THIS WEEK!

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.

THIS THURSDAY - Stewardship Webinar
    There’s still time to register! Join us for our free webinar this Thursday evening as we learn how to nurture generosity within your congregation by connecting giving with mission. Explore Courageous Generosity, practical spiritual disciplines, and ways to prepare for capital campaigns, build long-term support, and encourage new opportunities for giving. Register here. 

THIS WEEKEND - DakYouth | Oct. 10-12 - REGISTER NOW!
     DAKYOUTH is an annual youth event like no other and is for both middle school and high school youth in the Dakotas Conference. Youth gather from all around the conference to learn about leadership, discipleship, and service. This year’s theme, “Living For God,” is centered on Job 23:11, challenging and inspiring youth to walk faithfully in their everyday lives. Rev. Rachel Billups will bring powerful messages as the main speaker, and VOTA will lead an unforgettable time of worship. Register today and reserve your hotel rooms before they’re gone! View and share the promotional video. 

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. 

 LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     In chapter 16, we read about a slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future – a talent that is a source of revenue for her owners. When Paul casts out the spirit, her owners have them arrested. Sometimes the message of Jesus disrupts the worlds systems in ways that cause people to reject the way of Jesus. Yet, as we see in this story, God still works to draw people to Jesus even through unexpected or unwanted circumstances. Additional resources: ShareFaith video about Lydia

RESOURCES

Clergy and Staff Appreciation Month
    October is Clergy and Staff Appreciation Month. Many of you may have already discovered ways to show your appreciation to your pastor and staff. Creative ideas are numerous and can be implemented throughout the month and beyond. If your SPRC has not taken steps to recognize your pastor and staff during this month, consider 50 Ways to Support Your Pastor provided by Wespath with ideas to support the well-being of the whole person all year!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

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.

Relax, Refresh, Renew Women's Retreat | Oct. 24-26
    Join us for this year's Refresh, Relax, Renew Women’s Retreat, October 24th – 26th, at Storm Mountain Center. The theme is Sacred Sisterhood: Biblical Stories of Courage and Empowerment. Often in our everyday lives, we, as women, feel overwhelmed, overworked, unworthy, insecure, unappreciated fill in the blank. During this set-apart time, we will be introduced to sacred rhythms demonstrated by the matriarchs of our faith to helps us draw closer to the divine in our everyday lives. The retreat will include free time to hike or relax in the beauty of the Black Hills. You will be well-fed and pampered over this weekend intended to help you refresh, relax and renew your relationship with God and others. Register today!

Shoebox Christmas - Dates and Locations
    Spirit Lake Ministry, Tree of Life Ministry, and some individual churches are preparing to reach over 6,000 children with Christmas shoeboxes. This is an opportunity for you to reflect the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ into our communities by ensuring that no child feels forgotten on Christmas morning.
     Each year, people like you pack shoebox gifts according to these guidelines and bring them to a collection site. Then, volunteers collect your shoebox gifts from these sites around our Dakotas Conference and get them ready to distribute. Your shoeboxes need to be at the nearest collection site by November 16 to arrive in time for distribution at the many schools across the Dakotas. Your gifts make a huge difference!

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