THIS WEEK!

Annual Conference Worship Resources coming soon!
    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. CT at McCabe UMC in Bismarck, N.D.  Once again, we are creating resources for churches to incorporate into their worship gatherings. 
     The entire service will be live streamed on our website so churches or individuals who want to join the service remotely can do so. We will provide an electronic copy of the CLMS order of worship to follow along. Because the time frame or technology may not be conducive to some churches, we will also provide an abbreviated order of worship for churches to use some or all of as their worship order that Sunday. Additionally, the Bishop will record a video message (and transcript) to go with this service for churches that would like to use that as the sermon that day. 
     These resources will be available next week. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the conference communications staff. 

Now Hiring! Area Mental Health Connector
     Across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church, a consistent theme has been emerging in conversations with clergy and laity alike: the growing need for deeper support around mental and emotional health. From rural communities to larger towns, across every age group, leaders are naming the same reality—people are carrying more, and the Church is being called to respond in meaningful, faithful ways. In response, the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences are taking an important step forward by recruiting for a new Area Mental Health Connector—a role that reflects both careful listening and bold imagination for what it means to be the Church today.
    This is a contract position (approximately 25 hours per month) and is funded by grant dollars rather than apportioned budgets. It offers flexible, remote work and the opportunity to collaborate across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. More than a job, it is an invitation to help shape how our church responds to one of the most pressing needs of our time. Access full position and application information for the Area Mental Health Connector role. Please consider applying or share this with someone who would be a good fit for the position."

Clergy Connection group
    Would you like a chance to connect with colleagues, grow as a clergy person as well as a human being? Would you like a place to ask questions and push the boundaries of your knowledge and experience? Clergy Connection is just such a place. A gathering of clergy where clergy choose, and direct, the time together. The gathering will be held at Legacy UMC in Bismarck, ND, on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Please register here. Deadline to register is Monday, May18, 2026. For the topic of the event, we are asking for your input on topics of learning and growth to be taught by either a facilitator or by one of our clergy. Please complete this survey to submit your ideas.    

RESOURCES

Live from Wespath | May 6 at 11 am CT / 10 am MT
   Registration is now open for Live from Wespath, our annual no-cost virtual event for participants of Wespath-administered benefit plans on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m., Central time /  10 a.m. Mountain time. This year’s event brings a fresh, interactive format with live breakout sessions, giving attendees the flexibility and opportunity to explore the benefits and resources available to them to build a stronger understanding of their Wespath experience. Registration allows participation throughout this 2-hour event and access to recordings and resources. We encourage you to share this announcement with clergy and lay employees.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Serving Joyfully Looks Like...    
    Across the Dakotas, United Methodists are Serving Joyfully in their churches and communities –people of different ages and differing abilities, people who have been a part of the church for years and those who have just gotten connected, members of churches in large cities and rural communities. These individuals faithfully share their time and talents in ways that give glimpses of the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. We want to celebrate these small but significant acts of service.
    We invite YOU to record and submit a short video (less than 30 seconds) or written testimony about examples of serving joyfully in your church or community. We will share these during annual conference session as well as on social media throughout the year so that we can continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds! Check out this form for more information and this video testimony! Share your story before May 18th! And thank YOU for all you do to Serve Joyfully!

UMC Worship books
    Know anyone who could use a softcover UMC Book of Worship and/or softcover bible? Retiring pastor, Lori Broschat, would like to pass these along to another pastor. If you are interested, you can contact her via phone or email.

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.
    Church Accompanist | Pierre First UMC
    Contemporary Worship Leader | Pierre First UMC
    Office Administrator | Epworth UMC, Valley City, ND
    Office Assistant I/Bookkeeper | Madison UMC
    Part-time Campus Ministry Director | First UMC, Brookings, SD
    Open Camping Positions | All locations