2013 Annual Conference Workbook

Conference Workbook

20th Session of the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church Bismarck, North Dakota June 6-8, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE Section 1: Legislation 1-20 Apportionment Method 1

General Conference Constitutional Amendments 2-5 Resolutions 6-7 Death Penalty 6

Human Trafficing

6 Affordable and Sustainable Health Care 7

United Campus Ministry Request 8

2014 Budget

9-20 Future Annual Conference Session Location**

Section 2: Consent Calendar Equitable Compensation Schedule for 2014

Section 3:

21-29

22-23 Housing/Parsonage Allowance for Ordained

Conference Staff and District Superintendents 24 Board of Pensions

25-28 1. 2014 Pension Apportionment Request 25 2. Clergy Medical Leave

25 3. The Pre-82 Annuity Rate 25 4. CRSP Benefits

25 5. Health Flex 25-26 6. Direct Billing for CRSP and CPP

26 7. Corpus Amounts 26 8. Adminstration 26 9. Pensions and Health Benefits Recommended Policy Changes 26-28 10. Rental / Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons 28 Cabinet Resolutions

29

Elected Leaders

Nominations Committee Report (Preliminary Report)

Final copy will be available electronically at Annual Conference

Section 4: Conference Reports Common Table

Journey Toward Vitality

Bakken Oil Rush Ministry Plan

Visioning Link

Director of Ministries Office

Communication

Missional Leaders and Congregations (Equipping the Local Church Link)

Camping and Retreat Ministires

Conference Council on Youth Ministries

Laity Report

Campus Ministries

DWU

BHSU

Missional Impact (Extending the Local Church Link)

Disaster Relief-North Dakota Disaster Relief-South Dakota

Haiti Solar Oven Partners

Tree of Life Ministry

Children of the Harvest

SE Community Center, Pierre

29-36

29-36

37-73 37 39-42 43-44 45 45 45-46 46-48 48-49 49-50 50 50-52 50-51 51-52 52 52-53 53 54 55 55-57 57

Missional Resources (Stewardship Link)

Board of Trustees

Board of Pensions

Builder’s Club Human Resources Committee

Conference Commission on Archives and History

Conference Committee on Finance and Administration Dakotas UM Foundation

Section 5: UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY REPORTS Africa University

Candler School of Theology

Dakota Wesleyan University

Drew University Theological School

** Information will be distributed at Annual Conference

58 58 58-64 65 65 65-66 67 68

69-73

69 69-71 71-72 72-73

SECTION 1: LEGISLATIVE ITEMS Apportionment Method Recommendation VII. Apportionment Method Part of how a United Methodist Church fulfills their mission is through full and faithful participation in apportionments. In the Dakotas Conference, the method of apportionment shall be that each church gives a percentage of their income to the Annual Conference. For Federated and United churches, this percentage applies only to the income attributed to the United Methodist denomination. The percentage will be of the income received for the support of the operating budget. This is income as defined in Table 3 Line 67 of the annual statistical reports as follows:

• Donations from identified and unidentified givers to support the operating budget

• Interest and dividends allocated toward the operating budget

• Net proceeds from the sale of church assets where the proceeds are used to support the

operating budget

• Building use fees and rental income

• Net income from fundraisers and other programs used to support the operating budget CCFA will annually determine a percentage for churches to give of their income that is adequate to fund the apportioned budget. For the year 2014, the percentage will be 16%.

In addition, each charge will be direct billed for the cost of pension, health insurance, and death/disability insurance. The amount of the direct billing will be calculated as follows: Health Insurance: The total annual premiums for all pastors appointed full-time to a charge and participating in the Conference health plan will be reduced by the participant’s share. The result will be divided by the number of pastors and billed to each charge based on their number of fulltime pastors on the Conference health plan.

Pension: The pension is made up of two parts: a defined benefit amount and a defined contribution amount. The defined benefit amount is provided to the Conference from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOP). This amount will be divided by the Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) of pastors appointed to local churches and enrolled in the defined benefit pension plan and pastors appointed to extension ministry where the Conference is responsible for their pension contributions. The resulting amount will be billed out according to each charge’s FTE of pastors enrolled in the defined benefit pension plan.

The defined contribution is billed to the Conference monthly by GBOP. The billing is a specific amount for each pastor and is based on the pastor’s compensation. This amount will be billed by the Conference to each charge according to the pastor(s) appointed.

Death/Disability Insurance: Death/Disability Insurance is billed to the Conference monthly by GBOP. The billing is a specific amount for each pastor and is based on the pastor’s compensation.

This amount will be billed by the Conference to each charge according to the pastor(s) appointed.

Mission congregations, as defined in the Book of Discipline ¶259.1.a, will not participate in apportionments but will be direct billed for any pension, health insurance, and death/disability insurance. Mission congregations will be reviewed annually by the cabinet to determine if they still meet the definition of a mission congregation. In the event that the congregation is determined to not be a mission congregation, they will begin participating in apportionments following the same schedule as new churches.

• Churches chartered after 12/31/13 will use the following schedule: • First Partial Year – Begin paying direct bill for pension, health insurance, and death/disability insurance • First Full Year – Direct bill + 20% full apportionment • Second Full Year – Direct bill + 40% full apportionment • Third Full Year – Direct bill + 60% full apportionment • Fourth Full Year – Direct bill + 80% full apportionment • Fifth Full Year – Direct bill + full apportionment 1

2012 GENERAL CONFERENCE The United Methodist Church PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL ADMENDMENTS Proposed Constitutional Amendment – I

On April 30, 2012, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Tampa, Florida, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 865 Yes, 50 No (Calendar Item 211, DCA p. 2340). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote.

In the 2008 Book of Discipline, Division One, ¶ 6, Article VI, (2012 Book of Discipline, Division One, ¶ 6, Article VI)) amend by addition as follows:

After “it will” add “pray.”

If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, ¶ 6 (¶ 6) would read:

Ecumenical Relations—As part of the church universal, The United Methodist Church believes that the Lord of the church is calling Christians everywhere to strive toward unity; and therefore it will pray, seek, and work for unity at all levels of church life: through world relationships with other Methodist churches and united churches related to The Methodist Church or The Evangelical United Brethren Church, through councils of churches, and through plans of union and covenantal relationships with churches of Methodist or other denominational traditions.

AND Proposed Constitutional Amendment – II

On May 1, 2012, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Tampa, Florida, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 731 Yes, 181 No (Calendar Item 205, DCA p. 2430). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote.

In the 2008 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section II, ¶ 14, Article II, (2012 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section II, ¶ 14, Article II)) amend by deletion and addition as follows:

After “shall meet” delete “in the month of April or May” and after “duly authorized committees.” add a new sentence, “The change in the preceding sentence shall become effective at the close of General Conference in 2016.”

If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, ¶ 14 (¶ 14) would read:

The General Conference shall meet once in four years at such time and in such place as shall be determined by the General Conference or by its duly authorized committees. The change in the preceding sentence shall become effective at the close of General Conference in 2016.

A special session of the General Conference, possessing the authority and exercising all the powers of the General Conference, may be called by the Council of Bishops, or in such other manner as the General Conference may from time to time prescribe, to meet at such 2

time and in such place as may be stated in the call. Such special session of the General Conference shall be composed of the delegates to the preceding General Conference or their lawful successors, except that when a particular annual conference or missionary conference shall prefer to have a new election it may do so. The purpose of such special session shall be stated in the call, and only such business shall be transacted as is in harmony with the purpose stated in such call unless the General Conference by a two-thirds vote shall determine that other business may be transacted.

AND Proposed Constitutional Amendment – III

On May 3, 2012, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Tampa, Florida, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 618 Yes, 306 No (Calendar Item 54, DCA pp. 2672-73). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote.

In the 2008 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VI, ¶ 32, Article I, (2012 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VI, ¶ 32, Article I) amend by deletion and addition as follows:

After “director of Lay” delete “Speaking” and add “Servant”.

If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, ¶ 32 (¶ 32) would read:

The annual conference shall be composed of clergy and lay members. The clergy membership shall consist of deacons and elders in full connection, provisional members, associate members, and local pastors under appointment. The lay membership shall consist of professing lay members elected by each charge, the diaconal ministers, the active deaconesses, and home missioners under episcopal appointment within the bounds of the annual conference, the conference president of United Methodist Women, the conference president of United Methodist Men, the conference lay leader, district lay leaders, the conference director of Lay Servant Ministries, conference secretary of Global Ministries (if lay), the president or equivalent officer of the conference young adult organization, the president of the conference youth organization, the chair of the annual conference college student organization, and one young person between the ages of twelve (12) and seventeen (17) and one young person between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) from each district to be selected in such a manner as may be determined by the annual conference. In the annual conferences of the central conferences, the four-year participation and the two-year membership requirements may be waived by the annual conference for young persons under thirty (30) years of age. Such persons must be professing members of The United Methodist Church and active participants at the time of election. Each charge served by more than one clergy shall be entitled to as many lay members as there are clergy members. The lay members shall have been for the two years next preceding their election members of The United Methodist Church and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election.

If the lay membership should number less than the clergy members of the annual conference, the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay and clergy membership of the annual conference.

AND

3

Proposed Constitutional Amendment – IV

On May 1, 2012, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Tampa, Florida, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 848 Yes, 57 No (Calendar Item 207, DCA p. 2431). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote.

In the 2008 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VII, ¶ 40, Article I, (2012 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VII, ¶ 40, Article I) amend by deletion and addition, as follows: Delete the first two words, “Changes in” and following “episcopal areas” delete “may be effected” and add “shall be determined” and after “and the central conferences” add “The authority of jurisdictional and central conferences provided herein is not circumscribed or limited by the authority provided to the College of Bishops to arrange a plan of episcopal supervision.”

If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, ¶ 40 (¶ 40) would read:

The number, names, and boundaries of the annual conferences and episcopal areas shall be determined by the jurisdictional conferences in the United States of America and by the central conferences outside the United States of America according to the provisions under the respective powers and pursuant to the respective structures of the jurisdictional and the central conferences. The authority of jurisdictional and central conferences provided herein is not circumscribed or limited by the authority provided to the College of Bishops to arrange a plan of episcopal supervision.

4

Rationale for Proposed Constitutional Amendments The United Methodist Church Voted General Conference April-May 2012 I.

(¶ 6) The proposed amendment acknowledges God’s action in conferring the gift of the Church by including praying for unity among the tasks of the Church.

II.

(¶ 14) The proposed amendment would allow the General Conference to meet at other times during the calendar year on dates better suited for younger delegates and those with parenting responsibilities.

III.

(¶ 32) The proposed amendment removes the connotation that leadership training is only about preaching in order to develop skills and enhance the spiritual gifts of the laity.

IV.

(¶ 40) The proposed amendment gives the power of boundary decisions to jurisdictional and central conferences, bodies that include lay persons.

5

RESOLUTIONS ABOLISHING THE DEATH PENALTY *Whereas all persons are created in the image of God; and *Whereas the death penalty seeks to deny these realities of human worth and value; and *Whereas Christ instructs his followers to love one another and to make disciples; and *Whereas the death penalty limits Christians from carrying out these commands; and *Whereas we are called as United Methodists to participate with our brothers and sisters in the building of the kingdom of God. *Whereas ¶ 164 G) of the The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states our opposition to the death penalty; and *Whereas a growing number of states are no longer using or have abolished the death penalty, *Be it therefore resolved that the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church renew its efforts to abolish the death penalty in the state of South Dakota through the following actions: -Sending notice of this resolution to the Governor’s Office of South Dakota -Endorsing the efforts of South Dakotas for Alternatives to the Death Penalty -Celebrating in worship the gift of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption that is offered to all.

Submitted by, Martin Avery Iva Laudermith Kori Lehrkamp Karl Kroger

Matt Richards Kip Roozen Peggy Stempson

FIGHTING AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING *Whereas all persons are created in the image of God; and *Whereas human trafficking denies these realities of human worth and value; and *Whereas Jesus declared he was sent to release the oppressed; and *Whereas human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery whereby victims are subject to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor; and *Whereas human trafficking takes place within the states of South Dakota and North Dakota as documented by law enforcement and human trafficking organizations, *Be it therefore resolved that the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church will work to address human trafficking in the states of North Dakota and South Dakota through the following actions: -Sending notice of this resolution to the State’s Attorney Offices of North Dakota and South Dakota -Partnering with organizations fighting human trafficking and caring for its victims in North Dakota and South Dakota, -Supporting legislative efforts to address human trafficking Submitted by, Martin Avery

Howard Baird

Jenny Hallenbeck Iva Laudermith

Kori Lehrkamp

Barb Lindbloom Karl Kroger Matt Richards Kip Roozen Peggy Stempson

6

SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE *Whereas as Christ instructs his followers to love one another, and lifted up a Samaritan who provided health care to a stranger; and *Whereas Resolution #3201 of The 2012 Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church states our commitment to “health care for all in the United States and therefore advocates for a comprehensive health care delivery system that includes access for all, quality care, and effective management of costs;” and *Whereas a growing number of states (including North Dakota) are implementing the Medicaid Expansion; and *Whereas thousands of low-wage earners in South Dakota have difficulty accessing affordable health care; and *Where as the Medicaid Expansion of the Affordable Care Act is expected to provide critical care and save money, *Be it therefore resolved that the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church support efforts to expand Medicaid in the state of South Dakota through the following actions: -Sending notice of this resolution to the Governor’s Office of South Dakota -Sending notice of this resolution to the Medicaid Opportunities and Challenges Task Force appointed by Governor Daugaard -Endorsing a letter of support from a coalition of organizations and businesses supporting the Medicaid Expansion Submitted by, Martin Avery Iva Laudermith Kori Lehrkamp Barb Lindbloom Karl Kroger Matt Richards Peggy Stempson

7

11 May 2013 To the Members of the Dakotas Conference

of The United Methodist Church:

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.

Whereas the risen Christ sent his friends into the world to make disciples, and Whereas the risen Christ sent them into ALL the world, not just selected places, and Whereas universities are full of students who are making life choices and establishing the values on which they will live their lives, and Whereas the Dakotas Conference has committed itself to form leadership for the church, and Whereas South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is one of those places where students, faculty,, and staff interact with each other in seeking knowledge and values that will form the basis of wisdom and right actions, and Whereas the United Methodist Church has a long tradition, stretching back to John and Charles Wesley at Oxford University, and including strong support for campus ministry, and Whereas a vital ministry that touches about 100 students in a variety of events, ranging from Monday night suppers to bible study and Taise based worship as well as supervision of a PRAXIS program where students become involved in volunteer activities for college credit, and Whereas, the decision of the Dakotas Conference to no longer fund this program will have disastrous effects on this ministry, Therefore, the United Campus Ministry Board at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology respectfully asks the Dakotas Conference to reconsider its action and to restore funding for this ministry.

Respectfully submitted, Richard W. Fisher, Member of the Dakotas Conference and

President of the United Campus Ministry Board

Because this request involves a budgetary matter, this has been referred to the Conference Council on Finance and Administration for consideration and response. Â At least eight other submissions were received from persons making a similar request.

8

2014 Budget Proposal Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Treasurer’s Discussion & Analysis

The purpose of this document is to provide an overview and identify the highlights of the 2014 budget for those who will be voting on it.

PROGRESS TOWARD AN AFFORDABLE & ALIGNED BUDGET

The process of creating a budget has changed significantly over the last four years. Until 2010, the 20+ committees/agencies of the Dakotas Conference would usually work independently of each other to submit budget requests to the Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CCFA) who would then work to present an affordable budget to the Annual Conference. These independent efforts made it very difficult to align the work of the Conference around a vision/mission. This process also made CCFA’s task much more difficult in ensuring the budget was affordable.

In 2010, the new platform for ministry was implemented with the “links” of Visioning, Equipping, Extending, and Stewardship. The budget process changed significantly. The newly established “links” worked with the committees/agencies to bring greater alignment in the areas of equipping and connecting churches.

We have gone from 20+ silos to 4 components in putting together the budget. We also used SMART goals to help us focus on how our churches will be better equipped and connected to make disciples because of our work. The new platform also led CCFA to take a firm stand on affordability. We have seen reductions in the apportioned budget in 2011, 2012, and 2013. You can see this in the chart below. The apportioned budget grew steadily until 2010. During that time, approximately 4% of the budget was for equipping churches.

In 2011 – 2013, you can see the total budget decreasing, and the percent spent on equipping churches increasing up to 10%. We’re also seeing growth in total attendance since 2010.

For 2014, the budget process was significantly changed again. “Our Journey Toward Vitality” has fleshed out our strategy for equipping and connecting churches in the work of making disciples. The strategy involves four pathways: Developing Missional Leaders, Equipping Missional Congregations, Extending Missional Impact, and Generating Missional Resources. The Extended Cabinet is now using these pathways in their work with the various committees/agencies to bring even greater alignment. The new apportionment method addresses the other issue of affordability. The total amount of the Conference apportioned budget is now directly linked to the income of our churches. Giving proportionally is based on Biblical tithing.

9

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS Here is a list of the items that you should be aware of:

Change in Pension Plan – General Conference made several changes to the pension plan. This has resulted in a $228,163 decrease (23%) in the defined benefit cost.

Pension Direct Bill Transition Grants – The Board of Pensions has reserve funds designated for pensions for the purpose of covering any unexpected costs or shortfalls. From these funds, grants will be given to churches to help with the transition to direct billing for pensions.

Culture of Call and Ministry as a Career – In developing Missional leaders, there will be a strong focus on raising up the next generation of leaders. Avenues will be provided for young people to explore their calling and start them on the path of vocational ministry.

Camping, Youth, and Campus Ministries Focusing on Leadership – Many of our current pastors realized they were called to full-time ministry through camping, youth, or campus ministries. The leadership development aspect of these ministries will become more prominent.

Missional Church Initiative (MCI) – Each year, the Conference will invest in and partner with approximately three to five congregations that are best positioned for growth. In addition, tools will be provided for churches that were not chosen for the Missional Church Initiative but are ready to take the next steps in developing their ministry.

Associate Director of Missional Impact – An associate director position will be created for the purpose of overseeing efforts at extending the Missional impact of churches. This position will work with the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, Native American Ministries, and certain global ministries.

General Church Apportionments Paid in Full – We are committing ourselves to this goal. This is an additional $90,000. We will trust God for this.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Many of us have been asking God to use our churches to bring revival to the Dakotas. Besides just the attendance numbers, there are stories from all across the Dakotas where God is stirring up churches. Are we seeing the beginnings of a mighty move of God? If so, God’s not moving because we finally produced an aligned and affordable budget. God is moving, period. With this budget, we hope to both remove some excuses for not taking part in this move and unleash Spirit-filled leaders to be boldly used by God. -- Jeff Pospisil, Treasurer

10

2014 Budget Proposal Budget Summary

Developing Missional Leaders Equipping Missional Congregations Extending Missional Impact Generating Missional Resources Support Services Cabinet Subtotal

2011 Actual 1,015,831 43,949 999,515 288,999 376,449 609,883 3,334,626

2012 Actual 826,105 500,557 1,011,996 287,732 425,335 706,649 3,758,374

2013 Budget 1,082,487 430,947 1,162,874 463,100 511,946 700,000 4,351,354

2014 Request 1,034,748 413,243 1,224,451 352,692 503,860 721,006 4,250,000

Pension & Insurance Direct Billing to Churches Subtotal

2,045,002 1,246,968 3,291,970

1,776,545 1,247,683 3,024,228

1,671,000 1,295,400 2,966,400

112,000 2,623,895 2,735,895

Total

6,626,596

6,782,602

7,317,754

6,985,895

11

2014 Budget Proposal Detailed Budget Information

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Compensation & Benefits Travel Expenses

138,007

146,265

151,614

155,397

838

1,301

7,300

7,300

18,453

Office Expenses

2,777

Workshops/Dues Equipment

14,688 1,485

26,210 4,000

22,250 3,300

1,349

161,423

1,529

165,268

2,000

191,124

190,247

Meeting Expenses

3,144

337

9,800

8,200

Events/Seminar Expenses

1,018

199

3,500

500

TOTAL

2,000

EQUIPPING THE LOCAL CHURCH LINK Resources/Administrative Expenses

300

Workshops/Dues

1,402

Resource Library Operations

TOTAL

641 33

1,800 3,000

1,900 2,000

3,329

9,193

13

1,224

4,100

5,000

22,200

17,600

13,224 572

3,944 11,518

9,000

20,000

19,797

740

15,000 53,500

58,700

521

965

1,500

1,500

3,592

1,330

6,000

5,100

16,381

16,384

20,000

20,200

30

1,548

2,000

2,000

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING Training Events

Lay Servant Ministries

6,001

Safe & Sacred Spaces

TOTAL

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE LAY LEADER

6,834

29,500

29,500 9,200

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY Meeting Expenses

Training Expenses

12,500

Licensing School

7,419

Worshops/Dues

Spiritual Care and Formation

500

Resources/Administrative Expenses

1,520

Candidate/Provisional Member Review Recruiting/Internships

Quadrennial Training Event

1,371

2,500 500

5,000 2,500 2,100

12,500

16,000

2,110

3,666

3,000

7,000

0

Endowment Income

0

5,000

10,000

13,255

388

Event/Seminar Expenses

3,777

12,000

8,477 0

Commerical Travel

8,371

0

2,331 0

0

3,000 4,000

20,000 3,000 2,000

TOTAL

46,710

(2,615)

50,703

0

64,500

0

89,800

MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND

33,882

32,855

37,611

38,740

12

0

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS (continued) CAMPUS MINISTRIES & HIGHER ED 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

CAMPUS MINISTRIES & HIGHER ED Campus Ministries Grants

Campus Ministries Property Maintenance

195,715 76,500

20,865 102,601

76,500

50,000

282,272

76,500

105,000 194,100

132,250

132,139

139,670

144,420

143,301

569

705

1,250

1,250

10,057

Support for Dakota Wesleyan University

TOTAL

5,237

12,600

5,750

76,500

CAMPING & YOUTH OFFICE Compensation & Benefits Office Expenses

4,313

Travel Expenses

15,394

Workshops/Dues Tech Support

726

Resources

0

Equipment

TOTAL

4,722

15,938 239 80

5,900

18,210 1,000 4,972

6,100

17,950 1,000 3,000

154,634

1,493

162,717

1,364

177,252

1,500

174,101

1,500

138,000 15,597

138,000 277,229

16,000

130,410

271,097

19,229

144,900 280,900

258,410

12,715

12,049

13,500

12,000

0

866

1,500

1,500

CAMPING & RETREAT MINISTRIES Transfers to Camping Operations Transfers to Camping Capital

117,500

Property Taxes/Assessments

TOTAL

120,000

120,000

108,000 20,000

COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRIES Meeting Expenses Supplies

1,059

Copies

1,769

Background Checks Publicity

751

Journey (Senior High)

Crossing (Junior High) Registrations/Other

240

755

3,568 0

1,800 1,800 1,500 4,500 7,000

1,800 1,800 1,500 0 0

0

30,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

(5,331)

1,357

2,105

340

32,709

544

26,068

700

53,800

68,300

1,015,831

826,105

1,082,487

1,034,748

0

God & Guys; God & Gals Events

0

Leadership Training Camp

Adult Traning and Academy

1,158

District Programs

27

Website

TOTAL

13

0 0

2,121 549

0

0

790

Leadership Training for Youth at COR

TOTAL: DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS

791

5,438

0

Winter Connection

1,441

4,384 8,119

Combined Senior/Junior High Event

1,173

8,000 2,500 4,000 3,000

1,000 5,000 4,000 4,000 3,000 700

EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES OFFICE Compensation & Benefits Office Expenses

92,523

95,040

159,811

150,243

1,374

679

1,500

1,250

2,902

Travel Expenses

18,603

Workshops/Dues Equipment

527

Transfers from Area Office/Cabinet

3,411

12,958 0

6,100

23,060 1,800

5,300

22,500 1,800

TOTAL

0

115,931

(1,833)

110,256

(30,000)

(30,000)

162,271

151,093

NEW CHURCHES

(99,270)

320,233

178,676

169,650

80

32,897

46,000

6,236

15,847

16,000

EQUIPPING CHURCHES FOR TURNAROUND Equipping Churches for Turnaround Missional Church Initiative

0

0

7,620

Epiphany Gathering

TOTAL

4,385

27,288

3,687

70,069

0

90,000

92,500

TOTAL: EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS

43,949

500,557

430,947

413,243

Natural Church Development

8,967

14

10,755

13,000

6,000

55,000

Tools for Equipping Churches

Education/Training for Churches

6,883

0

15,000

10,500 16,000 0

5,000

EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

GENERAL APPORTIONMENTS Episcopal Fund

Ministerial Education Fund - Gen Church

89,880

120,108

123,696

131,797

10,545

10,334

11,760

12,113

101,568

General Administration

43,726

Interdenominational Cooperation Black College

54,074

Aftrica University

12,120

World Service

401,938

North Central Jurisdiction

TOTAL

UNITED METHODIST MEN EXTENDING THE LOCAL CHURCH LINK

98,182 45,028 52,214 11,723

394,843

112,834 50,742 60,008 13,429

443,624

116,220 54,471 61,809 13,832

451,362

6,202

720,053

7,274

739,706

8,500

7,423

824,593

849,027

238

0

500

250

4,494

1,705

9,000

4,700

128,016

129,884

147,211

209,074

1,525

1,500

2,250

2,250

CONNECTIONAL MISSIONS Compensation & Benefits Grants

80,950

Travel Expenses

19,940

Dues

Meeting Expenses

5,294

VIM Scholarships

0

Background Checks

0

Events

3,191

Program Expenses

TOTAL

87,500 14,246 1,384 1,500 0

3,956

87,000 20,000 8,800 3,500 2,000 4,000

87,000 16,500 5,150 3,500 1,000 6,000

34,200

273,115

33,200

273,170

51,720

37,700

326,481

368,174

(38,184)

(45,972)

(40,000)

(40,000)

38,184 1,614

41,972

(2,585)

40,000 2,300

40,000

999,515

1,011,996

1,162,874

1,224,451

BUILDERS CLUB Donations

Office Expenses Grants

TOTAL

TOTAL: EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT

15

1,415

2,300

2,300

2,300

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

FINANCE OFFICE Compensation & Benefits Travel Expenses

187,925

192,974

202,125

207,185

220

690

400

400

3,835

Office Expenses

7,014

Workshops/Dues Audit

11,649

Equipment/Maintenance

6,006 8,054

14,374

5,900 9,075

13,000

5,600 9,100

15,000

0

210,644

(10)

222,088

1,000

231,500

238,285

895

244

4,100

3,100

EQUITABLE COMPENSATION

50,100

38,700

50,000

50,000

DAKOTAS UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION

14,500

13,500

12,500

0

D&O / WORKERS COMP INSURANCE

12,166

11,966

12,000

10,000

694

1,234

3,000

4,000

0

0

150,000

47,307

288,999

287,732

463,100

352,692

TOTAL

STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES LINK

COUNCIL ON FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE RESERVE FUNDING TOTAL: GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES

16

1,000

SUPPORT SERVICES 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

CONFERENCE SECRETARY & JOURNAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Stipend

Clerical Support

6,000

3,000

(10,810)

(10,154)

(11,500)

(10,800)

6,154

5,520

10,500

9,625

(36,943)

(41,829)

(36,000)

(36,000)

2,137

3,000

248

Journal & Workbook Production

10,033

Journal Sales

Office Expenses

683

Equipment

0

TOTAL

1,832 8,804 2,037 0

6,000 525

12,000 575

2,900

3,000 1,950

12,000 575

2,900

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION Registrations

Travel Expenses

21,014

Banquet & Refreshments

26,244

Conference Speaker

1,712

Audio/Video Rental

12,739

Child Care

997

Office Expenses

TOTAL

20,125 37,436 17,489 696

28,000 25,000 9,000 1,400

28,000 25,000 3,000

12,000 1,400

7,563

33,326

11,507

47,560

10,000

12,000

40,400

45,400

(115,501)

(9,008)

0

(20,000)

4,214

4,835

5,500

5,500

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Grants and Donations

Compensation & Benefits

43,712

Office Expenses

1,709

Travel Expenses

Events/Seminar Expenses

5,502

Printing

3,202

DAVID System

45,616

48,396

318

1,000

1,661

1,700

55,735 1,800 1,000

885

10,000

10,000

0

3,000

3,000

20,019

27,513

107,333 85,637

103,856

25,828

101,596

0

103,535

4,701

6,699

7,500

8,000

11,549

15,000

12,118

15,503

15,000

TOTAL

0

4,192

19,695

25,000

25,000

WINDS OF THE SPIRIT

25,007

4,057

25,000

0

0

12

1,500

1,500

1,701

6,909

4,500

4,500

Website

14,862

Tech Services

586

Expansion of DAVID

TOTAL

CHANCELLORS

6,208

28,500 3,500

43,000 3,500 0

COMMON TABLE Meeting Expenses Taskforces

568

General Conf / Jurisdictional Conf

HUMAN RESOURCES EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE

17

0

10,000 0

10,000 0

SUPPORT SERVICES (continued) 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

ARCHIVES & HISTORY Archivist Support

Space in McGovern Library

22,000

22,350

24,500

24,823

75

75

0

0

10,000

Meeting Expenses

1,252

Dues

Archives Program Materials

750

Registrations

316

Publication of Conference History

TOTAL

VISIONING LINK

10,000 2,425 1,000 301

10,000 1,500 750 300

10,000 1,677 750 300

500

34,893

500

36,651

1,000

500

38,050

38,050

1,313

182

6,000

6,000

365

420

500

500

5,035

3,990

0

590

CONFERENCE CENTER OPERATIONS Postage

Equipment

5,159

Technical Support

2,231

Equipment Maintenance

0

Postage Machine Expenses Miscellaneous Office Internet

706

Service Agreements

888

5,000

5,000

702

4,000

2,000

50

706

500

3,500 0

1,000

500

4,000 1,000

20,875

7,380

17,420

10,074

22,500

8,000

23,000

(15,327)

(22,760)

(10,000)

(10,000)

74,149

102,855

115,000

130,000

TOTAL

30

150,724

517

176,723

1,900

229,400

1,750

239,250

TOTAL: SUPPORT SERVICES

376,449

425,285

511,946

503,860

TOTAL

10,000

TRUSTEES Investment/Other Income Administrative Expenses

Conference Center Operations

374

26,375

Leadership Housing Maint. & Util Insurance

Repair & Replacement Fund

Other Property Disbursements

64,966 157

18

1,901

34,147 60,064 0

2,500

30,000 65,000 25,000

2,500

30,000 60,000 25,000

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY 2011 Actual

2012 Actual

2013 Budget

2014 Request

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS Compensation & Benefits Clerical Support

352,403

368,414

393,918

397,096

15,912

17,826

16,500

17,700

0

Travel Expenses

87,614

Office Expenses Office Rent

3,600

Workshops/Dues

2,223

Equipment

3,037

Shared

1,470

District Resources

0

87,118 3,600 4,262 4,656 4,129

30,000 90,840 3,600 0

5,000 2,835

30,000 95,000 3,600 2,000 5,000 6,910

473,846

7,586

494,083

4,077

557,000

14,307

570,806

2,959

3,029

4,000

6,000

20,000

9,825

25,000

30,200

7,504

9,131

8,000

8,000

105,045

185,814

100,000

100,000

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY COMMITTEE

245

679

1,000

1,000

DISTRICT CHURCH BUILDING & LOCATION

284

534

1,000

1,000

0

3,554

4,000

4,000

609,883

706,649

700,000

721,006

TOTAL

PRESIDING ELDERS CABINET EMERGENCY INTRODUCTORY MEETINGS MOVING FUND

RESPONSE TEAMS TOTAL: DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY

19

13,500

BOARD OF PENSIONS 2011 Actual HealthFlex Premiums - Actives

2,836,098

Retiree HRA Contributions

-

Extend Health Admin Expenses Medicare Part B

Transfers to Reserve Funds

Allowance for Uncollected (2%)

2012 Actual

-

1,857,744

1,889,628

47,226

55,000

50,000

500,000

-

2014 Request

2,749,501 -

-

49,958

2013 Budget

497,587

-

486,977

8,000

-

-

12,092

29,099

HealthFlex Expenses

2,886,056

3,283,704

2,424,836

2,474,314

Apportionments

(433,898)

(624,907)

(165,000)

(87,000)

Direct Bill Churches - $11,430 Direct Bill Participants

(1,247,683)

(1,295,400)

12,486

(5,992)

-

(762,784)

Retiree Health Fund Transfer

Wellness Rebate / Performance Dividend HealthFlex Offsets

Expenses Less Offsets

CPP

(2,474,314)

71,364

49,598

-

-

Pension Expenses Apportionments

Direct Bill Churches

Transfers from Pension Reserve CPP Holiday

Conference Budgets

Endowment / Investment Earnings Pension Offsets

Expenses Less Offsets

251,957

216,716 232,873

1,084,263

CRSP-DB Direct Bill Transition Grants

n/a

-

(2,424,836)

232,923

CRSP-DB

n/a

-

(3,234,106)

219,593

CRSP-DC

Allowance for Uncollected (2%)

(104,727)

(497,587)

(2,814,692)

Pension Program Premiums

(472,407)

(500,000)

(486,977)

(102,855)

(1,417,320)

(464,436)

-

-

Medicare Part D Rebate

MPP

(763,820)

(280,673)

Investment Earnings - Deposit Acct

(1,246,968)

228,301 243,099

993,855

1,002,257

-

-

88,975

222,753 240,436 774,094 100,000 24,000

1,788,736

1,443,444

1,562,632

1,361,283

(1,510,291)

(1,049,699)

(1,500,000)

(15,000)

-

-

-

(1,206,575)

(53,632)

(30,708)

(100,000)

(219,593)

(216,716)

(1,806,325)

(1,324,419)

(1,562,632)

(1,361,283)

(17,589)

119,025

-

-

(57,897) (18,544)

20

(48,784) (9,220)

(9,000)

(9,000)

BOARD OF PENSIONS (continued)

2011 Actual

21,046

50,000

50,000

Benefits Office

46,692

55,261

72,000

77,000

(72,224) -

12,298

Expenses Less Offsets

Retiree Health

Investment Earnings Apportionments

133,000

(84,418)

(128,000)

(133,000)

-

-

-

646,535

-

(17,808)

(245,393)

(532,471)

Board Expenses

3,270

(56,689)

-

56,689

(37,155)

(96,256)

37,155

-

(95,083)

Expenses Less Offsets

6,000

128,000

2,797

Lynch Trust Transfer

6,000

84,418

337,679

Active Participant Contribution - 3%

8,111

72,224

Transfer from Endowment

2014 Request

13,234

Administration Expenses

2013 Budget

Benefit Grants

Program, Seminars, Stipends, Etc

2012 Actual

-

5,370

6,000

10,000

Apportionments

(5,730)

(5,683)

(6,000)

(10,000)

Expenses Less Offsets

(2,460)

(313)

-

-

Total Pension & Insurance Expenses

5,087,965

5,463,471

4,158,623

4,035,286

(5,036,650)

(5,295,161)

(4,158,623)

(4,035,286)

51,315

168,310

-

-

Apportionments

2,045,002

1,776,545

1,671,000

112,000

Direct Bill to Churches

1,246,968

1,247,683

1,295,400

2,623,895

Total to Churches

3,291,970

3,024,228

2,966,400

2,735,895

762,784

781,628

501,591

529,096

Total Offsets Balance

HealthFlex Participant’s Share

21

SECTION 2: CONSENT CALENDAR EQUITABLE COMPENSATION The purpose of Equitable Compensation is to work with the District Superintendents in the effort to support congregations as they strive to become viable (Rule 1.4). This is done by A)providing salary support grants to Churches/Charges served by a full-time United Methodist pastor and B)making an annual recommendation of the minimum compensation needed by a pastor to allow them to focus their efforts on the ministry instead of seeking secondary employment.

ANNUAL RECOMMENDATION OF MINIMUM COMPENSATION 1) The Base Cash Salary for each year: 65% of the Conference Average Compensation for Full Connection Clergy; 62% of the Conference Average Compensation for Less than Full Connection Clergy 2) The Base Cash Salary for both clergy groups listed in paragraph #1 shall include any personal tax deferred annuities, personal IRA’s paid by the local church, or personal pension plan in addition to the recommended contribution to the Pension program (UMPIP) in No. 3.

3) The pastor shall receive the following in addition to minimum compensation. A) Pension Program Contribution (UMPIP) equal to 3% of the Denominational Average Compensation; B)Continuing Education allowance (minimum of $150); C)Travel Allowance by voucher at the current IRS rate; D) Utilities paid in full (minimum of heat, electricity, local phone service, water, garbage service, and internet); Accountable Reimbursement Plan (minimum of $500).

SALARY SUPPORT GRANTS 1) The following requests will be considered by the Commission: a. Strategic Appointment Grant – Available when a new appointment results in significantly increased costs to the Church/Charge. These increased costs will be so burdensome that it is unlikely that the Church/Charge will have adequate resources available to take the necessary steps to becoming viable without outside assistance. The purpose of this grant is to assist the Church/Charge in its transition to being able to fully support the newly appointed pastor.

The Church/Charge shall provide monthly written status reports to the District Superintendent and Conference Treasurer. Status reports shall at a minimum report progress towards benchmarks. b. Discernment Grant – Available when a Church/Charge has declined in its ability to support a full-time United Methodist pastor to the point where it is unlikely to be able to provide the recommended minimum compensation. The purpose of this grant is to provide time for the Church/Charge and District Superintendent to evaluate the viability of the congregation and decide upon a ministry plan that is appropriate for the Church/Charge. The District Superintendent shall provide a report on the viability and the ministry plan at the next Equitable Compensation meeting. Depending on the ministry plan adopted by the District Superintendent and the Church/Charge, it may be appropriate for the Church/Charge to provide monthly written status reports to the District Superintendent and Conference Treasurer. c. Emergency Grant – Available when a Church/Charge provides evidence that they will not be able to provide their full-time United Methodist pastor with the recommended minimum compensation. The purpose of this grant is to ensure that the pastor is properly cared for.

2) Churches/Charges shall pay their apportionments in full during the years they receive salary support grant payments. Churches/Charges that do not comply with this shall not be considered for a Salary Support Grant the following year with the exception of Emergency Grants.

3) The maximum amount to be paid for Strategic Appointment Grants and Discernment Grants shall be $5,400 annually. Grant payments to Churches/Charges shall be made monthly. A Church/Charge shall not receive Salary Support Grant payments for more than 36 consecutive months.

4) Salary Support Grant requests shall be submitted in writing to the District Superintendent and the Conference Treasurer. In order for Salary Support Grant payments to continue into a new calendar 22

year, the written request must be updated and resubmitted.

5) The Churches/Charges receiving support will be listed in the Conference Journal.

Equitable Compensation Calculation: The Commission calculates the Equitable Compensation amount based on the Conference Average Compensation. See calculations below: Year Full Connection Clergy Less than Full Connection Clergy 2014 58,094 x 65% = 37,761 58,094 x 62% = 36,018 2013 58,724 x 65% = 38,171 58,724 x 62% = 36,409 2012 57,158 x 65% = 37,153 57,158 x 62% = 35,438 2011 55,606 x 65% = 36,144 55,606 x 62% = 34,476 2010 53,695 x 65% = 34,902 53,695 x 62% = 33,291

The charges which received Equitable Compensation support in 2012 were: Alexandria/ Ethan, Arlington/Lake Preston, Faulkton, Langdon, Lisbon/Lisbon PC-USA, Enderlin, Mandan, McClusky/ Goodrich/Chaseley, Pierre Southeast, Presho/Kennebec/Reliance, Wall/Wasta, and White River/Mission

23

Housing/Parsonage Allowance for Ordained Conference Staff and District Superintendents WHEREAS, section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code permits a minister of the gospel to exclude from gross income the rental value of a parsonage furnished to the minister; WHEREAS, a minister is also allowed to exclude from gross income the amount paid to him/her as a properly designated parsonage allowance to the extent used for actual expenses incurred in maintaining a parsonage; WHEREAS, a minister is also allowed to exclude from gross income the amount paid to him/her in lieu of a parsonage when properly designated as a housing allowance to the extent used for actual housing expenses not to exceed the fair rental value of the home (including furnishing and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities); WHEREAS the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is the qualified organization for the designation of housing and parsonage allowances for all ordained persons who serve as District Superintendents, as paid officers of the conference or as members of the conference staff; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that of the cash salary paid to the following persons the following parsonage allowances are hereby designated for the calendar year 2014 and for all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Marilyn Spurrell - $8,800 • Russell Masartis - $7,000 • Michael Flowers - $7,000 • Keith Nelson - $8,800

• Randolph Cross - $8,800 • Roy Caudill - $13,000 • Gregory Kroger - $8,800

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in addition to cash salary, the following person(s) will be paid the following amount instead of being furnished a parsonage in which to live, and this additional amount is hereby designated as a housing allowance for the calendar year 2014 and all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Roy Caudill - $18,000

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, during the interim between meetings, the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church authorizes the Conference Human Resources Committee to designate housing and parsonage allowances in accordance with section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code. Such designations are to be recorded in the official minutes of that Committee.

24

BOARD OF PENSIONS Action Items for the 2013 Annual Conference 1. 2014 Pension Apportionment Request: If the proposed apportionment method (see elsewhere in this Journal for a detailed description) IS adopted, then the Board recommends that the 2014 Board of Pensions Budget be adopted as proposed (detail outlined in the budget section of the JOURNAL) with the total apportionment request of $112,000.

OR If the proposed apportionment method (see elsewhere in this Journal for a detailed description) is NOTadopted, then the Board recommends that the 2014 Board of Pensions Budget be adopted as proposed (detail outlined in the budget section of the JOURNAL) with the total apportionment request of $1,440,715 AND that each charge served by an active full-time clergyperson enrolled in the HealthFlex plan continue to be Direct Billed $10,445.

2. Clergy Medical Leave: Glen Sayler and James Waisanen are approved to continue on medical leave and to receive CPP Disability Benefits for the conference year of July 1, 2013- June 30, 2014.

3. The Pre-82 (Past Service) Annuity Rate: The Board recommends that the 2014 Past Service Annuity Rate (effective 1/1/2014) be set at $623.00 for each year of pre-82 service in the Dakotas Conference. This is a 4% increase over 2013.

4A. CRSP Benefits: Approved by 2012 General Conference full time clergy are eligible to earn benefits. Annual Conferences may also elect to cover clergy who are appointed three-quarters time and half-time. Clergy who are appointed one-quarter time are no longer eligible. The Board recommends that effective 1/1/2014 the Conference continue to cover those clergy appointed to three-quarter time and half-time in addition to full-time for CRSP benefits.

Those clergy that are appointed to one-quarter time effective 1/1/2014 will no longer be covered for CRSP benefits due to the changes passed at General Conference in 2012.

4B. Approved by the 2012 General Conference, CRSP provides two levels of benefits for clergy: a) a “Defined Benefit” (DB) component equal to 1.00% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) at retirement for each year of credited service and b) a “Defined Contribution” (DC) equal to 2% of a clergy’s plan compensation deposited into an investment account controlled by the clergyperson. In addition, the Church/salary paying unit will match participant contributions to the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) up to 1% of compensation – and deposit those matching funds into participant CRSP DC accounts. Therefore, if a participant contributes at least 1% of compensation to UMPIP, his or her CRSP DC contributions will be 3% as was under the 2007-2013 CRSP plan. This plan change is effective January 1, 2014. The Board is now notifying the church/salary paying unit that it must pay 1% of clergy compensation into the clergy’s CRSP DC account when the clergy contributes 1% or more into their UMPIP account.

5. 1HealthFlex Issues: For 2014, the annual Direct Bill for premiums to “active” participants will be 28% of the total active HealthFlex premium. Of this 28%, 25% will be used to offset the current premium while 3% will be deposited into an account for our retiree health funding plan. This 25% portion will be Direct Billed to the active participants in two parts: a) A stated amount of $1,015 for participant+1 coverage and $1,470 for family coverage, plus b) An amount determined by the ratio of the previous year’s participant’s total compensation in their current place of work and ministry to the total compensation paid to all active participants in the Conference. (See Active Participant Premium Table) This “participant’s share” calculation applies to the position, not to the individual occupying the position, for the purpose of calculating the amount to be paid after a move/change in personnel.

The actual amount to be paid directly by active participants in 2014 is $352,882. Eligibility to partici25

pate will be as specified in the HealthFlex Plan Documents and Conference Policy.

Premiums will be paid in accordance with Conference policies regarding such payments (see Policy section of this Journal).

6.

Direct Billing for CRSP and CPP: CRSP: If the proposed apportionment method (see elsewhere in this Journal for a detailed description) IS adopted, then the Board recommends that an amount of 3% of each individual ½ time, ¾ time, Full time Active clergy compensation (as defined by the plan documents) be Direct Billed to the church/salary paying unit of that individual clergy.

CPP: If the proposed apportionment method (see elsewhere in this Journal for a detailed description) IS adopted, then the Board recommends that an amount of 3% of each individual Full time Active clergy compensation (as defined by the plan documents) be Direct Billed to the church/salary paying unit of that individual clergy.

7.

Regarding Corpus Amounts:Endowment and Trust Fund: The corpus was established at $1,000,000 for the merged Dakotas Conference as of 1/1/1994. Additions since merger reported in 95, 96, 97 and 2005 Conferences total $57,222. The Corpus of the Endowment is $1,057,222, as of 12/31/2012. The Corpus is not viewed as a “target balance”. It is the “foundation” of all Dakotas Pension and Health Plans and cannot be expended for any reason.

The Board of Pensions has adopted a strategy of “reserve savings” with accompanying policies endorsed by the Conference Finance Committee which will enable the Dakotas Conference to “weather” large increases in health insurance premiums; secure the Ministerial Pension Plan and the Pre-82 Plan; and provide funding for CRSP liabilities. Reports of the amount of this “Reserve Savings” and its use will be reported to the Annual Conference upon request.

8.

Administration of all plans and work of the Board: The Board recommends that the following be authorized to sign necessary documents relative to the Dakotas Board of Pensions for 2013-2014: The Board Chair, the Conference Benefits Officer and the Treasurer of the Board.

9.

Pensions and Health Benefits Policies: The Board of Pension and Health Benefits affirms the Pension and Health Benefits Policies found in the Journal and recommends the following changes:

(page 191 in 2013 Journal) d. Participants appointed to incapacity medical leave and receiving CPP disability benefits can participate and will be responsible for paying the participant’s share as long as conference policy and rules permit. The participant’s share (for 2013: 27% of participant’s actual premium, whether single or participant plus one or family; for 2014: 28%; for 2015: 29%; for 2016 and forward: 30% of participant’s actual premium, whether single or participant plus one or family) will be paid to the conference office. e. Participants appointed to incapacity medical leave and applying for CPP disability benefits can participate up to four (4) months and will be responsible for the participant’s share as long as conference policy and rules permit. The participant’s share (for 2013: 27% of participant’s actual premium, whether single or participant plus one or family; for 2014: 28%; for 2015: 29%; for 2016 and forward: 30% of participant’s actual premium, whether single or participant plus one or family) will be paid to the conference office. Applications for extensions of the four (4) month time limit should be made to the Conference Benefits Officer for Executive Committee review and consideration. m. Participants who are part of a “clergy couple” will pay only one participant’s share, and that one partici pant’s share will be calculated on the salary of the participant with the lower higher salary and that participant will be considered to be the primary person on the 26

policy. The Direct Bill will be charged wherever there is a full-time United Methodist clergy person serv­ing, regardless of whether that clergy person is part of a “clergy couple.” It should be noted that the HealthFlex Plan itself mandates that clergy couples without dependents must have single coverage if they are serving two different charges.

(Page 192 – Determining Amount of HRA Contributions and Premium Support, 2103 Journal) 5. For retirees under the age of 65 that are on HealthFlex, their premium support will reduce the amount of the premium that the retiree is responsible for. (e.g. In 2014, the premium for a single policy is $8,076 annually. If a retiree is 62 yr and has 30 years of service in and receives premium support in the amount of $1,341, the retiree must pay the remaining $6,735.) Retirees under the age of 65 who retired prior to 1/1/13 will be grandfathered in and calculations for premium support will be based on the old method used prior to the change to Extend Health.

(From page 198 of the 2013 Journal)

Incapacity Application Policy

Adopted: June, 1998 Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Conference Board of Pensions 1. Initiation of the disability application process should begin with the applicant. In emergency situations, it may be initiated by the custodian or designee of the applicant or by the District Superintendent in whose district the applicant serves.

2. Application shall proceed using the forms provided by the GBOP which will be provided, when so requested, by the Executive Secretary of the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. The forms shall be sent to the District Superintendent who shall serve as primary contact in the initial stages of application. Included within the discussion of Superintendent and Pastor shall be provision, by the applicant, of medical “release of records” (or similar documents appropriate to the specific situation), to ensure that documentation is provided to discharge the requirement of “thorough review”.

3. The Superintendent shall prepare the file by ensuring that materials which will include (but are not restricted to) the following are enclosed: signed request for disability application; copy of related medical or psychological assessments; a written statement from the Superintendent endorsing the disability with citation from parish consultations; other supporting documentation that may be germane to a special situation.

4. The applicant file shall then be transmitted to the Executive Secretary of the Conference Board of Pensions and, if upon review, the necessary documentation to support application has been presented, the transmittal form shall be signed on behalf of that Conference Board and the file transmitted to the Convener of the Joint Committee on Disability.

5. The Convener shall arrange for distribution of the received materials to members of the Joint Committee on Disability. Either a face-to-face meeting or other communication setting shall be arranged by the Convener; conference call after all have had opportunity to receive and review the file shall be deemed acceptable format.

6. The Convener shall notify the District Superintendent of the Committee’s action and recommendation.

If the decision is to “not endorse”, the Superintendent, after consultation with the applicant, may request that the file be forwarded to the GBOP or may request that the file be returned and that a new file be established to address cited reasons for “no support”. In this latter instance, the process would begin again and the stated procedures would be followed.

7. Assuming endorsement and support by the Joint Committee, the Convener will add signature and record recommendation to the application form and transmit the file to the GBOP. A cover letter regarding procedures followed, related information, or similar material may be enclosed if so required by the Joint Committee.

8. The applicant shall be notified that the application and supporting materials have been transmitted to the GBOP by the District Superintendent with whom she/he initiated the process.

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Guidelines for Applying for Disability Benefits

Amended: June 2013 Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Conference Board of Pensions 1. Initiation of the disability application process should begin with the applicant. In emergency situations, it may be initiated by the custodian or designee of the applicant or by the District Superintendent in whose district the applicant serves.

2. Application shall proceed using the forms provided by the GBOP which will be provided, when so requested, by the Conference Benefits Officer. The forms shall be sent to the District Superintendent who shall serve as primary contact in the initial stages of application.

3. The Superintendent shall prepare the file by ensuring that materials which will include (but are not restricted to) the following are enclosed: signed request for disability application; written statement from the Superintendent endorsing the disability with citation from parish consultations; other supporting documentation that may be germane to a special situation.

4. Once the applicant has completed all the necessary forms they shall then be sent to the Conference Benefits Officer for approval and signature on appropriate forms on behalf of the Conference Board.

The CBO in turn will send the appropriate form for approval and signature to the Convener of the Joint Committee on Disability or the Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry if no such committee established.

5. The Convener or Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry shall arrange for either a face-to-face meeting or other communication setting with the Joint Committee on Medical Leave (chair and vice chair or other committee member of BOM, Chair and Secretary or other committee member of BOP and District Superintendent for applicant)to review the application process for applicant.

6. The Convener or Chair of Board of Ordained Ministry will contact the District Superintendent, full Board of Ordained Ministry, full Board of Pensions of the Committee’s action and recommendation on Medical Leave process. If the decision is to “not endorse”, the Superintendent, after consultation with the applicant, may request that the file be forwarded to the GBOP. 7. Assuming endorsement and support by the Joint Committee, the Convener will add signature to the application form and record recommendation for file and send form to the Conference Benefits Officer, who in turn will submit the form to the GBOP for application approval by the current disability insurance company.

8. The applicant shall be notified that the application and supporting materials have been submitted to the GBOP by the District Superintendent with whom she/he initiated the process.

9. Participants newly appointed to medical leave and in the process of applying for Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) disability benefits as outlined above will be paid by the Conference for up to four (4) months as disability benefits a monthly amount calculated from the greater of: a) 70% of their plan compensation in their appointment immediately prior to appointment to medical leave, or b) 40% of the Denominational Average Compensation in effect at the time of appointment to medical leave. (See the “Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Active, Retired, Disabled, or Former Clergypersons of the Dakotas Conference” published elsewhere in this Journal for the designation of this amount as Housing Allowance.) The monthly Conference disability benefit will cease upon approval of CPP disability benefits as described in that Plan’s Document or upon disapproval of CPP benefits, whichever happens first within the time limit stated earlier. In extraordinary situations application for extension of the four (4) month time limit should be made to the Conference Benefits Officer for Executive Committee review and consideration.”

10. RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO RENTAL/HOUSING ALLOWANCES FOR RETIRED AND DISABLED CLERGYPERSONS are found in the “Resolutions” section of this Journal. The Board recommends adoption of these resolutions for calendar year 2014.

Leana Stunes Conference Benefits Officer

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Cabinet Resolutions 1. Whereas the following churches, in accordance with Paragraph 2549 of the Book of Discipline, have voted to recommend dissolution as a United Methodist Congregation; Therefore, be it resolved that the following congregations be recognized, with gratitude, for their decades of faithful service and be officially discontinued under the provisions of the above mentioned paragraph by the Dakotas Annual Conference.

Glacial Lakes District None Eastern Sunrise District

Joliette which had their final worship service on July 29, 2012 Prairie Hills District None Sakakawea Forbes which had their final worship service on July 4, 2010

Wishek which had their final worship service on July 31, 2011 1. That July 1, 2013 be the beginning of all new appointments for the year 2013-2014 year, unless other ar-

rangements are made. The current charge will pay the compensation, health, and pension for the outgoing pastor through June 30, 2013.

2. That the moving schedule will be allowed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of both the pastors and

families, and the parish to prepare parsonages for the arrival of the incoming pastor. In general, the moves will occur between June 15 and July 15. If a pastor is required to move prior to the last Sunday of June in order to accommodate the moving schedule, his/her compensation will be paid by the current charge through the end of the month. In all cases we would invite congregations and pastors to be sensitive to transition of pastoral leadership. The negotiations between the outgoing pastor, the incoming pastor, and the Staff Parish Relations Chair as to first Sunday and care for priestly functions will be done on a case-bycase basis. However, July 1 is the start date for all new incoming pastors unless other arrangements have been made. Sensitivity to the emotional transition of our pastors and congregations should be respected by all involved. This being said a congregation could be given to a recently moved pastor to have his/her first Sunday be a welcoming Sunday and that formal preaching and worship leadership responsibilities be assumed by the pastor the following Sunday.

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SECTION 3: ELECTED LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS REPORT

(This is a preliminary report from the Nominations Committee the final version will be available electronically at Annual Conference.)

The Common Table (CT)

Chairperson: Ray Baker Two Lay and two clergy nominated by Bishop in consultation with nominations: Class of 2014: Ray Baker Class of 2015: Sheri Meister Class of 2016: Steve Behrens

Class of 2017: Vicki Renner Ex officio members (with vote): Chair Visioning Link: Rich Zeck Conference Council on Finance and Administration: ________ District Superintendent: Marilyn Spurrell Associate Lay Leader: Jerry Bottger Ex officio members (without vote): Bishop: Bruce Ough Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger

Conference Chancellors North Dakota: Tim Ottmar South Dakota: Nancy Oviatt

The Visioning Link

(Nominated by Bishop in consultation w/nominations) Chairperson: Rich Zeck Class of 2014: Howard Baird

Class of 2015: Jim Beddow Class of 2016: Rich Zeck, Don Simmons Class of 2017: Amy Atkins, Mary Hayenga

Extended Cabinet

Bishop: Bruce Ough

Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Eastern Sunrise DS: Marilyn Spurrell Glacial Lakes DS: Roy Caudill Prairie Hills DS: Randy Cross Sakakawea DS: Keith Nelson Director of Camping/Youth Ministries: Becky Holten Director of Leadership Development: Jodi Cataldo Executive Director, Dakotas UM Foundation: Bruce Blumer Director of Finance and Administration: Jeff Pospisil Associate Director of Communications: Doreen Gosmire

Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CCFA) Chair: Bob Duemig Vice Chair: Bob Ruedebusch Secretary: Jeff Adel Judy Banwart 06, Rod Buck 06, Roberta Drew 07, Robert Duemig 09, Perry Schnable 09, Warren Wenzel 09, Jeff Adel 09, Arlyn Coalter 10, Marlin Hout 10, Robert Ruedebusch 12 Karl Kroger 13, __________ 13, ___________ 13 Ex Officio (without vote) Bishop: Bruce Ough Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Director of Finance and Administration: Jeff Pospisil Executive Director, Dakotas UM Foundation: Bruce Blumer Board of Pensions Chair: Marilyn Perry District Superintendent: Roy Caudill

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Equipping the Local Church Link

Chairperson: Roger Spahr Class of 2014: Ross Reinhiller 12, Tom Hall 10, Roger Spahr 10 Class of 2015: Jenene Earl 10, Kevin Kloster 11 Class of 2016: Connie Maxwell 10, Sally Wickware-Thompson 13, Gwen Mader 10 Class of 2017: John Srstka 10, Thom Bowsher 11 Standing Committees (membership with vote): Representative from Board of Ordained Ministry: Doug Diehl Representative from Congregational Development Committee: Scott McKirdy Ex officio (without vote): Director of Leadership Development: Jodi Cataldo District Superintendent: Keith Nelson Missional Leaders: Matt Richards, Doug Diehl, Gwen Mader, Jenene Earl, Kevin Kloster, Ross Reinhiller, Sally Wickware-Thompson, Roger Spahr, _______(Camping), Becky Holten, Jodi Cataldo District Superintendents: Marilyn Spurrell, Roy Caudill Missional Congregations: John Srstka, Thom Bowsher, Tom Hall, Connie Maxwell, Scott McKirdy, Joel Higgins, Adam Weber, Dan Freed, Roger Spahr, Dave Lambert , Greg Ewing-Lee, Greg Kroger District Superintendents: Keith Nelson, Randy Cross, Marilyn Spurrell, Roy Caudill

Standing Committee under Equipping the Local Church Link Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) (Nominated by the Bishop)

Chair: Doug Diehl Vice Chair: Jenny Hallenbeck Secretary: Bill Gran Registrar: Theta Miller Registrar Local Pastors/Associate Members: Kris Larson Conference Relations: Gary Ball-Kilbourne Continuing Education: Lori Broschat Retired Liaison: ____________ Local Licensed Pastor Liaison:Â Kris Larson Deacon Liaison:Â Michelle Brennan Extension Ministries Liaison: Bill Gran Glacial Lakes Committee Chair: Jan Gross Prairie Hills Committee Chair: Eric Grinager Sakakawea Committee Chair: Marty Toepke-Floyd Eastern Sunrise Committee Chair: Nancy Manning 2004: Bill Gran 2008: Doug Diehl, Bill Waugh, Gary Ball-Kilbourne, Eric Grinager, Dean Trapp 2009: Theta Miller 2010: Jenny Hallenbeck, Dan Bader, Marty Toepke-Floyd, Mina Hall, Michelle Brennan, Kris Larson 2011: Ernie Wight, Judy Christy 2012: Chang Yi, Lori Broschat, Andy Bartel, Dave Andrews, Brandon Vetter, Kathy Hartgraves, Janelle Jones; Doug Erickson 2013: Kathy Hammond Ex Officio (with vote): District Superintendent: Marilyn Spurrell Ex Officio (without vote): Director of Leadership Development: Jodi Cataldo

School of Ministry

(subsidiary of Board of Ordained Ministry-not a conference agency) Chairperson: Ken Ballard Registrar: Tim Vorlage Secretary: Jeff Adel 2014: Russell Stewart, Ken Ballard 2015: Kathy Hartgraves: Tim Vorlage 2016: Lou Whitmer, Bob Cappel, Jeff Adel BOM Representative: Kathy Hartgraves

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Non-Permanent Standing Committees under Equipping Link: Congregational Development Committee:

Â

Chairperson: Scott McKirdy Class of 2015: Dave Lambert, Joel Higgins, Scott McKirdy Class of 2016: Adam Weber, Dan Freed, Greg Ewing-Lee Ex officio (without vote): Bishop: Bruce Ough Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Director of Leadership Development: Jodi Cataldo Eastern Sunrise DS: Marilyn Spurrell Glacial Lakes DS: Roy Caudill Prairie Hills DS: Randy Cross Sakakawea DS: Keith Nelson Chair of Equipping the Local Church Link: Roger Spahr

Extending the Local Church Link

Chairperson: Lou Whitmer Class of 2014: Cindy Nelson 10, Sheila Freed 12 Class of 2015: Jen Tyler 12, Mark Ehrmantraut 12 Class of 2016: Elizabeth Ewing Lee 12, Ron Olson 12 Class of 2017: Keihwan Ryoo 10, Jerilyn Hansen 13 Standing Committees (membership with vote): United Methodist Women: Bobbi Larson United Methodist Men: __________ Non-permanent Standing committees (membership with vote): Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries: Sara Nelson Conference Council of Youth Ministries: Matt Richards Ex Officio (with vote): Conference Secretary of Global Ministries: Lou Whitmer UMW Mission Coordinator for Social Action: LaVina Kleese UMW Mission Coordinator for Education & Interpretation: Betty Brosz General Board of Higher Education & Ministry: Jodi Cataldo General Board: United Methodist Communications: Rebecca Trefz Ex officio members (without vote): Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Director of Camping and Youth Ministries: Becky Holten Assistant Director of Communications: Doreen Gosmire District Superintendent: Randy Cross

Standing Committees under Extending the Local Church Link United Methodist Women (UMW)

Â

President: Bobbi Larson Vice President: Colleen McKirdy Secretary: Vickie McQuarie Treasurer: Irma DeSmet Social Action: LaVina Kleese Membership, Nurture and Outreach: Mary Lee Nielson Education and Interpretation: Betty Brosz Spiritual Growth: Connie Smith Secretary of Program Resources: Marsha Timm Communications Coordinator: Janet Madsen Committee on Nominations: Kay Harr, Chair, Shirley Wiese, Rita Greer, Lynelle Ritter, Marsha Martin

United Methodist Men (UMM) President: ___________ Vice President: Treasurer: Robert Schultz Prayer Advocate: _____________

Non Permanent Standing Committees under Extending the Local Church Link Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries Chairperson: Sara Nelson

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Secretary: __________ Sherry McGuire 08 WAC, Linda Sandness 12 LPC WAC, Sara Nelson 11 LPC, Laura Walters 11 SMC 2016: Brook McBride 12 SMC; Marty Warns 12 LPC; Mark Johnsen 12 LPC Development Coordinator Scott Jones (class of 2014) Development Co-Coordinator: Ex Officio: Executive Director: Becky Holten Director of Finance and Administration Jeff Pospisil District Superintendent: Randy Cross Auxiliary/Invited (without vote): Site Directors/Assistant Directors: Lake Poinsett: Kyle Sachs; Storm Mountain: Scott Jensen;

Wesley Acres: Christy Heflin

Conference Council of Youth Ministries (CCYM)

Conference Coordinator of Youth Ministries: Kris Mutzenberger 04 Chair: Matthew Bader Vice-Chair: Molly McCaskell District Coordinators: Eastern Sunrise: Matt Richards 08 Glacial Lakes: Diane Kisch 08 Prairie Hills: Brenda Swanson 04 Sakakawea: Lisa Rhodes 06 Adults elected At Large: Janice Antrim 11; Brenda Lint 10; Wade Miller 11; Virg Whetsel 10; Dayne Zachrison 03 District Youth Representatives: Glacial Lakes: Elliane Antrim, Cole Moderegger, Carly Ribstein, Stephanie Anderson Eastern Sunrise: Jessica Higgins & Anthony Bethke Sakakawea: Rydel Samuelson Prairie Hills: Nathan Bader, Samantha Nash, Shelby Stotz At Large Youth Representatives: Alleysia Ugofsky, Morgan Mundt, Layne Droppers, Alison Uecker, Lee Stuessi Ex-Officio: Director of Camping and Youth Ministries: Becky Holten

Stewardship of Resources Link

Chairperson: Laura Borman 10 Class of 2014: Terry Nebelsick 10, Kip Roozen 10 Class of 2015: Richard Craig 11, Steve Eliason 13 Class of 2016: Laurie Langland 10, ___________13 Class of 2017: Laura Borman 10, Pat Mersch 13 Standing Committees (with vote): Board of Pensions and Health Benefits: Marilyn Perry Board of Trustees: Ron McLean Human Resources Committee: Barry Whipkey Commission on Archives and History: Duane Coates Ex officio members (without vote): Director of Financial and Administrative Services: Jeff Pospisil District Superintendent: Roy Caudill

Standing Committees under the Stewardship of Resources Link Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (BOPHB)

Chair: Marilyn Perry 03 Vice Chair : Peary Wilson 07 Recording Secretary: Elaine Roberts 11 Bob Westall 02, Frank McKeehan 03, John Price 03, Marilyn Perry 03, Dennis Evenson 04, Elmer Brinkman 07, Joanne Ottmar 07, Peary Wilson 07, Cindy Yeager 07, Dick Boyd 08, Don Armstrong 09, Elaine Roberts 11, Richard Walstrom 11, Eric Walth 11, Anne Osborne 12 ND Registered Agent: Joanne Ottmar SD Registered Agent: Jeff Pospisil Ex officio (without vote) Executive Secretary/Conference Benefits Officer: Leana Stunes Board Treasurer: Jeff Pospisil Assistant Board Treasurer: JoAnn Schlimgen BOM Representative: Jan Gross CCFA Representative: Bob Ruedebusch

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CCFA President: Bob Duemig District Superintendent: Roy Caudill

Board of Trustees (BOT)

Chair: Ron McLean Vice Chair: Secretary Rita Greer Class of 2014: Rita Greer 06, Ron McLean 06, Alan Thornberg 10 Class of 2015: Jerry Stolp 07, Bob Cappel 08, Rod Tkach 09, Kevin Meisek 09, Class of 2016: Deb Mack 12, Marvin Winstryg 12; Mark Stearns 12 Class of 2017: Merril Knodle 09, Boyd Blumer 13 Ex Officio (without vote): Director Finance and Administrative Services: Jeff Pospisil Conference Chancellors: Tim Ottmar, Nancy Oviatt District Superintendent: Roy Caudill

Human Resources Committee (HRC)

Chair: Barry Whipkey Lay: Nancy Bohlen 13, Dulci Stewart 13 Clergy: Barry Whipkey 10, Jan Price 10 Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Equipping the Local Church Link representative: Roger Spahr Connectional Ministries Link representative: Lou Whitmer Stewardship of Resources Link representative: Laura Borman Visioning Link representative: Rich Zeck Common Table representative: _____________ Ex Officio (without vote): Bishop: Bruce Ough Director of Finance and Administration: Jeff Pospisil

Commission on Archives and History (CAH) Chair: Duane Coates Vice-Chair: Cheryl Finney Secretary:__________ Class of 2014: Cheryl Finney 06, Duane Coates 06 Class of 2015: Tom Thaden 09 Class of 2016: Betty Testerman 12 Class of 2017: John Anderson 09, Steve Trefz 12 Ex Officio (with vote): Conference Historian: Charles Finney Ex Officio (without vote): Archivist: Laurie Langland Archivist emeritus: Pat Breidenbach Historical Society Chair: Darwin Kopfmann

Other Standing Committees Committee on Nominations

Chairperson: Bill Hoffman 10 Sakakawea District: Iva Wenzel 11, Hazel Behrens 12, Dave Birkeland 13 Eastern Sunrise District: Fern Bailey 10, Pat Siefken 11, Shirley Van Kamp 11 Glacial Lakes District: Russell Stewart 12, Mary Lee Lint 12, Sarah Hock 13 Prairie Hills District: Bill Hoffman 10, Linda Baldock 10, Val Rush 10 Ex officio members (without vote): Conference Lay Leader: Blaine Wilson Conference Secretary: Mark Ellingson Director of Leadership Development: Jodi Cataldo Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger

Other Standing Committees (not subject to 7.3 limitations) Administrative Review Committee (2013-2016) – Clergy (Nominated by the Bishop) Clergy: Stephen Perry-Chair, Howard Grinager, Gary Rae Alternate Clergy: Jeff Adel, Jerry Bass

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Committee on Episcopacy (COE)

Chair: Rebecca Trefz Vice Chair: Dar Berkenpas Secretary: Blaine Wilson Lay Members: Jennifer Larsen 10, Janet Madsen 11 Clergy Members: Dar Berkenpas 10, Kris Larson 10 Conference Lay Leader: Blaine Wilson Members appointed by Bishop: Jim Dustin 07, Cody Schuler 12 Members from Jurisdictional Committee on the Episcopacy: Rebecca Trefz, Janelle Jones

Annual Conference Sessions Committee (by Bishop) Chairperson: Ryan Mutzenberger Bishop: Bruce Ough Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Associate Conference Lay Leader: Jerry Bottger Host Superintendent: Randy Cross Host Pastor/Lay Person: Sharla McCaskell/Scott Sturlaugson Conference Office Staff: Sharon Blumer Worship Coordinator: Jenny Hallenbeck Communications Coordinator: Doreen Gosmire Agenda Coordinator: Lee Gale Site Coordinator: Dayne Zachrison

Records, Rules and Procedures Committee Director of Ministries: Greg Kroger Members: Lazann Caudill, Duane Coates, Mark Ellingson

Conference Disaster Response

Leadership (appointed by the Bishop): Lee Gale (ND) Kathy Chesney (SD) Planning: Debra Ball-Kilbourne, Mark Ellingson, Linda Baldock Consultants: DeKaren Weemers, Red River Resiliency Logistics: Merle Rubish, Jim Dustin Operations: Jim Unkenholz, Mike Flowers, Libby Flowers, Jerry Bottger, Gary Fisher, Mary Hayenga, Bruce Blumer, Steve Foss Administration and Communication: Jeff Pospisil, Doreen Gosmire, Kathy Nelson

Task Force for Missional Appointments (from 2012 General Conference) Named by Conference Lay Leader: Janelle Jones, Kay Becker, Howard Grinager, Carol Knodle Named by Board of Ordained Ministry: Gary Ball-Kilbourne, Dan Bader, Mina Hall District Superintendent: Marilyn Spurrell

DISTRICT NOMINATIONS

Glacial Lakes District

District Lay Leader: Nancy Hallenbeck Glacial Lakes District Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy: Jan Gross – Chair: Dean Trapp, Kris Mutzenberger, Rebecca Trefz, Bob Ruedebusch, Barry Whipkey Laity: Troy Hansen, Dave Holzwarth District Superintendent: Roy Caudill Glacial Lakes Committee on Building and Location Clergy: Gary Rae, Barry Whipkey, Roy Caudill Laity: John Claggett, Cortland Carnes, Beth Niemeyer Glacial Lakes District Superintendency Committee District Lay Leaders: Nancy Hallenbeck Lay Women: Diane Kisch, Rena Nebelsick Lay Men: Charles Schnabel, Bob Crawford Clergy: Jerry Stolp, Kathy Hartgraves Members at Large: Arnold Horner, Arlayne Ruhack Glacial Lakes District Committee on Nominations Dianne Axlund, Mary Lee Lint, Russell Stewart Ministry Team Presiding Elders/Lay Servant Ministry Coordinators Brookings: John Price (Canistota)/Chad Hansen (Dell Rapids) Huron: Stephen Perry (Redfield)/Laura Hemenway (Huron) Sioux Falls: Ross Reinhiller (Sioux Falls Southern Hills)/Nancy Olsen (Sioux Falls First) Mitchell: R. Duane Coates (Wagner/Tyndall)/Betty Janke (Olivet) Yankton: Steve Ziebarth (Canton)/Dave Stephenson (Wakonda)

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Eastern Sunrise District

Co-District Lay Leaders: Melanie Reiners, Jerry Nankivel Eastern Sunrise District Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy: Chair: Joel Winckler; Tom Haggar, Lori Broschat, Nancy Manning, Marilyn Spurrell, Steve Olson, Jerry Bass Laity: Yvonne Smith, Don Larson, Gerald Fields Eastern Sunrise District Building and Location Committee Clergy: Mina Hall, Mark Ellingson, Marilyn Spurrell Laity: Roger Parkinson (Chair), Neil Jordheim, Barb Pharis Eastern Sunrise District Superintendency Committee Laity: Kay Braun, Jerry Nankival, Katherine Tweed, Melanie Reiners, Clark Moeckly Clergy: Lee Gale, Dave Motta, Kevin Kloster, Chair, Joel Higgins, Theta Miller Eastern Sunrise Committee on Nominations Fern Bailey, Pat Siefken, Shirley Van Kamp Ministry Team Presiding Elders/ Lay Servant Ministry Coordinators Aberdeen: Eldon Reich(Aberdeen First)/Vicki Renner (Britton) Watertown: Joel Higgins (Watertown First)/Melanie Reiners (Milbank) Wahpeton: Michael Ward (Milnor)/Mike Beeson (Wahpeton) Fargo: Kevin Kloster (Fargo Faith)/Frank Kratky (Fargo) Upper Valley: Lori Broschat (Cavalier)/Kevin Wold (Holmes)

Sakakawea District

District Lay Leader: Iva Wenzel Sakakawea District Committee on Ordained Ministry Clergy: Marty Toepke-Floyd (Chair), Kenrad Peterson, Michelle Brennan, David Birkland, Keith Nelson Laity: Dave Reeves, Ike Aichele, Janet Thielman Sakakawea District Locations and Building Committee Clergy: Rick Craig, Steve Behrens, Perry Schnable, Art Scanson, Keith Nelson Laity: Don Jones, Rick Ennen, Cliff Jacobson Sakakawea District Superintendency Committee Clergy: ____________ Laity: Scott Schaar, Ken McDougal, Roger Caine, Barb Winger, Iva Wenzel (District Lay Leader) Sakakawea Committee on Nominations Iva Wenzel Ministry Team Presiding Elders/ Lay Servant Ministry Coordinators Jamestown: Kenrad Pederson /Anne Osborne (Wimbledon) Spirit Lake: Judy Banwart (Langdon) /Sharon Duval (New Rockford) Dickinson: Steve Behrens (Hazen)/Holly Seifert (Dickinson) Minot: Gary Ball-Kilbourne (Minot Vincent)/Lisa Endresen (Minot Faith) Bismarck: Perry Schnabel (Bismarck)/Carolyn Desper (Mandan)

Prairie Hills District

District Lay Leader Bob Wik (Gregory) Coordinators for Lay Servant Ministries: Larry Cass (Pierre); Myrnaloy Smith (RC South Maple); Larry Madsen (Gettysburg) District Mission Secretary: Sue Chaplin (Sturgis) Prairie Hills District Committee on Ordained Ministry Eric Grinager (Rapid City) Chair Howard Baird (Piedmont) Secretary Clergy: Eric Grinager (RC Canyon Lake); Linda Baldock (White River); Mark Phillips (Trinity Lead/Deadwood); Mary Ann Sheldon (Spearfish); Howard Baird (Piedmont); Scott McKirdy (Spearfish) Laity: Andrea Seeley (Piedmont); Bob Drabek (RC Canyon Lake); Larry Madsen (Gettysburg) District Superintendent: Randy Cross Prairie Hills District Committee on Building and Locations Clergy: Sharla McCaskell (Rapid City), Gordon Higgins (Spearfish), Jeff Adel (Wheatland Parish/Gettysburg); Darwin Kopfmann (Wall/Wasta) Laity: Robert Puffer (Hot Springs), Jean Kroeger (Rapid City), David Bonde (Pierre) Eileen Wilson (Pringle) District Superintendent: Randy Cross Prairie Hills District Superintendency Committee District Lay Leader: Bob Wik (Gregory) D.S. Appointment: Dan Bader (Pierre), Jerry Laird (RC First) Lay Women: Ashley Alsup (Sturgis), Geniece Gebhart (Winner), Lay Men: Everett Follette (Spearfish), Larry Madsen (Gettysburg) Clergy: Jenene Earl (Sturgis); Val Rush (Winner) Members at Large: John McKnight (RC South Maple); Bonnie Ping (Highmore) Prairie Hills Committee on Nominations Bill Hoffman (Faulkton), Linda Baldock (White River/Mission); Val Rush (Winner) Ministry Team Presiding Elders/Lay Servant Ministry Coordinators

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Prairie Harvesters: Julie Nygaard (Cresbard/Tolstoy)/Nancy Trefz (Tolstoy) Northern Hills: Howard Baird (Piedmont)/Jim Hoff (Lead) Winner: Val Rush (Winner)/Vicki Dobesh (Burke) Pierre: Linda Baldock (White River/Mission)/Penny Galinat (Pierre) Rushmore: Keihwan Ryoo (Rapid City First/Rapid City Korean)/Justin Trent (Prairieview)

RELATED AGENCIES Wesley Center of Religion

President: Rex Huss Vice President: Deb Glennen Secretary: Jerry Bass Treasurer and Bishop’s Representative: Jeff Pospisil Class of 2013: Rex Huss, Dale Taylor Class of 2014: Janette Yaeger, Judy Christy Class of 2015: Jerry Bass, Deb Glennen Annual Conference Representatives: Lori Broschat, Lee Gale

Tree of Life Ministry

President: Tom Gilmore Vice President: Linda Baldock Secretary: Sheila Richards Treasurer: Jeff Pospisil Executive Director: Russell Masartis Members: Linda Baldock, Jeannine Carpenter, Tom Gilmore, David Hansen, Allen Herrboldt, Phil Lint, John Stearns, Peary Wilson Ex Officio: Bishop: Bruce Ough Prairie Hills District Superintendent: Randy Cross

Foundation Board

President: Tom Dravland Vice President: Mike Goos Secretary: Kay Werremeyer Executive Director: Bruce L. Blumer Treasurer: Jeff Pospisil Class of 2013: Libby Flowers 08, Al Vanderlaan 05, Bob Westall 09, Jennifer Larsen 09 Class of 2014: Linda Inniger 06, Kay Werremeyer 06, David Nash 09, Howard Grinager 10 Class of 2015: Richard Platt 11, Tom Dravland 07, Kathy Roll 11, Don Caine 09 Class of 2016: Mike Goos 08, Sharla McCaskell 12, Taryce Malnaa 12, Don Bradley 12

Open Door Community Center Board of Directors

Chairs: Jean Newborg, Marilyn Johnson Secretary: Linda Suko Treasurer: Derrick Hobein Trustee Representative: Jerry Suko Director: Jolene Stading Puhalla Members: Art Scanson, Carrol Burchinal, Carol Desper, Jim Unkenholz, Phil Sjursen, Kermit Culver, Nyla Switlick, Joel Winckler, Ross Reinhiller, Steven Johnson, Myrna Petermann District Superintendent:Keith Nelson Parent Representative: Lana Roaldson

Haiti Solar Oven Partners Advisory Board Glacial Lakes District:Gene Bethke, President Prairie Hills District: Trina Miller Sakakawea District: Dave Silbernagel, Karen Workman At Large Member: Phil Lint Expertise: Diane Rieken, Secretary CCMP Representative: Gloria Borgman Missionary and Director: Rick Jost

Spirit Lake Ministry Center Advisory Board

President: Jerry Bass Members: Kathy Hammond, Tom Hall, Jim Dustin, Gary Osborn, Jake Roemmich Ex Officio: Mike Flowers, Libby Flowers

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SECTION 4: CONFERENCE REPORTS Common Table Report

What a joy it is to work with the Common Table. This group of highly dedicated individuals continues to seek out and listen for God’s guidance and wisdom as we develop our ministries.

This year we had the pleasure of breaking in a new episcopal leader. Bishop Ough helped us review where we have been, as an Annual Conference; in order to understand God’s preferred future for the conference. We know we are building on the foundations laid by former Bishops, Committees, and Annual Conference Sessions as we chart the course for the next few years. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance we will continue to participate in God’s Kingdom on earth.

The key to the next stage of our ministry is to set our minds and efforts on the Four Areas of Focus.

The Four Areas of Focus express the vision and yearnings of the people of The United Methodist Church. Over this quadrennium, the church will seek to focus the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world around these areas of ministry: · Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally. ·

Engaging in ministry with the poor.

·

Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations.

·

Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world (www.umc.org)

Bishop Ough and the Dakotas Conference Extended Cabinet have been discerning how the Four Areas of Focus can become a more integral part of our ministry together. Four vision pathways have been identified to guide our work together: ● Developing Missional Leaders ● Equipping Missional Congregations ● Extending our Missional Impact ● Generating Missional Resources The vision and implementation for the four pathways are further articulated in our strategic plan, The Journey Towards Vitality. Our Conference Staff will be on the front lines to help us put The Journey Towards Vitality into action. The four pathways are guiding images for aligning and reimagining the ministry of our conference. Some ministries will need to adapt to the changing realities of the Dakotas and others will need to be set aside. The staff will work with our links, committees and task forces to make these alignments to help us Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.

The Common Table will hold a forum this fall to kick off The Journey Towards Vitality. It will be a time when the key leadership of our conference can learn, listen, and reflect to develop a common understanding of The Journey Towards Vitality. This effort will be an opportunity for us to transform and align our conference ministries around the four vision pathways. We hope that “ya’ll will come to this meeting,” and participate in high quality worship services, training events, and breakout sessions.

Rev. Ray Baker, Chair of the Common Table Note: The Journey Toward Vitality and The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry plan follow this report. This information represents vital work for the Conference and the Common Table.

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Journey Toward Vitality

Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church

Introduction The Dakotas Conference is on an intentional journey to become a more faithful and fruitful expression of the Kingdom of God. This document is a brief rehearsal of the components of this journey and the trajectory it sets for our future. The journey is not chronological; it is more circular. The journey is not marked by a neat, clear sequence of strategies, goals or projects. It is a journey that will evolve through learning, experimentation and “failed successes.” It is a journey that creates a platform upon which we can see the Promised Land. Along the way, all of us – conference leaders, pastors, lay leaders and congregations -- will need to engage, face into an uncharted future, and “rethink church.”

Mission

Jesus gave us a very specific mission in the Great Commission. Every local congregation has the same mission; and it has been every congregation’s mission for 2000 years. Within our United Methodist ethos we state this mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The unique purpose of the annual conference is to equip local churches to fulfill this mission within their respective communities and throughout the world by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church, all to the Glory of God. (¶601, 2012 Book of Discipline) Vision

Vision is our discerned picture of God’s preferred future for us as we fulfill the mission in our specific geographical, cultural and demographic context. We currently understand God’s preferred future for the Dakotas Conference is for every congregation to become a vital expression of the scriptural imperatives of: ● cultivating spiritual vitality ● reaching new people ● healing a broken world

Jesus’ Great Commandment (Luke 10:27) to love God and neighbor is the imperative for cultivating spiritual vitality. The Wesleyan tradition calls us to practice this great commandment through the practical and formational disciplines of three simple rules – do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to go and make disciples of all nations is the imperative for reaching new people. Within our Wesleyan tradition, we practice this great commission through summoning people to experience the prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace of God and encouraging people to embrace a life of personal and social holiness. The thrust of the Wesleyan movement was to “reform the nation…and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.”

Jesus’ “Great Announcement” (Luke 4:18-21) to preach good news to the poor and to liberate the oppressed is the imperative for healing a broken world. Wesleyan heritage calls us to practice this great announcement through our historic commitments to make visible and incarnate the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

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Vision Pathways A vision that over 240 spiritually vital Dakotas United Methodist congregations fulfilling the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and transforming their communities and the world is bold and audacious.

To achieve this vision, we are committed to increasing the capacity of the conference, districts and local churches to realize this preferred future. We have identified four key vision pathways that we believe will increase this capacity. Together, these initiatives and their corresponding goals constitute the Dakotas Conference’s strategic plan. The four initiatives are:

● Developing Missional Leaders ● Equipping Missional Congregations ● Extending our Missional Impact ● Generating Missional Resources Missional means to focus on God’s purposes for Christ’s mission, not our personal or institutional preferences. It means to turn outward and engage the world with a burning desire to have a transforming impact on individuals, communities and global systems.

Developing Missional Leaders shapes our future by focusing on creating a culture of call, identifying, preparing, and deploying clergy and lay leaders. People who are gifted and skilled in leading congregations to become more vital are essential. Equipping Missional Congregations builds capacity by starting new congregations in strategic Missional settings and providing resources/training for existing congregations seeking to re-invent or re-vision their mission and ministry and become fruitful. Extending our Missional Impact enhances the church by providing avenues for congregations to more effectively utilize our “connection” to have a greater impact on transforming their communities and the world. Generating Missional Resources provides constructs to generate the financial resources necessary to create and sustain our leadership development, congregational vitality, and Missional impact initiatives. If you have no money, you have no mission.

The Four Missional Foci affirmed by the 2012 General Conference parallel these vision pathways. These four areas are: 1. developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world

2. creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations 3. engaging in ministry with the poor

4. stamping out the killer diseases of poverty by improving health globally

Further, these four initiatives are expressions of the Call to Action by the Council of Bishops to “redirect the flow of attention, energy and resources to an intense concentration on fostering and sustaining an increase in the number of vital congregations effective in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

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Strategic Plan The vision pathways are key levers for building the capacity of our local congregations to fulfill their mission and realize the preferred future (vision). Following are the primary strategic goals and staffing model for each vision pathway.

Developing Missional Leaders • Call forth persons with gifts to become bold spiritual leaders.

• Equip clergy to be “turn around leaders.”

• Strategically identify, prepare and deploy clergy and lay Missional leaders.

Equipping Missional Congregations • Strategically identify the congregations best positioned to engage their communities,

multiply ministry, and make new disciples.

• Invest and partner with those congregations and communities most ready for the next

steps to increase congregational vitality, formation of second campuses, and new faith

communities.

• Develop and implement for the Dakotas Conference a Missional church initiative (MCI) for

targeted congregations.

Extending Missional Impact • Embrace major opportunities to increase boldly our United Methodist witness in western

North Dakota.

• Connect with the global United Methodist Church through initiatives that improve health

and stamp out killer diseases of poverty.

• Enter into selected partnerships within the worldwide United Methodist connection.

• Challenge local churches to extend their own Missional impact.

Generating Missional Resources • Develop a stronger sense of connection to foster and enhance stewardship within local

churches and the Dakotas Conference.

• Increase the capacity of the Dakotas Conference to fundraise for special projects.

• Design and implement financial processes that promote multi-year strategic initiatives.

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Structure and Staffing Each vision pathway and the corresponding strategic plans are implemented through a “link” structure of the Dakotas Conference. Each vision pathway and its corresponding “link” also have a staff team that serves as a liaison to the Extended Cabinet and leads the work of the “link” and its corresponding ministry teams or taskforces.

Developing Missional Leaders Equipping Missional Congregations Extending our Missional Impact Generating Missional Resources

→ → → →

Equipping Link Equipping Link Extending Link Stewardship Link Fruitfulness

→ → → →

Jodi Cataldo and Becky Holten Greg Kroger TBA Jeff Pospisil and Bruce Blumer

Missional congregations that are cultivating spiritual vitality, reaching new people and healing a broken world bear much kingdom fruit. They experience the “signs and wonders” of God’s Spirit breaking through and raising people to new life in Jesus Christ. These congregations reflect the fruitfulness of the early church recorded in Acts 2 – radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith formation, risktaking service and extravagant generosity. Missional congregations witness God working in and through them to bring forth this fruit. Vital, missional congregations prayerfully establish and assess their fruitfulness in the following areas: ● Reaching New People ≥ Worship attendance ≥ New professions of faith ● Cultivating Spiritual Vitality ≥ Number of small groups ≥ Number of people in small groups ● Healing a Broken World ≥ Number of people sent into mission ≥ Number of people impacted by the church’s service ≥ Total mission giving

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The Dakotas Conference Bakken Oil Rush Ministry Plan

Introduction

The mission field has come to the Dakotas Conference. People from all around the world now call western North Dakota home. The population of North Dakota has grown from 642,023 in 2000 to over 700,000 today. The growth is credited to the Bakken Oil Rush happening in western North Dakota.

The cost of living, lack of housing, isolation, and intense work hours have brought immense needs in this region of North Dakota. Families have no place to live. Children have nowhere to play. The cost of living is far above the income of many. People are in desperate need of services like daycare, shelter, and food.

There is urgency for human and spiritual connections.

God is calling us to respond!

Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? Isaiah 43: 19 (NRSV)

Vision

The vision of the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry is to: Touch lives with Jesus’ love while expanding the Kingdom of God and the United Methodist presence in the Bakken Oil Rush Region. Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Area of the United Methodist Church, calls for a three-pronged approach to the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry: 1. Meet human needs 2. Equip local congregations for greater missional impact 3. Develop new faith communities

Plan of Action

Getting Started in the Bakken Oil Rush Region Outreach in Watford City –Establish a ministry center with a thrift shop, play area for children, gathering place for people to meet, connect, worship, and pray.

Digital Presence -- A web page that connects people in the Bakken Oil Rush Region to the ministries of the United Methodist Church and partners.

Children and Families

o Sidewalk SONday School will be offered in multiple locations in the Bakken Oil Rush Region. Churches in the area will plan ongoing outreach to children in these various communities once the Sidewalk SONday School trailer leaves town. o Kids to Camp -- Churches in the Bakken Oil Rush Region are being asked to identify at least one child from a Bakken Oil Rush family and invite that child to one of the many United Methodist Camps during the summer of 2013 at no cost to the family.

Long-Term Strategies The three-pronged approach for involvement in the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry: 1) meet human needs, 2) equip local congregations, and 3) develop new faith communities ministry is the framework for long term ministry. The framework is concisely defined as: Caring, Connecting, and Collaborating.

Caring for people is basic to who we are as Christians and as United Methodists. Currently there are great people and facilities in communities that have a United Methodist presence. Two main strategies will provide a “Caring for People” emphasis. First, training workshops demonstrating ways of living out and showing hospitality to all will be available to churches throughout the region. The second emphasis will be church and community workers. Outreach workers will be placed in Bakken Oil Rush communities. These workers will focus on building caring ministries in specific “high need” communities. Caring also means the environment. The impacts of the oil industry on God’s creation are vast. Stewardship of all the resources of creation that God has entrusted to us will be an ongoing effort.

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Connecting is about helping people connect with God and with one another, making new disciples through new faith communities. Path 1, a Global Board of Discipleship division of the United Methodist Church, will partner in this endeavor helping with the training of Lay Planters, to be deployed throughout the Oil Region. Path1 will also provide guidance and support for the Dakotas Conference to develop two different planting zones. The zones will address the differing needs in four larger communities in western North Dakota.

Collaborating is supporting and equipping church leaders for greater missional impact in the Bakken Oil Rush Region. Collaboration will involve training and other intentional growth opportunities. There may be some places where new ways of being the church will be tested. The Dakotas Conference will have resources available to assist in the experimentation efforts, and will develop partnerships with churches outside the Bakken Oil Rush Region. It is critical for the Conference to provide leadership, work teams, expertise, and financial support for ongoing ministries.

Staffing The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry needs an advocate and leader. A staff position of Associate Director for Missional Impact for the Dakotas Conference will provide focus and development of the strategic pathway of Extending Missional Impact including the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry.

Funding Needs

The Year

The Project

The Amount

2013

Sidewalk SONday School; Kids to Camp; Create a digital presence—web page; Outreach workers in Watford City (housing, salary, ministry space)

$150,000

2014 2015

Continue 2013 Activities Outreach workers in Williston Training and planning with Path 1 Hire an Associate Director for Missional Impact

Build Ministry Center in Watford City Outreach workers in three other communities in the Bakken

Pray

$241,000 $2,000,000

All effective and transformational ministries begin with prayer! Please pray consistently and courageously for this ministry effort. The mission field has come to us. Working together to accomplish this great ministry can be a decisive movement that will bring new life, energy, and a new Spirit to the United Methodist Church in the Dakotas Conference.

Prayer for Unleashing New Life

I will pray daily for the Holy Spirit to: Break through to renew and revive our churches, unleashing new life Empower our clergy and lay leadership to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection power and promise Transform and boldly use us, without limits, delays, or excuses, to reach and make new disciples of Jesus Christ and to transform the world Work through me to raise the dead to new life I pray for this in the precious and holy name of Jesus.

For more information about the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry contact Rev. Keith Nelson, Sakakawea District Superindent,

(keith.nelson@dakotasumc.org).

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Visioning Link The visioning link did not meet as a separate group but met with the Common Table throughout the year. This is a transitional year as we begin to define our vision for the platform for ministries under new Episcopal leadership. The chair of the visioning link will continue as a member of the Common Table.

Director of Ministries Office The Journey Toward Vitality has functioned as a developing road map for guiding the ministries of the Dakotas Conference. The strategic and focused approach of organizing our connectional efforts around the vision pathways of Developing Missional Leaders, Equipping Missional Congregations, Extending Missional Impact, and Generating Missional Resources is creating alignment of our efforts and enhanced effectiveness in keeping the mission of making new disciples of Jesus Christ front and center. A few years ago our work was distributed to and conducted by over 20 different boards, committees, and agencies – all working mostly independent from one another. While good ministry was happening, collectively we were in steady decline in the key markers of congregational vitality. Something had to change.

With the advent of the Romans 12 Task Force and the subsequent adoption of a new platform for ministry, we took a major step in addressing the “silo effects” of the earlier structure. Still, it was all too easy for 20+ silos to become 4 silos. As we learned through experience, we adapted. And then with arrival of Bishop Ough, we have continued in this journey to ask critical questions about how we might best form and execute initiatives that increase our capacity to support an increase in the number of vital congregations and to make new disciples.

I learned many years ago in a volunteer-in-mission trip to Haiti the importance of cultivating “patience, patience, and flexibility.” I also learned that such an attitude is not mutually exclusive to also claiming the urgency of the mission. Applied to our current context as an annual conference, there is a need for grace and patience as we sort out the details of how we will be in ministry together, while holding fast to the call of Christ upon our lives to welcome and support others, especially newcomers, along the discipleship path.

We will continue to ask penetrating and adaptive questions. What does it mean to be the Church in a time and culture where there is a significant and growing percentage of the population that expresses no religious preference or belief? What does it mean to be a denominational structure when denominational loyalty is on the wane? The road map for facing these questions is still being formed, but our orientation is fixed on Christ and the “Journey Toward Vitality” is providing a solid launching point.

Greg Kroger, Director of Ministries

Communications Transitions and expansions have highlighted the work of Dakotas Conference Communications this past year. Transitions efforts involved: introducing the Conference to new Episcopal leadership, Bishop Bruce and Char Ough, launching a new website and a new server.

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It has been a joy to collaborate with Victoria Reebeck, Communications Director of the Minnesota Conference, Amanda Yanchury, Communications Coordinator, Minnesota Conference and Sheilah Kyburz, Administrative Assistant for the Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area on communications strategies and processes for the new Episcopacy. Collectively a new domain was created, webpages developed, and press releases have been written for the Area Office.

August was the launch of the new Dakotas Conference website. The website allows users to access information through drop down menus. In addition, the new website accommodates lots of visuals like photos, graphics and videos. Data about the number of users and the pages that are visited on the website is collected to help adjust where and what information is placed on the website. The host company for the Dakotas Conference website is 44 Interactive based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The move to a new server and an updated e-mail system was both an expansion and a transition.

All employees of the conference are now operating off a new server that is part of a bank of servers hosted at CoSentry in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This switch allows conference employees the opportunity to access information from anywhere. District superintendents, Dakotas Conference mission ministries, Dakotas United Methodist Camps, and Dakotas United Methodist Foundation are all part of the same e-mail system. These enhancements have allowed all employees to stay connected in a secure environment, even when they travel. Special thanks goes to Rev. Gary Rae, Dakotas Conference Board of Trustees and his son Landon Rae for all of their support, expertise, and encouragement throughout the process.

Another expansion effort that continues is the DAVID videoconference system. The Dakotas Conference will add four additional DAVID sites: Aberdeen, South Dakota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Minot, North Dakota; and Pierre, South Dakota. Minnesota will also join the videoconference system with four additional sites. The Minnesota Conference already has a videoconference unit in Minneapolis. The installations in the Dakotas Conference will take place in July and August. This expansion was possible because of a grant received fro the North Central Jurisdiction and a donation from a faithful United Methodist in North Dakota.

Efforts to share the story of the vitality throughout the Conference continue. Conference updates and news are posted daily on the Dakotas Conference website www.dakotasumc.org. A weekly newsletter Mondays @ Dakotas is sent to everyone who subscribes. If you would like to subscribe to the Mondays contact Karina Willoughby at karina.willoughby@dakotasumc.org.

It is a pleasure to serve the Dakotas Conference and to share the greatest story ever told through your ministries.

Doreen Gosmire, Associate Director of Communications

MISSIONAL LEADERS AND CONGREGATIONS (EQUIPPING THE LOCAL CHURCH LINK) Equipping the Local Church Link Report The Equipping the Local Church Link is now in its third year of existence and continues to evolve as it tries to be the most effective and efficient link possible in its efforts to resource missional churches and missional leaders for vital ministry in the Dakotas. Small groups began working and focusing on various areas of ministry such as Lay Servant Ministries, Safe and Sacred Spaces, Board of Ordained 46

Ministry, Spiritual Formation and Discipleship, and Congregational Development. Congregational Development-New Church was brought back together with Congregational Development-Revitalization into the Congregational Development Committee to also be more effective in these areas. We have found that by using small groups as implementation groups, we are much further down the road toward growth and revitalization by drawing on the expertise of persons intimately involved in those areas of ministry.

Further, by equipping and empowering our local churches in ministry, both ordained and lay, we have seen significant turnarounds among many of our churches. In fact, we can celebrate this year that for the SECOND time in more than fifty years, we are not in decline! We have grown! Of course, the credit cannot all go to the Equipping Link, but it does show us what can be done when both our clergy and our laity step up to the challenge of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Glory be to God! Some significant equipping opportunities which came during this last year included: 1. Schools of Christian Mission in North Dakotas and South Dakota-July 2012 2. Our own Licensing School has now held two schools with third scheduled for July 21-27, 2013.

In 2012, we stepped out and took a risk by combining the Licensing School with the Certified Lay Ministry training (Modules 2-4) into the Dakotas Conference Licensing and Lay Ministry School. Evaluations indicate this was an excellent move as it built collegiality between the clergy and the lay tracks of ministry. This year we anticipate participants from the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

3. Cluster coaching for identified turnaround churches with Paul Nickerson, George Howard and Paul Nixon is finishing up their second year. Clusters included: Dell Rapids/Mitchell 1st/SF Hilltop/Watertown 1st; GF Wesley/Wahpeton-Evergreen/Jamestown 1st; RC-Rapid Valley/RCSouth Maple/RC-Knollwood Heights. Reports indicate that all but two of the churches involved in the cluster coaching have shown growth in 2012.

4. Pilgrimage to the Church of the Resurrection for Leadership Institute-October 2012- with 100 persons (both clergy and laity) traveling together on two busses to learn, to fellowship and to reenergize.

5. Provisional Residency Training at Wesley Acres-November 2012, and Storm Mountain-March 2013 focused on developing missional leaders in the context of the Dakotas.

6. Dakotas/Minnesota Certified Lay Ministry Program continues to grow with Module 1 Retreats drawing more and more persons seeking to discern their call to ministry as laity.

7. School of Ministry with Bishop Schnase and Bishop Willimon in Sioux Falls-April 2013 8. Various Lay Servant Ministry courses were also held throughout the conference connection during the year.

9. New ministry of Watertown-Cornerstone at the old opera house.

10. New campus ministry through Fargo-Faith.

11. Centralized background checks for our conference through Trak 1 technology.

The Equipping Link also continued to provide focus with conference-wide training events along the “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations� and the identified areas of priority: 47

#1- developing clergy for medium and large congregations, #2- equipping and empowering laity, #3- promoting personal and corporate spiritual disciplines, #4- starting “new” faith communities, #5- creating safe and sacred places.

Jodi Cataldo, Director of Leadership Development

Camping and Retreat Ministries

Dear Friends, Thank you for partnering with us in the Dakotas Conference Camping ministry. During the past year we have celebrated: v Nearly 8,400 campers enjoying over 17,000 days at YOUR United Methodist Camps in the Dakotas: Lake Poinsett Camp, Storm Mountain Center and Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center. v Partnership with hundreds of volunteers that make camp happen by their dedication and service as prayer warriors, camp deans, counselors, shepherds, counselors in training, nurses, bus chaperones and on site volunteers. Special thanks to the many individuals at the local church who encourage, invite, help submit registrations and give generously to provide scholarships from the local church. v Numerous in-kind gifts and financial gifts. v Debt retirement and dedication of the Grinager Cabinet at Lake Poinsett Camp. v A new cabin at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center spearheaded by the Arthur United Methodist Church. The cabin was moved on site in late October and volunteers are helping finish the interior in time for the start of the 2013 summer camp season. v The completion of the remodeling of Dan Patch Cabin at Storm Mountain Center into the Tupper Inn, a welcoming “homey” space for families, camp deans or individuals that may need a place of retreat. v The hiring process of a complete, permanent staff at all three of our sites with newly hired staff in bold: o Staff at Storm Mountain Center are Scott Jensen, site director; Pinky Horner, kitchen supervisor and cook; Steve Horner, facilities manager; Ashley Wilsey, guest services. o Permanent Staff at Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center are Christy Heflin, site director and Jim Heflin. Christy and Jim and their two sons join us from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference where Christy had been a site director for eleven years. o At Lake Poinsett Camp full time staff members are Kyle Sachs, site director; Susan Fisher, office; John Feldhus, facilities manager and George Fernandez, hospitality coordinator. v A professional, new interactive website. Check it out at www.dakcamps.org. v A new on line registration process for background checks for adult volunteers, also available to churches that wish to participate. See the Conference website for more details at www.dakotasumc.org.

Goals for the upcoming year include:

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o Strengthening of partnerships, particularly with youth ministries, campus ministries and the Board of Ordained Ministry, to discern how the camping ministry can more intentionally develop bold, spirit leaders. Internships and possible certification along with re-visioning of current ministries such as counselors in training and dean and counselor training are possibilities.

Becky Holten, Director

Conference Council on Youth Ministry Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer The Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry has been in the process of making changes in ministry over the last several years. We have been evaluating our ministries to the youth and youth workers of the Dakotas. Taking a careful look at involvement, programming, communications, event quality, expressed needs and visions, we brainstormed and have formulated new ways to carry out our mission statement: to offer Christ to the youth of the Dakotas Conference.

Our evaluative efforts and goal setting have required us to make difficult, yet exciting decisions about our future ministry. So it is with resolve, excitement, and hope that we report: · The 2014 Crossing (Middle School Youth Event) and the 2013 Journey Event (Senior High Youth Event) will be combined for a new single large event to be held in a Monday-Wednesday schedule in June at one location. This event is in its beginning planning stages and will launch in June of 2014 and follow a similar format to the quadrennial denominational event. · Training, supporting and equipping the paid and volunteer youth workers across our conference is a recognized and valuable part of our ministry. o Youthworker Connection – A retreat offered in 2012 was held at Wesley Acres Camp § Given a place apart to re-energize and experience renewal, participants will make connections with other youth workers, share best practices and resources. o Youthworker Academy – A training event held May 3-5, 2013, at Lake Poinsett Camp and remotely for most workshops in Bismarck and Rapid City, featured Stephanie Caro author of “Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches” as our teacher. We had 30 participants from 13 churches. This builds on 2012’s event which had 35 participants from 21 churches. § Participants will receive training from a qualified United Methodist instructor from outside of the Dakotas Conference · CCYM election process has been revamped. · Winter Connection (grades 9-12) a brand new overnight event was held simultaneously at 3 regional locations (Storm Mountain Center, Bismarck McCabe UMC, and Sioux Falls Asbury).

Fun, fellowship, movie/discussion and CCYM elections were the body of this event in 2013. · Leadership Training Camp continues to be a place in which the youth leaders elected to the CCYM practice leadership. Staffed by CCYM adults and others conference leaders the youth in attendance select classes to attend daily, learn about, plan, and lead worship, enjoy fun and fellowship, build lasting friendships and study biblical themes each day in large and small 49

groups. · We continue to promote our events through the Mondays at Dakotas Email list, paper mailings and continual revisions and additions to our website: www.dakyouth.com · The CCYM continues to be an important area in which young leaders discern a call to the ordained ministry. As leaders, we take this responsibility seriously, as well as the responsibility to educate and nurture leaders for the future of the church. As we continue to work more closely with the Board of Ordained Ministry, we hope to strengthen their process of encouraging and connecting with those discerning a call into ministry, both as laypersons and as clergy.

Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, Conference Youth Coordinator

Laity Report This Annual Conference marks the end of my first year as Conference Lay Leader. I learned very quickly that I had large shoes to fill as Janelle Jones’ successor in this position. My current committee assignments are the Extended Cabinet, Episcopacy Team and Nominations.

I must confess that my first task in this new position was to learn to pronounce episcopacy.

Our Laity have done a number of wonderful things this year to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

One notable example was a program which was old and was then made new. What was formerly known as the InGathering underwent some major changes in this past year, including a name change and a venue change. It was moved from Mitchell to Sioux Falls First UMC and was renamed the Dakota Marketplace, and raised $186,000 this year for a variety of hunger initiatives.

While in this position, I would tell you that my passion will be to continue Janelle’s work in the area of Leadership Development. This past July I was privileged to be one of 11 students at the first Certified Lay Ministry School at Living Waters Retreat Center, and this program continues to gain momentum as we will have another class of 12 people attending side by side with the Licensed Local Pastor candidates this July. Through the hard work of Steve Trefz and Mike McMenamy, we are continuing our work within the Lay Servant Leader program. We are adding a Pulpit Supply endorsement in order to further define the roles within the program and expand ministry and leadership opportunities for our Lay Servant Leaders regardless of whether or not they feel led to preach. We have also set a goal of having all 20 Ministry Teams hosting a Basic and an Advanced Class each year. We continue to grow this program, and as we do, I would remind you that we have posted gains in attendance for the second consecutive year. It is my belief that the growth in Leadership Development and attendance are not coincidental.

I would like to thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve the Dakotas Annual Conference in this capacity.

Blaine Wilson, Conference Lay Leader

Campus Ministries Dakota Wesleyan University Campus Ministry In my seventh year as campus pastor at Dakota Wesleyan University, my wife Vicky and I are so thankful each day that God has placed us here. The Spirit is moving and is challenging students, 50

staff, and faculty alike to further grow in their relationship Christ.

At DWU, the ministries are organized around three areas: bring, grow and send.

Bring – Worship is, by far, our largest event each Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Sherman Center. We average 140 people (students, staff & faculty) per week (up from 30 before I arrived) with the students making up the largest number of worshippers. We strive to make it a time where we worship God together and hear messages around themes like When Christians Get it Wrong, The End of the World as We Know It, and the Seven Deadly Sins.

Grow – Transformation happens most powerfully and permanently in small groups. Continuing from the previous year are the following small groups: Fellowship of Christian Athletes with Intramurals, weekly Bible study, and Dinner and Discussion that meets at my home every Sunday. New small groups gather and begin whenever there is a need to do so.

Send – One of the major hallmarks of the Christian life, and of life at DWU, is acts of service. Over the past year, the students, staff and faculty have served the Love Feast, caroled in nursing homes, put together Shoebox Christmas packages, and participated in multiple food drives, just to name a few.

Over spring break in March of 2012, we took a team to New Orleans to continue rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina’s destruction years ago. It was a team of 33 folks (28 students and 4 staff) that worked on homes in various stages of repair.

In May of 2013, we will undertake DWU’s largest mission trip ever, to Chincha, Peru, with 42 students and 7 staff. This will be DWU’s 6th trip to Peru in 12 years.

Other Notable Items: In October, the students led the 6th Mitchell Area Youth Night with the Robbie Seay Band, packing the Sherman Center with more than 500 youth and leaders from Mitchell and surrounding communities. It was a great time of worship and of music with 40 Compassion children sponsored during the event.

Last but not least, we’ve launched weekly Fusion, an alternative Sunday worship gathering at DWU in partnership with First UMC. College students have become engaged in leadership, people from First UMC are leading and new folks are worshipping that were not previously in any other church before!

In 2013, we’re averaging almost 85 people per week.

God is moving at DWU! Rev. Brandon Vetter

United Ministries at Black Hills State University.

In the fall of 2012 we had an active program under the part-time directorship of Holly Moseley. She developed a core of interested students, and began to gather the pieces needed to become an official student organization on the BHSU campus. The semester ended with a very successful ‘Souper Study Session’ where our supporting churches donated crock pots of soup for free lunch for any students, faculty, or staff at the university.

Unfortunately, just as the program was beginning to build, Holly and her husband moved to Wisconsin. After consulting with our local supporting churches, we found a new candidate for our part-time 51

directorship, Elissa Hohbach. Elissa is very active in the youth program of the Spearfish United Methodist Church and had been involved in campus ministries at South Dakota State University. Since she only started her position in mid-March, she has not been able to accomplish much this year, but she has great plans to restore United Ministries back to an active, viable, ecumenical Christian organization, and we look forward to seeing progress in the next year.

Micheal Zehfus, Chair, Board of Directors, United Ministries at Black Hills State University.

MISSIONAL IMPACT (EXTENDING THE LOCAL CHURCH LINK) Extending the Local Church Link Report The current major emphasis of the Extending Link is missional impact. This includes connecting congregations across the Annual Conference with doing missions as well as supporting missions. Missions of mercy, justice and disciple-building are the main focus. The Dakotas Conference continues to support several missional endeavors and two Conference missionaries Rick Jost-Haiti Solar Ovens and Mike Flowers-Spirit Lake Ministries. The Link provides leadership and support for the fall mission fundraising gatherings and transportation of the mission kit contributions Conference-wide. We look forward to being a part of the developing Oil Rush Ministry, and a Director of Missions working within the Dakotas Conference.

Pastor Lou Whitmer, Chair

Disaster Response Report for North Dakota It’s been two years since major flooding in Minot began. During this time we, the Dakotas Conference and UMCOR, have been active in case management, mucking out, rebuilding and returning families to a normal life. In doing this the Dakotas Conference and UMCOR has provided funds to make this happen. We’ve purchased water pumps and equipment for cleaning and disinfecting properties.

Many of you have donated much needed equipment and trucked it to Minot. Fargo was a large contributor to this effort securing a trucking company to get these supplies to Minot without charge. Without your assistance we would not have been able to move as quickly as we were able to. I personally want to thank those in Fargo who understand the necessity and speed of flooding who gave of themselves to help with this effort.

Two years after the flood, case management continues to be in process and rebuilding is in full swing.

With your generosity and grants from UMCOR we have been able to purchase building supplies for the materials warehouse and continue to support families with building materials and everyday necessities to assist in heading these people back to a normal life. We have been blessed with dedicated UMC people from Minot Vincent and Minot Faith who have worked hours and hours to get the job done. Time, talent and blessings present themselves when disaster strikes and we are so very fortunate as an annual conference to have these people.

Volunteers are always important and we have been blessed with the best. We’ve had volunteers come from all over the United States and many who returned a second and third time to help. UMVIM teams have reserved space at Hope Village for this summer so they may be able to help with the volunteer rebuilding effort. None of this could happen without you.

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Today, as I write this, I’m looking at flood forecasts for the Red River Valley. This is the fifth straight year that the valley has been the recipient of flooding. Many in the area, including myself, have become flood weary but yet we must be diligent and prepared for what may come. Funding is always a vital part of disaster response. Our churches have become the necessary factor in our success in disaster response. Without you we would not be able to do anything to help our friends and neighbors. WE ARE A VITAL AND IMPORTANT PART IN DISASTER RESPONSE IN THE DAKOTAS! In the past three years we have spent more than $700,000 for disaster response and recovery and there is much more to be done. Most of this has come from grants from UMCOR that they have graciously entrusted us with because of your giving to One Great Hour of Sharing. The rest of this has come from you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We are the United Methodist Church! Let’s celebrate!

Lee Gale, Disaster Response Coordinator for North Dakota

Disaster Response Report for South Dakota The 2012-2013 disaster response efforts in South Dakota saw continued work with the SD Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the recovery process from the Missouri River Flooding, and monitoring the wild land and forest fires of western South Dakota. Our conference has a long history of involvement in SD VOAD and our programs and experience are highly respected. Each response carries and opportunity to bring the peace of Christ into what can be an overwhelming situation. I currently am in a second term as vice-chair and the chair of the Case Management Committee and Spiritual/Emotional Committee and never cease to be amazed at the healing power of God as no two incidents or case management opportunities are the same.

In November 2012 we closed efforts on the Missouri River flood recovery. In the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area 123 cases were closed either to completion of the rebuild or at the request of the client. Award amounts totaled $1,900 in Unmet Need Funds, $3,000 rebuild supplies, $2,000 for tree removal and volunteer labor for clean-out and construction. We had 9 case workers (7 UM, 1 LDR, 1 CSS) giving over 1,000 volunteer hours. We did hire 1 case worker for 30 hours to finish up details on files. In an effort to maximize resources the recovery efforts for the Dakota Dunes area were handled by the Woodbury County, IA, Emergency Manager and our SD Lutheran Disaster Response partners.

The Pine-beetle infestation and severe drought created an extreme fire danger summer and fall. Well over 100,000 acres of western South Dakota burned. On several occasions evacuation shelters were opened as structures were threatened; thankfully only non-residence structures were lost. A tragedy did occur when a North Carolina Air National Guard C-130 assisting on a fire outside of Edgemont, SD crashed and 4 of the 6 crew members were killed.

The State of South Dakota has created a Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) position under the State Office of Emergency Management. This position has been created to improve communication and maximize resource efforts between SD VOAD and the state. South Dakota is among the first 10 states to create such a position.

We continue to offer classes to establish trained response teams to speed up our ability to respond to needs within our conference. If you or your congregations are interested in more information please contact me through the listing in the journal.

Kathy Chesney, Disaster Response Coordinator for South Dakota 53

Haiti Solar Oven Partners Our Be a Partner Campaign—initiated a year ago and though which we are working with you to increase the number of solar ovens distributed annually to 2000—gained considerable traction and experienced a growth in giving that can only be understood in the context of your heart for mission.

The demand for training and solar ovens has virtually erased the skepticism of early years, so that instead of wondering if these devices really work, we are questioned as to where we’ve been and why we didn’t bring this program to that community a long time ago! Your gifts and service, combined with the demand created by satisfied participants, have fueled growth and optimism.

Specifically, solar oven training and distribution between June 2012 and June 2013 is expected to reach about 1,300 solar ovens. This lower-than-expected number was caused by the severe tropical storm/hurricane season in the fall of 2012, which devastated the Les Cayes area where we had targeted our year-end training opportunities. Nevertheless, exceeding the 1000-mark for a 12-month period of solar oven training and distribution is significant, and the regrouping and response by our Haitian staff to yet another disaster is a significant measure of maturity. With your unwavering support, it is possible that HSOP could reach the goal of 2000 ovens in calendar year 2013 and these are the reasons. ·

HSOP held strategic fundraising/planning retreats last fall and this spring with Advisory Board members and other interested parties to chart a course for moving forward. The mission statement from the first retreat: “The next fiscal year Haiti Solar Oven Partners will provide 2,280 units to Haitian families participating in training and ownership of a solar oven.” This is the number of units that can be shipped in two 40-ft. sea containers.

·

In September 2012, expanded communication with our partners and potential partners began with the launch of HSOP Update, an electronic newsletter.

·

A highly successful 2012 Alternative Christmas Giving promotion spread the word about HSOP through a calling campaign by volunteers to all Conference pastors. This had a significant impact for more than doubling 2012 gifts when compared to the 2011 Advent promotion (2012 gifts were 285% greater than 2011).

·

The opening of a workshop in Moffit, ND to manufacture a much-improved reflector design not only fulfills an important design innovation, but provides new volunteer opportunities in the northern areas of the Dakotas Conference. Volunteer opportunities are also being expanded at the Volga, SD workshop with a building addition and, for both locations, through the growing number of ovens produced, packaged, and shipped. All workshop space, plus utilities, is gifted to the ministry.

·

Continuing follow-up with our user base through the execution of a May 2013 Solar Oven User Survey, involving 300 solar cooking seminar graduates, expands our knowledge base. To each participant in the survey, a fruit tree sapling and a French bread pan w/ baking cloth was provided for encouragement and personal growth.

·

During Haiti Solar Oven Partners’ 13-year ministry, 179 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission have traveled to Haiti as part of 309 HSOP volunteer trips. Countless others have volunteered their time, talents and dollars to make a positive difference to the people of Haiti. To date, HSOP has placed more than 7000 solar ovens in the hands of Haitians as a more sustainable cooking source and a means of water purification.

Thank YOU for being a partner as we strive to meet the growing need for ovens within the context of the age-old question of demonstrating mercy: “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29 RSV) Rick Jost, Director Haiti Solar Oven Partners (HSOP) 54

Tree of Life Ministry A ministry to Native Americans -- serving 27,000 Lakota in 5 counties of South Dakota.

(1) Tree of Life is a Relief Agency.

Serving the poorest counties in the entire United States, this United Methodist mission uses a combination of volunteers and staff to distribute over 1,500,000 pounds of groceries, 1,250,000 pounds of In-Kind donations, 52,000 free hot meals, and an untold amount of clothing and bedding each year. Tree of Life Ministry is also a premier site for Volunteers In Mission, hosting over 1,000 volunteers each year, that come from 25 different states and 12 different denominations. In 2012 free home repairs were made by volunteers to 45 Lakota homes.

(2) Tree of Life is a witness of Christian Faith.

For decades the word “Christian” was a derogatory word among Native Americans. History is filled with stories of those who claimed the name of Jesus while cheating, lying, and even being a part of the massacres that tried to exterminate those who claimed this land as their own. Tree of Life has worked to rebuild a positive attitude toward the church and those who share their faith through good works. There is now a solid bridge that has been built, ready for those who would present the message of Jesus.

(3) Tree of Life provides Cross-Cultural Education.

Along with being a Relief Agency, Tree of Life also serves to educate both Native Americans about “those who walk the Jesus Road”, and those who come to the Rosebud Reservation about the faith and culture of the Lakota people. Each evening finds presentations about the richness of their culture, crafts & design, Lakota faith and spirituality, history as viewed by Native Americans, and opportunities to pray together in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony.

An invitation is given to all of our Dakotas Churches to consider sending a VIM team to Tree of Life to experience first-hand, this United Methodist Ministry to Native Americans. Tree of Life is a year-round ministry, where you can help with our Food Pantry, Clothing Distribution, Home Repairs, Winterization Program, Christmas Gift Distribution, and lots more. It is located in Mission SD. Just call and inquire about what you can do to help.

Russell Masartis, Executive Director

Children of the Harvest – Spirit Lake Ministry The Children of the Harvest (COH) funds the food pantry at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center food pantry operates all year and has regular set hours and acts as an emergency source of food. The food pantry distributes in excess of $10,000 in food per year and met the needs of more than 600 people per month last year on and around the Spirit Lake Reservation. This was an increase of 20 families. The food pantry depends on the funds from the Dakotas Conference, donations from churches and individuals, State and Local agencies and food drive items. Recipients of the food pantry receive more than just physical sustenance. They are given the opportunity to leave prayer requests and fellowship with the missionaries. This helps grow the faith community of The United Methodist Church on the reservation. Our goal for 2013 is to reach an additional 20 families each month.

We have made contact with Tribal Social Services, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Dakota Prairie Community Action Organization for referrals for peoples in need.

The Children of the Harvest provided Shoebox Christmas Gifts for 5,215 children in poverty and need in 2012. The Shoebox Gifts were distributed to four reservations in the Dakotas Conference and the 55

Red Lake Reservation in MN. The gifts provide the children with the story of Jesus’ birth, warm hats, scarves, mittens/gloves and fun toys. The gifts share the love of Jesus Christ and plant seeds of faith with the children who receive them. Shoebox Christmas gifts are donated by churches from all over the country with the bulk of the gifts coming from the Dakotas Conference. Some churches and individuals donate funds to help with the purchase of Shoebox “Filler” and to provide for the printing costs of the story of Jesus birth. The program is outlined in emails, on Facebook, meetings, speaking engagements and the Mondays in the Dakotas. Children of the Harvest provides spiritual follow-up with the children we come in contact with. Last year the program costs exceeded $2,060.

The Community Children’s Fund provided emergency clothing and temporary housing for 92 children affected by a life-changing events. The Community Children’s Fund was used to purchase winter coats, hats, gloves, blankets, clothing, toys and other items lost in fires or any other major event that occurs in the child’s life. We take items from the food pantry/clothing closet when available, but on occasion must purchase these types of items. The program depends on funds donated from the Dakotas Conference, churches and individuals to help defray the cost of these items. Last year we spent in excess of $4,000.

The Mustard Seed Grant Program provides churches money to kick start a children’s outreach program in their local community. Churches are eligible for a onetime grant of $500 to help with the cost of their program. Outreach programs can be, but are not limited to, children’s clothing closets, Vacation Bible School programs open to the entire community, faith-based day care centers and other programs that are designed to bring children and families into the church. We make churches aware of this grant though meetings, speaking engagements and Monday’s in the Dakotas. Churches apply via e-mail to the COH. Sidewalk Sunday School provided a fast paced Vacation Bible School experience for our Dakotas Conference communities in June, July and August of last year. We visited 18 different sites and were open to all peoples of the community. In most cases Sidewalk Sunday School was held in local parks to encourage participation of all children in the community. This week long, 3-hour program teaches basic Bible knowledge and prayer utilizing exciting child friendly songs, stories and crafts to reinforce the lessons. This program is designed to begin the process of making disciples of Jesus Christ and bring un-churched families to the congregations that sponsor the program. The program provided fun and spiritual learning to more than 300 children in the Dakotas Conference last year.

The Sidewalk Sunday School program also provides the children of the Spirit Lake Reservation the opportunity to participate in the same fast-paced programs that minister to the children of our Dakotas Conference Churches. Last year the second trailer visited 5 different local communities on the reservation and shared the love of Jesus Christ with more than 200 children each week during a 10 week period. We were able to begin and reinforce basic spiritual learning to more than 1,000 children on the reservation. The success of this program can be seen in the interaction with the missionaries outside the program boundaries. The children see us in their local schools, on their playgrounds and in public areas on the reservation. They greet us and ask questions about the program and some of the older children seek spiritual advice. This program is a tremendous success and will continue to be a part of the Sidewalk Sunday School program in the upcoming years.

The Spirit Lake Ministry Center hosted more than 400 Volunteers in Mission last summer. The volunteers from across the country built 14 wheel-chair ramps, 6 decks, roofed 6 houses, and painted 3 houses and provided spiritual fellowship to untold numbers of local residents. The focus of our teams is to build. We build relationships that are meant to last a lifetime and longer. We are building a faith community that allows the local residents to regain trust in the church and to bridge the gap of cultural differences. We focus not on the difference, but on the similarities of our cultures,.those being our faith 56

and trust in God. The Spirit Lake Ministry Center provides a place for children and adults alike to come and feel comfortable. We sponsored the annual Culture Camp, the Equine Diversion Program and the Wellness Ride. These three programs brought more than 200 children and adults to the Ministry Center.

We hosted a back-to-school bash for the children on the reservation. The free carnival had more than 25 youth and adult sponsors and 300 local children and their parents attend. It was a major success.

More than 300 individuals from all over the reservation attended our annual August give-a-way. This year two semi trailers of goods were donated. One trailer of furniture and another of clothing, toys, books and household items were emptied and given away in the two-day event. The programs at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center continue to grow and are developing a faith community that will one day become a congregation.

Mike and Libby Flowers, Directors Spirit Lake Ministry

Ministry in Southeast Pierre It has been my privilege to serve in ministry as the pastor and director at Southeast UMC and Southeast Community Center. Southeast is one of those places where you get many wonderful glimpses into the kingdom of God. Many of the children in our care are discovering Christ’s love for them for the very first time. Individuals who have been written off by society, and sometimes even by other churches, have a place to call home here. Every week we seek to be the Body of Christ and to extend the grace of God to our community.

As a small and missional faith community, we rely on the generosity of other individuals, community organizations, and United Methodist Churches across the Dakotas. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from the Conference, and we are looking forward to receiving Builder’s Club funds next month to help us cover the cost of some much needed improvements to our building, including a new roof. Additional financial gifts are still needed and welcome.

This past year we launched a worship service and children’s puppet ministry. Our young adult ministry with Pierre First United Methodist Church continues to bear fruit, and our primary worship service has grown. With our location, I have also had many wonderful opportunities to help our church offer a social witness to our legislators. Though our membership is still relatively small, through the support of others and by the grace of God we are in ministry to nearly 300 people each week.

We know not what the future holds for us in Southeast Pierre, but we are confident that greater things are yet to come. We pray the Spirit will continue to stir our hearts and guide us in mission. And pray God’s blessing upon the new pastor and director, Jeri Burns.

God’s blessings and peace be with you, Karl Kroger, Southeast United Methodist Church, Pastor and Southeast Community Center, Director

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MISSIONAL RESOURCES (STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES LINK) Stewardship Report for Annual Conference 2013 The Stewardship Link met several times in person and a number of times using conference calls or the DAVID system since the 2012 Annual Conference. We continue to work with the various groups on expenditure requests. As these are recommended by our Link they are sent to Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CCFA) to be incorporated in the budgeting process.

A large portion of our energy was dedicated to looking at a new formula for apportionments. Last year’s Annual Conference affirmed, by a clear majority, the idea of changing to a tithe plus as a way of calling churches and the Conference to do business.

With this in mind, a task force was formed – which included several from the Stewardship Link along with others throughout the Conference who would bring different perspectives to the table. This group looked at, discussed, and called on others within the Conference to broaden the perspective on how a tithe plus could work. After a period of weekly conference calls and many long conversations the group recommended not a tithing plus but a change in the apportionment formula. This was discussed at length at our March Stewardship Link meeting and it was recommended to CCFA that the percentage for the 2014 budget be 16% of a church’s income as defined in Table 3, Line 67 of the annual statistical reports. This formula and all the questions regarding exactly what is or is not included in line 67 will be discussed as part of our Annual Conference gathering.

The Link also looked at our role in the Strategic Plan of the Conference and how we can be an integral part of meeting the mission of our Conference.

Laura Borman, Stewardship Link Chairperson No report submitted.

Board of Trustees Board of Pensions

The Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions (Board or BOP) administers the pension, health care and other benefit programs available to clergy and lay employees of United Methodist institutions (local churches, annual conference, and other UM related entities).

The Board has adopted as our guide a purpose statement which reads: The purpose of the Board of Pensions of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is to wisely provide pension and health care benefits for its clergy, lay employees and their families so that they can more freely equip the local church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (See Para.

639.1 in the 2012 Book of Discipline).

Today, there is much uncertainty as to our nation and world’s economic situation. Also, much is unknown as to the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its implication for how health care benefits will be received. In the midst of these unknowns, the Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions with the guidance and support of the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits and in partnership with the Dakotas Annual Conference, are committed to providing full funding for a pension plan, providing access to health benefits, and providing funding for all unfunded liabilities.

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In order to keep the promises of our pension plan, the Dakotas Board of Pensions in partnership with the Dakotas Annual Conference has undertaken and will continue a program of long-term planning. We are working with actuaries from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) to set target balances for each of our obligations that will ensure a sufficient cash flow for present and future needs and will provide a “cushion” for apportionment stabilization.

Benefit Programs administered by the Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions include: · Health Insurance: The Board currently provides health insurance for eligible active clergy, retired clergy under the age of 65, lay employees, their families and surviving spouses through the “HealthFlex” plan offered by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. The Board recommended effective 1/1/2013, providing retirees with access to coverage through Extend Health which will be facilitated by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. This was voted on and approved at Annual Conference June 2012. · Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP): CPP provides several benefits for eligible active clergy, retired clergy, their families and survivors. These include: o Disability benefits for clergy who are not able to perform full-time work as clergy for medical or behavioral health reasons. o Death benefits of lump-sum payments upon the death of a clergy, spouse, surviving spouse, or dependent child, a basic annuity rate for surviving spouses, an annual surviving child benefit for children under the age of 18, and an educational benefit for surviving children enrolled in school and under age 25. According to the General Board, “Clergy who retire under the 20 year rule are not eligible for CPP death benefits.” o Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) premiums for eligible active clergy serving less than full time under “Special Arrangements” will be required to be paid directly to the Dakotas Conference at a rate of 4.4% of the current year Denomination Average Compensation (DAC) by the clergy or the church/salary paying unit that the less than full time clergy is serving. This will need to be paid by the 30th of each month. To enroll in this benefit the clergy person must contact the Conference Benefits Officer within 30 days of appointment. · The Ministerial Reserve Pension Fund (Pre-1982 – MRPF): This “Defined Benefit” plan offers a benefit for each year of service before 1982. The annuity (Past Service) rate is adjusted according to the CAC (Conference Average Compensation). The annuity rate has a Disciplinary minimum of no less than 0.8% of the CAC. · Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP): A defined contribution plan for service between January 1, 1982 and December 31, 2006. Effective January 1, 2007, no further contributions are paid into this plan. However, the Annual Conference is still responsible to guarantee the annuity amounts paid from the Ministerial Pension Plan. · Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP): Approved by the 2012 General Conference, CRSP provides two levels of benefits for clergy effective 1/1/2014: a) a “Defined Benefit” (DB) component equal to 1.00% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) at retirement for each year of credited service (1.25% of credited service from 2007-2013) and b) a “Defined Contribution” (DC) equal to 2% of a clergy’s plan compensation deposited into an investment account controlled by the clergyperson. In addition, the Church/salary paying unit will match participant contributions to the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) up to 1% of compensation – and deposit those matching funds into participant CRSP DC accounts. There59

fore, if a participant contributes at least 1% of compensation to UMPIP, his or her CRSP DC contributions will be 3% as was under the 2007-2013 CRSP plan. This plan change is effective January 1, 2014. · Pension and Benefit Plans for Lay Employees: The Board of Pensions administers these plans; however, funding and enrollment for these plans are the responsibility of the employer (Annual Conference, UM related institution, or local church). · United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP): This voluntary plan is a 403(b) retirement savings and investment plan. If local churches, the annual conference, or UM related institutions are willing to become a plan sponsor, clergy and lay employees can make personal contributions to UMPIP without any “employer” contributions. The requirements to do this are very simple: complete the necessary application forms to be a PLAN SPONSOR, withhold an amount from the employee’s wages, and submit it to the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits monthly on the employee’s behalf. However, if clergy want to make sure they continue to receive the full 3% into their CRSP DC account they will need to participate and make personal contribution of a minimum 1% of their compensation into their UMPIP account.

UPDATES TO THE CRSP AND CPP PLAN Effective 1/1/2014 the CRSP benefit formula for determining the Defined Benefit (DB) component will change from 1.25% of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) at retirement to 1.00% multiplied by years of service after December 31, 2013. The clergyperson must be serving a minimum of half-time. The current CRSP benefit formula will remain effective for all covered service prior to January 1, 2014.

Effective 1/1/2014 the Defined Benefit component of CRSP will change. The Church/salary paying unit will contribute 2% of the clergyperson’s compensation. The clergyperson must be serving a minimum of half-time. In addition, the Church/salary paying unit will match clergyperson’s contributions to the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) up to 1% of compensation and deposit those matching funds into participant CRSP DC account. Therefore, if a clergyperson contributes at least 1% of compensation to UMPIP, his or her CRSP DC contributions will be 3%, as currently under CRSP. Effective 1/1/2013 (CPP) Participant (retiree, retiree’s spouse, retiree’s surviving spouse, retiree’s child) Death Benefits will change to a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage of the Denomination Average Compensation in the year of death as was calculated in the past. Death benefits for Active Participant will remain the same.

UPDATES ON THE HEALTHFLEX PROGRAM: HealthFlex is offered to Annual Conferences through the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB). This plan is specifically designed for active and younger than age 65 retired United Methodist clergy and lay employees. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the health insurance carrier which has been contracted to administer the plan and process claims.

Beginning in 2013 the Dakotas Conference discontinued providing the HealthFlex Medicare Companion Plan for retirees and began working with Extend Health through the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits to provide access to health coverage for our retirees, spouses and surviving spouses in the individual open market.

The HealthFlex insurance plan has strict guidelines regarding payment of premiums. In order for the Conference to have some perspective on the actual health insurance bill for our participants, the following numbers are the actual cost for each category of participant enrolled in HealthFlex for 2014: 60

ACTIVES:

Single

Participant plus one

Family

$ 8,076 $15,324 $19,380

UPDATES ON EXTEND HEALTH FOR RETIREES: There were 197 eligible retirees, spouses and surviving spouses to enroll in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan through Extend Health in August of 2012 for the 2013 year. 168 participants enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan and 18 enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. There were 64 different plans selected with 19 different carriers. The average cost of monthly premium for a Medicare Supplement plan for these individuals was $194.11. The average cost of monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage plan was $58.37. There were some that enrolled in a dental plan (average cost $30.85) and vision plan (average cost $14) as well. Many of the prescription plans have $0 co-pay on generic medications.

The Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that the Conference is contributing to for each eligible retiree, spouse and surviving spouse for the individual plan in 2013 will cover all or at least 90% of the average cost. The average HRA to a participant for 2013 was $2357, compared to the average annual cost of the Medicare Supplement plan selected for 2013 of $2329. In addition, retirees are no longer having premium costs deducted from their pension check. So the average individual retiree is getting an additional $98 in their pension check and also being reimbursed 90%-100% for their premiums through their HRA funds.

UPDATE ON THE RETIREE HEALTH LIABILITY FUNDING PLAN AND NEW INFORMATION ON A RETIREE HEALTH FUNDING PLAN /( HEALTH REIMBURSMENT ACCOUNTS) In 2012 the Board recommended providing retirees with access to coverage through Extend Health which will be facilitated by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. This decision also affects the Retiree Health Liability which, as of December 31 2008, had an unfunded obligation of $17,434,158.

Instead of paying a percent of the health insurance premiums for retirees, the Dakotas Conference will provide contributions to individual Health Reimbursement Accounts. The annual total amount to be provided will be determined annually by the Board. As a result of this change, we will no longer have an unfunded obligation for retiree health. This was voted on and approved at Annual Conference 2012.

To fund the Health Reimbursement Account contributions, the Board will use funding from three sources: 1. Funds that had been accumulated for the Retiree Health Liability. As of December 31, 2012, the amount of these funds was $1,165,699.

2. Earnings from the Frank Lynch Trust and Georgia Lynch Trust. In 2012, the trusts distributed a combined total of $532,471.

3. On January 1, 2014, 3% will be added to the Active Participant Share in the “Salary Ratio� way that the Active Participant Share is currently calculated. The amount generated by the additional 3% will be directed to funding retiree health. Each year after 2014 the 3% addition will increase by 1% (in 2015 it would be an additional 4%; in 2016 it would be an additional 5%;) with the amount collected being deposited into the retiree health account. The 5% Retiree Health Liability Addition would continue to be added to the Active Participant Share in 2016 and future years.

Pension Payments and Rental/Housing Allowance This document has been updated for 2014 and can be found in business and policy sections of this Journal.

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Dakotas Annual Conference

Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan

Dakotas Annual Conference 2014 COMPREHENSIVE BENEFIT FUNDING PLAN The Dakotas annual conference has the following benefit obligations: Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) The total liability for CRSP DB annuities as of 1/1/2012 is $737 million, the total plan assets are $744 million, and the current funded ratio for the plan is 101%.

The Dakotas Conference's portion of the total liability is .71%, and the conference has elected to include 50%+ for FTE eligibility for 2014. As a result, the required contribution due as of 12/31/14 is $774,094.

It is anticipated that the amount will be funded from Future Incoming Money totaling $774,094.

The total account and/or future incoming money covers the required contribution.

The contribution for 2012 CRSP DC is anticipated to be $249,936 and will be funded by Direct billing churches. Contributions for Conference employees will be apportioned.

It is anticipated that increases for future years will be 3.25% (anticipated increase %). This increase is anticipated because 10-year average increase

Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) The total liability for MPP annuities as of 1/1/2012 is $2.538 billion, the total plan assets are $2.639 billion, and the current funded ratio for the plan is 104%.

The conference's % of the total liability is .75%,. There is no required contribution for 2014.

Future MPP annuitants have a total account balance of $4.324 billion as of 1/1/2012. The conference’s portion of this account balance at 1/1/12 is $34.235 million or .79% of the total.

Supplement One to the Clergy Retirement Security Program (Pre-82) For 2013, the PSR is $599.00. For 2014, the conference is increasing its PSR to $623.00. On average, the conference expects future increases to be approximately 3%. The rationale for our expectation is: Our philosophy is that the PSR should increase at a rate similar to the increase in CAC. We have changed our estimate of future increases to the PSR for the following reason(s): Our philosophy is that the PSR should increase at a rate similar to the increase in CAC. Key assumptions: 7.0% discount rate, using the RP2000 mortality table with a AA generational projection.

The conferences does not intend to increase its contingent annuitant percentage from 70%.

Funding Plan Liability as of 1/1/2012

$23,517,540

Plan Assets as of 1/1/2012

$25,967,693

The current funded status is $2,450,153 with a 110% funded ratio.

Redirecting Surplus Information The conference intends to redirect $3,878,568 on 12/31/2012. The conference intends to redirect $1,002,257 on 12/31/2013.

Our philosophy is to maintain a funded level at 100% or less. Any funds available for redirection will be redirected to an investment account held in Wespath's MAF. This investment account is designated for Pre-82. When the the total of the plan assets and this investment fund exceed 140%, excess funds will be redesignated for other purposes related to pension and benefits.

The conference expects to make future Pre-82 contibutions. Contributions will be made from an investment account held in Wespath's MAF. This investment account is designated for Pre-82.

It is anticipated that the amount will be funded from Non-plan assets The Total Balance is positive, all liabilities have been accounted for.

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Dakotas Annual Conference

Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Program

The Post Retiree Medical Plan currently offered and anticipated for 2014 can be described as: Stipend A more detailed description of this plan is: Provide access to health insurance through Extend Health. HRA Contributions may be available to retirees and the amount is based on years of service and age.

Strategic plan for funding obligation is as follows: Active pastors will pay and additional 5% of their premium amount. This is designated for retiree HRA contributions. In addition, the Conference has already accumulated approximately $12.7 million for this purpose. The total of these funds will be managed like an endowment where annual distributions are declared and the goal is to grow the fund over time.

Source for paying for obligations: 0 Additional comments around PRM: I anticipate that our unfunded liability for Retiree Medical Health will be zero going forward because of our funding plan.

Active Health Benefit Program The Dakotas conference offers the following active health program to its participants: HealthFlex.

During the calendar year 2012, the total cost for the active health program was $1,816,160. The active health program was funded from Direct Billing churches. Future increases are expected in the range of 5.0%.

Rationale for anticipated increases to this obligation: Based on assumptions made by actuaries as well as historical experience.

Comprehensive Protection Plan Currently (for 2012), the Dakotas Conference has an annual required contribution to the Comprehensive Protection Plan of $241,512.

The anticipated increase in obligation for future years will be approximately 3.3% per year. This expected increase is due to: Based on the 10-year average increase It is anticipated the unfunded obligation will be funded as follows: Direct billing churches. Contributions for Conference employees will be apportioned.

Other Conference Benefit Obligations to Clergy and Staff The Dakotas conference has the following other benefit obligations

Section A. Other Benefit Obligations

Currently (for 2012), the Dakotas Conference has an annual estimated contribution of $50,000. This benefit obligation can be described as Medicare Part B Subsidy for Surviving Spouses.

The anticipated increase in obligation for future years will be approximately .0% per year. This expected increase is due to: In recent history, there has been little to no increases.. This will be funded by: Apportionments Additional Comments concerning this obligation: We pay the Medicare Part B for surviving spouses.

Section B. Other Benefit Obligations

The Dakotas Conference has an benefit obligation that can be described as Premium and Medical Grants For this obligation the annual estimated contribution is $20,000. This obligation is funded: Earnings from Endowment The anticipated increase in obligation for future years will be approximately .0% per year. This expected increase is due to: With the change to Extend Health, there will be much fewer premium grants awarded to help retirees cover premiums. We are expecting an increase in medical expense grants though. These should offset each other.

Section C. Other Benefit Obligations

The Dakotas Conference has an benefit obligation that can be described as UMPIP contribution is made for each full-time elder. This is a DC obligation where the amount is equal to 3% of the DAC for that year.

For this obligation the annual estimated contribution is $254,280. This obligation is funded: Direct billing to churches The anticipated increase in obligation for future years will be approximately 3.0% per year. This expected increase is due to: The DAC has been increasing about 3% annually over the last ten years.

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Dakotas Annual Conference

Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan

This funding plan incorporates, to the best of our understanding, the conference's obligations and funding of the following benefits provided to clergy and laity. Signatures included below are: Conference Benefit Officer (or equivalent), Conference Treasurer (if separate) and the Conference Board of Pension Chair, and others as appropriate.

X CRSP DB

X Active Health

X CRSP DC

X CPP

X MPP Annuities

X Other Obligations Section A

X MPP Future Annuities

X Other Obligations Section B

X Pre 1982

X Other Obligations Section C

X Post-Retirement Medical

Other Obligations Section D Other Obligations Section E

/s Leana Stunes, CBO, 5/3/13

/s Jeff Pospisil, Treasurer, 5/3/13

Signature, conference title, date

Signature, conference title, date

/s Marilyn Z. Perry, Chair, Dakotas Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits, 4/26/13 Signature, conference title, date

Signature, conference title, date

Signatures on file at GBOPHB

Opinion on Dakotas Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan This Funding Plan meets the standards for a Pre-82 funding plan as established by the General Board, and the requirements for a favorable opinion of a Funding Plan.

Note: The statement above and any written opinion provided by the General Board do not imply any representation as to the ability or probability of the applicable Conference to fulfill the obligations included in the Funding Plan.

General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Glenview, Illinois May 13, 2013

Leana Stunes, Conference Benefits Officer

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Builder’s Club The Extending Link determined it was preferable to review Builder’s Club applications quarterly, particularly to allow for emergency requests throughout the year. Since Annual Conference 2012 Builder’s Club funds have supported projects at Miller UMC, Donnybrook UMC, White River UMC and the current call is for SE Pierre. Applications, guidelines and information on becoming a part of Builder’s Club are available on the Dakotas UMC website.

(The Builder’s Club will be working with the Stewardship in the future).

Lou Whitmer, Link Chair

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resource Committee worked on revising the Organizational Chart and the Handbook to reflect our new structure under Bishop Ough. The bishop believes that committees and boards develop policies but are not really supervisory bodies. The supervisor actually sees the day to day work of the employees so they are better able to evaluate the employee. The new Organizational Chart will help identify supervisory roles and channels for evaluation of all current and future employees.

The Human Resource Committee also reviewed and made recommendations for compensation for all employees not falling within a stated formula of compensation for the 2014 budget.

Barry Whipkey, Chairman, Human Resources Committee

Conference Commission on Archives and History Equipping a ministry of unleashed bold spirit(ual) leaders takes power. And in human organizations, such as our Annual Conference, such power is supplied by muscle. For instance, when an athlete earns medals at a competition such as the Olympics, his or her muscles need to be strong and operating at peak efficiency. Sometimes commentators will look behind the glamour of an athlete’s (or leader’s) achievement and see the well-trained muscles that propelled him or her to victory. Yet, your Commission on Archives and History looks beyond even the muscles, the training and even the fuel that powers the muscles that propel effective organizations because we know that muscles have memories. Training not only refines the body, but also the mind. An organism’s activities are recorded in its memory. Training actually retrieves and re-records those memories over and over again until the pathways in the brain are so well traveled and the records so readily accessible that electrical impulses ignite instantaneously upon stimulus without the delay of second-guessing. In other words, the organism’s memory system allows an organism to snap into action almost spontaneously and unleash its mighty well trained power.

The work of your Commission on Archives and History is to ensure that the activities of this organism are well recorded and the access to those memories is well traced and uninhibited so that the power of this conference can respond boldly without unnecessary delay. For instance, when we need to remember the process for voting on constitutional amendments or who were the last known members of the Tioga (N.D.) United Methodist Church, what curriculum and materials were used at a particular camp in years past or whether a certain pastor had ever served in the Dakotas, your ministry of memory empowers that.

Your CAH, which comprises seven voting and three non-voting members, met three times in the past year (twice by phone and once in person) in pursuit of our 12 mandated Disciplinary provisions. (¶641). Our highest priority, and more than 88% our 2012 expenditures, went to support the archives space and its personnel costs. (The 2014 request envisions those items representing 90.6% of the 65

budget.) Archivist Laurie Langland holds an earned doctorate and has a dual role as Dakota Wesleyan University staff and non-teaching faculty. We share half of her time with the university. Her conference time is busy with research requests and processing donations of materials, including records from closed churches. Compiling memoirs for annual conference and the journal, according to recently articulated Sessions and Journal policies, is another regular task. Also, this past year, she assisted a local church in obtaining digital photographs of original records the church had inadvertently donated to a local secular historical society, and she is working with that society in reclaiming other records the local church held in trust for the conference that were improperly donated.

As chair of the commission, I participated in one meeting with a local church history committee to discuss the importance and process of their work. Langland also stands ready to assist local churches as they develop their own history committees or conduct the ministry of memory at the local level.

Furthermore, those looking for guidelines on what to save, may go to the conference website at http:// www.dakotasumc.org/media/files/Doreen/Guidelines_1_page_May_2010.pdf for a summary of some of the more common records. For a more extensive listing, go to the web site for the General Commission on Archives and History at http://www.gcah.org/site/c.ghKJI0PHIoE/b.3611175/k.37E7/Guidelines_for_Managing_Records.htm In the past year, the CAH reached out to the Conference Council on Youth Ministry, through its president Matthew Bader, to determine what the youth of this conference value about our history. The project evolved into reading what youth said they value about United Methodism that is worth preserving.

The results fell into the following four broad categories: 1) diversity and openness, 2) piety, 3) work, service and mission, and 4) connection.

The CAH is also preparing for the 2017 publication of an update to our conference history. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Perry has been researching this since 2004 and updates the CAH annually.

Another priority is attendance at the annual North Central Jurisdictional Convocation on Archives and History, the site of which rotates throughout this jurisdiction’s episcopal areas. In 2012, the convocation was held in Indianapolis, IN, at United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis. Two commission members and one non-member spouse attended the convocation. Our conference makes annual reports to this group, which elects members to the General Commission on Archives and History.

Our conference delegates then hear reports back from that general agency. Thus, attendance serves the conference’s purpose of “providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church” (¶601).

The CAH is responsible for recognizing jubilee clergy. The CAH annually re-examines the published service records of retired clergy and makes appropriate changes in our records.

Furthermore, the CAH buys the grave markers presented by the Cabinet to the families of our clergy members at the clergy’s individual memorial services.

At each meeting, the CAH takes more than a tithe of its time to pray, to relate our work to the general United Methodist devotional rule of staying in love with God and, as directed by ¶610, to discussing the following questions: “How are we intentionally reaching new people for Jesus Christ through our ministries?” and “How are we helping new people grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ through our ministries and areas of responsibility?”

This work is conducted with a portion of your connectional-mission giving (apportionments). In 2012, our ministry required $785 less than your registration fees and apportionments spent on food at the Annual Conference session. So, we thank you that you continue to prioritize the equipping of this ministry of memory so that we can equip this conference’s ministry muscles.

R. Duane Coates Chair, Conference Commission on Archives and History 66

Conference Council on Finance and Administration The CCFA continues to be blessed with our Director of Finance, Jeff Pospisil assisted by JoAnn Schlimgen and Sharon Blumer. Jeff continues to stay in touch with local congregations through faceto-face meetings and messages delivered during worship to help churches understand our budgets, missions and apportionments.

We have had a few members of CCFA resign due to personal conflicts and moves from the conference. We are presently looking at replacements to fill these vacancies.

This year, a committee from several conference links worked on the proposed change to our apportionment formula. The old formula has worked well in the past, but has always been a bit confusing.

The proposed formula is a biblical model rather than simply using numbers to come up with an apportionment value. The results of their work will be presented at Annual Conference. We will also be presenting a proposed change to the conference carryover policy to encourage conference agencies to better formulate budgets for expected future needs.

Apportionment receipts have had a slight increase this year. In 2011, churches paid 91.3% apportionments. In 2012, apportionments have increased to 92.3%. General Conference apportionments paid continues to remain at about 89%.

We have continued our work to increase reserves. A benchmark for reserves is around 10% of the annual budget. Our reserves as of December 31, 2012 are as follows: Unrestricted Reserves $ 125,288.58 Designated funds $ Permanently restricted $ 120,000.00 Funds Temporarily Restricted $ 885,739.80 Enter Audit Report statement Our primary work is and continues to be the budget. A few years ago, CCFA decided that we would try to maintain the apportioned budget at around 6 million. We have been successful so far and we will continue to strive for our goal of keeping budget increases reasonable.

In February, Jeff, Sharon and I attended the General Council on Finance and Administration’s Quadrennial Training event held in New Mexico. There was quite a bit of information passed out, some of which show us to be in a good position as we are already doing what we should be doing. They also gave us insight into new technology to help us better perform our financial and administrative functions.

A special thank you to Nancy Bohlen. Nancy has served the CCFA for many years and recently had to step down as chair of CCFA because of term limits. She has continued to serve in an advisory capacity this past year and at the end of this term, she will be officially retired from CCFA. We at CCFA want to thank her for her leadership and dedication to CCFA and the Conference.

Bob Duemig, Chair Conference Council on Finance and Administration

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Dakotas United Methodist Foundation 2014 Budget Request = $0 -- The Dakotas United Methodist Foundation exists to multiply gifts

for the Kingdom of God and to be faithful partners on the journey. This is accomplished by providing services and educational and financial resources to individuals, ministries, and churches affiliated with the Dakotas Annual Conference. In addition, the Foundation invests funds for churches and agencies, assists local churches in their financial and stewardship efforts, provide funding for churches and ministries through endowment funds, and assists individual donors in their financial planning and charitable giving.

Due to two generous estate gifts and increased number of churches/ministries investing funds with the Foundation, we have eliminated our apportionment ask. Our continued growth will allow us to return more to the churches and ministries of the Dakotas.

So what is new with the Foundation? We are excited to share that: · We have two new workshops that are available to your church at no charge.

- A New Look at the Offering Plate: Practical Stewardship Ideas - Don’t Leave Me this Way: Planning your Estate · Our website has been redesigned to serve you better – www.DakotasUMF.org · We have added a third investment option – Fixed Income Fund. Offered through Wespath Investments (www.wespath.com), it is a mix of their Fixed Income and Inflation Protection Fund to offer a conservative option. The Balanced Fund and Growth Fund are the two other options. More information is on our website – click on Churches, click on Investment Funds.

These funds are invested and returned upon request. · Our grant programs have continued to expand. Ministry Development Matching Grants deadline is August 1 and Bremer Family Mission Grants deadline is February 1. Click on Grants button on our website for more information!

Mr. Tom Dravland, President and Dr. Bruce Blumer, Executive Director

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SECTION 5: UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY REPORTS Africa University In 2012, twenty-seven annual conferences invested in Africa University at the level of 100% of their general church asking for the Africa University Fund (AUF). Other annual conferences also increased their support. The overall effort pushed giving to the AUF to a new record of 93.35%.

The university is profoundly grateful to the Dakotas Annual Conference for investing 89% of its asking to the AUF. The conference fell short of a 100% investment in the Africa University Fund by $1,459, which is equivalent to half of a year’s basic tuition and fees for one student.

This year, please encourage your local congregation to give generously. We are counting on you to bring the annual investment of the Dakotas Conference in the AUF back to what it was in 2010, 100% or higher.

Demand for an Africa University education is growing. Although more than 1,200 qualified applicants sought admission in August 2012, the university could only enroll 400 freshmen. This year, women account for 52% of the total enrollment, which currently stands at 1,386 students. In addition, 25 African nations are represented in the student body.

Scholarships and financial aid grants are vital to access. More than 90% of the students at Africa University need assistance—scholarships, financial aid grants and work study—in order to pay their tuition and other fees. For the vast majority, a direct or endowed scholarship award made possible by your generosity is their only means of attending university.

Africa University’s students, faculty and staff rely on the church’s ongoing investment, through the Africa University Fund (AUF), to provide for the day-to-day and operational expenses of the institution. These gifts help Africa’s next generation of leaders to prepare to fulfill God’s call on their lives. Your gifts keep the lights on and ensure that the institution has dedicated faculty members who inspire, train and nurture global leaders.

Throughout 2012, the 20th anniversary celebrations highlighted the crucial role that Africa University is already playing in the life of our global church. The Rev. Dr. Laishi Bwalya, for example, is superintendent of the Zambia Provisional Conference and a member of the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church for 2013-2016. Across Africa, graduates are helping to eradicate hunger, poverty, disease, conflict and hopelessness.

For its third decade of ministry, Africa University is focusing on accessibility and impact. Increasing the availability of scholarships for students and developing online distance learning programs are the university’s highest priorities as it seeks to equip more Africans to change lives and transform communities.

To every member of the Dakotas Conference, we say thank you for being a part of this remarkable ministry. Thank you for your investment in the “School of Dreams”.

Africa University: Changing Africa: Learning here. Living here. Leading here. Serving God. All the time. Everywhere.

James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

Candler School of Theology Candler School of Theology prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world. Our 69

commitment to authentic discipleship and relevant ministry enables us to develop uniquely wellrounded leaders who are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and immersed in Christian service from the first day they arrive on campus.

As one of the 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler is grounded in the Christian faith and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. As one of seven graduate professional schools of Emory University, Candler provides a rich context for learning and formation supported by the extensive resources of a top-tier research university. As a school located in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Candler offers a learning environment that reflects the highly diverse communities of our 21st century world. There is no better place for ministry preparation that addresses our major denominational priorities: developing leaders, starting and growing churches, ministry with the poor, and improving global health.

Candler’s student body continues to reflect the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful. Our enrollment stands at 478, with 365 seeking the Master of Divinity, 50 the Master of Theological Studies, 30 the Master of Theology, 18 the Doctor of Theology, and 15 enrolled as Special, Non-Degree students. The student population is 32 percent U.S. ethnic minority, 10 percent international, and 50 percent women. Half of MDiv students are United Methodist, with forty-three denominations represented in all programs. The median age of our entering class of MDiv students is 27, with 58 percent under thirty.

Candler remains steadfastly committed to making theological education financially feasible, dedicating nearly $5 million to financial aid. Eighty percent of eligible students received Candler-based financial aid, with the average award covering 66 percent of tuition.

Construction preparations for the second phase of the Candler’s new building got underway at the end of 2012 thanks to an extraordinary gift of $15 million from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation. The new building, which will house Pitts Theology Library, community space, additional classrooms and offices, group study areas, and the Wesley Teaching Chapel, will be completed in late spring of 2014 in time for Candler’s Centennial Celebration. Candler’s phase one building was named in memory of Rita Anne Rollins, the first grandchild of the foundation’s namesake, in honor of its generous financial gift.

Candler had an excellent presence at the 2012 General Conference in Tampa. In addition to my attendance, Associate Dean Anne Burkholder took a class of 20 students so they could learn firsthand about United Methodist governance. Assistant Dean Mathew Pinson and Dr. Alice Rogers attended as delegates, and the Candler Singers, directed by Barbara Day Miller, performed at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry reception and the plenary session.

We continue to emphasize preparing our students for leadership in an increasingly global context, and now offer 19 academic exchanges with theology schools across five continents and 15 countries, including many related to The United Methodist Church. In addition to our ongoing summer internship program with the Methodist Church in the Bahamas, this year’s travel seminars included the Middle East and World Methodist Evangelism Institute evangelism seminars to Zimbabwe, Peru, and Israel.

Our public events supported our commitment to strengthen the church by offering opportunities for clergy and lay people to hear fresh, new voices. Last fall we hosted Christian activist and bestselling author Shane Claiborne for two major addresses, “Jesus for President” and “Resurrecting Church,” with nearly 1,000 in attendance. Our Spring Conference, “The Singing Church,” gathered experts to lead an exploration of the best practices and emerging trends of congregational song.

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Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship with The United Methodist Church. Our ability to fulfill our mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world depends upon your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. Visit us in person in Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world.

Jan Love, Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics

Dakota Wesleyan University The greatest impact Dakota Wesleyan University can have each year is to graduate students who have grown intellectually and spiritually during their college years. This year, we are proud to have conferred degrees upon 174 students who will work in healthcare, education, business, finance and communications. Many will go on to graduate school, law school, medical school and seminary.

Some will enter the workforce or travel. All will have the tools to be leaders in their churches and communities.

In the past year at DWU, we have shown our commitment to learning, leadership, faith and service in many ways. · Amy Novak was hired as the 20th president of Dakota Wesleyan University; she will take office on June 1. · Plans are underway to dedicate the new $11.3 million, four-story Corrigan Health Sciences Center on Aug. 29, recommitting to the importance of educating young people for careers in healthcare, fitness and the sciences. When complete, the science center will surpass all peer and aspirant institutions in quality of undergraduate science facilities. · The annual freshman food drive broke all records by collecting 4350 pounds of food for the Mitchell Food Pantry, demonstrating the DWU value of “service” as the new class became part of the campus community. · The student population was three short of the all-time high at 847 students, indicating a strong interest in a DWU education focused on learning, leadership, faith and service. · The freshman common reader was “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Don Miller. During the academic year, Miller spoke on campus as the annual Stark Lecturer. The movie adaptation of Miller’s book, “Blue Like Jazz,” was also screened on campus, and the movie’s producer, Steve Taylor, discussed the movie’s production with students. · Campus ministry attracted about 500 area young people at the fourth annual Mitchell Area Youth Night, featuring Christian musician Robbie Seay. · Student organizations engaged in many service projects, including food, toy and clothing drives. · Campus ministries organized two mission trips to Peru with nearly 50 students, faculty and staff members. To date, more than 100 unique individuals have been to Peru on a DWU mission trip, and thousands of dollars have been raised to support their work and ministry. · Led by Student Ministry Council, members of the campus community participated in weekly worship services and small-group Bible studies. · In the fall, DWU began hosting Fusion, a Sunday worship service, on a weekly basis in cooperation with First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. A second pastor was hired to assist with the additional duties. · We awarded more than $150,000 in United Methodist-related scholarships. · The second George McGovern Humanitarian intern with the Center for the Church and Global AIDS went to Kenya to work with HIV/AIDS victims. While there, she also delivered California 71

rabbits to women affected by the AIDS epidemic, allowing them to begin supporting themselves and their families. · For the fifth year in a row, more than 600 members of the campus community gathered on one day to do service work in the Huron and Mitchell communities. Students, faculty and staff worked in parks, schools, roadways and on Main Street to make a difference.

Regardless of the area of study chosen by our students, DWU graduates are given every opportunity to participate in activities and events that will lead them on a path of self-discovery, helping them to determine their place in the world and their responsibility to society.

Lori Essig, University Relations

2013 Drew University Theological School Drew Theological School, deeply rooted in its United Methodist heritage, is a place that empowers its students to conceive and implement dynamic ministries. Drew offers the MDiv, MA, MAM, STM, DMin, and PhD degrees, as well as certifications in Camp and Retreat Ministry, and Spiritual Formation. Academically rigorous and spiritually engaging, Drew develops religious leadership prepared for these ever-changing times. Drew welcomes people of all faiths, but we are particularly interested in building up the United Methodist ethos that is part of our historic Wesleyan heritage. Drew offers 100% tuition scholarships to all United Methodists who meet all admissions requirements and have a 3.2 undergraduate GPA or higher.

In June 2012, I was pleased to welcome to Drew’s campus representatives from 8 of the 13 United Methodist seminaries, staff members from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, one Bishop, and representatives from three annual conferences. We hosted the first annual conference on Theological Education and Clergy Health co-sponsored by the Center for Clergy and Congregational Health and Wholeness at Drew and the Center for Health of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. This three-day conference addressed issues of the current poor state of clergy health in relationship to Theological Education in order to begin to understand the impact of seminaries on students’ health.

It was also my pleasure to host the September 2012 Theological Conference at Drew entitled, The Future of Christian Spirituality and Interreligious Interaction in honor of Dr. Pyun, Sun Hwan. Over the course of the three days, an array of speakers from the U.S., Korea, and other countries engaged attendees and one another on topics such as “Interreligious Dialogue Versus Interreligious Theology,” “The Future of Comparative Theology,” and “Interreligious Theology, Liberation, and the Church.”

It was also a great pleasure to welcome alumni/ae back to campus for the Tipple Vosburgh lectures in the fall. This year’s topic was “Faith, Race, and Politics” which provided opportunities to hear the voices and visions of activists, scholars, and church leaders responding to this unique and timely dilemma.

Creative, cutting-edge, inclusive, multi-cultural, social justice ministry is part of the legacy of Drew, and I am proud to be associated with it! Below are just a few other ministries that make me proud to be associated with Drew.

Building up the United Methodist Connection 72

I have enjoyed meeting Bishops and many Boards of Ordained Ministry to convey our desire at Drew to be a resource to the entire denomination. I am particularly pleased that Drew is hosting a January Term class taught by UM Bishops. This past January, Bishop Peggy Johnson of the Eastern PA and Peninsula Delaware Conference, taught a class entitled, Topics in Pastoral Care: Disabilities and the Church. Her class led worship recently in chapel and shared just how important this course was in forming a compassionate, inclusive and prophetic vision for the church. In January of 2014, Bishop Jane Middleton will teach a class on Ministry and Health.

United Methodist Liaison at Drew The Rev. Jeff Markay continues to work with our UM students by introducing them to the leaders and resources within our denomination. He helps them navigate the process toward commissioning and ordination as well as with issues of discernment. We have monthly UM Lunches to meet with bishops, and leaders of the general agencies, conferences and connection.

United Methodist Deacon Liaison at Drew We are also grateful to have the Rev. Susan Worrell as the Deacon Liaison on campus who shares resources and wisdom with those hearing a call to the Ministry of the Deacon in the UMC. Bishop in Residence: Bishop Ernest Lyght It was with great joy and excitement that I announced the appointment of Retired Bishop Ernest S. Lyght as the Bishop-in-Residence at the Theological School beginning March 1, 2013. I anticipate this appointment to continue until 2015. In this position, Bishop Lyght will teach and mentor students and be a presence on campus. National Shalom Ministry of the UMC Communities of Shalom, now in its 6th year at Drew, completed its curricular redevelopment of ShalomZone Training, which is now available through a cadre of certified national and regional trainers under the leadership of national director, the Rev. Dr. Michael Christensen.

Center for Clergy and Congregational Health and Wholeness In October 2012 Dean Ginny Samuel made a presentation to members of the AUMTS (Deans and Presidents of the 13 United Methodist Seminaries) about the state of clergy health. She was accompanied by a staff person from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Anne Borish, and together they invited AUMTS members to participate in the longitudinal study. While there was a unanimous support for this study, thus far Drew and Duke Divinity School are the two participating seminaries. We expect that more seminaries will join the study in the coming years. This collaborative effort will support efforts to make needed changes in the structures and programs of an MDiv degree to encourage and support students’ attention to their own health and wellbeing.

In February we launched the Seminary to Ministry longitudinal study in partnership with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. This study will track MDiv students during their time in seminary and for the first five years in ministry. Results of the survey will be helpful to faculty in its revision of the MDiv curriculum as it informs them about the realities of student health and wellbeing while they are at Drew.

We at Drew look forward to working with the good and faithful people of the UMC as we forge deeper friendships in the shared ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

For more information about Drew, please visit us at: www.drew.edu or click on the QR code below: Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan Dean, Drew University Theological School 73