THIS WEEK!

2025 Bishop’s Advent Study
    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.

Stewardship & Generosity webinar - Sept 13
    Join us for the first session of our new webinar series! Sheri Meister, Dakotas and Minnesota Foundations' president, and Jim Ducker, Dakotas Conference treasurer, will explore why stewardship and generosity matter—not just as finances, but as a spiritual practice. Through breakouts and reflection, you’ll uncover your church’s “why,” clarify mission and vision, and take first steps toward a strategic plan. With support from the Foundations and grants available for participating churches, this is the starting point for cultivating a culture of faithful generosity. Register here.
     Save the dates for future webinars covering a variety of topics related to stewardship and generosity:
October 9th @ 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Thursday)
November 8th @ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Saturday)
December 11th @ 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Thursday)

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!

LUKE-ACTS 2025 - Reflections & Resources

Luke-Acts Reading 
     In Acts 11:27-30, the disciples learn hear that a famine is predicted that would impact the entire Roman empire. There response was that "as each one was able" they would provide for "the brothers and sisters living in Judea. How do you interpret "as each one was able"? It can be easy to compare our discipleship to others - judging other as "more or less faithful" if their response is different than ours. What helps you stay attuned to the Spirit so you can respond to needs not simply to live up to expectations but to show gracious compassion to those who might never return the generosity? Additional Resource: Resources from GBCS about economic, health, and gender justice. 

RESOURCES

Immigration Webinars
    The Minnesota Conference Office of Racial Equity and Justice is hosting two webinars about the impacts of current immigration policies and practices. Led by Rev. Carlos Reyes Rodriguez, they are an invitation to learn, to show up,, and to commit to coming alongside our siblings in Christ.

Know Your Rights and How to Exercise Them
When: Sept. 8, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Online
Register here
For individuals impacted by immigration. Learn your rights, what to do if ICE shows up, and practical guidance for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Standing With Immigrants: What Does Allyship Look Like
When: Sept. 9, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Online
Register here
For clergy, laity, and community members who want to stand in solidarity with immigrant neighbors. Participants will learn how to support immigrant communities safely, responsibly, and faithfully.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Care for college students
    Do you have a student who is starting college in the Dakotas? We encourage you to check out this list of campus ministers and pastors in several of our college towns in North and South Dakota and get your student connected! It’s a great way to support their faith journey in this season of life and also give them another person and community for support and encouragement!

DakYouth | Oct. 10-12
    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!

Educational debt relief | Applications due Sept. 1
    Calling all clergy! Still paying off undergrad or seminary debt? Apply for the 2025 Investing in Leaders Resource Grant. Applications due by Sept. 1 for this grant of up to $5,000 to pay down educational debt. Renewal applications are also available for those who have already received this grant.

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 | 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
    Alumni Engagement Associate | Dakaota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD