience inspiring sites, beautiful landscapes, and rich fellowship with fellow travelers who share your passion for faith and history. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see England through the lens of the Wesleyan revival! Learn more and register here.

 LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     After Paul preaches in Athens in Acts 17, those who heard him had one of three reactions: some refused to take him seriously (“scoffed”, some agreed to think about it further (said, “We will hear you again about this") and some joined him as a believer (such as Dionysius and Damaris.) How do we not feel defeated when people seem to reject the invitation to follow Jesus?
Additional Resources: Sermon series starter

RESOURCES

Free Mini Course on Preaching from the Garrett Collective 
    Looking for a clear, practical way to proclaim the Good News? Everyone Can Preach Good News is a free, self-paced online course designed for preachers, ministry leaders, and all Christians who want to share the Gospel with clarity and joy. Through six hours of video lectures and downloadable resources, participants will learn how to craft sermons that are biblical, theologically sound, and relevant to their audience. Utilizing the resources from the Styberg Preaching Institute, this course equips everyone to proclaim the Good News with confidence. Register today!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Clergy Time Off for 2026
    Plan now for long-term renewal leave in 2026. Taking time off for intentional growth, rest, and renewal is a provision for clergy found in the Book of Discipline, paragraph 351. The long-term renewal leave (Formational and Spiritual Growth Leave, BOD 351.3) provides an opportunity for clergy to request up to six months off with the approval of the SPRC, conference superintendent, and the Renewal Review Team. Clergy, if you are planning for this intentional time away, take action now and review the process. SPRC members looking for ways to support your clergy, discuss this opportunity with them now. The deadline for the 2026 long-term renewal leave is Dec. 1, 2025 (applies to leaves to be taken after June 1, 2026). Long-Term Renewal Overview/Guidelines, Long-term Renewal Application, Long-term Renewal Formational Plan, Pastoral Coverage Grant. 

Using A.I. in Ministry webinar | Nov. 10 & 17
    In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and everyday life — and the Church is no exception. But what role should AI play within our faith communities? This training offers a balanced, thoughtful approach to understanding and implementing AI in ministry including Best and Worst Practices, Biblical Foundations, Ethical Considerations, and Tools for Ministry.
     The webinar will be offered in two parts: Part 1 on Nov. 10 and Part 2 on Nov. 17, both at 11:30am - 2pm CT/ 10:30am-1pm MT. The sessions will be recorded and available to registrants for 90 days. Registration fee is $30. For more information and to register, check out our website.

Safer People, Stronger Church: Practicing Trauma-Informed Leadership | Nov. 18 @ 6:30 p.m. CT / 5:30 p.m. MT
    As faith communities, we are called to nurture healing and hope. Many of us are still learning how trauma affects people, congregational culture, and the systems that support ministry. This webinar offers laity and clergy descriptive language, ideas, and options so each congregation can discern its own path toward being more trauma-informed. Click here for more information and to register.

2025 Bishop’s Advent Study - Monday evenings, December 1-22
    Plan now to participate in the 2025 Advent Study led by Bishop Lanette. In this study, United Methodists across the Dakotas and Minnesota are invited to read "A Child is Born" by Amy-Jill Levine. The study delves into the narratives of Isaac and Ishmael, Moses, and Samuel to reveal how they foreshadow and enrich the timeless Christmas story. Levine shows readers how Scripture's earlier birth stories anticipate the story of Jesus’s birth and how the birth resonates and gives new meaning to those earlier stories. Transform your Advent season with fresh insights and inspiration from "A Child is Born."
     Similar to previous years, discussions will be held via Zoom on Monday evenings, Dec. 1-22. All are welcome! Book or e-books available now. Videos will be available via Amplify later this fall.

Amplify Dakotas
    Churches across the Dakotas now have a powerful new tool for ministry: the Amplify Dakotas channel, which officially launches this week. With Amplify Dakotas, United Methodist clergy and laity across the conference will have the benefit of enjoying the same rich library of Cokesbury resources that Amplify Media has long provided in addition to content created for and by leaders in the Dakotas Conference. This resource comes at no cost to Dakotas United Methodists thanks to the support of a grant from the Dakotas Connection Initiative. Learn how to register 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.
    Administrative Assistant | Dakotas & Minnesota United Methodist Foundations
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Part-time Coordinator of Children’s Ministries | First UMC, Yankton, SD