THIS WEEK

Relax, Refresh, Renew Women’s Retreat 
    Join us October 23-25 at Storm Mountain Center for a weekend apart and a time to relax, refresh and renew your mind and body.  During the weekend you’ll find both group time to build Christian community and time apart in the beauty of creation for Sabbath and renewal. Check out the DakCamps website for more information and to register.

Trauma-Informed Leadership Course | Beginning October 26
    How can we lead with greater awareness, care, and responsiveness? The Garrett Collective is offering Trauma-Informed Leadership, a course designed to help leaders understand the impact of trauma and explore practices for creating healthier, more supportive congregations and communities. Participants will gain practical tools and insights for engaging others with greater compassion and awareness. Learn more and register.

Am I On Track? A Financial Check-In for Mid-Career Pastors | Oct. 27, 10:00 a.m. CT 
    A Virtual Workshop offered by Seth Scott, Shepherd’s Wallet. Most pastors in the middle of ministry are carrying a question nobody can answer for them: am I where I should be financially, and if I'm not, how far behind am I? This session answers it.  You'll run a short diagnostic on your own numbers and leave with a target savings rate specific to your situation, along with a worksheet to finish at home. Learn more about this virtual webinar here. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Creating Discipleship Pathways webinar
    Join Bryan Tener from UM Discipleship Ministries and Bri Heida, DK Connector for Renewal, for a three-part webinar to learn more about creating pathways for discipleship in your church. Plan to join us via Zoom Tuesdays in November - the 10th, 17th, 24th - 12:30-1:30 pm CT / 11:30am-12:30pm MT. Watch for registration form! Sessions will be recorded for those who may have to miss a session.

Respectful Conversations Facilitator Training, Nov. 6-7
    Are you disheartened by divisive rhetoric prevalent in the workplace, among neighbors, and even within church or family gatherings? Respectful Conversations may be a positive alternative to these concerning trends. Respectful Conversations are structured, facilitated conversations designed not to change minds but to soften hearts in polarized communities. The DK-MN Area will be hosting a training at Lake Poinsett Camp for Lead Facilitators, Nov 6 at 4pm - Nov 7 at 5pm. Lead facilitators work with host sites such as your local church or community setting to discern areas of conflict, to train "table facilitators" for the crucial small-group aspect of the conversation, and later to hold space for and lead the overall conversation. There are still spots available for clergy or laity interested in being trained. Contact Rebecca Trefz by Oct 27 if you are interested.

RESOURCES

Leadership Gathering
    The Council of Bishops is hosting the Leadership Gathering in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, THIS WEEK, October 20–24, 2026. Active bishops, the general secretaries and three leaders from each episcopal area will worship, listen and discern together about the future of The United Methodist Church. (You can read more about the gathering and the DK-MN representatives attending here. Worship and plenary sessions will stream live on this page beginning October 21. Learn more via an FAQ page. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Extending Missional Impact Grants | Deadline Oct. 31
    The Dakotas Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for fourth-quarter Extending Missional Impact Grants. United Methodist churches and ministry partners across the Dakotas are encouraged to apply by Oct. 31 for support that strengthens ministries, responds to community needs and helps churches extend their reach.
    Extending Missional Impact Grants of up to $2,500 are awarded quarterly to help congregations and ministry partners build on meaningful work already underway and pursue new opportunities for connection and service. Learn more and apply at the Extending Missional Impact Grants webpage.

Dog-Eared Disciples | November 3
    Dog-Eared Disciples is an invitation to read our way more deeply into the life of faith. Drawing on the ancient Christian practice of lectio divina, we will approach books not simply for information, but for formation: reading slowly and attentively, listening for what stirs, challenges, unsettles, or invites us, and allowing what we encounter on the page to deepen our relationship with God, one another, and the world. November's book is "Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God" by Kaitlin B. Curtice. Register today for this book study initiative from Bishop Lanette Plambeck that will take place online Fall 2026-Spring 2027. 

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.
    Coordinator of Youth Ministries | Yankton First UMC, Yankton, SD
    Music Coordinator | Flame of Faith UMC, West Fargo, ND