2020 Conference Workbook

Conference Workbook

27th Session of the Dakotas Conference The United Methodist Church October 10, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION Section 1:

PAGE Legislation 1.1 Organizational Resolutions 1.2 Proposed 2021 Budget 1.3 Annual Conference Site Rotation

Section 2:

Section 3: Section 4:

Consent Calendar 2.1 Cabinet Resolutions 2.2 Equitable Compensation Schedule 2.3 Housing Allowance for Clergy, Staff and District Superintendents 2.4 Rental/ Housing Allowances for Retired and Disabled cCergy 2.5 Resolution to Affirm Reports Elected Leaders 3.1 Nominations Committee Report Conference Reports 4.1 Common Table 4.2 Conference Commission on Archives and History 4.3 Communications 4.4 Executive Director of Ministries 4.5 Higher Ground 4.6 Sessions 4.6 Developing Missional Leaders 4.6.1 Board of Ordained Ministry 4.6.2 Camp and Retreat Ministries 4.6.3 Conference Council on Youth Ministry 4.6.4 Lay Servant Ministry Report 4.6.5 United Methodist Women 4.7 Equipping Missional Congregations Link 4.7.1 New Church Development 4.7.2 Revitalization Existing Congregations 4.8 Extending Missional Impact Link 4.8.1 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry—Out in Faith 4.8.2 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry—Watford City 4.8.3 Disaster Response 4.8.4 HOPE Center 4.8.5 Open Door Community Center 4.8.6 Solar Oven Partners 4.8.7 Southeast Pierre Mission UMC and Community Center 4.8.8 Spirit Lake Ministry

4 4 5 11

12 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 27 27 27 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 33 33 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 38 38 38 39 39

Section 5

4.8.9 Tree of Life Ministry 4.9 Generating Missional Resources Link 4.9.1 Builders Club 4.9.2 Conference Council on Finance and Administration 4.9.3 Dakotas United Methodist Foundation 4.9.4 Human Resources Committee 4.9.5 Board of Pensions 4.9.6 Board of Trustees Agencies and University Reports 5.1 Africa University 5.2 Candler School of Theology 5.3 Dakota Wesleyan University 5.4 Duke Divinity School 5.5 St. Paul School of Theology 5.6 United Theological Seminary

40 41 41 41 42 43 43 44 45 45 45 46 47 48 49

Section 2: Legislation 1.1 Organizational Resolutions 1. The online agenda, published on September 14, 2020, is the official agenda. Adjustments are made throughout the session as necessary. All requests for additional items to be placed on the agenda shall be emailed to the agenda coordinator, Duane Coates (dcoates70@ yahoo.com), at least 48 hours before the start of Annual Conference session.

2. The session will be a webinar format. The boundaries of the Annual Conference shall be established through secure links provided for clergy and lay members to join virtually. Voting members log on through these links. During Plenary Sessions all non-voting persons, including spouses of clergy and lay members, will be able to view the session live on Facebook or through the Dakotas Conference website. Lay representatives from non-chartered new church starts, Elisha and Samuel Project interns (who are not lay members), retired clergy persons who have served churches of the Dakotas Conference but who are members of other annual conferences, and special guests of the Bishop will join via open livestream link. Any non-members participating at hosted sites shall not have voice or vote, except for those non-members whom the Sessions Committee has extended temporary speaking privileges. Those privileges shall be for the restricted purpose of making presentations on agenda items.

3. The District Superintendents shall receive and relay to the presiding officer all requests of members to be excused from the Annual Conference Session. Those names will be printed in the journal.

4. Voting will take place electronically through the polling feature, within the webinar platform.

5. Voice — To be recognized during plenary, members must seek recognition through the Q&A feature within the webinar platform. In doing so, please state the purpose of the request, such as to speak for a motion, against a motion, ask for a point of clarification or information, point of order, etc. The member recognized will then be asked to select the raise-your-hand feature to enter as a speaker. a. Moderators will bring questions to the attention of the presiding officer. b. When requesting recognition, please state the request concisely and clearly and refer to the agenda item, if applicable. c. If you are recognized to speak by the presiding officer, you will present with audio only— other people will hear you but not see you.

6. Floor speakers are requested to state name, church or organization, and relationship to the body for example, “Sally Jones, Sioux Falls First UMC, lay member." Floor speeches are limited to three minutes.

7. Requests for personal points of privilege shall be submitted to the agenda coordinator through the Q&A of the online platform.

8. The following persons shall be given the privilege of voice and vote during plenary session: a. Clergy and laity as defined in Par. 602 of the 2016 Book of Discipline and Rule 6.11 in the Dakotas Conference Rules and Policies found in the Conference Journal. b. Clergy from other denominations serving in Dakotas United Methodist Churches who have been granted voice and voting privileges by the clergy session per Question 25 in the Business of the Annual Conference.

9. Announcements shall be submitted through the Q&A of the online platform. They will be shared by the presiding officer or Conference secretary during the session if time allows or following the session through Conference communication channels.

10. All reports from conference and other related agencies are published in the conference workbook. Permission must be secured from the agenda coordinator at least 48 hours in advance of the Annual Conference session before any other printed materials may be distributed. Materials must be submitted in a digital format (pdf ).

11. The consent calendar shall be those items listed on the consent calendar Section 2 of the conference workbook. Requests to lift items from the consent calendar must be submitted to the conference secretary by e-mail (conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org ) at least 48 hours before the opening of session. In the request list the specific item number you are requesting to be lifted and the names and e-mail addresses of at least 15 voting members that agree with the request.

12. Any proposals to change legislation, such as amendments, must be submitted electronically to the conference secretary through the Q&A feature, using the strike through feature for removing information from the legislation and underlining new proposed language.

4

1.2 Proposed 2021 Budget 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET

2020 Apport.

2021 Budget

Apportioned

Foundation

Donations / Other

Budget

2021 Total Budget

Developing Missional Leaders

538,100

386,800

182,000

1,001,600

1,570,400

Equipping Missional Congregations

253,500

145,000

145,000

199,000

489,000

1,194,059

896,804

98,000

733,000

1,727,804

79,150

51,700

0

0

51,700

1,368,921

1,355,094

63,500

67,500

1,486,094

761,504

711,153

0

0

711,153

100,000 4,295,234

0 3,546,551

7,000 495,500

0 2,001,100

7000 6,043,151

0

0

0

932,784

932,784

2,845,965 2,845,965

2,759,534 2,759,534

14,000 14,000

14,000 946,784

2,787,534 3,720,318

7,141,199

6,306,086

509,500

2,947,884

9,763,469

Extending Missional Impact Generating Missional Resources Support Services Cabinet Savings Fund Subtotal Pension & Insurance Direct Bills to Churches Subtotal Total

Note: Foundation includes funds the Conference expects to receive as endowment distributions or withdrawal of accumulated investment earnings. Donations/Other is primarily made up of donations from individuals or churches but also includes grants, registration fees, and reimbursements. *Due to rounding, small discrepancies can by found in the totals.

5

Treasurer’s Discussion & Analysis Overview Being proposed is an apportioned budget 17.4% less than 2020. That is a very large decrease.

Why the decrease? I detail those factors below. Some might ask, “Why not a larger decrease?” The Board of Pensions has setup a Transitional Reserve fund with over $1 million which has been and will be used to help the Conference transition as a denomination. There is an assumption that the UMC will have some kind of split as a result of the 2021 General Conference.

•

Apportionment withholding: We have already had eight churches notify us that they are withholding apportionments because of the conflict over homosexuality. The amount that these churches would typically give towards apportionments is around $450,000.

•

Tough economy: With the pandemic and the poor agriculture prices, many churches will likely see a decline in giving.

Aging congregants: Many churches have struggled to reach new people and especially young people. This is a trend hitting the entire church world in the U.S. Some encouraging signs have been seen as a result of COVID-19.

•

The majority of churches took big steps to bring church to people and are reaching many new people. We don’t know how committed the new people will be to being part of the church post-pandemic through their giving, service, and presence. Many churches also added electronic giving recently which should also help.

Where will the cuts come from?

•

Travel: We’re expecting a continued decrease in the amount of travel as we rely more and more on video conferencing to meet and do business.

•

Apportionment neutral ministries: Camping, Solar Oven Partners, and Spirit Lake Ministry are all on a path to becoming apportionment neutral for their operations. This has been in the works for years and seems very timely as the Dakotas Conference may have less financial capacity to fully support these ministries in the future.

•

Grant reductions: A host of grants are being reduced mainly because we have seen and expect to continue seeing less demand. The largest grant reductions are in equitable compensation, college ministry, and new church development.

•

Staffing: Rebecca Trefz will continue to split time as Executive Director of Ministries and Southeast District Superintendent. Amber Laffey’s position as Higher Ground Coordinator will be covered by Deb Kjerstad, Director of Leadership Development. These two adjustments will save some money without significantly affecting services.

•

General Church apportionments: If we ever have a General Conference, these apportionments will be greatly reduced as the General Church continues to work on becoming more efficient.

•

Savings: In past years, we’ve budgeted $100,000 to put aside for a rainy day. As it appears to be raining, we will probably draw from this fund instead of adding to it.

Jeff Pospisil, treasurer

6

Apportioned Budget Detail Program/Pathway

2019 Actual

2020 Budget

2021 Budget

% Change

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS MISSIONAL LEADER LINK

$ Change

0

1,500

500

-1,000

-66.7%

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

20,420

20,700

18,450

-2,250

-10.9%

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY

65,012

79,150

68,100

-11,050

-14.0%

MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND

28,196

43,850

15,000

-28,850

-65.8%

LAY SERVANT MINISTRY

2,384

8,250

2,500

-5,750

-69.7%

LAY LEADER

3,345

3,500

3,750

+250

+7.1%

19,126

18,850

19,550

+700

+3.7%

216,562

179,500

129,500

-50,000

-27.9%

YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

29,607

22,000

10,500

-11,500

-52.3%

COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRIES

39,027

38,050

30,800

-7,250

-19.1%

YOUNG ADULT & HIGHER ED

75,609

119,250

86,250

-33,000

-27.7%

955

2,900

1,700

-1,200

-41.4%

0

600

200

-400

-66.7%

500,244

538,100

386,800

-151,300

-28.1%

CAMPING & YOUTH OFFICE CAMPING & RETREAT MINISTRIES

SAFE & SACRED PLACES NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS

EXTENDING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS LINK DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES OFFICE NEW CHURCHES

0

1,000

300

-700

-70.0%

7,168

11,700

10,700

-1,000

-8.5%

774

176,500

116,500

-60,000

-34.0%

LARGE CHURCH REVITALIZATION

(3,073)

32,500

(8,000)

-40,500

-124.6%

SMALL CHURCH REVITALIZATION

1,500

13,000

8,000

-5,000

-38.5%

TOOLS/TRAINING FOR CHURCHES

9,314

18,800

17,500

-1,300

-6.9%

15,683

253,500

145,000

-108,500

-42.8%

EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS

EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT MISSIONAL IMPACT LINK GENERAL APPORTIONMENTS CONNECTIONAL MISSIONS CONFERENCE MISSIONARIES EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT

176

800

300

-500

-62.5%

652,635

973,259

753,004

-220,255

-22.6%

32,559

57,750

26,500

-31,250

-54.1%

201,201

162,250

117,000

-45,250

-27.9%

886,570

1,194,059

896,804

-297,255

-24.9%

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES 817

3,750

1,000

-2,750

-73.3%

FINANCE OFFICE

7,129

26,400

25,700

-700

-2.7%

D&O; WORKER’S COMP COVERAGE

4,944

5,000

5,000

0

0.0%

EQUITABLE COMPENSATION

27,850

44,000

20,000

-24,000

-54.5%

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES

40,740

79,150

51,700

-27,450

-34.7%

COUNCIL OF FINANCE & ADMIN

*Due to rounding, small discrepancies can by found in the totals.

7

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY SHARED EXPENSES

7,473

12,500

10,000

-2,500

-20.0%

NORTHEAST

134,826

147,776

144,861

-2,915

-2.0%

SOUTHEAST

134,395

146,576

133,661

-12,915

-8.8%

NORTHWEST

132,656

147,976

146,061

-1,915

-1.3%

SOUTHWEST

62,378

147,776

143,469

-4,307

-2.9%

CONTINGENCY FUNDS

21,579

20,000

20,000

0

0.0%

8,681

8,600

4,800

-3,800

-44.2%

124,899

126,000

105,000

-21,000

-16.7%

INTRODUCTORY MEETINGS MOVING FUND DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY COMMITTEE

484

1,000

500

-500

-50.0%

DISTRICT BUILDING & LOCATION

0

1,000

500

-500

-50.0%

RESPONSE TEAM

0

2,300

2,300

0

0.0%

627,372

761,504

711,153

-50,351

-6.6%

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY

SUPPORT SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

38,216

44,200

40,700

-3,500

-7.9%

UMCONNECT

45,836

37,000

37,000

0

0.0%

6,976

4,125

4,125

0

0.0%

CONF SECRETARY/JOURNAL TRUSTEES

127,967

155,560

156,310

+750

+0.5%

CHANCELLORS

13,434

10,000

10,000

0

0.0%

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION

62,768

72,800

55,835

-16,965

-23.3%

8,435

25,000

11,200

-13,800

-55.2%

539

2,500

1,250

-1,250

-50.0%

COMMON TABLE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE ARCHIVES & HISTORY CONFERENCE CENTER OPERATIONS AREA OFFICE SUPPORT SUPPORT SERVICES

1,869

6,200

4,400

-1,800

-29.0%

39,434

44,000

37,970

-6,030

-13.7%

887,558

942,536

971,304

+28,768

+3.1%

21,315

25,000

25,000

0

0.0%

1,254,348

1,368,921

1,355,094

-13,827

-1.0%

0

-100,000

-100%

3,546,552

-748,682

-17.4%

3,546,552

-748,682

-17.4%

SAVINGS FUND WITH FOUNDATION

100,000

100,000

TOTAL EXPENSES OTHER UNRESTRICTED INCOME APPORTIONED INCOME

3,424,957

4,295,234

305,157 3,290,931

*Due to rounding, small discrepancies can by found in the totals.

8

4,295,234

Pension & Insurance Detail

1 HealthFlex Premiums - Actives

2018

2019

2020

2021

Actual

Actual

Budget

Request

1,804,754

1,329,494

1,371,216

1,325,622

571,260

588,427

660,806

665,784

Retiree Health Admin Expenses

10,625

22,402

11,000

22,000

Medicare Part B

61,865

72,834

75,000

75,000

7,000

13,000

2,448,504

2,013,157

2,125,022

2,101,406

(32,143)

-

-

-

-

(72,500)

(88,000)

(104,000)

(1,162,068)

(1,348,342)

(1,371,216)

(1,325,622)

Direct Bill Participants

(452,543)

-

-

-

CPP Redirect

(107,000)

(121,000)

-

-

Retiree Health Fund Transfer

(571,260)

(588,427)

(660,806)

(665,784)

(6,660)

(5,412)

(5,000)

(6,000)

(2,331,675)

(2,135,681)

(2,125,022)

(2,101,406)

116,829

(122,524)

-

-

Retiree HRA Contributions

Allowance for Uncollected (1%) HealthFlex Expenses Apportionments HF Reserve Transfer (Pre-82 in PY) Direct Bill Churches

Investment Earnings - Deposit Acct HealthFlex Offsets Expenses Less Offsets

2 Pension Program Premiums CPP

-

-

263,933

246,447

CRSP-DC

245,373

243,843

254,862

238,753

CRSP-DB

805,533

765,941

739,917

737,213

UMPIP - Parish Contribution

219,726

215,175

265,892

256,543

7,000

15,000

1,270,632

1,224,959

1,531,604

1,493,956

Direct Bill Churches

(1,440,550)

(1,369,207)

(1,474,749)

(1,433,912)

Conference Budgets

(47,112)

(43,847)

(42,855)

(45,044)

Endowment / Investment Earnings

(15,297)

(16,443)

(14,000)

(15,000)

(1,502,960)

(1,429,497)

(1,531,604)

(1,493,956)

(232,328)

(204,538)

-

-

Allowance for Uncollected (1%) Pension Expenses

Pension Offsets Expenses Less Offsets

*Due to rounding, small discrepancies can by found in the totals.

9

3 Benefit Grants

24,064

27,925

40,000

40,000

Program, Seminars, Stipends, Etc.

10,909

8,648

10,000

12,000

Benefits Office

90,365

93,974

104,000

108,000

125,338

130,547

154,000

160,000

(125,338)

(130,547)

(154,000)

(160,000)

Administration Expenses Transfer from Endowment Expenses Less Offsets

4 Retiree Health

(54,305)

Expenses Less Offsets

5 Board Expenses

5,045

5,404

10,000

10,000

Pre-82 Transfer

-

(5,404)

(10,000)

(10,000)

Apportionments

(6,265)

-

-

-

Expenses Less Offsets

(1,220)

-

-

-

Total Pension & Insurance Expenses

3,903,824

3,374,067

3,820,626

3,765,362

(4,020,542)

(3,701,129)

(3,820,626)

(3,765,362)

(116,718)

(327,062)

-

-

38,408

-

-

-

Direct Bill to Churches

2,602,618

2,717,549

2,845,965

2,759,534

Total to Churches

2,641,026

2,717,549

2,845,965

2,759,534

506,848

-

-

-

Total Offsets Balance Apportionments

54,305

Active Participant Contribution - 3%

HealthFlex Participant’s Share

*Due to rounding, small discrepancies can by found in the totals.

10

1.3 Annual Conference Site Rotation for 2021-2024 Due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, your Sessions Committee recommends shifting the rotation of our annual conference sites so that: Annual Conference for 2021-2024 would be held at the following locations: •

2021 and 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the Sanford Event Center.

•

2022 and 2024 in Bismarck, North Dakota at the Bismarck Event Center.

11

Section 2: Consent Calendar 2.1 Cabinet Resolutions 1. WHEREAS the following congregations have voted to recommend dissolution as a United Methodist congregation; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that these congregations be recognized with thanks to God for their faithful service, and that they be officially discontinued under the provisions of The Book of Discipline, paragraph 2549 by the Dakotas Annual Conference: Northeast: Mission to Fargo (new church start) Northwest: Beulah Southeast: Egan Southwest: 2. THAT July 1, 2020, be designated as the beginning of all new appointments for 2020-2021, unless prior arrangements have been made. The moving pastor’s current charge shall pay the compensation, health, pension and other benefits through June 30, 2020.

3. THAT the moving schedule be flexible enough to consider the need of the pastors and the families, and that the parish would have sufficient time to prepare the parsonage for the arrival of the incoming pastor. Moves shall be scheduled to occur between June 15 and July 15. If a move is scheduled to happen prior to the last Sunday in June, compensation shall still be paid by the current charge through the end of the month.

4. THAT both congregations and pastors be sensitive and respectful as to the transition of pastoral leadership in a charge. Negotiations between the Staff-Parish Relations chair, and the incoming and outgoing pastor as to first Sunday and care for priestly functions shall be done on a case-by-case basis. July 1 shall be the start date for all incoming pastors unless other arrangements have been made.

5. THAT consideration be given by the congregation to the incoming pastor to have his/her first Sunday serve as a welcoming Sunday, and that formal preaching and worship leadership responsibilities begin the following Sunday.

2.2 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 pastors to allow them to focus their efforts on the ministry instead of seeking secondary employment.

Annual Recommendations 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).

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); E) Accountable Reimbursement Plan (minimum of $500).

12

SALARY SUPPORT GRANTS 1) The following requests will be considered: • 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

Full Connection Clergy 68,424 x 65% = 44,476 67,573 x 65% = 43,922 66,035 x 65% = 42,923 63,616 x 65% = 41,350 62,799 x 65% = 40,819

Less than Full Connection Clergy 68,424 x 62% = 42,423 67,573 x 62% = 41,895 66,035 x 62% = 40,942 63,616 x 62% = 39,442 62,799 x 62% = 38,935

The charges which received Equitable Compensation support in 2019 were: Bottineau, Dell Rapids, Drayton/Pembina/Humboldt/St Thomas, Hurley, Kindred/Walcott, Milbank Parkview/ Tabor/Ortonville, Murdo/Draper, Parker, and Williston.

2.3 Housing/Parsonage Allowance for Ordained or Licensed 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; 13

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 or licensed 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 housing exclusions are hereby designated for the calendar year 2021 and for all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Michael Flowers - $7,000 • Ben Ingebretson - $33,500 • Paul Lint - $7,000 • Kris Mutzenberger - $1,500

• Bob Ruedebusch - $30,000 • Rebecca Trefz - $32,665 • Joel Winckler - $14,000

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 2021 and all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Bob Ruedebusch - $24,402 • Rebecca Trefz - $24,402

• Joel Winckler - $24,402

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.

2.4 Rental / Housing Allowance for Retired and Disabled Clergy are found in the “Consent Calendar” section of the 2018 Journal, p. 32. The Board recommends adoption of the same resolutions for calendar year 2021.

Submitted by Leana Stunes, Conference Benefits Officer 2.5 Affirmation of reports of the agencies, boards and committees for 2020 WHEREAS the Conference Secretary has called for each agency, board and committee of the Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church that performed duties throughout 2019-2020 as requested by the membership of the conference and 26th session of the Dakotas Annual Conference: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the reports submitted by such agencies, boards and committees are affirmed as listed in Section 4.

14

Section 3: Elected Leaders Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

CONFERENCE THE COMMON TABLE (CT) (3 Lay, 3 Clergy)

Sheila

Dailie

2014

2022

Chair

605-949-0660

skdailie@gmail.com

Cody

Warns

2014

2021

Laity at large

605-480-0369

cwarns@hotmail.com

Steve

Behrens

2010

2022

Clergy at large

605-266-2135

steve.behrens50@gmail.com

Jeanne

Sortland

2020

2024

Clergy at large

701-320-1477

pastorjeannes@gmail.com

Ross

Reinhiller

2020

2024

Clergy at large

701-426-5456

pastorsplay@hotmail.com

To be filled - Laity at large Ex officio (with vote)

Ex officio (without vote)

Bob

Ruedebusch

2015

CCFA

605-484-1502

Bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Myrna

Hill

2016

Conference Co-Lay Leader

605-490-0109

myrnajhill@yahoo.com

Joel

Winckler

2020

District Superintendent

701-269-9960

joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Bruce

Ough

2012

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries/ Cabinet Representative

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca CONFERENCE CHANCELLORS

Tim

Ottmar

2012

North Dakota

701-252-7229

tottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Nancy

Oviatt

2012

South Dakota

605-886-5812

nancy@grolawfirm.com

THE EXTENDED CABINET

Bruce

Ough

2012

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Exec. Director Ministries & SE DS

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Mutzenberger

2020

DS Northeast

605-228-5139

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

Bob

Ruedebusch

2020

DS Southwest

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Joel

Winckler

2020

DS Northwest

701-269-9960

joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Ingebretson

2016

Area Director New Church Develop.

612-230-6124

ben.ingebretson@dkmnareaumc. org

Deb

Kjerstad

2016

Director of Leadership Development

605-990-7796

deb.kjerstad@dakotasumc.org

Keith

Shew

2016

Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries

612-230-6130

keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Sheri

Meister

2014

Dakotas UM Foundation Exec. Director

605-990-7790

sheri.meister@dakotasumf.org

Jeff

Pospisil

2009

Exec. Director Finance & Admin.

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Doreen

Gosmire

2010

Director of Communications

605-990-7794

doreen.gosmire@dakotasumc.org

Myrna

Hill

2016

Conference Co-Lay Leader

605-490-0109

myrnajhill@yahoo.com

Jane

Hincks

2017

Conference Co-Lay Leader

701-202-5456

janehincks@hotmail.com

Dailie

2018

Chair Common Table

605-949-0660

skdailie@gmail.com

605-775-2752

pastorclayumc@hotmail.com

870-219-6255

ervanmet@dwu.edu

605-880-4500

melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Kris

Ben

Ex officio (without vote) Sheila

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS MISSIONAL LEADERS LINK (12 including standing committees)

Clay

Lundberg

2016

Chair

Eric

Van Meter

2018

2022

Melissa

Gall

2017

2021

Corey

Enfield

2018

2022

605-665-2991

cenfield52@gmail.com

Randy

Hedge

2019

2023

920-420-9901

madison.umc@midconetwork. com

Anita

Tulp

2019

2023

701-320-9058

crazy4bookslms@gmail. com

JoAnn

Hipple

2020

605-222-0357

joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Young Adult and Campus Ministries

SW Co-Lay Leader To be filled To be filled

15

Committee/Agency

Standing Committees (Membership with vote)

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

Kris

Larson

Board of Ordained Ministry

Jeff

Lathrop

Coordinator for CCYM

701-772-1869

pastorjefflathrop@gmail.com

Nicole

Clade

Camping Representative

605-237-6786

pastrixnicole@gmail.com

Ex officio (with vote)

Jane

Hincks

2017

Conference Co-Lay Leader

701-202-5456

janehincks@hotmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Deb

Kjerstad

2016

Director of Leadership Development

605-990-7796

deb.kjerstad@dakotasumc.org

Kris

Mutzenberger

2020

District Superintendent

605-228-5139

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

2016

Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries

612-230-6130

keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Co-Director of Lay Servant Ministries

703-629-6709

BettyJ131@hotmail.com

Keith

Shew

Betty

Janke

STANDING COMMITTEES UNDER THE MISSIONAL LEADERS LINK BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY (BOM) (Nominated by the Bishop)

Val

Reinhiller

2014

Chair & Dean of Licensing School

701-426-5456

vreinhiller@msn.com

Brandon

Vetter

2012

Vice Chair

701-223-4401

brandon@legacyumc.org

Katie

Ricke

2017

Secretary

605-763-2861

pastorkricke@gmail.com

Sara

McManus

2016

Registrar

701-282-5765

pastorsara@flameoffaithumc.org

Sharla

McCaskell

2014

Clergy

605-484-4588

knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

2008

Conference Relations Chair

701-500-0985

gbk@prairiescribbler.com

Gary

Ball-Kilbourne

Howard

Grinager

2013

Retired Liaison

605-297-1060

grinagerh@gmail.com

Michelle

Brennan

2010

Deacon Liaison

701-952-3718

michellebrennan#hotmail.com

Bruce

Forbes

2016

Extension Ministries Liaison

612-708-3419

forbes@morningside.edu

Ray

Baker

Northeast Committee Chair

701-220-4803

ray@fargofaithumc.org

Nancy

Manning

2019

Southeast Committee Chair

605-215-3429

nancyserving@gmail.com

DeAnn

Eidem

2019

Southwest Committee Chair

605-484-6041

deann.eidem@clumc.com

Mike

Flowers

2020

Northwest Committee Chair

701-799-1174

slministry@hotmail.com

Chang

Yi

2012

Clergy

701-772-1893

pastorchangyi@gmail.com

Kris

Larson

2010

Local Licensed Pastor Registrar

605-860-8781

krislarson1@msn.com

Marilyn

Spurrell

2017

Clergy

605-270-3185

carepastor@watertownfirst.church

Kyle

Reinhiller

Clergy

605-214-7474

burgpastor@hotmail.com

Jen

Tyler

Clergy

701-642-4439

pastorjent@gmail.com

Keith

Nelson

Clergy

605-630-6586

keith@downtownfirstumc.com

2018

To be filled - Clergy

Ex officio (with vote) Ex officio (without vote) COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Richard

Wahlstrom

2017

Lay

605-484-7761

rkw68@live.com

Tom

Dravland

2017

Lay

605-222-0579

dravland@pie.midco.net

Alisha

Vincent

2017

Lay

605-995-2937

alvincen@dwu.edu

Nancy

Trautman

Lay

605-484-1316

njt751@gmail.com

Randy

Meissner

2020

Lay

701-663-2305

randymeissguy@gmail.com

Kris

Mutzenberger

2020

NE DS - Cabinet Representative

605-228-5139

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

Deb

Kjerstad

605-990-7796

deb.kjerstad@dakotasumc.org

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

2016

Director of Leadership Development To be filled - Chair

Nancy

Hallenbeck

2015

2023

SE District

16

Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

2019

Role

SE District & Conf. Secretary

Phone

Email

605-990-7799

conference.secretary@dakotasumc. org

Amber

Laffey

Pat

Siefken

2011

2023 NE District

605-395-6626

lpksiefken@nvc.net

Sandra

Marquardt

2014

2022 NE District

701-265-4308

smarquardt3@gmail.com

To be filled - NE District Connie

Eichinger

2017

2021 SW District

605-787-5799

godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jeff

Adel

2018

2022 SW District

605-350-5159

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Myrna

Hill

605-490-0109

myrnajhill@yahoo.com

Sharman

Zachrison

2016

2024 NW District

701-320-0463

sharman.zachrison@gmail.com

Anita

Tulp

2018

2022 NW District

701-320-9058

crazy4bookslms@gmail. com

2016

SW District & Conf. Co-Lay Leader

To be filled - NW District Ex officio (without vote)

Rebecca Deb

Trefz

2014

Exec. Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Kjerstad

2014

Director of Leadership Development

605-990-7796

deb.kjerstad@dakotasumc.org

NON-PERMANENT STANDING COMMITTEES UNDER THE MISSIONAL LEADERS LINK CAMP AND RETREAT MINISTRY COUNCIL

Nicole

Clade

2016

2024

Chair

605-237-6786

pastrixnicole@gmail.com

Lyall

Workman

2012

2022

Lay

701-250-9379

lyall.workman@outlook.com

Kevin

Tulp

2019

2023

Lay

701-646-2123

office@epworthvalley.com

Tyrel

Schlecht

2017

2021

Lay

701-320-7636

tyman_nd@hotmail.com

Kris

Mutzenberger

District Superintendent

605-228-5139

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

Ex officio (without vote)

Keith

Shew

2015

Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries

612-230-6130

keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Auxiliary/ Invited (without vote)

Christy

Heflin

2014

Site Director Lake Poinsett

605-983-5547

christy.heflin@dakcamps.org

Levi / Lara

Ziegler

2019

Site Directors Storm Mountain

605-343-4391

levi.ziegler@dakcamps.org, lara. ziegler@dakcamps.org

Paul / Brenda

Lint

2016

Site Directors Wesley Acres

701-733-2413

wac@dakcamps.org

Jeff

Lathrop

Conference Coord. Youth Ministries

701-772-1869

pastorjefflathrop@gmail.com

Brenda

Lint

NW District

701-733-2413

paulnbrenda@hotmail.com

CONFERENCE COUNCIL OF YOUTH MINISTRIES (CCYM) District Coordinators

2014 2016

To be filled - SE District John

Britt

2016

SW District

605-787-2414

pastorjohnbritt@gmail.com

Steve

Hilton

2018

SW District

605-390-1301

andone39@gmail.com

Jerry

Simmons

SW District

325-665-9273

youthpastorJDS@gmail.com

2018

NE District

701-261-6492

pastorquaya@arthurumc.org

Quaya

Ackerman

Melissa

Gall

2020

NE District

605-880-4500

melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Peggy

Hanson

2016

At Large

605-584-1328

pastor@leadtumc.com

17

Committee/Agency

District Youth Representatives

Last Name

Elected

Anna

First Name

Mutzenberger

2020

Class

NE District

Role

Phone

Email

Camille

Zachrison

2020

NW District

Tyler

Rasmussen

2019

SE District

Alex

Jensen

2020

SE District

Paige

Lehrkamp

2019

SW District

Elisabeth

Ortiz

2019

SW District

Haley

Ferguson

2019

SW District

Chloe

Jacobs

2020

SW District

Emma

Isaacson

2020

SW District

Jordan

Kitzmiller

2020

SW District

Paul

Massingill

2020

Scott

McKirdy

2010

2022

Chair, Clergy

605-642-3457

scott.mckirdy@spearfishumc.org

John

Srstka

2010

2021

Laity

605-941-6048

J1srstka@aol.com

SW District

EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS LINK (12)

To be filled - Lay

Ex officio (without vote)

To be filled - Lay Zach

Kingery

Clergy

605-838-6303

zach.kingery@gmail.com

Kori

Lehrkamp

Clergy

605-430-4389

koriannlehrkamp@hotmail.com

Jenene

Earl

2010

2022

Clergy

605-720-5578

ljearl@outlook.com

Matt

Morrison

2018

2022

Clergy

605-366-5009

matt@sfasbury.org

Michele

Slott

2015

2023

Clergy

605-390-8757

mrvys1998@gmail.com

Cory

Thrall

2015

2023

Clergy

701-462-3220

thrallcory@gmail.com

Bruce

Ough

2012

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop.ough@dkmnareaumc.org

Ben

Ingebretson

2016

Area Director New Church Develop.

612-230-6124

ben.ingebretson@dkmnareaumc. org

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT MISSIONAL IMPACT LINK

To be filled - Chair Gail

Arnold

2014

2021

605-892-5007

gail.arnold.ga@gmail.com

Marty

Toepke-Floyd

2014

2021

605-472-0770

pastor.redfieldumc@midconetwork.com

Laura

Borman

2017

2021

605-321-5218

lborman@att.net

Karl

Kroger

2015

2023

605-787-4858

karlkroger@gmail.com

Leisa

Richards

2017

2021

505-228-1667

leisa@leisarichardslaw.com

605-695-9368

edmatimm@yahoo.com

To be filled To be filled Standing Committees (Membership with vote)

Marsha

Timm

United Methodist Women President To be filled – Conference Secretary of Global Ministries

Ex officio (with vote)

Ex officio (without vote)

Diane

Culver

UMW Mission Coord. Social Action

605-690-4443

quilter48@icloud.com

VirLyn

Hoff

UMW Mission Coord for Education

701-845-1727

virlynhoff@yahoo.com

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Al

Roll

2020

Staff Representative

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

18

Committee/Agency

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)

UNITED METHODIST MEN

First Name

Marsha

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

Timm

2017

President

605-695-9368

edmatimm@yahoo.com

Glenda

Kluckman

2017

Vice President

605-941-1071

kluckmang@gmail.com

Robyn

Nadvornik

2018

Secretary

701-690-8958

robynandrich@ndsupernet.com

Brenda

Rekow

2019

Spiritual Growth

701-535-0109

bpets@drtel.net

Penny

Galinat

2019

Secretary of Program Resources

Dorothy

Collett

2019

Communications Coordinator

605-224-2479

dotlib@pie.midco.net

Joyce

Carter

2020

701-662-3248

joyce.carter47@outlook. com

Cheryl

McKnight

2022 Committee on Nominations

605-786-7424

johnsyellowrose@hotmail.com

Charlene

Koll

2023 Committee on Nominations

701-232-5457

Jan

Petersen

2023 Committee on Nominations

605-638-0922

jkpetersen@gmail.com

605-987-2569

BOMAR67@q.com

Committee on Nominations Chair

President Robert

Schultz

Treasurer

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES MISSIONAL RESOURCES LINK

Task force members to be named when called upon by the Bishop.

STANDING COMMITTEES UNDER MISSIONAL RESOURCES LINK CONFERENCE COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Jeff

Adel

2009

2021

605-350-5159

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Ruth

Barrett

2013

2021 Secretary, Executive Team

605-348-5045

rvbarrett@rap.midco.net

Jennifer

Erickson

2018

2022

605-254-5780

jennifer@jefinancial.net

(CCFA)

Arlyn

Coalter

2010

2021

605-929-5727

revac54@hotmail.com

Geoff

Hilton

2017

2021

701-721-7313

velvaumcpastor@yahoo.com

Mary Lee

Nielson

2017

2021

701-845-5717

marylee@quiltedceiling.com

Josh

Willprecht

2017

2021

605-254-2545

jjwillprecht@hotmail.com

Mark

Johnsen

2016

2024

605-424-2080

pastormarkjohnsen@gmail.com

Bruce

Ough

2021

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Jeff

Pospisil

2009

Treasurer

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Sheri

Meister

2014

Dakotas UM Foundation Exec. Director

605-990-7790

sheri.meister@dakotasumf.org

Eric

Walth

2011

Board of Pensions Representative

701-220-6331

eric@rock30games.com

Bob

Ruedebusch

2020

Cabinet Rep., Executive Team

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Elaine

Roberts

2011

Chair

605-331-5788

ejroberts@sio.midco.net

Anne

Osborne

2012

Vice Chair

701-368-9815

osborne@daktel.com

Eric

Walth

2011

Recording Secretary

701-220-6331

ericwalth@gmail.com

Don

Armstrong

2009

605-271-8846

donanddawn@sio.midco.net

Jack

Erickson

2014

605-448-2900

jack@venturecomm.net

Ex officio (without vote)

BOARD OF PENSIONS AND HEALTH BENEFITS (BOPHB)

Chair, Executive Team

19

Committee/Agency

First Name

Al

Ex officio (without vote)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)

Ex officio (without vote)

HUMAN RESOURCES (HRC)

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

Roll

2014

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Roy

Caudill

2015

605-362-1812

roybcaud@aol.com

Shawn

Culey

2015

605-360-8352

Shawn.Culey@dakotasumc.org

Debra

Coalter

2015

605-929-5446

dcoalter@hotmail.com

Valerie

Hummel LaBounty

2017

605-660-5419

ladypastorvalerie@gmail.com

Steve

Ottmar

701-320-9470

sottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Cynthia

Nelson

605-351-2818

cynthianelson1@sio.midco.net

Michele

Slott

605-390-8757

pastormich.sd@gmailc.om

Diana

Fuhrman

2020

701-820-0473

gdfuhrman@mlgc.com

Dayne

Zachrison

2020

701-840-7294

pastordayne@gmail.com

Leana

Stunes

Conference Benefits Officer

605-990-7785

leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org

Jeff

Pospisil

Treasurer and SD Registered Agent

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

JoAnn

Schlimgen

Assistant Treasurer

605-990-7787

joann.schlimgen@dakotasumc. org

Howard

Grinager

BOM Representative

605-297-1060

grinagerh@gmail.com

Bob

Ruedebusch

2020

Cabinet Representative

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Dennis

Holm

2018

2022

Chair-Lay man

605-324-3674

djh@venturecomm.net

Kathy

Mah

2018

2022

Lay woman

605-360-6421

Kathy@ameri-star.com

Deb

ND Registered Agent

Mack

2012

2021

Clergy

605-448-5357

ndmack@venturecomm.net

Bill

Bates

2016

2021

Clergy

605-610-6209

igtwlb@vastbb.net

Boyd

Blumer

2013

2021

Clergy

605-995-1961

besquare@mit.midco.net

Marvin

Winstryg

2012

2021

Clergy

701-516-7407

mwinstryg@yahoo.com

Mark

Stearns

2012

2021

Lay man

Merril

Knodle

2009

2021

Lay man

701-799-9833

merrilkno@aol.com

Kristi

Barber

2018

2022

Lay woman

605-343-2015

kristibarber37@gmail.com

Al

Goehring

2019

2023

Lay man

701-269-2968

agoehri@daktel.com

Joyce

Carter

2017

2021

Lay woman

701-740-5795

joyce.carter47@outlook.com

Jeff

Pospisil

2009

Treasurer

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Tim

Ottmar

2012

Conference Chancellor ND

701-252-7229

tottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Nancy

Oviatt

2012

Conference Chancellor SD

605-886-5812

nancy@grolawfirm.com

Bob

Ruedebusch

2020

Cabinet Representative

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Barry

Whipkey

2010

2022

Clergy - Chair

605-270-2332

pastorbarry55@gmail.com

Laura

Borman

2015

2024

Clergy

605-338-4562

lborman@att.net

Nancy

Bohlen

2013

2021

Laity

605-692-7744

nbohlen@swiftel.net

Sheila

Mennenga

2016

2024

Laity

605-881-2159

csmennenga@gmail.com

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Executive Director of Ministries

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Clay

Lundberg

2016

Missional Leaders Representative

605-775-2752

pastorclayumc@hotmail.com

Scott

McKirdy

2010

Missional Congregations Representative

605-642-3457

scott.mckirdy@spearfishumc.org

To be filled - Missional Impact Rep.

Ex officio (without vote)

Jeff

Adel

2020

Missional Resources Representative

605-350-5159

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Steve

Behrens

2010

2024

Common Table Representative

605-266-2135

steve.behrens50@gmail. com

Bruce

Ough

2012

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc..org

Jeff

Pospisil

2009

Treasurer

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Bob

Ruedebusch

2020

Cabinet Representative

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

20

Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

SUPPORT SERVICES COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY (CAH)

Duane

Coates

2006

2021

605-695-5561

dcoates70@yahoo.com

Tom

Thaden

2009

2023

Chair

605-624-3286

tommy123@vyn.midco.net

Sheri

Fadley

2014

2021

701-213-9344

sherifadley@gmail.com

605-949-1742

djacres@q.com

701-595-6258

tannerc9@gmail.com

To be filled - Clergy Devern

Schwenn

Tanner

Carlson

2020

2023

Laity To be filled - Lay

Cheryl

Finney

Conference Historian

605-332-9959

fcheryl6@aol.com

Laurie

Langland

Archivist

605-995-2134

LaLangla@dwu.edu

Pat

Breidenbach

Archivist emeritus

605-996-9230

breidenbach@mit.midco. net

Stephen

Perry

Historical Society Chair

763-427-6080

historian@centurylink.net

Kay

Braun

2016

Chair

701-232-1915

braunk@cableone.net

Bruce

Ough

2012

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Rebecca

Trefz

2014

Exec. Director of Ministries/ Host DS

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Jane

Hincks

2017

Conference Co-Lay Leader

701-202-5456

janehincks@hotmail.com

Sara

Nelson

2020

Host Team

605-261-6444

pastorsara@sfumc.org

Kip

Roozen

2020

Host Team

605-645-9630

kip@sfasbury.org

Charlie

Moore

2020

Host Team

605-270-3945

pastorcharlie@sunnycrest.org

Taylor

Johnson

2020

Host Team

605-413-8851

johnsont@sfumc.org

Nancy

Hallenbeck

2020

Host Team

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Val

Melmer

2020

Host Team

605-280-4035

valmelmer@hotmail.com

Bea

Stucke

2014

Site Coordinator

605-990-7791

bea.stucke@dakotasumc.org

Lou

Whitmer

2016

Worship Coordinator

605-226-1279

pastorlou@nvc.net

Doreen

Gosmire

2010

Communications Coordinator

605-990-7794

doreen.gosmire@dakotasumc.org

Duane

Coates

Agenda Coordinator

605-695-5561

dcoates70@yahoo.com

Deb

Kjerstad

BOM Representative

605-990-7796

deb.kjerstad@dakotasumc.org

Dayne

Zachrison

At Large

701-845-0340

pastordayne@gmail.com

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE (2017-2020) – Clergy (nominated by the Bishop)

Stephen

Perry

Chair

763-427-6080

historian@centurylink.net

Gary

Rae

605-940-7865

gary.w.rae@gmail.com

Jeff

Adel

Alternate

605-350-5159

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION

Doug

Diehl

Clergy

605-431-1123

dugdeal@gmail.com

Jenene

Earl

Clergy

605-720-6389

ljearl@outlook.com

Penny

Eberhart

Clergy

605-310-8504

ebhartp@gmail.com

Kim

Callies

Laity

605-270-2327

birdiecallies@yahoo.com

Joanne

Ottmar

Laity

701-252-7229

jottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Terry

Pendergast

Laity

605-351-6934

tpendergast@gra.midco.net

Jerry

Bass

Clergy alternate

701-775-5696

jerry.bass@gra.midco.net

Ex officio (without vote)

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS COMMITTEE

(appointed by the Bishop)

2014

Laity alternate COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY (COE)

Jennifer

Larsen

2010

Laity - Chair

605-359-6682

jlarsen@hwalaw.com

Myrna

Hill

2016

Conference Co-Lay Leader

605-490-0109

myrnahill@yahoo.com

21

Committee/Agency

RECORDS, RULES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE DISASTER RESPONSE

DAKOTAS UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION BOARD

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

Jennifer

Tyler

2016

Member appointed by Bishop

701-642-6202

pastorjent@gmail.com

Al

Roll

2015

Member appointed by Bishop

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Keith

Nelson

2017

Member appointed by Conference

605-630-6586

keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Ryan

Mutzenberger

2017

Member appointed by Conference

701-232-4416

ryanmutzenberger@gmail.com

Rebecca

Trefz

2012

Member NCJ COE

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Jodi

Cataldo

2016

Member NCJ COE

701-378-2327

jodicataldo@yahoo.com

Trefz

2014

Exec. Director of Ministries, Chair

605-990-7791

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Member

605-695-5561

dcoates70@yahoo.com

Rebecca Duane

Coates

Amber

Laffey

2019

Conference Secretary

605-990-7799

conference.secretary@dakotasumc. org

Lisa

Johnsen

2019

Conf. Disaster Response Coordinator

605-440-3200

lisaraejohnsen@gmail.com

Mark

Ellingson

Planning

218-779-5707

mellingson56@gmail.com

Linda

Baldock

Planning

605-786-2262

lindambaldock@gmail.com

Jim

Unkenholz

Operations

701-667-2050

junkenholz@aol.com

Mike

Flowers

Operations

701-799-1174

Childharvest@msn.com

Libby

Flowers

Operations

701-799-1174

Spiritlakeministry@outlook.com

Linda

Kropenske

Training

605-371-1205

lkropenske@yahoo.com

Nancy

Trefz

At Large

605-765-4335

trefzponyexpress@hotmail.com

Connie

Eichinger

605-787-5799

godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jim

Eichinger

At Large

605-787-5799

godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jeff

Pospisil

Administration and Communication

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Al

Roll

Staff Representative

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Doreen

Gosmire

Administration and Communication

605-990-7794

doreen.gosmire@dakotasumc.org

Jeff

Nelson

Chair

605-376-5388

jeff@605advantage.com

Sharla

McCaskell

Vice Chair

605-343-7145

knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Sheri

Meister

President/CEO

605-990-7790

sheri.meister@dakotasumf.org

Jeff

Pospisil

Treasurer

605-990-7786

jeff.pospisil@dakotasumc.org

Jerry

Stravia

720-985-7845

straviaj@gmail.com

Richard

Platt

605-996-4488

richard.platt@bankwestsd.com

Dave

Page

605-432-7874

D.DPage@outlook.com

Scott

Jones

605-224-9346

scottddp@yahoo.com

Bob

Ruedebusch

605-336-3652

pastorbob@sfumc.org

Steve

Pietila

605-760-4916

spietila@firstdakota.com

Richard

Wahlstrom

605-484-7761

rkw68@live.com

Eric

Walth

701-220-6331

ericwalth@gmail.com

Bruce

Ough

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

At Large

Bishop

22

Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

DISTRICT NOMINATIONS To be filled - Co-Lay Leader

NORTHEAST DISTRICT (NE) NE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

NE Building and Location Committee

NE Superintendency Committee

To be filled - Co-Lay Leader Ray

Baker

Chair

701-220-4803

ray@fargofaithumc.org

Steve

Olson

Clergy

701-742-2925

norskie@drtel.net

Jerry

Bass

Clergy

701-775-5696

jerry.bass@gra.midco.net

Mark

Gronseth

Clergy

605-359-9480

markgronseth@gmail.com

Rob

Salmonson

Clergy

605-933-0077

robsalmonson@hotmail.com

Lou

Whitmer

Clergy

701-240-5346

pastorlou@nvc.net

Becky

Holten

Clergy

605-770-6184

beckyrholten@gmail.com

Don

Miller

Laity

701-885-9082

donald.miller@und.edu

Kris

Mutzenberger

District Superintendent

605-996-6552

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

Mark

Ellingson

Clergy

218-779-5707

mellingson56@gmail.com

Thom

Bowsher

Clergy

605-432-4766

pastorthom@milbankcentral.org

Kris

Mutzenberger

District Superintendent

605-996-6552

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

Jessica

Zerr

Laity (Chair)

Dave

Motta

Clergy

701-232-5650

dave@calvaryfargo.com

Mark

Britton

Clergy

701-240-4939

mark_softball34@hotmail.com

Rick

Pittenger

Clergy

701-680-9879

mwsumc@gmail.com

Melanie

Reiners

Clergy

605-432-4796

mmreiners@itcmilbank.com

Kris

Mutzenberger

District Superintendent

605-996-6552

kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc. org

605-395-6656

lpksiefken@nvc.net

Clergy

701-265-4308

smarquardt3@gmail.com

NE Committee on Nominations

Pat

SOUTHEAST

Nancy

Hallenbeck

Co-Lay Leader

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Val

Melmer

Co-Lay Leader

605-280-4035

valmelmer@hotmail.com

Nancy

Manning

Clergy - Chair

605-215-3429

nancyserving@gmail.com

DISTRICT (SE) SE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Sandra

Marquardt

Ron

Johnson

Clergy

605-665-2991

revron24@gmail.com

Laurie

Kidd

Clergy - LLP

605-376-0752

wagtynumc@hcinet.net

Roozen

Clergy

605-645-9630

kip@sfasbury.org

Kip Dustin

Strande

Laity

605-359-0007

dstrande@americanchurchgroup.com

Troy

Hansen

Laity

605-263-3104

ethansen@iw.net

Val

Melmer

Laity

605-280-4035

valmelmer@hotmail.com

Connie

Smith

Laity

605-363-5097

cmsmith@siouxvalley.net

Laity

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

District Superintendent

605-990-7781

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Nancy Rebecca SE Building and Location

Siefken

jessmzerr@gmail.com

Hallenbeck Trefz

Gary

Rae

Clergy

605-940-7865

gary.w.rae@gmail.com

Keith

Nelson

Clergy

605-630-6586

keith@downtownfirstumc.com

John

Claggett

Laity

605-770-7248

johnclaggett@mit-tel.net

Cortland

Carnes

Laity

605-763-5427

Rebecca

Trefz

District Superintendent

605-990-7781

23

rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

SE Superintendency

Nancy

Hallenbeck

Co-Lay Leader

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Committee

Diane

Kisch

Laity

605-665-1500

dkischfumc@gmail.com

Charles

Schnabel

Laity

605-692-5655

cvschnabel@brookings.net

Laity

605-270-2327

birdiecallies@yahoo.com

SE Nominations

Kim

Callies

Kyle

Reinhiller

2020

Clergy

605-214-7474

kwrein@hotmail.com

Teresa

Person

2020

Clergy

605-691-2070

pianoperson@live.com

Arlyn

Coalter

Clergy

605-929-5727

revac54@hotmail.com

Sara

Hock

Laity

605-427-0209

hockssd@iw.net

Nancy

Hallenbeck

Laity

605-360-2352

nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Marilyn

Stroh

Laity

605-366-1870

mjstroh516@gmail.com

Joanne

Hipple

Co-Lay Leader

605-222-0357

joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Richard

Wahlstrom

Co-Lay Leader

605-484-7761

rkw68@live.com

SW District Committee

Deann

Eidem

Clergy - Chair

605-484-6041

deann.eidem@clumc.com

Julia

Jones

Laity - Secretary

605-280-2670

juliajonesaud@gmail.com

on Ordained Ministry

Peggy

Hanson

Clergy

605-584-1328

pastor@leadtumc.com

Greg

Kroger

Clergy

605-224-5939

gregscot@gmail.com

Jenene

Earl

Clergy

605-720-5578

ljearl@outlook.com

Sharla

McCaskell

Clergy-LLP

605-343-7145

knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Barry

Whipkey

Clergy

605-270-2332

pastorbarry55@gmail.com

Alsup

Laity

605-390-4296

ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

Ruedebusch

District Superintendent

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Clergy

605-343-7145

knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT (SW)

Ashley Bob SW Building and

Sharla

Location Committee

Gordon

Higgins

Clergy

605-499-8757

higgins557@msn.com

Jeff

Adel

Clergy

605-765-9702

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Darwin

Kopfman

Clergy

605-673-3473

drkopf@goldenwest.net

Robert

Puffer

Laity

605-745-4819

puffer@gwtc.net

David

Bonde

Laity

605-280-9680

Eileen

Wilson

Laity

605-673-3401

pew@gwtc.net

Bob

Ruedebusch

District Superintendent

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Richard

Wahlstrom

Co-Lay Leader, interim chair

605-484-7761

rkw68@live.com

Co-Lay Leader

605-222-0357

joanne.hipple@outlook.com

SW Superintendency Committee

SW Committee on Nominations

JoAnn

McCaskell

Hipple

Ashley

Alsup

Laity

605-390-4296

ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

Greg

Kroger

Clergy

605-321-3342

pierre1umc@mncomm.com

Sharla

MCaskell

Clergy

605-343-7145

knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Janelle

Jones

Laity

605-722-5911

jljones@midco.net

Clint

Vanneman

Laity

Connie

Eichinger

Clergy

605-787-5799

godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jeff

Adel

Clergy

605-765-9702

pastorjeffa@gmail.com

701-269-4483

morningjoyfarm@hotmail.com

Co-Lay Leader

NORTHWEST DISTRICT (NW)

cvannman@gwtc.net

Annie

Carlson

Co-Lay Leader

24

Committee/Agency

NW District Committee on Ordained Ministry

NW Buildings and Location Committee

NW Superintendency Committee

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

Mike

Flowers

Chair

701-269-9960

SLMinistry@hotmail.com

Perry

Schnabel

Secretary

701-255-4281

pastorperrys@msn.com

Jane

Hincks

Laity

701-202-5456

janehincks@hotmail.com

Annie

Carlson

Laity

701-269-4483

morningjoyfarm@hotmail.com

Joel

Winckler

District Superintendent

701-269-9960

joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Rick

Craig

Clergy

701-329-1810

imrickcraig@icloud.com

Cory

Thrall

Clergy

701-319-1137

thrallcory@gmail.com

Dayne

Zachrison

Clergy

701-840-7294

pastordayne@gmail.com

Annie

Carlson

District Co-Lay Leader

701-269-4483

morningjoyfarm@hotmail.com

Jane

Hincks

Conference Co-Lay Leader

701-202-5456

janehincks@hotmail.com

Randy

Meissner

Laity

701-663-2305

randymeissguy@gmail.com

Marvin

Winstryg

Clergy

701-516-7407

mwinstryg@yahoo.com

Ross

Reinhiller

Clergy

701-426-5456

pastorsplay@hotmail.com

To be filled - Laity To be filled - Laity

NW Committee on Nominations

Joel

Winckler

District Superintendent

701-269-9960

joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Sharman

Zachrison

Laity

701-320-0463

sharman.zachrison@gmail.com

Anita

Tulp

Laity

701-320-9058

crazy4bookslms@gmail. com

RELATED AGENCIES TREE OF LIFE MINISTRY

Ex officio

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY CENTER – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dennis

Unkenholz

Member

605-280-4581

dgu47@aol.com

Jo

Watkins

Vice President

605-665-4681

pastorjowatkins@hotmail.com

Jason

Christensen

Appointed to White River/ Mission

605-490-2601

springer96@msn.com

Tom

Gilmore

President

605-665-8303

tojan41@yahoo.com

Jeanine

Carpenter

Member

605-987-5110

umwjeaninec@hotmail.com

Bruce

Millikan

Secretary

605-366-4675

stilladamsdad@hotmail.com

Randy

Burnison

Member

605-350-6978

rgburnison@santel.net

Linda

Garriott

Executive Director

605-856-4266

treeoflife@gwtc.net

Bruce

Ough

Bishop

612-230-3334

bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Bob

Ruedebusch

District Superintendent

605-484-1502

bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Al

Roll

Missional Impact Link Rep.

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Steve

Van Dyke

Chair

701-426-8662

stevevandyke@lignite.com

Phil

Sjursen

Secretary

701-751-1338

psjursen@yahoo.com

Derrick

Hobein

Treasurer

701-258-5716

dhobein@bepc.com

Jolene

Puhalla

Director

701-222-3004

opendoor@midconetwork.com

25

Committee/Agency

First Name

Last Name

Elected

Class

Role

Phone

Email

MaryLee

Steele

Trustee Representative

mlsteele47@hotmail.com

Jim

Unkenholz

Member

701-667-2050

junkenholz@aol.com

Randy

Meissner

Member

701-663-2305

rmeissner@nd.gov

Kenneth

Hogue

Member

605-255-1014

Jerry

Suko

Member

jsuko@midco.net

Mary

Carter

Member

dmcarter1969@hotmail.com

Brandon

Vetter

Member - Clergy

701-223-4401

brandon@legacyumc.org

Bruce

Adams

Member - Clergy

701-663-8909

bruceadams2261@yahoo. com

Jennifer

Hallenbeck Orr

Member - Clergy

701-255-1160

jhallen03@yahoo.com

Karl

Kroger

Member – Clergy

701-255-1160

pastorkarl@mccabeumc.com

Ex Officio

Joel

Winckler

District Superintendent

701-269-9960

joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

SOLAR OVEN PARTNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phil

Lint

President and Southeast District

605-363-3470

pmllint@goldenwest.net

Marjorie

Evans-de-Carpio

Director & Communications Team

612-226-6556

director@solarovenpartners.org

(SOP)

Gene

Bethke

Northeast District

605-233-0168

gbethke@itctel.com

Dave

Silbernagel

Northwest District

701-425-1382

silbernagel.dave@yahoo.com

Gloria

Borgman

Southwest District

605-642-5321

ron.borgman@yahoo.com

Karen

Workman

Expertise Gifts Processing and Communications, NW District

701-214-2234

Klworkman1@outlook.com

Connie

Smith

Communications Team

605-270-1097

cmsmith@siouxvalley.net

Donna

Fisher

Communications Team

605-391-9733

dmfisher@wildblue.net

Deb

Holland

Communications Team

605-431-1973

Holland@rushmore.com

Jay

Niedert

Conference At Large Member

605-270-9259

niedertj@yahoo.com

Emily

Warns

Conference At Large Member

605-480-4264

eswarns@hotmail.com

Ariana

Arampatzis

Conference At Large Member

605-216-5933

Ariana.arampatzis@dwu.edu

Ex Officio

Al

Roll

Cabinet Staff Representative

701-391-2015

al.roll@dakotasumc.org

SPIRIT LAKE MINISTRY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD

Jerry

Bass

President

701-775-5696

jerry.bass@gra.midco.net

Kathy

Hammond

Member

701-833-5357

hammond@min.midco.net

Gary

Osborn

Member

701-474-5783

Kenny

Baker

Member

Valerie

Luick

Member

kennybaker_02@hotmail.com 701-640-9923

valerie.luick@hotmail.com

To be filled - member To be filled - member Ex officio

Mike

Flowers

701-799-1174

SLMinistry@hotmail.com

Libby

Flowers

701-799-1174

SLMinistry@hotmail.com

26

Section 4: Conference Reports 4.1 Common Table The Common Table continues to partner with the Extended Cabinet in stewarding and implementing the vision of the Dakotas Annual Conference. In the past year, our conversations and decision-making have centered around several topics and areas of focus.

Our Fall Leadership Event has been a key strategy of the Common Table to energize and focus our efforts going into a new year. In September 2019, the various ministry groups met in Mitchell for a day of combined worship and small group discussion of issues facing our conference. Team building activities helped people speak and listen to others as we focused on the themes of Jesus, Mission, and Connection.

In the spring of 2019, we raised the question about the financially responsible way to prepare for the challenges facing us following decisions made at General Conference which was planned for 2020. Following this conversation, a fund was established for contingencies. When the Coronavirus changed the plans for churches, Annual Conference and General Conference, the Dakotas Conference had funds in place to help these unprecedented times.

The Common Table joined the rest of the Conference in conversations around a Way Forward for the United Methodist Church.

Breakthrough Prayer continues to be a ministry of the Dakotas Conference with lay leaders Myrna Hill, and Jane Hincks. We continue expanding our Breakthrough Prayer training efforts utilizing the resources from Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey.

As we look to 2021 and the transition of leadership from Bishop Ough to a new bishop, a task force has been put together to better help us prepare for these transitions and help ensure systems are in place to help us navigate the change. Though plans to celebrate Bishop Ough’s ministry, as well as the collaborative work with the Minnesota Conference that has developed under his leadership, had to be deferred due to Covid-19, we look forward to listening to the Spirit of God as we share the vision of the gospel with a focus on Jesus, Mission and Connection.

Submitted by Sheila Dailie, chair, Common Table 4.2 Conference Commission on Archives and History (CAH) “To encourage and assist the local churches in preserving their records, compiling their histories and celebrating their heritage,” is one of the many functions General Conference insists each annual conference perform in support of our disciple-making, world-transforming vision.

Until such a small thing as a virus was able to shut down a nation, perhaps it was difficult to see how a small agency such as Archives and History could equip discipleship. But we strive to do this by encouraging and assisting the conduct of a wholistic ministry of memory in every local church.

“Such a holistic program permeates the entire congregation, giving the people a sense of their heritage and the legacy they intend to pass on to the rising generations,” writes Dr. Richard Stowe, historian of the Indiana Conference and author of the forthcoming Local Church Historians School. “In this kind of church, even newcomers sense the heritage and feel themselves becoming a genuine part of it.”

Furthermore, Stowe suggests that pastors who creatively conduct a ministry of memory “shape the message the church transmits to the outside world, helping to make disciples for the transformation of that world.”

That’s because in every place where a United Methodist church exists, there were people in the past who had a zeal to meet people’s ministry needs. By preserving that history, we can have it accessible when we need a reminder of the missionary zeal that formed our local churches.

This fall, the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) will offer Stowe’s 12-week comprehensive course free to any person who may wish to take it. The course will cover the details of how best to collect and preserve local church history (which is also connectional church history) as well as how to tell the story in order to equip discipleship. Earlier versions in 2015 and 2017 have proved quite effective for hundreds of participants. To register for the course, which starts September 14, 2020, go to www.gcah.org.

To equip local churches in their historic-preservation tasks, we offer guidelines on which artifacts, records and/or documents to preserve and for how long. Those are accessible here: https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/files/old/00/Conference/Finance/Legal/RecordRetention.pdf for a summary related to some of the more common records. For a more extensive listing, see http://s3.amazonaws.com/gcah.org/Resources/ Guidelines_Publications/Local-ChurchSched-2017.pdf Our conference’s items of historic significance are maintained in a high-quality archival space within the George and Eleanor McGovern Library on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. To appropriately archive those materials and assist researchers in accessing them, your conference apportionments fund half the cost of employing the archivist we share with DWU, Dr. Laurie Langland.

These two items, archives and personnel, consumed 92.2.% of our 2019 apportionment expenditures and represent 98% of our 2021 apportionment request.

That represents a $6,030 decrease in funding from 2020. That amounts to a 13.7% decrease from our 2020 allocation and a 14.7% decrease in two years. If we can meet that budget, we will have spent $536 more than we spent in 2019, which, at a 0.68% expenditure increase per year, doesn’t keep pace with inflation. So, if you pass this budget as recommended by CCFA, there will be certain ministries of memory we will be able to afford.

Considering the ministry limited by smaller budgets, I hope you all have examined your hearts to consider whether you are giving all that God would want you to for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Remember, apportionments allow us to follow the aspiration codified in

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our conference rules empowering us to do ministry better together. I’m hoping after a period of conscious examination, in future years, your Commission on Archives and History (CAH) will once again be able to afford equipping local churches to preserve our common history.

So, if you had been thinking about applying for a conference grant to assist with preserving and making accessible your disciple-making historic materials, please do so before the end of this year. The link to apply is: https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/library/fluid-modpage/137/documents/Kuhler-Grant-Application-2017-081916.pdf Your CAH participates in the conference mission of “providing a connection beyond the local church” through its involvement in both the Historical Society of The United Methodist Church (HSUMC) and the North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History (NCJCAH).

HSUMC is a 30-year-old organization promoting interest in the study, preservation, and dissemination of the history and heritage of The United Methodist Church and its antecedents. It also publishes Methodist History, a quarterly peer-reviewed journal. Dues are $50/year. For more information see www.umchistory.org.

The NCJCAH comprises members of the GCAH from this jurisdiction as well as three additional voting delegates from each of the jurisdiction’s ten annual conferences. It meets annually at a site which rotates each year among the jurisdiction’s episcopal areas. Among its purposes are to promote historical projects within the jurisdiction and to set collection policies for the jurisdictional archives. At each meeting, each conference commission reports on how its mission is fulfilled there. GCAH staff also make live reports. I am in my last year as NCJCAH chair, giving me an ex-officio seat on GCAH. I could serve another four years on GCAH, if elected. This past year, I was also elected to HSUMC’s board.

Your CAH, comprising seven voting and two non-voting members, met three times in the past year (once in person and twice by conference call) in pursuit of our 12 mandated Disciplinary provisions. (¶641) At each meeting, we tithe our time in prayer and devotions.

One exciting activity this past year has been providing some of the funds necessary to digitize all the conference journals of our antecedent annual conferences from 1940 to 1968. Having these digitally available greatly enhances the research capability of our project historian, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Perry. He is in his 17th year of researching and writing an update to our conference history 1861 to 2012. He has posted a draft of the fourth chapter of an expected seven-chapter book we hope to publish by 2024. To read that and/or previous draft chapters, see https://dakotahistorianblog.wordpress.com/.

Here are some of our other activities during the past year: Jubilee Clergy: We designate those clergy members of our conference with 50 years or more of pastoral service as “jubilee clergy.” We collect short essays from recipients describing their lives and ministries since retirement. The following persons are 2020 jubilee clergy: Bill Bates and Bill Gran. If your clergy service record doesn’t reflect your years of Christian service, such as internships or years as a missionary, please see one of the commission members to correct your jubilee year.

Grave markers: From a supply purchased more than a decade ago, CAH provides the Cabinet with clergy grave markers presented at individual memorial or funeral services of our deceased clergy. We hope the supply holds out through the end of 2021, because there is nothing in the recommended apportionments budget to resupply these.

North Central Jurisdiction: I chaired, in person, the annual meeting of the NCJCAH in Mankato, Minnesota, on July 8-11, 2019.

Submitted by R. Duane Coates, chair, Dakotas Conference Commission on Archives and History 4.3 Communications The Dakotas Conference communication team continues to tell the story of the ministries of the Dakotas Conference. The website—www. dakotausmc.org— serves as the home base for all communications and grew in usage and efficiencies. Weekly e-newsletters are sent including Mondays @ Dakotas—e-news featuring stories of vitality sent every Monday, and This Week @ Dakotas—weekly announcements, sent out every Tuesday, bothhave grown in distribution numbers. Social media communiation has become a vital and inspiring tool, as well as video story telling.

The conference website, www.dakotasumc.org, is the place where you will find all news, events, and announcements. The website is a partnership with camping—www.dakcamps.org, foundation— www.dakotasumf.org, and youth—dakyouth.org. There are daily updates with an emphasis on visuals, including photos, graphics, and video. The result is increased traffic of 15%.

Mondays @ Dakotas remains popular for sharing the ministry and telling the story of the Dakotas Conference. Mondays @ Dakotas continues to reach an average of 1,800 viewers per week.

This Week @ Dakotas weekly announcements provides a venue to share upcoming events, ministry announcements, and resources with local churches. Each week, there is an average of 2,500 viewers through the website, e-mail, or on social media.

The social media presence of the Dakotas Conference continues to grow. Engagement has increased by 10% through shares on Facebook and retweets on Twitter. Facebook is the most popular channel with 730 average daily views.

Video contributes to telling the ministry story. This past year, the communications team produced more than 65 hours of video for the Dakotas-Minnesota area with more than 42,000 shares and views.

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UMConnect continues to be a resource and tool for Conference ministries and churches. Enhanced features include the ability to join from any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Video conferencing is used an average of 40 hours each week with more than 100 users per week.

The Dakotas-Minnesota communication team of Doreen Gosmire, Karla Hovde, Christa Meland, and David Stucke received 8 awards from the United Methodist Association of Communicators. For the past eight years the two conferences have collaborated to create a communication team that produces excellence telling the story of Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodists.

The communication team is thankful to tell the story of United Methodists across the Dakotas who are passionate about making disciples.

Submitted by Doreen Gosmire, director of communication 4.4 Director of Ministries Report Although the modes and methods of implementation and delivery have greatly shifted since the March 2020, the mission and purpose of the Dakotas Conference continues to be the same—to support and equip pastors and local churches so they can accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are fueled by our core values: JESUS as Lord and Savior as our foundation, our call to the MISSION of sharing the Good News and making disciples, and the importance of being in CONNECTION with one another for support and accountability. Our key strategies to accomplish that (listed below) are overseen by our Missional Links and CCFA and are implemented by Conference staff and leadership. Key activities and outcomes of 2019-2020 include: Discipleship is leadership development. It is also about helping every person identify God’s call on their life and be equipped and empowered to live out that call. Some of the ways in which conference leadership has partnered with local churches this past year to do this included: •

Inviting 10 churches to participate in the 4th year of our Children’s and Youth Ministry Cohort with Stephanie Caro and Ministry Architects

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Providing a camping ministry that continues to be a place apart for children, youth and adults to hear God’s call (see camping report)

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CCYM-led event to connect youth and youth leaders from across the connection (see CCYM report) Taking four young adults to Exploration as a way to help them discern their call to vocational ministry Creating places for three Elisha interns and one Samuel Intern to explore pastoral ministry

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Launching a Residency Partnership pilot with Embrace to provide an intensive 6-9 month ministry experience Recruiting 14 new clergy into ministry in the Dakotas

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Leading 25 pastors through Clergy Leadership Academy (a 3-year process). This year’s sessions covered Passionate Worship and Authentic/Healthy Living.

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Inviting NW pastors to participate in a district sermon series planning retreat in Bismarck.

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Offering a webinar on Virtual Worship with Jason Moore from Midnight Oil Productions to help pastors adapt to changes brought on by COVID-19

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Committing to coming alongside clergy at different junctures in ministry to help them focus on total wellbeing—mental, physical, spiritual, social and financial—as well as grow in areas of personal and/or professional development through our Higher Ground Initiative. Thirteen clergy participated in the year-long retreat track and an additional 20 received direct coaching.

Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive director, Ministries 4.5 Higher Ground Higher Ground—A sacred time for clergy to experience renewal and transformation.

The 2016 Book of Discipline set forth requirements that each Conference provide a process for each clergy to complete at the 8-year junctures in their service of ministry. This directive, combined with the need we saw for clergy to have access to “coaching” (e.g. counseling, spiritual direction, health coaching, technical and/or leadership coaching, etc.) for personal and professional development was the inspiration for the Higher Ground Initiative. Our first year cohort invested in 13 clergy who began their journey with a week at Terra Sancta Retreat Center in July 2019, followed by a year of personal and group coaching addressing opportunities for personal and/or professional development as well as overall wellbeing in the five critical dimensions of mental, physical, spiritual, financial and social. This process is overseen by an advisory council of clergy and lay from the Dakotas Conference and funded by a Thriving in Ministry Grant from the Lilly Endowment.

The retreat was led by a team consisting of physician Dr. Shawn Culey, Spiritual Directors Lin VanHofwegen and Dr. Susan Reese, Financial Therapist Sarah Swantner, Avera Health Coach Cheryl Pitzl, Lilly Grant Program Assistant Amber Laffey, and Director of Leadership Development, Deb Kjerstad.

The retreat was a time for of intentional learning and discerning focused on looking back at their spiritual timelines and ministry journey, looking inward and around, and looking forward by setting goals for the next season of ministry. Additionally, it was a time of rest and relaxation, worship and devotions, hiking and yoga, and nourishment for body, mind, and spirit. It was a renewal for their calling, knowing they have resources, tools and persons prepared to help and support them along the way.

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The second component of the Lilly Grant provided an additional group of clergy personal coaching for a year. We had 20 clergy receive funding for support and development—many of these individuals were invited after One on One conversations with the DS, and some were personal requests. Please refer to our page on the website under Clergy Total Well-being for more information or to request resources.

Due to the impact of COVID 19, an in-person retreat to kick off the 2020-21 cohort was not possible this summer. Our team worked to reinvent the process with the same mission and outcomes. A new cohort of 14 individuals will be beginning their journey in September 2020 with monthly calls designed to create a community of support for the nine months leading up to a retreat at Terra Sancta in July of 2021.

The goal will be to create space in their life for personal wholeness and engage with each other to create that bond of trust prior to coming to the retreat and set the stage for a deeper dive during the retreat which then will be followed by a year of personal coaching.

We are immensely grateful to the work of Amber Laffey as our pilot year program assistant. Due to her answering her own call to pastoral ministry, she completed licensing school, began Kairos, and was appointed to Flandreau UMC. She has set up our team well to continue in this good work, and Deb Kjerstad will be taking over the daily oversight of this Lilly Grant funded program.

Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive director, Ministries 4.6 Sessions Committee The Sessions Committee worked with the Minnesota Conference to plan their 2020 overlapping Annual Conferences scheduled for June 10-13, 2020 in Sioux Falls, SD. The Host Team from Sioux Falls was an integral part of the process. These Annual Conferences were cancelled by the Dakotas and Minnesota Cabinets and respective Sessions Teams because of COVID-19. Various alternatives were planned as the COVID situation changed.

A virtual Clergy Session was held June 11, 2020. Voting was through the webinar platform. Host sites were available for those who had limited internet access or were concerned about technical challenges.

A virtual annual conference date is Saturday, October 10, 2020. Voting will take place Zoom webinar platform. Host sites are available for those who had limited internet access or were concerned about technical challenges. Those voting needed their own device. Virtual preconference gatherings are being held in September.

The Celebration of Life in Ministry Service will be held on September 18, 2020 and live streamed. The service will be re-broadcast on Octoberber 9, the evening before Annual Conference 2020.

The Sessions Committee revised the 2021 Annual Conference budget so that it would meet the reduced 2021 Conference budget. The Memoirs Policy was reviewed.

Planning is underway for annual conferences in the next quadrennium. The 2021 Annual Conference will be held June 10-12 in Sioux Falls, SD. Submitted by Kay Braun, chair, Sessions Committee

4.6 DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS Developing Missional Leaders Link Like many ministry areas across our Conference, 2020 was a weird year in the life in the ministry areas of the Missional Leaders Link. Despite this, there are several highlights to share about our year in ministry.

Camp and Retreat Ministries celebrated great successes in 2019-2020 before the pandemic hit. Storm Mountain earned full accreditation by the American Camp Association, which means that all six camps across our Episcopal Area are ACA accredited. Despite flooding and storm damage at Lake Poinsett and Storm Mountain, volunteers from across the Conference gave hundreds of hours in volunteer time to ensure that the camps were usable for the 2019 camping season Our camps also started and completed major projects, including a new maintenance shop at Lake Poinsett and major facelifts to popular spaces at our campsites. All this combined to reach and impact nearly 3,000 campers of all ages who were able to experience Christ, Creation, and Community through our camping ministry.

While we are heartbroken that the 2020 camping season could not happen as it was regularly scheduled, we understand the hard decisions that were made that prioritized camper safety. It is the hope of the Missional Leaders Link that the fundraising effort of our camping ministry, Keep Our Campfires Glowing, will overcome the hardships our camping ministry is facing during this uncertain time. Please prayerfully consider being a part of our camping ministry’s effort and future work.

DWU Campus Pastor Eric Van Meter tells us that, “College ministry is always an improvisational act, but never more so than in 2019-20.

DWU Campus Ministry continued a solid outreach, with 150 students involved and 39 student leaders. Our freshmen ministry had a banner year, as is reflected in the 17 new leaders added to Student Ministry Council for this coming fall. We worked with two Elisha interns, one of whom (Luke Wodahl) is now enrolled with Kairos. In addition to weekly worship, Bible studies, and service projects, we have led events for area youth groups and sent students into local churches to lead music and to preach. When the world went all wompy-jawed in March, we shifted to online ministries, which have continued throughout the summer. We are approaching the coming fall with the vigilance of a prairie dog and the tenacity of a squirrel on a bird feeder, trusting that God will lead us through to a time of rest and more coherent metaphors.”

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Other areas of ministry, like our young adults’ ministries and lay servant ministries have been affected by COVID-19 and typical events that are vital to their regular work had to be laid aside for a season.

We are looking forward to 2021, as are many of you, and we are looking expectantly into the future. One of our goals in 2021 is to work toward building a leadership pathway that helps us lift leaders through generations. How does a member of CCYM get connected to a campus ministry where she goes to college? How does a recent college graduate who was a part of that campus ministry get hooked up with a local church when he moves to a new town for his job? How does a pastor with a great college-age student who is not interested in ordained ministry ensure that she does not fall off someone’s radar? We will be working to develop systems to ensure that these pieces are in place for the future. This fallow time is a great time to do this hard work.

Submitted by Clay Lundberg, co-chair, Developing Missional Leaders Link 4.6.1 Board of Ordained Ministry The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) is intentional about our work and mission. We are disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. God is moving in the hearts of people of all ages. We are assisting people as they answer God’s call We as a Board are blessed with the task of building a culture of call throughout the Dakotas. We nurture people through the candidacy and ordination process. We train new clergy and lay leaders in the Dakotas Conference. We maintain standards for clergy effectiveness throughout a clergy member’s life of service and honor the service of our clergy members at pivotal transition points. We take this task seriously. We pray and seek God’s guidance as we work with each person.

As we live in an uncertain world, it is no different in the United Methodist Church. The Board of Ordained Ministry is grappling with the uncertainty. We seek direction for the Board and our processes. We look for ways to help and guide ministry candidates through this uncertain time. Please pray for our church and the BOM as we work through these times together.

We are excited to offer the Elisha and Samuel Projects. College students may apply to participate in the Elisha Project. A team of clergy and laity select interns for host churches from the pool of applicants. We offered scholarships to 4 college students—two at Dakota Wesleyan and two remote internships in churches as well as one Samuel Internship to a senior in high school to intern in their home church prior to college. BOM is honored to provide funding to fully pay these internships to continue to grow our Culture of Call.

We offer events and opportunities in the Dakotas Conference—Licensing School and Certified Lay Ministry School (virtually in 2020), preconference gatherings for seminary students and young adult members of the Annual Conference, facilitate groups at the various denominational events, such as Exploration; and facilitate the Clergy Leadership Academy (CLA) gatherings for Provisional Members and Licensed Local Pastors.

We urge all clergy and churches to prayerfully consider God’s leading and be aware of God’s call on people’s lives. Each Christian has a call and ministry which is God-given. Some have a call to pastoral ministry (whether Licensed Local Pastor or Ordained Clergy). If you have a call to pastoral ministry, please seek out your pastor or District Superintendent and share your call.

Submitted by Val Reinhiller, chair, Dakotas Board of Ordained Ministry 4.6.2 Camp and Retreat Ministries Koronis Ministries is celebrating over 14,000 camper days. That is the highest in 13 years, representing a 63% increase in three years. In the summer of 2019, there were 373 campers at Camp Koronis cabin camp. The second highest attendance in 38 years; just 25 campers below record attendance. Camp Koronis reinvested over $80,000 in repairs and facilities upgrades including a new water slide, a disc golf course, a new (used) 12-passenger camp van, electrical and RV-site upgrades in our campground, significant renovation work in cottage #62, and new eco-friendly LED lighting throughout camp. A year-end fire destroyed the camp kitchen and significantly damaged Lakeview Lodge from smoke. The building was fully insured.

KoWaKan Adventures served over 90 campers in ten groups throughout the summer, down 13 from previous years. The team ran another successful and full KoWaKan Teen Trek for 13 to 17-year-old campers. There was an upgrade to the canoe fleet with the purchase of three used Kevlar Canoes (one a 3-person canoe). A $15K, 24’ diameter Yurt was purchases, with donated and foundation funds, and will serve as a central meeting space. A platform,to receive the Yurt, will be built in the spring of 2020.

Wesley Acres is celebrates relationships with campers, volunteers, and staff, embodying what we do best. The camp purchased an upgraded pickup and plow, and a new roof on Invitation Cabin.

Lake Poinsett Camp had an amazing response of volunteers, more than 100, help with fill and place 10,000 sandbags for potential flooding at camp. LPC is blessed to have a maintenance endowment fund to help cover nearly $90,000 of required shoreline restorations caused by flooding. The camp broke ground for a new maintenance building to be completed by spring 2020. The leadership at LPC celebrates hardworking and dedicated staff that stepped up to prepare for summer camp.

Storm Mountain Center celebrates the accomplishment of American Camping Association— ACA Accreditation. Much extra work went into making sure that Storm Mountain is complying with best practice standards. Accreditation will strengthen our ministry moving forward.

Volunteer support assisted with so many environmental interruptions to operations: flooding causes more than 100 trees fall down, and the road to road washed out. The camp was blessed by 200 plus volunteer hours to clear trails, clean up camp, and keep things running smoothly.

It was exceptional. in 2019, there were literal mountain-top experiences with campers at the summit of Storm Mountain. Staff was always

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encouraging campers who really thought they could not make it. Many campers were amazed/proud/uplifted to reach the top. That moment came up a few times in camper surveys and encapsulates so much of the spirit of camp.

Northern Pines had a new program coordinator, and a very cohesive, creative summer staff that did some amazing worships, campfire times and activities. The Susanna North and South facilities were upgraded with new bunk beds and innerspring mattresses. These cabins were used often over the winter of 2019-2020 for retreat groups. Northern Pines purchased a new water trampoline and water mat for the swim area, new plow for the truck and a refrigerated salad bar for the dining service. One of the camp activities in 2019 was making Peace Poles.

Poles were donated to Riverside UMC, Park Rapids, Hubbard UMC, Champlin UMC, Minnesota Conference office, and one remains at the camp.

There were staffing transitions and celebrations. We said goodbye to Eric Reshley the Maintenance and Facilities Director at Koronis Ministries, and welcomed James Coblantz as the Maintenance and Facilities Director at Koronis Ministries. Ryan Bjorklund was welcomed as theMinistry Assistance at Lake Poinsett Camp.

We ended the operations, for 2019, in the black. - For the fifth year in a row in Minnesota, and for the fourth year in a row in the Dakotas, your camp and retreat program ended financially in the black. Your camping leaders continue to be good stewards of the financial resources entrusted to them.

The camp ambassador program and outreach grew in 2019. In March of 2019, the area camping ministry hired Beata Ferris as Area Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. Beata works in collaboration with camping central office staff, campsite directors, and the Area Camp and Retreat Ministry Director, to lead and implement an updated and enhanced outreach that helps identify and strengthen relationships with local church representatives (Camp Ambassadors) who encourage their churches and communities to attend an area United Methodist Camp. With the timing of Beata’s hire, our outreach to Camp Ambassadors was later than anticipated. However, Beata is quickly making up for lost time and has been connecting with our local church leaders.

Updates and Reminders: Shared Area Mission, Core Values, Outcomes - Mission: Helping campers and guests to experience Christ, Creation, and Community through camp and retreat ministries. Core values: Providing sacred places apart, nurturing Christian faith and discipleship, teaching creation care and appreciation, partnering with United Methodist churches and agencies, extending Christian hospitality and community, developing principled spiritual leaders, and inspiring and equipping lives for love and justice. Outcomes: Disciples and leaders who hear and respond to God’s call to share their faith, love, and accept everyone, serve others, and trust God Site Advisory Teams - Campsites continue to develop and strengthen their site advisory teams/councils These teams allow volunteers an opportunity to participate in the camping ministry in the areas they love most, provide direct feedback to our site directors and staff, and extend the reach of each site. People interested in serving on a site team should contact the director of the site Dakotas-Minnesota Area Alignment - All Dakotas-Minnesota staff, including site directors and central office staff, continue to meet and plan consistently together. Governance - Since 2016, the Dakotas and Minnesota conferences’ camp and retreat ministries have combined their strengths and leadership and have come together to form a joint governance council. This arrangement expands the camping-related offerings for United Methodists in each conference as well as sharing of best practices to create the strongest possible area camp and retreat ministry. The Camp and Retreat Council is made up of equal representation from each conference and meets quarterly. In addition, since 2017 Dakotas-Minnesota Camp and Retreat Ministries has served our area churches, clergy, and staff through a centralized administration office.

Dakotas - Living into a Sustainable Operating Model. Apportionment neutral in camp operations - Dakotas Camps are committed to becoming apportionment neutral, in the funding of the camping operations only, by 2021. Camps will continue to receive apportionment support in the areas of capital development and maintenance, central office staff support, property taxes, and insurance. Annual Fund Development - The camp and retreat ministry has partnered with the Dakotas Foundation to develop an annual fund campaign to provide financial support and long-range sustainability with a goal of increasing giving as apportionment funds are reduced. Fee/Rate Review – A comprehensive review of all fees and rates for camps and retreats was completed in 2016. A phased multi-year plan to adjust rates was implemented in 2017. Financial Policies/Controls - Each site develops a monthly spending plan based on prior year’s actuals. Monthly conversation and review of any variances on established spending plans helps ensure real-time management and course correction as needed with a goal of no new deficits.

American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation - Dakotas and Minnesota staff regularly review every facet of camp programs and operations to ensure a safe and quality camp experience for all participants. Each of your six sites across the Dakotas and Minnesota are fully accredited operations through the American Camp Association, the national accrediting body for camping programs. To earn accreditation, camps must comply with hundreds of health, safety, and program quality standards. Only one in five camps nationwide achieves this distinction.

Current Staffing - Dakotas: Christy Heflin - Director, Lake Poinsett Camp; Levi and Lara Ziegler – Co-Directors, Storm Mountain Center; Paul and Brenda Lint - Co-Directors, Wesley Acres Camp.

Minnesota: Leslie Hobson - Director, Northern Pines Camp; Dan Ziegler - Director, Koronis Ministries and Kowakan Adventures.

Central Camping Office - Stacey Edwards - Camping Coordinator; Linda Bowers - Camping Assistant; Beata Ferris - Marketing and Out-

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reach Project Coordinator; Mary Hovden - Camping Accountant; Keith Shew – Area Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries Thank you for your continued support of your camp and retreat ministries in the Dakotas and Minnesota Annual Conferences. Thank you for making sure that the children, youth, families, and adults in your church and community know about camping opportunities. Your support and encouragement help ensure that Lake Poinsett, Koronis, Storm Mountain Center, Wesley Acres, Northern Pines, Kowakan, and many off-site programs and events can continue to be places where God meets with people. An experience at one of your Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Camps has changed the lives of generations of our Annual Conferences’ leadership. Thank you.

“Camp Gives Kids a World of Good!” American Camp Association Submitted by Keith Shew, area director, Camp and Retreat Ministries 4.6.3 Conference Council on Youth Ministry The Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry continues to refine and adapt to the many changes we find in our world today—especially when it comes to youth ministry program in the Dakotas Conference. While the pandemic has changed our ability for in-person interaction, other resources, like Zoom have enabled churches, youth ministries, and confirmations to continue. Your CCYM has had to do the same when it came to meetings and elections.

God continues to move in our midst friends. DAKYOUTH 2019 was hosted, once again, at the Aberdeen Recreational and Cultural Center. We had another 400 participants and our hope is to offer something for the youth of the Dakotas despite the pandemic. We plan to improve our overall engagement throughout the Conference and hope that churches will continue to adapt and engage their youth and the youth in their community as they are able.

Training, supporting, and equipping the paid and volunteer youth workers across our conference is a recognized and valuable part of our ministry.

Youthworker Academy 2020 – Our annual training event, at the end of April, for pastors and youth workers was cancelled due to the pandemic. We hope to have Chris Hansen back in the spring of 2021. For those who don’t know, the Dakotas Conference CCYM continues to offer a resource(s) that you may find beneficial for your local church in the areas of youth ministry, children’s ministry, and young adult ministry. Please contact Pastor Jeff Lathrop for more information.

Our CCYM election process has solidified this past year. Applications were made available online back in January with a deadline of May 30th. Due to the pandemic, CCYM leadership met via Zoom in June and selected participants based on their gifts and potential to serve within the Conference. We sent off our seniors and Diane Kisch (after 12 years of service) with well wishes and words of support as they take those next steps beyond CCYM. Leadership Training Camp was cancelled due to the pandemic, but that didn’t stop Peggy Hansen, the dean, and Stephanie Caro from creating an opportunity for the Dakotas youth to connect via Zoom for that week. Each day there would be a theme and a time for checking in as we reminisced about our camp experiences at LTC. We are blessed to have Stephanie Caro willing to hang out with us online.

We continue to promote our events through the Mondays at Dakotas email list, Facebook, text, paper mailings and continual revisions and additions to our website: www.dakyouth.org To receive text updates text “DAKYOUTH” to 40650.

Your Dakotas 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.

Our CCYM continue to be a blessing to the Dakotas Conference as we seek to empower, adapt, equip, and encourage our young people for the transformation of the world!

Submitted by Jeff Lathrop, coordinator, Conference Council on Youth Ministry 4.6.4 Lay Servant Ministry The Dakotas Lay Leaders are uniquely called to proclaim the mighty acts of God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light!

Myrna and I are honored to serve as your conference co-lay leaders alongside our gifted district co-lay leaders: Annie Carlson, Nancy Hallenbeck, Julia Jones, Val Melmer, Barb Owen, Steve Schlasner, and Richard Wahlstrom; and Lay Director Betty Janke. We thank you for your dedication to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We have several of these elected leaders whose terms are coming to an end at this year’s annual conference. We are so grateful for their time and commitment to service in our districts and conference. We will miss serving with them, but we put hope and trust in Jesus that the Holy Spirit has been stirring in the hearts of others to step up to the calling of lay leader.

Since last year’s report, two Congregational Care Workshops were offered in North and South Dakota where Karen Lampe from the Church of the Resurrection guided participants in a team approach to minister to those in need of help as they move through life’s challenges. From this training, we were given tools to bring hope and assurance of Jesus into our complex world.

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Prayer to open the floodgates of heaven with God-sized possibilities was the theme of Breakthrough Prayer workshops we offered in both North and South Dakota this year where attendees from several congregations took part. We discovered ways to launch congregations into the kind of church wide breakthrough prayer initiative that fuels the atmosphere of possibility, and the entire focus begins to shift from inward to up-and-outward. We offer a special thanks to Pastor Sue Nilson Kibbey for continuing to partner with us and offering opportunities to partner with pastors outside the Dakotas.

Approximately 80 participants took part in these four above mentioned equipping events. Please let us know if you would like to partake in future offerings of these trainings or if you would like to see other training opportunities offered. The Certified Lay Minister (CLM) process through Be A disciple is now fully an online certification process. We are always open to new ideas and participation to meet your evolving needs. Our goal is to equip, support and encourage laity to step into their calling. If you and your church would like to host Explore Your Call: Uncovering Spiritual Gifts Workshop, which is the first module in attaining a Lay Servant certification, you may contact Susan Punt or Deb Kjerstad at the conference office. We could not have done any of this without their exceptional talents and time.

Let us spread the theme of this year’s conference to ‘Be the Light, Live Hope’ as we return to our communities. I pray that God will breakthrough by igniting a new passion within in each one of us to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve and love one another with Christlike love.

Submitted by Myrna Hill and Jane Hincks, co-lay leaders, Dakotas Conference 4.6.5 Dakotas United Methodist Women United Methodist Women is the official women’s organization of the United Methodist Church. Membership is voluntary and open to all women committed to and engaged in mission who affirm the purpose. We collaborate with organizations worldwide that address the condition of women, children, and youth around the world.

Our 2019 theme was “Celebrating 150 Years of Sisterhood." United Methodist Women of today have received a rich legacy of bold faith, radical action and great gifts from women who stood together, united for change. We told old stories, we learned new stories; we realized that our stories are God’s stories. This entire year we celebrated that history, we celebrated our sisterhood, and we pledged to continue the mission by taking God’s story out into the world for women, children, and youth. The 150th Anniversary of the founding of United Methodist Women (or predecessor organizations) was March 23, 2019. Many Local Units, Focus Areas, all four Districts, and the Conference held 150th Anniversary events during 2019.

The Dakotas Conference Mission Team met three times during the year. A team planning meeting was held in Selby, SD during January 2019 to get to know each other and to plan the upcoming year. The second meeting was a conference call in early August. The final meeting was held prior to our Annual Celebration in October.

Each of the four districts tried to hold Focus Day events in April. These day meetings were planned and presented by teams of Conference and District Officers. It offers an opportunity to fellowship with area women in worship, to hear about the mission studies, to learn about social action concerns, and to rediscover how our UMW organization works for women, children, and youth worldwide.

The social action priority issues for the quadrennium include climate justice, maternal and child health, criminalization of communities of color, and economic inequality. The UMW Committee on Racial Justice (and friends) presented a program during the UMW Breakfast at Annual Conference in Bismarck in June 2019.

Mission u was held on consecutive weekends in July: first at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell SD (southern site) and then the University of Jamestown in Jamestown ND (northern site). Mission u is an opportunity for women, men, children and youth to study current issues in society. The studies in 2019 included “Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship," “Women United for Change-150 Years in Mission” and “What about Our Money?”. Missions for Me Children Camp encouraged both their education and participation.

All four of the districts held Annual Meetings/Retreats in September. The women of the districts met for business, programs, worship and fellowship. The local organizations are recognized during this time for their Mission Today, Five Star Giving and Reading Program Participation.

Beyond our conference borders, the Dakotas are represented by two very dedicated women. Bobbi Larson functions as the Committee on Nomination Chair of the North Central Jurisdiction Leadership Team. Dawn Armstrong serves on the UMW National Program Advisory Group. Her duties include the Legacy Fund Steering Committee. Both women serve as another communication line between the wider organization and the Dakotas.

The Dakotas Conference UMW Annual Celebration was held in October 4-5 at First United Methodist in Pierre,SD. Thursday evening a few ladies participated in mission work by filling backpacks with food for the school children at the Food Pantry and assembling hygiene kits for the Domestic Violence Center in Pierre. Friday morning and afternoon were filled with committee meetings and counterpart training. Friday evening, Kimberly Zachrison from the SD Attorney General’s Office alerted us to signs of elder abuse in our communities. We also enjoyed “Fashions through the Decades," a historical style show. That evening ended with our Happy 150th Birthday to UMW Party complete with parlor games, a photo booth, birthday cake and ice cream. Saturday morning speaker was Bobbi Larson. She shared insights on the upcoming North Central Jurisdiction UMW Quadrennial Meeting. Fifteen Love Ribbon grants were awarded for a total of $4336.

The New Opportunities Grant was awarded to Courtney Reile of Valley City, ND. Saturday’s schedule also included worship, reports, skits,

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the business meeting, and fellowship. The day ended with closing worship and communion. The 2020 Annual Dakotas Conference UMW Celebration is scheduled for October 2-3 at Jamestown St Paul’s, Jamestown, ND, with the theme “Let Your Light Shine."

2019 was a notable year for United Methodist Women, for our beloved United Methodist Church, and for our nation. But there is still much work to do. Just as in 1869, today’s women are still marginalized; today’s women, children, and youth still need education and affordable health care; and women still need to organize for mission. Join us as we “Let Our Light Shine.”

Submitted by Marsha Timm, president, Dakotas Conference United Methodist Women

4.7 EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS Equipping Missional Congregations We continue to explore ways to come alongside existing congregations and/or apostolic leaders who are called to respond to a new movement of the Spirit. Here are some of the ways that has born fruit in the past year: 4.7.1New Church Development Starting new service, new sites, new solo starts up congregations are proven ways to reach new people making them disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Spirit is moving, and we are following with a wide range of new initiatives to reach new people.

Germinating: New starts that have not yet (re)launched public worship: Dell Rapids, SD: Josh Willprecht is preparing the soil for an Embrace network church.

Fargo, ND: Mission Fargo, Rev. Jason Mehring was working on missional engagement to launch in 2020 but due to the need to relocate because of family needs, has had to terminate that project.

Hartford, SD: Starting a second service to reach new people led by Rev. Seth LaBounty.

Hurley, SD: Re-starting this ministry with Rev. Ron Olson.

Madison, SD: Re-starting second service with Rev. Randy Hedge.

Parker, SD: Re-starting this ministry with Rev. Rick Andrus.

Plankinton, SD: Renew plant partnership with Sioux Falls Sunnycrest and Herman Perez.

Rapid City, SD: The Road Recovery congregation of Canyon Lake UMC led by Jeff Hauser.

Redfield, SD: Hispanic pre-launch evangelism led by Michael Sanchez.

Sprouting: Starts that have begun public worship: Aurora, SD: Rev. Donna Kuper has launched them as an Embrace network in a new outreach effort.

Bismarck, ND.: Rev. Andy Early leads Legacy South that has launched in south Bismarck.

Bismarck, ND.: Rev. Chris Chase leads Celebrate Grace Recovery that has launched in Bismarck.

Burke, SD: Rev. Clay Lundberg started a new service to reach new people midweek.

Fargo, ND: Rev. Tamba Clark leads Calvary African that is nested at Fargo Calvary.

Gettysburg, SD: Rev. Jeff Adel leads a new service to reach new people on Sundays.

North Sioux City, SD: Rev. Christine Cappetta leads ARK as Embrace network reaching new people.

Sioux Falls, SD: Rev. Taylor Johnson leads The Light at Sioux Falls First UMC. Sioux Falls SD: Sunnycrest Renew Hispanic church.

Spirit Lake, ND: Rev. Mike Flowers and Libby Flowers lead this new start as part of their mission work.

White, SD: Pastor Mary Morgan leads an Embrace network church reaching new people.

Sustaining: Starts that have become self-sustaining Mitchell, S.D: Fusion UMC Salem, S.D: Salem Unite Church Sioux Falls, S.D: Embrace, Sertoma Campus 4.7.2 Revitalizing Existing Congregations Hub-City Initiatives – Bishop Ough and Ben Ingebretson, along with District Superintendents, gathered pastors from churches in our larger, “hub” cities in N.D. and S.D. respectively to encourage and equip them to think about strategic ministry that would partner with and resource churches/communities around them.

Rural Ministry Initiative – Fueled by the work of Journey Renewal Partnership, sparks of revitalization in some of our rural churches and a Fall Leadership Event focusing on trends in rural America, the Missional Congregations Link has been working towards creating a Rural Ministry Strategy. This work was the basis for the vision and plan articulated in our application for a Lilly Grant for Thriving Congregations. Whether we receive funds from Lilly or not, this vision and strategy is one that we will look to implement in the coming years.

SE District Equip Church Conference – Rev. Roger Spahr embraced the call to equip missional congregations by holding two large

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equipping gatherings in lieu of typical charge conferences.

Breakthrough Prayer Workshops – The movement of Breakthrough Prayer continues to sweep across the Dakotas as trained laity utilizes the materials from Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey—Director of MCCI—to facilitate these trainings.

Congregational Care Certification – Karen Lampe from the UM Church of the Resurrection led 75 clergy and laity in these trainings held at Storm Mountain Center and in Bismarck, ND. Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive director, Ministries and Ben Ingebretson, area director, New Church Development

4.8 EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT Beyond our Conference Mission Ministries in the Bakken, at Tree of Life and Spirit Lake, and through Solar Oven Partners, one of our most effective strategies in Extending Missional Impact is seen through the innovative ministries supported by our Breakthrough Ministry Grants.

These grants are meant to be seed money for new ministries that are: 1. Outward-focused (reach beyond the existing membership of the church); 2. Create opportunity for relationship building; and 3. Move people closer to a connection with Christ and the church. 2019-20 grants helped start ministries such as: After-school program at Sturgis UMC Children’s Ministry Safety Technology and Diaper Ministry at Watertown First Campus Ministry at Brookings First Culture of Call Youth Led worship at Canyon Lake UMC Food Pantry at low-income housing development near Knollwood Heights UMC Church-School Partnership in Plankinton UMC Community movie night with Medina UMC Financial Peace University at Stickney UMC Community Kids ministry at Aurora Impact and Mission Fargo New Wednesday worship at North Sioux City The ARK Circle of Friends Ministry at Rapid City Open Heart Community Preschool at Blunt UMC Easter and Christmas VBS at Brandon Celebration Young Adult Ministry Intern at Mitchell Fusion Technology for the Hope Center in Rapid City Technology upgrades at these local churches—Fargo Faith, Harrisburg, Virgil, SF Wesley, Bismarck Calvary, Kensal, Elk Point UMC, Piedmont Grace, Sioux Falls Asbury, Woonsocket Spirit of Faith Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive director, Ministries 4.8.1 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry – Out In Faith Out in Faith is in the business of finding lost sheep. Matthew 18:14 says that our Heavenly Father is unwilling that any should perish.

Finding lost sheep involves finding the felt need of those who wander. By meeting felt needs like a meal, diapers, a safe place to stay. Out in Faith builds relationships that allow us to speak to the deeper needs of each person, a relationship with the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through you the lost sheep of God find their felt need met. We served over 3500 meals in 2019 and gave out thousands of dollars’ worth of diapers and formula to over 150 families. We provided food boxes and Christmas boxes containing hygiene items and hats and gloves to 180 people. We continue to offer transportation assistance and phone cards.

Our GIFT (God in Faith Tonight) meal and worship averaged 66 people with our highest attendance at our holiday meals.

Thank you, Dakotas Conference for all you do to make this ministry possible. Lives are changed and lost children found.

Submitted by Rev. Ross Reinhiller, pastor, Williston Faith UMC 4.8.2 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry – Watford City, N.D. What an amazing first year as the director of Bakken Oil Rush Ministry. God has moved powerfully and proven repeatedly the vitality and significance of this amazing ministry and the purpose He has for Dwayne Keener as the director. Mid-2019 was a time of transition for Keener’s wife and him as he retired from the United States Air Force on June 30. On July 1, Keener took over as the director following Jim and Kathie Konsors' retirement on June 30.

In 2019 we helped individuals and families over 7000 times with clothing, winter wear and household goods to include furniture. This number is how many purchases were made in the Thrift Store. And many of these folks bring at least one friend or family member with them so the number could easily double to over 14,000. The 2019 numbers have clearly increased over 2018 numbers which tells us the need for this ministry is still great and word is spreading about what we provide.

Our intentional focus on publicity in 2019 may have helped. We purchased a banner to display at event tables, updated our brochures and purchased personalized pop sockets, ink pens and magnets with the ministry’s information on them. We also renovated and upgraded our

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website at www.oilrushministry.com to include the capability for folks to donate securely by credit or debit card, even from a smart phone. We also have an ad in the McKenzie County Farmer newspaper and occasional radio interviews and advertisements.

Additionally, to help increase interest in volunteer opportunities, we began a Volunteer Incentive Plan. Churches, scout groups, corporations or individuals who want to complete a community service project or just want to invest their time in this ministry are welcome. Those who do not mind having their volunteer hours tracked are rewarded with Bakken Oil Rush Ministry “Bucks." Folks may use the ministry “Bucks” to shop in the Thrift Store. They are awarded the “Bucks” after every 20 hours of volunteering. Then, at 100 hours of volunteer service, each volunteer receives a $50 gift card.

We continue to partner with the Salvation Army, the Family Crisis shelter, Social Services, and the prison chaplains providing needed items in a crisis or referring folks to these organizations. For example, in addition to those who purchased items in the Thrift store in 2019, we also gave away needed items to 36 people last year. Some of them were men who had just gotten out of prison and only had the clothes on their back when they were released from prison. We also gave away 97 coats at the annual fall coat giveaway. Unfortunately, our coat donations were lower in 2019 than 2018, but rest assured that everyone who requested a coat received one free of charge. Also, Keener continued community connections as a member of the Rotary Club, McKenzie County Cares committee, the Watford City Chamber of Commerce, the local Minister’s Association and by speaking at churches.

We also continued most of the Konsors' legacy programs. In Keener’s first year as director, we began having the Gathering Place functions quarterly to put an intentional focus on significant events and to recognize our dedicated volunteers. On Nov. 15, we held the fourth Annual Comedy Café fundraising event. It was well attended, and we added a silent auction and an angel tree as new ways for folks to invest in the ministry. We were also thrilled that the Konsor’s were able to join us for this event.

Very soon after the Comedy Café, on Nov. 21, we held the Thanksgiving Gathering Place event. Anticipating larger participation, we moved the event to the Watford City Community Center. Thankfully, we made the right decision as over 130 people attended, more than double the number that attended in 2018. We gratefully received a gift of four large turkeys from the National Wild Turkey Federation which turned out to be just enough for all who attended. We also received a generous gift of home-made desserts from the CrossPoint Church in Watford City.

Keener also shared a devotional focused on “Thanks-living”. We received many comments of gratitude that evening for providing the free meal and fellowship. Some folks who attended shared how they felt isolated and were grateful for an opportunity to meet new people.

Following the Thanksgiving Gathering Place event, we held the annual Christmas event and Toy Mall on Dec. 7. This year 60 children and their families attended along with about 20 volunteers. Our numbers were lower this year as Watford City had a lot of activities scheduled that evening. Regardless, the donations of gifts were so generous each child received two free, unwrapped gifts this year instead of one. Keener read the Christmas story from a children’s Bible and we had the traditional carols, goodies and releasing of balloons at the end of the evening.

At this point we may recall the Konsors' report last year when they said, “Just because we deal in used clothing and furniture doesn’t mean we need to look ‘used’ as a property”. We are continuing the Konsors' passion to improve and renovate the property. Not only do we want our buildings and property to look nice, the renovations are important to help increase productivity and quality of life for our staff and volunteers.

Also, renovations will help us serve the community better.

Therefore, as of Feb. 2020, we began a renovation campaign raising funds and looking for volunteers to help us upgrade the Thrift Store and quonset. Currently the quonset does not have running water even though we have staff and volunteers who complete at least 200 man-hours of work weekly in the quonset. To use the restroom, they must walk out in the weather to the Thrift Store. In addition to restrooms, we also have a goal to install a large capacity washer and dryer for convenient cleaning and sorting of clothing in the designated work area. Currently, the store manager takes large loads of clothing and bedding to the local laundromat which takes additional time and money.

Also, in the Thrift Store we strive to have plumbing installed for a sink with running water in the kitchen. Currently, our only running water is in the Thrift Store bathroom which is a combined laundry room and sink for washing dishes. Additionally, we plan to install flooring, put a fresh coat of paint on the interior walls and new shelving, which will help.

Finally, we feel blessed, honored, and thankful for the continued investment in the ministry by the Dakotas Conference and numerous United Methodist churches through prayers, letters, donations of clothing and other items, and financial gifts. You bless us beyond measure with your faithful support. I believe God is glorified by your investment in the ministry and the people of Watford City are edified through your consistent giving. Thank you and God’s richest blessings to you.

Submitted by the Reverend Doctor Dwayne W. Keener, director, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry—Watford City, N.D. 4.8.3 Disaster Response There was severe flooding throughout South Dakota in 2019. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation was hit especially hard. The Conference was able to respond quickly with an UMCOR grant for $10,000. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management Office used the funds to help purchase equipment that was used to rescue people stranded due to muddy, washed out roads and high water.

Lake County was also hit hard with a rain event. 12 inches of rain fell between September 10-12, 2019. Madison and Montrose SD UMC Churches both responded in amazing ways. Montrose UMC opened its doors as a temporary shelter for displaced families, and Madison SD put together a fund to help families recover. Madison UMC received a grant from UMCOR to help with the cost of replacing water heaters, winter clothing and other things destroyed by the flood. hey also provided much needed counseling and emotional support for the community.

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UMCOR requires volunteers to be certified when responding to disasters. Two Early Response Training (ERT) Classes were held for volunteers. Classes were led by Linda Kropenske of Sioux Falls. The trainings were held at First United Methodist in Sioux Falls and Yankton, SD. These volunteers are now UMCOR-certified for Early Response to Disasters in the Conference and around the country: Merle and Judy Brandt, Julie Moderegger, Karen Miller, David Holzwarth, Bruce Feistner, Pastor John Britt, Charles Cunningham, Robert Petersen, Marsha Stacey, and Nancy Olsen. We are grateful to Linda Kropenske for her work and dedication to Disaster Relief and the Dakotas Conference.

Response Trailers have been set up with tools and supplies for teams of volunteers from the Dakotas Conference who are called to respond when disaster strikes. Contact the Dakotas Conference Office 605-996-6552 or Lisa Johnsen 605-440-3200 if you wish to be ERT UMCOR-certified.

Submitted by Lisa Johnsen, coordinator, Disaster Response in the Dakotas Annual Conference 4.8.4 HOPE Center The HOPE Center began in 2010 as a vision of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Rapid City, SD. At that time, church leaders saw the need to provide services to the homeless and those living in poverty that would have a long-term impact. In 2014, the HOPE Center obtained its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the mission of: “Putting God’s love into action by enhancing dignity and hope as we build bridges out of poverty.” As the only day center in the Rapid City area, the HOPE Center offers its guests a safe environment where they can get off the streets, while receiving supportive service.

In 2019, the following services were provided to those in need: 4,000+ guests requested to use the HOPE Center as their address,;our free laundry facility was utilized 1,852 times; staff advocated for guests 2,563 times; 3,480 referrals were made to community resources; staff assisted 247 individuals in receiving their identification; and 6,100+ hygiene kits were provided to guests.

Our main objective at the HOPE Center is to establish relationships with the disadvantaged in our area, provide them with a respectful environment, and be a source of encouragement to those who often experience times of instability. We build trust with our guests, offer a lot of grace, and support them as they work through the crisis of poverty and homelessness.

Submitted by Melanie Timm, executive director, HOPE Center 4.8.5 Open Door Community Center The Open Door Community Center is now in its second year as a stand-alone UMC mission based in the lower level of the McCabe United Methodist Church. The pre-school moved to a new location in August 2018 to reduce overhead costs and keep the mission afloat.

After nearly two years, the relocation has proven to be successful. Currently, we have the maximum of 22 children enrolled in the pre-school.

The location of McCabe is in central Bismarck and adjacent to the North Dakota capital complex. While children come from different areas, the central location does make dropping off and picking up children easier. McCabe also increased security at the church this past winter, and parents have key fobs that allow entry before and after normal church hours.

Prior to the move, Open Door struggled financially. After putting pencil to paper, it appeared that Open Door could “live” cheaper if it was housed at McCabe. From McCabe’s point of view, the day care has the potential to be a new ministry that could lead younger families to Christ. We think this arrangement is a “Better Together” moment both for Open Door and McCabe UMC. The Open Door Community Center was first established in 1976 to serve families with a special focus on assisting families in economic need. The Open Door is a Dakota’s Conference mission project of the United Methodist Church and is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. The Open Door is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing all four UMC churches in Mandan and Bismarck.

The mutual goal of Open Door and McCabe UMC is to provide preschoolers with a high quality, Christ-centered program at an affordable price.

The Open Door Board of Directors remains separate from McCabe and we hope that all our many supporters throughout the conference continue to give to this mission. The tuition that we charge families covers only the salaries of the teachers, aides, cook and janitor. It is through donations that we can provide hot meals, snacks, educational materials and replace used and broken equipment and furniture.

Submitted by Steve Van Dyke, chair, Open Door Community Center 4.8.6 Solar Oven Partners With the help of donors, volunteers and ministry partners, Solar Oven Partners manufactures, ships, and distributes solar ovens to the three locations where we have ministry partners: the Dominican Republic, the Navajo Nation in Arizona and Sierra Leone. In those nations we conduct solar cooking seminars which culminate in the distribution of the ovens.

By sharing solar cooking in communities that live with the post-colonial burdens of poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, we share a means of reclaiming a part of sovereignty in the simple yet elemental daily necessity of cooking family meals. Not beholden to gas companies, nor dependent on cutting trees, people with a solar oven can cook using free sunlight. Cooks and their children no longer have to inhale smoke with every meal prepared, thus reducing lung and eye disease. The decision to pasteurize milk and water no longer has to be weighed against the cost of cooking fuel to do so. By reducing the need for trees cut in pursuit of cooking fuel, solar cooking reduces deforestation and its devastating consequences, which include soil depletion, flooding, mudslides, and desertification.

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At the same time, Volunteers In Mission become witnesses, not only to the burdens faced by people in the communities where we distribute ovens, but also to the strength, ingenuity, courage and compassion with which they live their lives. They return a witness and become an advocate to what God is doing in another part of the Body of Christ.

Since we last met in annual conference session, the reflector manufacturing workshop in Zeeland, ND, has been vacated in preparation for a move to Open Heart UMC in Rapid City. We thank God for the faithful and skillful service of Dave and Renae Silbernagel over the years. Dave invented a lot of the machines used to manufacture the reflectors and has developed the procedures followed by volunteers. He and Renae have given generously of their time and talents, making reflectors themselves and teaching teams of volunteers the process. They originally hosted the workshop in their outbuilding in Moffit, ND. When they moved to Zeeland, ND, they moved the workshop to a back room of their business. That business is growing, and the space is needed. So, with immeasurable gratitude for all the Silbernagels have given, we move to a new phase. Volunteers on the western side of our Annual Conference will now have what they have long been asking for: an opportunity to volunteer at a Solar Oven Partners workshop on their end of the conference. We believe that the larger population of Rapid City and the surrounding area will be a volunteer-rich environment. Now it is up to you to prove this to be the case.

The board has decided that it is time to hire a director of the ministry in Sierra Leone, like we have in the Dominican Republic. At the time of this writing, the trip to hire and orient the new director is postponed due to COVID-19. As soon as travel is safe, we will re-schedule. An in-country director will have responsibility to make arrangements for teams, including preparing the host-sites and making sure the local church host does the necessary publicity ahead of time as well as the logistics for transporting the ovens and team members, meals and lodging. A month or two after a distribution, the director also conducts follow-up visits to make sure oven recipients are successfully using their ovens. Having a dedicated person in Sierra Leone will enable increased distributions while also ensuring greater oven use rates.

Changes in leadership at the Navajo Nation have caused a pause in distribution there while we establish connections with new leaders and share the ministry concept with them. Dave and Renae Silbernagel travel to Arizona and have volunteered to meet with our partners and the new leaders there.

Having distributed over 1,680 ovens in the Dominican Republic, we have contracted a Dominican sociologist to conduct a scientifically valid survey of oven recipients. This will provide us with information regarding rates of usage and how ovens are being used (e.g. frequent meal preparation, softening beans, pasteurizing water, small retail endeavors, etc.), rates of use in different geographical locations, effect of seminar attendance on relationship to church and more. In addition, the sociologist will also give us a narrative report with recommendations for the future of this ministry.

Finally, we are striving to reduce the amount of plastic garbage we leave behind in the countries where we distribute ovens. We thank our sewing volunteers for the cloth pouches that have replaced the plastic bags in which the measuring cups and spoons used to be packaged.

Because we can now include four small accessories in the cloth pouches instead of only the measuring cups, these pouches have not only reduced our plastic waste, and given the oven recipients a nice little pouch to keep, but they also make distributions simpler.

Jesus was constantly telling people who thought they had no power to get up, and they got up. He shared with his followers’ bread and wine as a sign of our sharing in his death and resurrection. How beautiful that the cooking of ordinary meals through this ministry becomes a way for burdened people to get up.

Submitted by Marj Evans-de-Carpio, director, Solar Oven Partners 4.8.7 Southeast Pierre Mission UMC and Community Center The Southeast Pierre Mission United Methodist Church has worship on Sunday led by the Leadership Team. Each member of the team has a turn in participating in worship. Communion elements are blessed by Pastor Greg Kroger from Pierre First United Methodist Church.

Communion is normally held the first Sunday of the month. We have an average attendance of 14-16 each Sunday. A big part of our ministry is enjoying fellowship over coffee and a treat after church. We have 8 adults who attend a regular Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons.

In 2019, the Community Banquet, the largest mission of the Community Center was served on Thursday evenings from 5-6:30pm. The meals were planned, prepared and served by churches, businesses and service groups from Pierre and the surrounding area. We served from 200-225 meals each week. If extra food was available, a meal to take home was offered to any guest who wanted. We also have partnered with the Pierre School System to pick up food, they have left over and cannot reuse, and package to give to anyone to use. We also work with Feeding South Dakota as a senior box distribution center. The boxes are available monthly for seniors over 60 with limited income.

Three afternoons a week we have had an afterschool program where the children of the neighborhood can come after school for help with homework, reading, snacks, games, and other activities with adults, many of the adults being retired teachers. The children love one on one attention with an adult. The Community Center is a safe place for anyone to come and be welcomed.

Submitted by Barb Lindbloom, treasurer, Southeast Pierre UMC 4.8.8 Spirit Lake Ministry The Spirit Lake Ministry Center food pantry operates year-round for emergency needs. The food pantry meets the needs of more than 250 people per month in and around the Spirit Lake Nation. The food pantry depends on the funds from the Spirit Lake Ministry Center, donations from churches and individuals, and food drive items. Recipients of the food pantry receive more than just physical sustenance. They are given the opportunity for prayer and fellowship. This helps grow the faith community of The United Methodist Church on the reservation. We depend on The Tribal Council, Tribal Social Services, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Dakota Prairie Community Action Organization, and local churches for referrals of persons in need.

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The Spirit Lake Ministry provided Shoebox Christmas gifts for 5,459 children in poverty and need in 2019. The Shoebox gifts were distributed to eight reservations in the Dakotas Conference and the 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 around the country and within the Dakotas Conference.

The Community Children’s Fund provided emergency clothing and temporary housing for 55 children affected by life-changing events. The Community Children’s Fund is 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 when available, but on most occasions must purchase these types of items. The program depends on funds from the Spirit Lake Ministry Center, churches, and individuals to help defray the cost of these items.

This year we hosted a faith-based summer long day camp. The day camp begins with a hot meal for the children and continues with Vacation Bible School with stories, songs, crafts and skits and supervised play. We can begin and reinforce basic spiritual learning to children on the reservation. Day camp averaged 45 children each day and many of those children now attend Sunday School during our worship services.

This year the Ministry hosted 480 Volunteers in Mission from across the country. Volunteers built wheelchair ramps and decks, roofed houses, painted houses, painted or stained wheelchair ramps, rehabbed the POW WOW grounds, and provided spiritual fellowship to untold numbers of local residents. The focus of our teams is to build relationships that are meant to last a lifetime.

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 differences, but on the similarities of our cultures, those being our faith and trust in God. The ministry provides a place for children and adults alike to come and feel comfortable. We sponsored and hosted the annual Culture Camp, health fairs, and the Wellness Ride. These three programs brought more than 350 children and adults to the ministry over the year. We hosted a back-to-school bash for the children on the reservation and a backpack give away sponsored by the Arthur United Methodist Church which provided over 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need in our community.

We continued our children’s and youth night out with an average of 35 children and youth attending events including movie nights, pizza parties, game nights, and spiritual conversations. Family night continues to be a success with an average of 40 persons attending this monthly activity. This year we hired a youth leader to help guide the pre-teens and youth on their journey to know Jesus better. With his guidance and energy, we have seen growth in both programs.

Worship services at Spirit Lake Ministry began in Arthur Hall on Easter Sunday 2016, with worship and a meal. This year we named our congregation “Wanagi Canku” or “The Journey." We begin worship at 5pm. The worship services, without a meal, began with an average attendance of eight and in just three years, our congregation has grown to 52 worshippers with an average of 40 on a regular Sunday and over 50 during our monthly meal. Worship this year has seen two professions of faith, two adult baptisms, three children baptisms and four weddings. Our congregation has a heart for mission in its local community and around our state. For Thanksgiving, we baked cookies and delivered them, along with handmade blankets, to the elderly centers on the reservation and in the city of Devils Lake. Christmas found us again at the elderly centers for Christmas caroling and another round of blankets for the residents. The Jesus and Me (JAM) children’s program meets at the back of Arthur Hall during worship with an average of 25 children in attendance. The JAM session begins with a children’s teaching moment and crafts that follow the outline of the weekly worship message. Our Bible studies host an average of 15 adults and 5 youth. The pre-teens meet at the same time and average 7 in attendance each week. God is truly moving on the Spirit Lake Nation and within the Spirit Lake Ministry. This worshipping congregation is a catalyst for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the peoples of the reservation.

Submitted by Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors, Spirit Lake Ministry Center 4.8.9 Tree of Life Ministry We are the working hands and feet of God to the Lakota Nation residing on the Rosebud Reservation serving body, mind, and soul.

The board and staff at Tree of Life have been dreaming and planning big. We are trusting and believing for the expansion of the thrift store and a new building for the soup kitchen, creating a one stop service center for our community. We ask for your prayers.

The Soup Kitchen continues to grow in partnership with Native American Heritage Association (NAHA). We were able to distribute turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as hams for Easter dinner. Through our partnership with Feeding South Dakota we distributed elder boxes and provide food through our food pantry. We strive to produce one day 25% of our own produce used in the kitchen. With local revenue from thrift store and dollar store and financial donations we can buy and pay for everything else it takes to run a great kitchen.

Thrift Store: For 2019 we received 188,527 lbs. of donations for our thrift store. We get donations from men and women of God from all over the Dakotas and beyond and with the help of nonprofit organizations we have provided household goods, furniture, and appliances, gently used and new clothing for babies, children, teens, men and women. This gives a family, a mom or dad an opportunity to buy at a very low cost and have the pride of knowing they have provided for themselves (a hand up, not a handout). We serve an impoverished community with high unemployment and few resources to meet their very real needs. With that in mind we are expanding one more time to provide three times the inventory needed to get supports out. We continue to go out, into one of the 20 communities, with our box truck.

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Construction Projects: Working on homes that need repair, related to health and wellness issues has been a blessing to us. You truly cannot out-give God. Volunteers in Mission: We had six South Dakota groups and 27 out-of-state groups serve the Lord us this year. Together we are making a difference toward the Kingdom of God, project by project.

Our VIM dorms are updated, comfortable, and safet. We provide a cross-cultural experience second to none and continue to add new and exciting activities and adventures for VIMs. We would like to see more men and women of God visit us so they can experience the magnificence culture of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and to be a part of and witness the redeeming power of God to a nation.

Every prayer and donation are vital to this ministry; thank you for your prayers and support.

Submitted by Linda Garriott, executive director, Tree of Life Ministry

4.9 GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES LINK 4.9.1 Builders Club Builders Club is about doing ministry together to support the building projects of four churches each year through the donations of hundreds of individuals, organizations, and churches across the Dakotas. The goal is to help churches grow their current or new ministries to reach people in their communities by providing financial support for their building, remodel, or expansion projects.

In 2019, almost 500 individuals, organizations, and churches have partnered together and provided over $43,000 to help fund churches in their building projects. The following churches have benefited from the generosity of our members: The leaders of Trinity UMC in Lead, SD realize the future of the church lies in the next generations. To invest in their youth, the church was able to remodel and move offices to the Christian Ministry Center building next door to the church and redevelop the current office space to provide a designated space for youth ministry.

Beresford Zion UMC is on a journey to improve their presence and witness in Beresford, SD. With this grant, they were able to purchase and install a new electronic sign that has helped to expand their presence beyond their doors and share the love of Jesus throughout the community.

Attendance has doubled and activities are thriving at Northwestern UMC in the small town of Mellette, SD. To keep up with the growing number of members and all the exciting things happening at the church, church leaders completed many updates, including repainting, adding new shingles, replacing the air conditioner, installing new carpet throughout the church, and repairing the foundation.

Holmes UMC is a rural church near Reynolds, ND that is dedicated to transforming lives and creating new disciples. Through a Builders Club grant, the church was able to make some needed updates to the parsonage, which allows their pastor to fully immerse his time, energy, and resources into building up this rural ministry.

If you would like to join Builders Club or would like to apply for a Builders Club grant, please visit the Builders Club page on our website: www.dakotasumf.org or contact our office at 605-990-7797.

Submitted by Sheri Meister, president/CEO, Dakotas United Methodist Foundation 4.9.2 Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) The mission of The United Methodist Church and the Dakotas Annual Conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As a Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA), we take seriously our responsibility in making the mission happen through our apportionment dollars and other assets. Over the past 7 years we have continued to create a budget that has continued to live into our Journey Toward Vitality. We have focused on Developing Missional Leaders, Equipping Missional Congregations, Extending Missional Impact (which includes our financial commitment to the General Church), and Generating Missional Resources.

The role of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) is the oversight of the finances of the Dakotas Annual Conference. This includes recommending an annual budget to the Dakotas Annual Conference Session and setting policies and procedures for the stewardship and the use of the funds raised through apportionments and other assets.

We continue to examine our apportionment formula of using 16% of offerings received by each local church. As always, we must stress that this formula works well if each congregation remits their amount each month instead of waiting until the end of the year. Upon review of our tithing model, it is difficult for us to drop the percentage amount because we still see a shortfall of full congregational participation in the apportionments that help us in our Journey Towards Vitality. We invite Annual Conference members to help us in achieving our missional goals by encouraging your pastor and finance committee to create a plan to meet your apportionment tithe each month and remit in full each year. Over the past 6 years we have averaged a shortfall of receiving apportionment dollars of approximately $400,000 per year.

Not receiving this amount makes it more difficult to continue to advance our mission for God’s kingdom here in the Dakotas.

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As we all know the year 2020 has been an unprecedented year. In light of the pandemic of COVID-19, the call to erase racial injustice, and our on-going conversations around human sexuality anxiety has brought into our world and system. In the face of this anxiety we call each of us to know of the power of God in Jesus Christ. We pray that God’s spirit will reduce our anxious hearts and help us overcome our fear.

In light of all this, we as the CCFA have adjusted the 2020 budget to help our churches and pastoral leaders. We have adjusted our original 2020 budget amount of $4,295,234 and have lowered it to $3,374,526. We were able to reach this new budgeted amount through lower expenses and targeted cuts to the budget. We want to thank each church who in this time continues make the effort to continue our work and mission through our Annual Conference.

As we look to 2021, we want to recommend to the Annual Conference a 2021 budget amount of $3,546,552. Jeff Pospisil, our Conference Treasurer will explain our proposal and the rationale behind it. Please read the materials presented for our Annual Conference Session. We will continue to monitor our financial picture as we journey through this season.

The Audit report is available in the Dakotas Annual Conference Finance Office.

Lastly, we want to thank the staff: Jeff Pospisil, Treasurer, JoAnn Schlimgen, Assistant Treasurer, and Dana Bassett, Accounting Clerk. We are grateful for their hard work and wonderful ministry in helping all of us reach our mission! THANK YOU! This is my last Annual Conference as Chair of the CCFA. It has been a pleasure serving in this capacity and I am excited for my friend and colleague Jeff Adel who will be leading us into the next years.

Submitted by Bob Ruedebusch, chair, Dakotas Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration 4.9.3 Dakotas United Methodist Foundation Mission Statement: *developing relationships * cultivating resources * embracing ministries This past year was one full of new opportunities, partnerships, and continued ministry. In July of 2019, we entered a management agreement with the Minnesota United Methodist Foundation and Sheri Meister became the Executive Director of both Foundations. This joint collaboration has opened many new opportunities for both the Dakotas and Minnesota Foundations.

We hit a new milestone of $30 million invested with the Foundation. This has allowed us to distribute a record breaking high of funds for ministries throughout the Dakotas United Methodist Conference.

Seminary Scholarships – The Foundation knows that the future of our church lies in our upcoming leaders. By financially partnering with our seminary students, we can ensure that our future church leaders have the opportunity to answer their call. Eleven students were awarded a total of $90,200 in 2019: Bryce Blank, Natalie Buck, Thanael Certa-Werner, Christine Cappetta, Don Dinger, Veronica Fleming, Jason Martens, Matt Morrison, Teresa Person, Derek Runge, and Teresa Whetsel.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants offer churches an opportunity to fund their new or expanding ministries as they find creative ways to reach out into their communities with Christ’s love. In 2019, over $40,000 was awarded to 26 different churches who launched 28 new ministries in the Dakotas. Projects supported through Breakthrough Ministry grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries, culture of call, technology, and hunger programs. The application can be found online at www.dakotasumf.org.

Application deadlines are January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31.

Endowments, investment accounts, charitable gift annuities, legacy giving, or direct giving, are a few of the many ways for individuals and churches to partner with the Foundation. The Foundation also has many tools and resources available for churches as they navigate stewardship and generosity within their own congregations.

2019 by the numbers: 6 new endowments totaling $574,376 4 new investment accounts totaling $860,294 Total Distributions $981,621 Thrive $296,200 Group Endowments $31,700 Named Endowments $351,458 Builders Club $41,500 Giving Back Appeal $8,273 Passthroughs $79,884 (Camp, Spirit Lake, Tree of Life, Solar Oven Partners, Local Church, DWU; (includes stock gifts) Individuals (includes Charitable Gift Annuities and Trusts) $172,364 As we move forward into 2020, we are excited about the many partnership opportunities that come with doing ministry together across the Dakotas Conference.

Submitted by Jeff Nelson, chair, Board of Directors, and Sheri Meister, president/CEO, Dakotas United Methodist Foundation

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4.9.4 Human Resources Committee The Human Resource (HR) Committee continued to work with Jeff Pospisil, Rebecca Trefz and Bishop Ough to assure our staff was aligned properly within our mission. The HR committee held conversations with Bishop Ough and Rebecca on personnel changes that began on July 1, 2020. These changes have been announced to the conference, and our prayer is for God’s blessings as we enter a new season of ministry together. Bishop Ough shared his evaluation of staff, and we are grateful for a strong and faith-filled staff who continues to lead us in these uncertain times. With the retirement of several District Superintendents and Bishop Ough, our focus has been on helping put together a strong new leadership team.

Submitted by Barry Whipkey, chair, Human Resources Committee 4.9.5 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 purpose of the Board 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).

A summary of our work over the last year includes continuation of Wespath HealthFlex Exchange which began on January 1, 2019, continuation of Medicare Part B premium grants for surviving spouses as those rates continue to increase each year, continuation of no apportionment dollars.

Clergy Medical Leave: Clergy members Glen Sayler, Howard Baird and Robert Duemig are approved to continue medical leave and to receive CPP Disability Benefits for the conference year of July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021.

The Pre-82 (Past Service) Annuity Rate: The Board recommends that the 2021 Past Service Annuity Rate (effective 1/1/2021) be set at $752 for each year of pre-82 service in the Dakotas Conference. This is a 2.31% increase over 2020.

Updates on the Healthflex Program: HealthFlex is offered to Annual Conferences through Wespath. 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 administers the plan and processes claims. The HealthFlex insurance plan has strict guidelines regarding payment of premiums.

Beginning in 2019, we moved to Wespath HealthFlex Exchange giving active participants more coverage options. There are six plans to choose from along with dental and expanded vision coverage. The default plan for 2021 will be the C3000. The participant’s share calculations will no longer be based on participant’s total compensation. There will be a Premium Credit set for each type of coverage.

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 Exchange for 2021: Actives Single 2 Party Family H3000 Plan $7,500 $14,256 $19,500

H2000 Plan $8,604 $16,356 $22,380

H1500 Plan $9,504 $18,060 $24,708 C3000 Plan $8,496 $16,140 $22,092 C2000 Plan $9,756 $18,540 $25,368

B1000 Plan $10,164 $19,308 $26,424

*Default plan –C3000 Plan The conference will provide a Premium Credit of the following:

Single Coverage $7,320

2-Party Coverage $13,908

Family Coverage $19,032 Eligibility to participate is 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 the 2020 Journal). For 2021, the annual Direct Bill to churches will be 75% of the total active 2020 C2000 HealthFlex premium.

Updates on VIA Benefits for Retirees: The average HRA to a participant for 2020 was $3,180. 61% of all our retiree HRA accounts had funds roll over from 2019. Of those accounts 74% rolled over a minimum of $1,000.

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Update on the Retireee Health Liability Funding Plan and New Information on a Retiree Health Funding Plan / Health Reimbursement Accounts: To fund the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contributions, the Board uses funds accumulated in the Retiree Health Fund invested with Wespath as well as the Frank Lynch Trust and Georgia Lynch Trust invested in Union Bank. In 2019, all the stipulations within the Lynch Trusts were fulfilled to allow the funds to be transferred to the Retiree Health Fund. As of December 31, 2019, the Frank Lynch Trust was transferred to the Retiree Health Fund to bring that balance to $14,177,895. The Georgia Lynch Trust still needs to be transferred with a balance of $2,098,611.

It is the policy of the Board to manage these funds like an endowment so that 4.5% of the average balance is made available for HRA’s. By managing the Retiree Health Fund in this manner, the Board intends to grow the balance of this fund as well as the amount contributed to HRA’s.

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 total $84,646.59.

The Corpus of the Endowment is $1,084,646.59, as of 12/31/19. 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 has adopted a strategy of “reserve savings” with accompanying policies endorsed by the Conference Council on Finance and Administration 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.

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 2020-2021: Board Chair, Conference Benefits Officer and Treasurer of the Board.

Pension Payments and Rental/Housing Allowance: This document has been updated for 2021 and can be found in the “Annual Conference Minutes” section of this Journal.

Dakotas Annual Conference 2020 Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan Opinion and Summary may be found on the Dakotas Conference website.

Submitted by Leana Stunes, Conference Benefits Officer 4.9.6 Conference Board of Trustees This report is being brought to the Conference, keeping in mind the three-fold ministry of the Conference Trustees to care for the property of the Conference (making it available for the agencies of the Conference), maintaining the parsonages owned by the Conference (keeping in mind the needs of the families that live in the homes), and investing funds so that the proceeds can be used to fund several committee ministries.

Below is a report of the properties of the Dakotas Conference: Property

Date Acquired

Cost

Storm Mountain Center (1)

Insured Value 4,501,000

Lake Poinsett Camp (1)

1946

5,736,000

Wesley Acres Camp (1)

2,672,000

Northwest Parsonage (2)

2/27/2009

289,032

328,000

Conference Center (3)

2/23/1970

127,639

843,000

Spirit Lake Nation 4/14/2006 311,409 1,255,000 *Includes only the amount provided by Trustee Funds or Apportionments for maintenance.

Responsible For Upkeep Camping Council Board of Trustees SL Ministry

2019 Maint* 115,000 412 5,803 0

1. $28,750 was transferred to each camp. The Camp & Retreat Ministry Council holds $28,750 in reserve for large and unexpected maintenance that requires immediate attention.

2. The NW parsonage was sold for net proceeds of $348,040.89. $4,600 was spent to prepare the house for sale. The proceeds will be invested with the Foundation so that the earnings can help offset the cost of the Cash Housing Allowances provided to District Superintendents and Executive Directors.

3. Mostly just regular maintenance. The large ticket item was $1,436 to fix a damper issue with our HVAC system.

In addition to our work in caring for Conference property, we also worked on advising and inspecting the construction of a shed at Lake Poinsett Camp (which was completed this spring), managing rental farmland lease agreements, and reviewing and updating the Cash Housing Allowance amount (to increase from 25% of Base Salary to 30% in 2021).

Submitted by Jeff Pospisil, Board of Trustees

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Section 5: Agency and University Reports 5.1 Africa University

In 2019, Africa University’s story was one of resourcefulness, investment and ministry growth. The university community continues to celebrate God’s amazing grace with thanksgiving.

Africa University extends its thanks and appreciation to Bishop Bruce Ough, the Cabinet and the committed lay and clergy leaders who inspire vitality within the local congregations of the Dakotas Conference.

The congregations of the Dakotas Conference continue to lead in giving to address ministry needs in Africa, through Africa University. The gracious support of the Dakotas Conference resulted in a 100% investment in the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment in 2019.

Thank you, Dakotas Conference, for your prayers and gifts which affirm our United Methodist connection and global mission.

The generosity of Dakotas United Methodists helps Africa University to prepare leaders who think for themselves, are contextually relevant and have a passion to serve. Since opening in 1992, Africa University has trained more than 9,000 graduates who lead and serve across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. These young people are equipped to be ethical, responsible and responsive in bringing hope, wholeness and stability to their communities.

Institutional Update:  Africa University has an annual student enrollment of more than 2,800. There are 25-30 African nations represented in the student body each year.  The university’s three colleges operate as centers for teaching, research, innovation, community engagement and enterprise development. By embracing new technology, Africa University leads as the only university in Zimbabwe accredited to offer online degree programs.  Students, faculty and alumni contribute effective solutions to Africa’s current challenges. Their interventions include graduate programs in migrant and refugee protection—articulated by refugee students— as well as doctoral level training for military chaplains in Africa.  Africa University is increasing its use of solar energy with the support of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. A residence hall for women and a new wing of the student union building. The buildings—constructed with a gift to the university from the Dallas, Texas-based Highland Park United Methodist Church—will be the first solar-powered facilities on the campus.

Africa University affirms its commitment to The United Methodist Church, its Cross and Flame, and the denomination’s global mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, in every season and despite a shifting social landscape.

Through its faithfulness, the Dakotas Conference invites new partners to join in the mission and change the world. Thank you for your ongoing engagement and generosity.

Submitted by James H. Salley, associate vice chancellor, Institutional Advancement, Africa University Development Office jsalley@gbhem.org, 615.340.7438 5.2 Candler School of Theology–2020 UMC Annual Conference Report Since our founding in 1914, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has educated more than 10,000 students, shaping thoughtful, principled, and courageous leaders who are dedicated to transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

This is especially important to note amid the current shifts in our denomination. It is an honor and a privilege for Candler to be one of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church. Yet true to the Methodist tradition of ecumenical openness, Candler has enthusiastically welcomed the entire Wesleyan family to our community for generations. Faculty, staff, and students from the AME Church, the AMEZ Church, the CME Church, Free Methodists, Nazarenes, and others have worked, worshiped, learned, and prayed alongside United Methodists and have been a vital part of shaping Candler and our mission. This diversity has been a wonderful gift and a rich blessing. As we move forward, we will continue to invite and welcome those from all expressions of the Wesleyan tradition. Indeed, we will continue to welcome all those who follow Jesus Christ.

This year Candler has continued to strengthen our deep commitment to alleviating student debt and promoting financial literacy. In 20182019, we awarded $6.3 million in financial aid, with 100% of master of divinity (MDiv) students receiving support and financial coaching.

In fall 2019, we announced a major expansion of our financial aid program to include full-tuition scholarships for all MDiv students who are certified candidates for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and new merit scholarships covering 75% of tuition for qualifying MDiv students who identify as pan-Wesleyan, and those pursuing chaplaincy through Candler’s new chaplaincy concentration.

In addition, all incoming students in the master of divinity, master of theological studies, and master of religious leadership programs will receive awards covering at least 50% of tuition.

This year also saw the launch of two pilot “formation communities,” off-campus student housing that focuses on intentional living and spiritual formation. Students from multiple degree programs applied to take part in these pilot groups. At the start of the year, the housemates created a “rule of life” to guide their days together, emphasizing prayer, fellowship, and celebration. A house chaplain—a Candler faculty

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member or church leader—supports them and shares in the journey. The ten students who took part this year describe feeling a richer sense of community and deeper connections to God and one another in the midst of their busy lives. It is clear that this fulfills a need for our seminarians, and we eagerly anticipate the program’s growth in the coming years.

Candler’s student body continues to reflect the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful, with an enrollment of 470 from 12 countries and 38 states, with 40 percent people of color (U.S.) and a median age of 27 among MDivs. Students represent 42 denominations, with 45% of all students and 50% of MDivs coming from the Methodist family.

We offer six single degrees and ten dual degrees pairing theology with bioethics, business, international development, law, public health, and social work. Our Doctor of Ministry degree is 90 percent online, so students can remain in their places of ministry while completing their degrees.

Candler draws 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 throughout the world depends upon your prayers, partnership, and support.

Thank you for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. We invite you to visit us in person or online at candler.emory.edu.

Jan Love, Candler School of Theology Dakota Wesleyan University Intentional faith exploration is at the heart of a Dakota Wesleyan University education. Proudly rooted in our Methodist heritage, we commit to fostering a safe environment where students and staff alike can ask the tough questions and to a community that upholds strong, moral ethics and John Wesley’s Christ-centered model of uniting knowledge, reason and vibrant faith in all that we do. We empower and encourage our students to become the hands and feet of the church through genuine service and striving to become difference-makers.

Although our academic year has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still optimistic about the future and success of our students. This year, DWU will graduate a multitude of accomplished and career-ready young adults who will start careers in education, business, communications, criminal justice, healthcare, ministry and nonprofit administration. Several will go on to graduate school, law school or medical school.

In addition to Dakotas Annual Conference funding of $85,000, Dakota Wesleyan’s financial commitment to United Methodist higher education is significant. $198,500 in scholarships were exclusively dedicated to supporting United Methodist student leaders. $95,000 supports a full-time United Methodist faculty member in religion. This individual introduces all students to John Wesley through the general education program. $148,500 supports campus ministry. This commitment includes one full-time and one part-time campus pastor, as well as programming.

Programming includes bringing national speakers to campus, supporting internship opportunities for students in ministry, and providing supplies for our justice ministries, Bible studies, small groups and mission trips. $20,000 was in-kind support for the Fusion United Methodist Church. $4,000 funded one intern for the Elisha Project. The interns served as a key leadera in student ministry and had some involvement in Fusion UMC and Mitchell FUMC to learn about vocational ministry.

Campus Ministry at DWU continues to prosper. Approximately 175 students are regularly involved with ministries, such as chapel, life groups, service projects and Freshmen Ministry. This year, 30 students received Christian Leadership Awards (CLA) to help make college more affordable. These students commit to being involved in chapel, small groups and at least one service project per year. Many of them also take part in Freshmen Ministry, which develops mentoring relationships between upperclassmen and incoming students that help in their transition to college.

35 students committed to Student Ministry Council leadership in 2019-2020. This group meets Sunday nights to pray, worship and plan the weekly ministries. Many of these leaders have strong influences in other clubs and organizations, including residence life, choir, athletics, band, McGovern Engagement Group and several others.

This academic year DWU campus ministry welcomed one intern through the Dakotas United Methodist Church’s Elisha Project. Zach Gors (senior, Tea, SD) met weekly with DWU Campus Pastor Eric Van Meter to discuss various aspects of ministry and leadership. Designed as part book study and part practicum, the internship grants the present-and-future church leaders the opportunity to think about ministry in an intentional way and then apply what they learned to their context as SMC leaders.

Campus ministry continues to emphasize the importance of Christian leadership not only with ministry-related activities, but all facets of life. We are focused on developing natural talents, supporting achievement and preparing students for success.

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After the Mitchell community and surrounding areas saw the devastating effects of the September flooding, the DWU student body, including several student ministry students, assisted in flood relief, sandbagging and tearing up carpet in flooded homes.

“As John Wesley states, ‘Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.’ It has been my greatest hope in expressing the love of Christ to people on our campus, in the Mitchell community, as a camp counselor in the Black Hills, or even while doing mission work in Uganda,” said Zach Gors, Elisha intern. “My experience as an Elisha intern has allowed me to be shaped and used by Christ for the betterment of His kingdom.

As disciples we are called to expand God’s work well beyond the walls of the church and each of these experiences has allowed me to do so.”

DWU is now in its second year of offering a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Church Leadership. The flexible, one-year program provides ministry professionals an opportunity to enhance their skills and experiences through project-based coursework. The program is a 21-graduate credit-hour program, that can be applied toward an M.B.A upon completion. Pastors are also paired with a professional coach who assists with applied-project implementation for the duration of the program. Participants are seeing immediate impacts and, in some cases, significant increases in giving and attendance in addition to substantial improvements in human resource management, communications and governance.

DWU continues to create a place where students can grow and apply their own innate strengths. Instead of just talking about our values of learning, leadership, faith, and service, we purposefully and authentically live them out in the classroom, the field, the community, and in our everyday lives. By equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and practices they need to enter fulfilling careers, live meaningful lives and become the hands and feet in serving others, we are building on the foundation upon which our founders envisioned a place where lives can be changed for young adults.

Submitted by Jan Larson, director of marketing and communication, Dakota Wesleyan University 5.4 Duke Divinity School The Duke Endowment awarded Duke Divinity School a $12 million grant in support of DDS’s three core priorities and traditions: thriving communities enlivened by healthy congregations and gifted pastors, embodied wisdom through rigorous intellectual vitality, and creative institutions that inspire imaginative and transformative leadership including the Thriving Communities Fellowship program, which will provide 52 new full-tuition scholarships over the next four years.

Duke Divinity School launched the Duke Divinity: Black Pastoral Leadership Collaboration which will draw on original research in Black church traditions and historical examples of effective Black church leadership to train and build networks of effective leaders for the Black church of today and the future. The collaboration will be led by the Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, research professor of theology and Black church studies and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School.

In 2019, Duke Divinity School welcomed 215 new students from 33 different states and seven other countries, including Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Zimbabwe. The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Arts in Christian Practice (M.A.C.P.) degree programs received record enrollments of 35 students and 22 students respectively. The Master of Theology (Th.M., 14 students), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., 20 students), and Doctor of Theology (Th.D., 4 students) all had strong enrollment. The D.Min. program was named the top online program by TheBestSchools.org. Duke Divinity’s new Certificate in Theology and Health Care will enroll 8 students, all of whom are fellows with the Theology, Medicine, and Culture (T.M.C.) Initiative at the school. The M.T.S. program also includes 8 students who are T.M.C. fellows, for a record year of 16 total fellows. The M.Div. degree program gained 110 new students, with minority students comprising more than 32 percent of the incoming M.Div. class, and Black students comprising 18 percent of the incoming M.Div. class. Female students made up 44 percent of incoming M.Div. students, while males were 56 percent.

Two new faculty members, Brent Strawn and Brett McCarty, joined the DDS faculty in July 2019. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, is an ordained elder in the North Georgia Conference. Strawn has a secondary appointment as a Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law. Prior to joining the Duke faculty, Strawn taught at Candler School of Theology at Emory University for eighteen years.

McCarty, Assistant Research Professor of Theological Ethics, is a theological ethicist whose work centers on questions of faithful action within health care. He is Aassociate Director of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School, and he holds a joint appointment in the School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health Sciences.

Randy Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, general editor of the Wesley Works Editorial Project, and elder in the Dakotas Conference, retires at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

United Methodist faculty member Brittany Wilson received tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor.

The Hispanic-Latino/a Preaching Initiative is currently in its fifth year of providing high quality theological education to current and aspiring Hispanic-Latino/a ministers. Twenty-one students from multiple denominations are taking courses with us this year. Tito Madrazo joined the administrative leadership of the Divinity School as Senior Strategist for the Hispanic House of Studies. He will also serve as a consulting faculty member.

The Duke Endowment has also awarded Duke Divinity School a grant of $5.5 million over five years to cultivate meaning and purpose across diverse professional schools at Duke. The Lilly Endowment has also awarded grants to Duke Divinity School to coordinate initiatives on “Thriving in Ministry” and “Thriving Congregations” across the United States.

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Duke Divinity School has a partnership with Huntingdon College and Virginia Wesleyan University to create a streamlined admissions process and private campus events in order to better equip students from those institutions with a calling to serve the church. In an effort to expand access for quality theological formation to students, pastors, and lay leaders in the Nashville Episcopal Area, DDS is also partnering with the Turner Center at Martin Methodist College to offer theological training for innovative and entrepreneurial ministries.

Submitted by L. Gregory Jones, Dean of the Divinity School 5.5 St. Paul School of Theology Saint Paul School of Theology, a seminary of the United Methodist Church, is committed to the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry. We are one institution with campuses in Kansas and Oklahoma. During the 2019-2020 academic year, the seminary enrollment in master and doctoral degree programs increased by 11%.

Saint Paul School of Theology began the 2019-2020 academic year with the addition of Dr. Casey Sigmon in her new role as Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship, and Director of Contextual Education. Dr. Sigmon has also made innovative changes to the weekly worship service as Chapel Coordinator. Saint Paul also welcomed Dr. Anne Walker as the new Executive Director of the Oklahoma Campus.

With the addition of Dr. Walker to Saint Paul came a new webinar offering titled “Explore Calling: A Guide to Helping Others Answer the Call.” Offered complimentarily, the webinar provides a resource for anyone looking to nurture a culture of call in their congregation, including meeting one-on-one with congregations looking to reach out to their community. Dr. Walker also launched the Vision OK Advisory Committee to serve the purpose of gaining support for and assisting in the development of the Oklahoma Campus. Similarly new this year, Dr. Melissa Pearce along with Dr. Walker hosted Listening Sessions to learn more about the challenges pastoral leaders face and dream together about how theological education might meet the changing demands of their ministry.

This March, Saint Paul marked its 60th anniversary with a celebration featuring keynote speaker Past President Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., honoring 60+ years of theological education. Students, alumni, faculty, and the entire Saint Paul community came together for dinner, reminiscing and looking towards the future. During the celebration, Rev. Dr. Lois V. Glory-Neal was recognized as the 2020 Distinguished Graduate Award winner. In 1989, Rev. Dr. Glory-Neal of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference became the first Native American woman to be ordained elder. She became the first Native American district superintendent in 1992. Saint Paul also presented Ms. Sally Firestone with the Board Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of service.

Saint Paul’s staff and faculty continue to contribute to academy, church, and society. Dr. Anne Walker worked along with co-writer Dori Grinenko Baker on TRU Colors, a guide for assisting young adults in exploring ministry as a career. TRU Colors, from Discipleship Ministry, was published in March 2020. Dr. Casey Sigmon wrote the sermon “The Fruit of Self-Control” in the published book, Preaching to Teach: Inspire People to Think and Act. Additionally, as part of the 2019 Lectionary Commentaries on the website workingpreacher.org, Dr. Sigmon and Dr. Israel Kamudzandu contributed commentaries. Also, Dr. Sigmon recently published “Homiletical Possibilities and Challenges in Colossians” in The Review & Expositor journal from November 2019.

In September 2019, Saint Paul Board of Trustees added four new members to their ranks: alumna Rev. Jennifer Ahrens-Sims of St. Stephen’s UMC, Mrs. Dana Aldridge of SS&C Technologies, Mrs. Linda Shipman with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., and alumnus Rev. David Wiggs with Boston Avenue UMC. In addition, earlier in the year faculty emeritus Rev. Dr. Tex Sample became Board Chair. Saint Paul is financially sound and is operating with a balanced budget. The changes made throughout the past few years have established a solid financial foundation for years of sustainability. With the Board’s assistance, the seminary continues to focus on its mission and works to continuously enhance and evaluate the strategic plans in place to guide us into the future.

Saint Paul held several events and forums this year beginning with hosting an Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Wakeup where Overland Park business members and community leaders started their day on the Kansas Campus with coffee, networking, and learning more about the seminary’s mission. In November, Saint Paul was the host location for the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) Faith and Democracy Prayer Breakfast. MORE2 and Church of the Resurrection are partnering with Saint Paul in the recently launched Doctor of Ministry focus, “Spiritual Leadership in Unsettled Times.” Throughout the year, students on both campuses participated in educational forums with discussions on a myriad of topics such as, “Sustaining Pastoral Leadership Through Personal Wellness," “Transgender Day of Remembrance," and “The Enneagram and Your Spiritual Growth.” Saint Paul was blessed to have many alumni return to lead worship in the weekly chapel services. Rev. Shannon Hancock, alumna and Director of Admissions, brought the message on the Kansas Campus during the MLK Jr Worship Celebration while alumnus Rev. Bryan Lampkins preached on the Oklahoma Campus. This past January, Saint Paul was proud to host the United Methodist Theological Field Educators Meeting on the Kansas Campus. This year’s theme was “Vicissitude: Navigating Call and Mission as Contextual Educators in 2020." In April, the Evangelical Society hosted a lecture featuring Dr. Kimberly Alexander, author of Pentecostal Healing: Models of Theology and Practice and co-author of Women in Leadership: A Pentecostal Perspective and What Women Want: Pentecostal Women Ministers Speak for Themselves.

Honoring Saint Paul’s longstanding commitment to praxis learning and ministry, part of the 2019-2020 curriculum included practicums which are workshop-style seminars that teach ministry skills. For Spring 2020 FOCUS Week, Alumnus Rev. Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III, Senior Pastor of St. James UMC, taught the course "Urban Church in the 21st Century," which explores the urban church and its context in relation to ministerial practices and theological understandings.

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For the 2019-2020 fiscal year, Saint Paul Course of Study (COS) School educated 265 individual students with a total registration of 650 classes; offering a total of 53 courses located in Leawood, KS; Hays, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Columbia, MO; and Springfield, MO. Saint Paul is in the second year of offering a hybrid (online and on-campus) schedule for six courses during the Winter term. Plans to increase the number of hybrid course offerings are in development. Saint Paul launched a part-time, accelerated pilot COS satellite program (PML) in Columbia, MO in 2018 and added a second track in 2019. Comprised of nine courses in practical theology, this COS option is designed specifically for part-time local pastors or certified lay ministers entering ministry following completion of the Missouri Conference Licensing School. The PML satellite program is a collaborative program of Saint Paul Course of Study Regional School with the Missouri Conference.

Since September 2018, COS has offered six courses and enrolled 30 individual students in the PML satellite program.

Saint Paul School of Theology is blessed to be in ministry in the name of Jesus Christ and to help others respond to God’s call. We are a seminary that offers classes and experiences to folks from many denominations and faith walks. Our work as faculty and staff is to provide excellence in theological and practical education for ALL persons called and capable to attend. Remember: “Where two or more are gathered” Christ is there with us.

Rev/ Neil Blair, president, St. Paul School of Theology 5.6 United Theological Seminary For nearly 150 years, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH, has been preparing faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Students In the fall 2019 semester, United equipped 459 women and men for leadership in the church, including 272 masters’ students and 187 doctoral students. An ecumenical community of many denominations, races and nationalities, United welcomed students from 11 countries, 42 states, and 37 denominations, with the student body comprised of 49% African American, 42% Caucasian, and 10% ethnic/racial minorities. The Seminary prepared 165 Course of Study students and served 36 students through the Hispanic Christian Academy, a 3-year Spanish online course of ministry program for Hispanic/Latino lay pastors and leaders. Altogether, approximately 660 students followed God’s call through United Theological Seminary.

Alumni/ae United graduates are making an impact in their communities as they spread the Good News. Eighty-eight percent of alumni/ae are currently employed in or retired from ministry. Seventy percent serve in local parishes. Rev. Dr. Brad Kalajainen (DMin ’99) received the 2019 Effective Ministry Award for his transformative leadership of Cornerstone UMC in Grand Rapids, MI. Rev. Dr. James Bushfield (MDiv ’79, DMin ’92) received the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his leadership and ministry in the Indiana Conference of The UMC. Rev. Dr. Sandra Coley (DMin ’14) received the Outstanding Doctor of Ministry Award for her advocacy of organ donation among African American communities.

New at United United introduced a 36-hour Master of Arts (MA) degree, designed for those who wish to earn a degree while completing the requirements for Advanced Course of Study in pursuit of ordination in The United Methodist Church. The MA program is available fully online, oncampus or in a combination.

United continues to offer innovative learning through its Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) environment introduced in 2018. In the first year, 59 students participated in LIVE courses, connecting with classmates on campus in Dayton, OH, and across the country by attending classes in real-time via simultaneous webcast.

Becoming Debt-Free United remains committed to becoming debt-free by the seminary’s 150th anniversary on October 11, 2021. Thanks to the support of generous donors, United has received more than $2.5 million toward its goal of raising $4 million to “burn the mortgage.” Becoming debt-free as an institution will enable United to focus on generating income for scholarships that lighten the load of student debt for seminarians.

In Romans 10:14, St. Paul writes: “How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? AND HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?” For 150 years, United has been preparing faithful and fruitful Christian preachers and leaders who proclaim the Good News of God’s unconditional love which has come to us in Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God! Dr. Kent Millard, president

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