2023 Conference Workbook

Conference Workbook

30th Session of the Dakotas Conference

The United Methodist Church

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

June 7-10, 2023

1.1 Organizational Resolutions Section 1: Legislation

1. The online agenda 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).

2. The boundaries of the Annual Conference shall be established through seating areas provided for clergy and lay members on the floor of the conference session. Voting members will be seated in the designated areas and will be identified by the color of their lanyard.

a. The Sioux Falls Convention Center is the official space for seating for voting delegates. Seating will be assigned.

b. During plenary sessions all non-voting persons, including spouses of clergy and lay members, will be seated in areas designed for guest.

c. 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, new clergy beginning appointments on July 1, clergy of other denominations appointed to the Dakotas Conference, and special guests of the bishop will be recognized as guests and may be seated with voting members.

d. Any non-members 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 with electronic devices. All voting members must pick up a voting device when they enter the plenary space each morning and return it each day after the last plenary session. Volunteers are present and will assist as requested.

5. Voice To be recognized to speak to the floor or body, members must seek recognition by going to a microphone and requesting to speak. When making a request, hold up the colored card that will indicate the purpose of the request, green to speak for a motion, red to speak against a motion, white to ask for a point of clarification or information, point of order

a. The presiding officer will recognize the speaker by location and give the speaker the floor.

b. When requesting recognition, please state the request concisely and clearly and refer to the agenda item, if applicable.

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

d. Requests for personal points of privilege shall be submitted to the agenda coordinator.

6. 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.

7. Announcements shall be submitted through the registration desk. 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.

8. All reports from conference and other related agencies are published in the conference workbook. Permission must be secured from the agenda coordinator advance before any other printed materials may be distributed.

9. 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 email (conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org ) by noon, 12 p.m. central time on Friday, June 9, 2023. In the request

1.2 Resolution to Create Green Teams: Climate Justice, Energy Conservation, Creation Care

Title: Resolution to Create Green Teams: Climate Justice, Energy Conservation, Creation Care

Information submitted by: Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, senior pastor First United Methodist Church, Jamestown, North Dakota, and cochair of the Extending Missional Impact Link.

Action: Encourage local churches in the Conference to create Green Teams to address Climate Justice: To make our churches part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale: Care of Creation by averting a climate crisis is basic to our stewardship as Christians. This resolution is suggested by the United Methodist Climate Justice Movement.

Implementation: That every local church in the Dakotas Annual Conference be encouraged to create a Green Team or strengthen an existing one for action in four areas each year—Worship, Education, Practice, and Advocacy—providing children, youth, and adults of all ages with inspiration, knowledge, encouragement, and practical means for caring for creation and justice.

Outcome: Local churches will strengthen existing "Green Teams" or create them

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS,

Scripture proclaims God created all—from Earth’s hospitable atmosphere, mighty seas, abundant forests and other plants to nutrient-rich soil, from majestic whales to the tiniest microbes and all sentient and non-sentient beings in between; Scripture also proclaims God called humans to be caretakers of creation (Genesis 1–2). Jesus declared the Greatest Commandments are to love God and to love neighbor, especially the most vulnerable (Luke 10:25-37). Persons living in poverty, persons of color, and indigenous people in this country and throughout the world are harmed first and most by the degradation of creation, and these same groups have the fewest resources to recover from that harm. Care for creation is clearly a matter of justice. Creation, including all people, is already or will be affected by the current and coming level of danger from climate change and its consequences that intersect with multiple expressions of injustice. It follows that loving God, the Creator, means loving God’s Creation and that loving neighbors in distress requires stopping harm and righting wrongs, in other words, working for justice.

Tradition for United Methodists includes John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules for living faithfully: First, do no harm; second, do all the good you can; and third, stay in love with God. Our proposed 2020 Social Principles begin with “The Community of All Creation,” outlining the care and justice work that is needed in the midst of the crises upon crises that are adversely affecting God’s creation and our neighbors. The 2009 Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action, pledges leadership in addressing the work of renewal. The 2016 Book of Discipline (Paragraph 254) includes an Earth Advocacy ministry group as a way “to fulfill the mission of the local church.” It follows that the church provides both a mandate and guidance for doing what is needed.

Reason is a God-given gift. Our reasoning capabilities are informed by modern scientific research and practices. The scientific community has given clear warning that creation is under tremendous strain due to the poisoning of air, water, and land; habitat destruction; the unsustainable consumption of earth’s finite resources; and the rapidly accelerating extinction of species. Scientists have sounded the alarm of catastrophic harm to creation if global warming and associated climate change are not halted and reversed. They point to how rising temperatures have already intensified wildfires, hurricanes, drought, and sea-level rise throughout the world with devastating impacts. Our reasoning capabilities are also informed by the examples of indigenous peoples whose traditional wisdom and practices honor living in harmony with nature. It follows that, globally, humans have the capacity for understanding the damage and danger and for stopping or mitigating the effects. Individuals and congregations have access to trustworthy knowledge and the reasoning ability to discern what is needed and how to carry out plans in their local situations.

Experience is honored by United Methodists as a way of recognizing lifetime gains of knowledge, understanding, perspectives, and practices of individuals, which they all bring to the work before them. Functioning as a team, they become stronger in their efforts (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Experience is also honored as the varied ways in which humans encounter God. For many people that meeting is through God’s gift of the natural world. It follows that a group of people who care about creation and justice, working together can use their wisdom and passion to create faithful and meaningful experiences that help others love God and neighbor.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That every local church in the Dakotas Annual Conference be encouraged to create a Green Team or strengthen an existing one for action in four areas each year—Worship, Education, Practice, and Advocacy—providing children, youth, and adults of all ages with inspiration, knowledge, encouragement, and practical means for caring for creation and justice. These actions include:

- One or more occasions of worship, celebrating God’s grace, glory, and beauty in creation and connecting creation care and justice to the scriptural call to love God and neighbor.

- One or more educational opportunities, held within and for the congregation and/or community, related to some aspect of creation care and justice.

- One or more positive changes in the practices of the church’s life and/or to the church building or grounds.

- One or more actions that advocate for change in systems that perpetuate injustice and harm to creation and communities either locally, regionally, nationally, or globally.

That creation care and justice be lifted up in all areas of ministry and mission, including preaching, liturgy, communications, education, outreach, and advocacy so that the church will become an increasingly effective witness of loving God and neighbor.

That these actions are to be communicated as an idea exchange and inspiration throughout the connection. They can be reported at charge conference and should be celebrated locally, in the conference, and beyond.

That the Dakotas Annual Conference will assist churches with resources and mentors, as needed. Contact the Extending Missional Impact Link for examples and more information on implementation.

Respectfully submitted by: Rev. Gail Arnold, member of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Rev. Laura Borman, member of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Linda Dodds, Social Action Coordinator for United Women in Faith, Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, senior pastor First United Methodist Church, Jamestown, North Dakota, and co-chair of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Deb Holland, member of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Rev. Karl Kroger, McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck, North Dakota, and co-chair of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Colleen McKirdy, President of Dakotas Conference United Women in Faith, Rev. Ron Olson, member of the Extending Missional Impact Link, Lindsey Weich, member of the Extending Missional Impact Link.

1.3 Resolution to Form a Non-Permanent Standing Committee for Disability Ministries

Title: Resolution to Form A Standing Committee for Disability Ministries

Information submitted by: Rev. Quaya Ackerman, Rapid Valley United Methodist Church and Circle of Friends advocate.

Action: To create a new non-permanent standing Committee on Disability Concerns and Ministries pursuant to paragraph 653, of the United Methodist Book of Discipline

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale: We are a loving and inclusive people who affirm that all people are made in the image of God and worth of full inclusion in the United Methodist Church, our wider communities, and the kingdom of God.

Implementation: The Dakotas Conference will form a non-permanent standing committee under the provision of Rule 6.16.1 Mission, Staffing, and Structure the description of the mission, boards, councils, committees, officers, and staffing configuration may be modified by a simple majority vote of the Annual Conference.

Outcome: Individual churches, groups, districts, or other United Methodists groups will facilitate formal and informal groups of Circle of Friends or other ministry and outreach programs with the support and resources of the Non-Permanent Standing Committee on Disability Ministries.

Resources required and potential financial impact: Expenses relating to the work of the Non-Permanent Standing Committee on Disability Ministries are not being requested at this time. The stakeholders will bear the personal expenses related to participation

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, we are a loving and inclusive people who affirm that all people are made in the image of God and worth of full inclusion in the United Methodist Church, our wider communities, and the kingdom of God.

WHEREAS, The Book of Discipline provides provisions for Annual Conferences to have a Disability Concerns Committee. It also advocates for accessible buildings and non-discrimination based on disability.

WHEREAS, under the provision of Rule 6.16.1 Mission, Staffing, and Structure the description of the mission, boards, councils, committees, officers, and staffing configuration may be modified by a simple majority vote of the Annual Conference.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

The Dakotas Conference will form a on Disability Concerns and Ministries under the provision of Rule 6.16.

Individual churches, groups, districts, or other United Methodists groups will facilitate formal and informal groups of Circle of Friends or other ministry and outreach programs with the support and resources of the Non-Permanent Standing Committee on Disability Ministries.

Expenses relating to the work of the Non-Permanent Standing Committee on Disability Ministries are not being requested at this time. The stakeholders will bear the personal expenses related to participation.

Respectfully submitted by: Quaya Ackerman, clergy, Rapid Valley UMC, John Britt, clergy, Grace UMC, Annie Carlson, clergy, Washburn UMC, Doug Diehl, clergy, retired, Stephanie Eliason, clergy, Canyon Lake UMC, Veronica Fleming, clergy, Arthur UMC, Peggy Hanson, clergy, Madison UMC, Kori Lehrkamp, clergy, Prairie View UMC, Brenda Lint, lay, Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center and Epworth UMC at Valley City, Paul Lint, clergy, Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center and Epworth UMC, Gene Mason, lay, Open Heart UMC, Carey McBride, lay, Open Heart UMC, Sharla McCaskell, clergy, Knollwood Heights UMC, Scott McKirdy, clergy, Canyon Lake UMC, Donna Perez, lay, Open Heart UMC, Michele Slott, clergy, Open Heart UMC, Teresa Whetsel, clergy, Miller First UMC.

1.4 Modifications to the Clergy Vacation and Time Off Policy

Title: Modifications to the Clergy Vacation and Time Off Policy

Information submitted by: Rev. Brandon Vetter, chair, Board of Ordained Ministry

Action: Clarify and update processes and policies for clergy related to vacation, sick leave, parental leave, continuing education, weekly time off, leave for annual conference, connectional responsibilities, Higher Ground—eight year assessment leave, short-term renewal leave, long-term renewal leave, and sabbatical leave.

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale: Leave is a vital and important part of physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Implementation: The Dakotas Conference Cabinet, Board of Ordained Ministry, and pastor/staff parish relations committees will implement this action immediately.

Outcome: Provide guidelines for congregations to support leadership development for Spirit-led missional leaders.

Resources required and potential financial impact: Each church //charge will pay expenses for travel and pulpit supply as needed. Funding is also available through the Board of Ordained Ministry, some grants, and other funds for some continuing education opportunities, sabbatical leave, and eight-year assessment.

PROPOSED MODIFICATION:

Vacation and Time Off Policy

Amended 2015

Vacation

Vacation is a vital and important part of human health and renewal. The Charge will pay for the pulpit supply for vacation Sundays. In order to ensure the health of our Spirit-led missional leaders, the Dakotas Conference mandates that each charge shall grant full-time appointed clergy at least, but not limited to the following amount of paid vacation during each appointment year. Four (4) weeks, including four Sundays, for a total of 28 days. Vacation is 28 days each year including four Sundays. Parishes may choose to grant more than four weeks 28 days considering years of service in ministry, family needs, or other variables. All such agreements shall be agreed to in writing between the pastor and pastor/staff parish relations committee.

Clergy with a less than a full-time appointment shall be granted at least the number of vacation as follows:

• Quarter-time appointed clergy shall receive one (1) week 10 days including four Sundays for a total of 10 days.

• Half-time appointed clergy shall receive two (2) weeks 16 days including four Sundays for a total of 16 days

• Three quarter-time appointed clergy shall receive three (3) weeks 22 days including four Sundays for a total of 22 days.

Sick Leave Clergy under appointment are eligible for up to 10 days paid sick leave annually. These days will not accrue from year to year. They will be pro-rated for less than full time service. Unused sick leave will not be paid out as cash compensation. If a clergy exceeds 10 days sick leave, the Staff/Pastor Parish and District Superintendent shall be consulted on next steps. It is expected that sick leave is not used for personal time off but rather because the clergy person is either ill or recovering from a medical procedure or caring for a sick family member.

Parental Leave Parent Leave BOD Par. 355 Up to 13 weeks of parental leave is available for a pastor who becomes a new parent following the guidelines of The Book of Discipline. Full compensation – salary and benefits – are to be maintained for at least 8 weeks. Pulpit supply funds are available to cover the period of leave. Process: Visit dakotasumc.org/boom for the forms and necessary approvals.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education is a vital, and important and required part of leadership development for Spirit-led missional leaders. Continuing Education time is not to be confused with vacation and can be taken in single-day increments. Vacation is for rest and recharging. Continuing Education is for professional and spiritual development. Each Charge will grant its appointed clergy (full or part-time) two one weeks, including one Sunday, for a total of 11 10 days for the purpose of continuing education and professional improvement during each appointment year. The Charge will pay for the pulpit supply for the continuing education Sunday.

Process: The pastor consults with the SPRC and/or Leadership Team to agree upon timeframe and focus.

Weekly Days Off

Clergy are expected to take holidays and at least one day off each week, preferably two days. Up to five days of “compensation time” may be accumulated to be taken at another time, not to include a Sunday. Clergy will inform the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee when “compensation time” is taken.

Annual Conference

All appointed clergy are expected to attend all sessions of the Annual Conference. The Sunday immediately after Annual Conference is a travel/rest day and is not vacation or continuing education time. The Charge will pay the travel, registration and per diem expense for its clergy and lay members attending Annual Conference. The Charge will pay for the pulpit supply for Conference Sunday.

Connectional Responsibilities

Clergy, As members of the Annual Conference will have connectional responsibilities (e.g. meetings of the Annual, Jurisdictional or General Conference Boards and agencies, Conference Camps, etc.). Time spent on these responsibilities will not be counted as vacation time or continuing education. Clergy will inform the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee of time needed for these responsibilities.

Higher Ground Eight-Year Assessment BOD Par. 349.3 All clergy must participate in this eight-year assessment process as required by BOD. It is required to remain in good standing with BOM. Deferments must be negotiated in consultation with the Cabinet and BOM. Two weeks of extra vacation time is part of the Higher Ground experience in addition to the required retreat. Higher Ground can be paired with other leaves. Process: The pastor consults with the SPRC and/or Leadership Team to communicate time away and coverage in the clergy’s absence.

Short Term Leave Policy

Revised: June 2013

Aware of the ongoing pressures and responsibilities experienced in the parish ministry, the Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) recognizes the value of short-term leaves for personal and spiritual renewal.

Eligibility. All clergy member in full connection (Deacons, Elders or Associate Members) who have served at least an equivalent of fulltime for seven years or more are eligible for Short Term Leave funds. After a clergy member in full connection has received short term leave funds, she/he will be eligible to apply again after serving another equivalent of seven years under full-time appointment.

Preparatory Consultation. Persons are encouraged to prayerfully consider the purpose of their leave. Persons considering a short-term leave may desire to consult at North Central Career Development in New Brighton, MN. Persons are encouraged to think well ahead (at least six months to a year) in their planning.

Availability: Short Term Leaves will be granted according to the funds available. Consideration will be given to the length of service, the order and the timeliness in which requests are received, and the importance that the District Superintendent/Cabinet places on the requested leave.

Application for Short Term Leave. Persons should apply to the local Staff/Pastor Parish Committee, District Superintendent and Board of Ordained Ministry for approval at least 60 days prior to the leave request. Application for a short-term leave needs to include a budget for how BOM funds will be used to pay for pastoral supply during the leave time with the total amount requested. The District Superintendent will then forward the application to the Director of Leadership Development/Student Loan Officer for confirmation on availability of funds and for processing/approval of the BOM.

Length of Leave and Salary. The maximum leave allowed is three months (including vacation time) with full salary being paid by the local church/parish or salary-paying unit. The pastoral supply compensation will be paid by Short Term Leave Funds as provided through the BOM. These funds are not to exceed $4,000 for the three months. Money is paid to the local/church parish or salary-paying unit to be distributed to those providing pastoral supply.

Evaluation. The BOM will regularly evaluate the Short-Term Leave program and make adjustments or changes as it believes necessary. Contact Person. For questions on how to apply for a Short-Term Leave grant, please contact the Director of Leadership Development, 1331 W. University Ave., PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301. (605) 996-6552.

Short-Term Renewal Leave Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth Leave BOD 350.2 Appointed clergy are eligible to take a renewal leave to seek rest and renewal, educational opportunities, and/or spiritual growth of one month during one year every quadrennium. The time away is in addition to vacation time. The local church continues providing compensation and benefits during the pastor’s leave. Funding: Financial help for pulpit supply and pastoral coverage is available. Fill out the form @ dakotasumc.org/boom.

Additional Time Away

Any additional time for personal reasons or for educational purposes will be negotiated with the Clergy, the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee, in consultation with the District Superintendent. It is recommended a written agreement be developed and signed for purpose of clarity and understanding. The vacation and time off policy applies to the Conference leadership clergy as well as the clergy serving local church charges.

Long-Term Renewal Leave Renewal Leave BOD 350.3 Appointed clergy who have held full-time appointments for at least six years may request a long-term renewal leave up to six months in duration while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church. The time away is in addition to vacation time. The pastor, P/SPRC and District Superintendent negotiate compensation during this leave. Process: The pastor consults with the SPRC, Leadership Team, and district superintendent. A formal plan of learning and growth is part of the leave experience. Funding: Funding is available. Visit dakotasumc.org/boom for more info.

Sabbatical Leave Sabbatical Leave BOD 351 Appointed clergy who have been serving in a full-time appointment for six consecutive years, or in a less full-time appointment equivalent to six consecutive full-time years, may request a sabbatical leave up to one year for a time of study or travel as approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry. The appointment to Sabbatical Leave is to be made by the bishop upon the vote of the annual conference after recommendation by the Board of Ordained Ministry. A written request with a plan for study and travel is required. The clergy is not compensated during the leave period. Refer to 351 in the Book of Discipline for more information.

Respectfully submitted by: Rev. Brandon Vetter, chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry and members of the Board of Ordained Minstry—Rev. Gary Ball-Killbourne, Rev. Rick Craig, Janet Fagerland, Rev. Bruce Forbes, Rev. Howard Grinanger, Rev. Sharla McCaskell, Rev. Sara McManus, Randy Meissner, Rev. Keith Nelson, Rev. Kyle Reinhiller, Rev. Katie Ricke, Rev. Rob Salmonson, Rev. Marilyn Spurrell, Amy Thue, Rev. Jen Tyler, Rev. Chang Yi.

1.5 Suspension of Rules 6.2. and 6.3

Title: Suspension of Rules 6.2. and 6.3

Information submitted by: Committee on Nominations: Rev. Jeff Adel, Rev. Debra Ball-Killbourne, Rev. Connie Eichinger, Nancy Hallenbeck, Amber Laffey, Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck Orr, Pat Siefken, John Srtska, Bea Stucke, Rev. Rebecca Trefz, and Sharmin Zachrison.

Action: To suspend the Dakotas Conference Standing Rules 6.2 related to tenure and 6.3 term limitations until 2025.

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale:

Implementation: The Dakotas Conference Committee on Nominations will implement this suspension of rules. The suspension of rules will allow us to be nimble during this liminal season in our Conference while being good stewards of our resources and our connectional mission.

Outcome: Provide Spirit-led missional leaders for conference committees, boards and agencies. Resources required and potential financial impact: There is no anticipated financial impact.

Motion:

The Nominations Committee of the Dakotas Annual Conference moves to suspend Conference Standing Rules 6.2 (tenure) and 6.3 (limitations) until the presentation of the slate of nominations for election by the 2025 regular session of annual conference. This suspension of Rules 6.2 and 6.3 shall not apply to nominations prescribed by The Book of Discipline* to be made by entities other than the conference nominating committee.

*Noted as such examples the Conference Secretary and Statistician, Board of Ordained Ministry, Administrative Review Committee, Committee on Investigation, and 1/5 of the Episcopacy Committee.

Respectfully submitted by: Rev. Jeff Adel, Rev. Debra Ball-Killbourne, Rev. Connie Eichinger, Nancy Hallenbeck, Amber Laffey, Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck Orr, Pat Siefken, John Srtska, Bea Stucke, Rev. Rebecca Trefz, and Sharmin Zachrison.

1.6 Request for November Special Session

Title: Call for November Special Session

Information submitted by: Bill Hoffman, clergy, retired, and Derek Runge, clergy, Kimball Protestant Parish

Action: To call a Special Session of the Annual Conference in accordance with paragraph 603.5 of The Book of Discipline for the purpose of voting on the disaffiliation agreements. The Special Session shall be a hybrid format held in the month of November.

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale: A called special session would allow churches more time to discern this important decision. Churches that end up in the denomination that best fits their convictions will be in a better position to fulfill the scriptural imperatives.

Outcome: Churches will be given adequate time to complete their discernment process and be able to disaffiliate if they so choose prior to the December 31, 2023, sunsetting of 2553.

Resources and potential financial impact: This will require a significant amount of staff support. Financial impact will be minimal. The amount of staff and financial resources needed should be similar to that required for the 2022 Special Session.

Respectfully submitted by: Bill Hoffman, clergy, retired, and Derek Runge, clergy, Kimball Protestant Parish

1.7 Resolution reaffirming Commitment to Retirees and Widows

Title: Reaffirming Commitment to Retirees and Widows

Information submitted by: DeVern Schwenn, clergy, retired, and John Price, clergy, retired.

Action: To add language to clarify the retiree health policy (p. 180, The 2022 Conference Journal) to include “Once retired, clergy need not maintain membership in the Dakotas UMC to retain this benefit.

Relationship to the scriptural imperatives and rationale: Prior to November of 2022, the policy and the practice of the Board of Pensions was to allow retirees and their spouses to leave membership in the Dakotas UMC without forfeiting their health benefits (e.g. Nancy Holden). This change would restore this.

Implementation: If adopted, the Board of Pensions would be required to communicate this policy change to all who are eligible for retiree health benefits.

Outcome: A retiree that leaves the Dakotas UMC can still receive the benefit of their lifetime of service to the Dakotas UMC. This would allow clergy to transfer to the conference or denomination that fits best for them.

Resources required and potential financial impact: If any widows, spouses, or retirees have been cut off from funding, this would be restored. The amount is likely to be minimal in 2023.

Respectfully submitted by: DeVern Schwenn, clergy, retired, and John Price, clergy, retired

1.8 2024 Budget Proposal

2024 Budget Overview

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

Treasurer’s Discussion and Analysis

Introduction

Allow me to introduce myself to those of you whom I haven’t met. I’m Jim Ducker and I began serving as the new Executive Director of Finance and Administration/Treasurer of the Dakotas Conference on January 1, 2023. I live in Sioux Falls with my wife Krista, who serves as pastor at Ben Clare UMC and a chaplain at Avera McKennan Hospital, and my stepson Lucas. I’m excited to serve in this role, and I look forward to supporting all of you in our shared effort to be good stewards of our conference resources and to see how God works through us! My goal is to visit each of your churches in person (or at least virtually) at some point in the not-to-distant future. This will help me get to know you and your ministry and learn how the Finance Office can continue to support you. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can at the Annual Conference. Now, on to business!

Budget Update

2022 – Apportionments received for 2022 totaled approximately $3.56 million. This was higher than the apportionments received from churches in 2021 of approximately $2.88 million, primarily due to the requirement of churches paying 100% of their apportionments for 2022 as part of their disaffiliation agreement (See ‘Disaffiliations’ for further details). While 2022 was a good year from an apportionment perspective, our total expenses for 2022 were $3.59 million, resulting in a shortfall of approximately $33,000. Although several portions of the apportioned budget resulted in lower-than-expected costs, other portions of the budget incurred much higher-than-expected costs. These areas of the budget include pastor moving costs, workers compensation insurance, and Annual Conference expenses (due to a Special Conference held in November for disaffiliations). The overall budget shortfall was absorbed by Conference reserves.

2023 – As of March 31, 2023, we have received approximately $447,586 for 2023. This does not include the 2023 apportionments received from disaffiliating churches in 2022 of $121,707 (for a grand total of $569,293). We may have to use a portion of our Conference reserves to meet budget obligations for 2023 due to the impact of church disaffiliations. Although it’s difficult to determine the impact until after these disaffiliations have occurred, my best ‘guesstimate’ is that apportionments received from churches for 2023 (including from those that are disaffiliating in 2023) will likely be $2.4 – 2.7 million. With a budget of $3.3 million for 2023, we will need to access our operating reserves and/or reduce our budget for 2023, accordingly (See ‘Reserves’ and ‘Disaffiliations’ sections below for further details).

2024 –An apportioned budget of $3,063,016.36 was approved and is recommended by the CCFA for approval by the Annual Conference. This is an overall decrease of 7.5% in the apportioned budget from 2023 (and a decrease from the 2022 budget by 15.8%). This includes a further reduction in the church apportionment percentage from 14% in 2023 to 13.5% in 2024. Although our goal last year was to reduce the apportionment percentage by 1% per year through 2027, due to the budgetary uncertainties related to church disaffiliations, the CCFA decided to slow the reduction of apportionments by .5% per year with the goal being the same—to reduce the apportionment percentage to 10% of church operating income (but reducing the apportionment percentage by smaller increments). We hope the decision to continue to lower the apportionment percentage, even during times of uncertainty, illustrates to you that we understand the challenges facing local churches as we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic and lower attendance. We will continue to work as a leadership team to assess our conference operations to ‘right size’ our budget yet continue to meet our ministerial goals.

Disaffiliations

A special Annual Conference was held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, to finalize and approve churches disaffiliating from the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Through the work of our Conference Chancellors Nancy Oviatt, South Dakota, and Steve Ottmar, North Dakota, along with our Conference Board of Trustees, Conference Board of Pensions and our Conference Council on Finance and Administration, 18 churches were approved to disaffiliate, with two of these churches disaffiliating in 2023—Milbank Central UMC and Ashley Emmanuel UMC. See the table for details.

Of the total apportionment obligation received from disaffiliated churches, $1,176,030.32 was received for 2020 and 2021 apportionments that were not paid in full during those years. A brokerage account was established with Raymond James and these funds were invested in five 6-month CDs at $240,000 each (totaling $1.2 million) at an annualized interest rate of 4.90 – 4.95%. These funds were ‘set aside’ to cover future Conference transition expenses due to disaffilliations. However, the CCFA may also determine these funds (all or in part) can be used to help support new church starts in areas where a close UMC church presence no longer exists.

Of the remaining apportionment obligation received from churches disaffiliating in 2022, $506,376.37 was apportionments received for 2022 obligations, whereas the remaining $121,707.61 was apportionments received for the ‘additional 12 months of apportionments’ allocated to 2023. See disaffiliation agreement, Section 4(a)(iii). These funds collected for 2022 and 2023 apportionment obligations, along with 100% of the apportionment funds collected from Milbank Central UMC, remain in the Conference operating account. Note: Of the $124,781.51 received from Milbank Central UMC, $71,409.94 was for 2020 and 2021 apportionment obligations. Depending on Conference financial needs, these funds may also be invested in short-term CDs as described above.

Conversely, a fixed income Pension Liability Fund was established at the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations for the sole purpose of covering future pension liabilities. The $279,105.80 received from disaffiliating churches in 2022 was invested in this account. The pension liability received from Milbank Central UMC will be transferred into the newly established Pension Liability Fund account as part of the remaining disaffiliations that will occur in 2023. Ashley Emmanuel’s disaffiliation obligation has not been received and is due on June 30, 2023.

General Church Apportionments

2022 – I’m pleased to report that the Dakotas Conference paid 100% of its apportionments to the General Church for 2022, totaling $940,437.00! This couldn’t have been accomplished without your help and faith giving, so thank you! These funds are our ‘connectional giving’ and support the UMC and its ministries in a variety of ways.

2023 – The Annual Conference approved a budgeted amount of $474,838 in 2023. However, actual apportionments allocated to the Dakotas by the General Church was $911,219. Although the former Treasurer held discussions with the General Church and advised them to use the operating income numbers for calculating our apportionments (instead of the operating expense numbers as these were incomplete), the General Church didn’t revise their apportionment calculation methodology for the Dakotas Conference. Note: The General Church calculates all Conference apportionments based on church expenditures rather than church operating income.

2024 – The General Church apportionments allocated to the Dakotas Conference for 2024 is $1,021,699. This amount was calculated using the 2020 Base Percentage rate approved by the 2016 General Conference. The methodology was based upon the ruling of the Judicial Council. The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) did not calculate apportionments using the Base Percentage rate that was originally proposed to the now postponed 2020 General Conference, which was 18% lower than the percentage approved by the 2016 General Conference. The calculation is determined by using the Net Expenditures from the 2021 local church statistics. The Net Expenditures used excluded those related to churches that disaffiliated or closed prior to January 1, 2023.

While it is our goal to pay 100% apportionments to the General Church, meeting the full $1,021,699 obligation for 2024 may be unrealistic due to our "new normal." No-one could have envisioned in 2016 the occurrences of the next seven years (pandemic, disaffiliations, etc.)! Therefore, the CCFA approved a reduction of the original amount by 18% (the planned GCFA proposal to the 2020 General Conference) and then reduced that amount an additional 32%. This further reduction was determined by performing an analysis on the amount paid in 2022 to GCFA of $940,437.00 and comparing this to our total apportionments received for 2022, totaling approximately $3.56 million (approximately 26.5% of the total apportioned budget to GCFA). Therefore, we estimate that paying the same percentage of our local church apportionments to the GCFA will equate to approximately $573,000, after disaffiliations. Depending on our financial situation in 2024, we may be able to pay a higher percentage of our apportionments to the General Church and, even though it’s been a challenging period, I’m hopeful that we will be able to meet that goal.

Reserves

Fortunately, the Conference has various reserves available for use through this transitional period. These reserves include $1.2 million invested in 5 CDs (as explained above) that were received from churches for 2020 and 2021 apportionments received from disaffiliated churches in 2022. We also have approximately $1.33 million in the Transitional Reserve Fund at Wespath. This amount has decreased from approximately $1.5 million at the end of 2021 due to challenging market conditions in 2022.

The Conference also has reserve funds invested at the Foundation of approximately $900,000 as well as funds in the Conference operating account to meet current needs. Therefore, the Conference is currently in a solid financial position, with the goal of balancing our apportioned budget (without the need for further use of reserves) by 2025. Additionally, it’s our hope that we will be able to use some of these reserves to establish new churches in areas that are not currently served by a United Methodist Church, primarily due to disaffiliations.

Staffing

A few transitions in the Finance Office have occurred following the 2022 Annual Conference. On August 10, Robert Ruedebusch was named as the Interim Director of Finance and Administration/Conference Treasurer during the search to fill this position. During this time, the Finance Office continued to finalize the audits from 2020 – 2022, work with churches and calculated church apportionments and pension liabilities as part of the disaffiliation process, and general daily operations. A special thanks goes out to Robert Ruedebusch for serving in this interim role. Your contribution to the Conference is very appreciated! Especially by the ‘new guy’ who has learned so much from him over these past few months and has helped me immensely as I transition into the Treasurer role.

Additionally, after dedicating the last 41 years of her professional career to the Dakotas Conference, JoAnn Schlimgen is retiring on September 1. Although I’ve worked with JoAnn for only a few months, I learned quickly how much our office, and the Conference, has relied on her! From processing church apportionments, to ensuring conference employees get paid on time, to managing our insurances, to serving as our Conference statistician (to name just a few of her responsibilities), she has been instrumental in all facets of our Finance Office operations and has taught me a lot over these past few months. We will miss her dedication, work ethic, and sense of humor, but we know she will enjoy transitioning into more of a full time ‘grandma’ role (we look forward to seeing pictures of her grandbabies). Thank you, JoAnn, for all you have done to serve the Conference faithfully all these years!

Lastly, appreciation goes out to Dana Bassett, who has agreed to assume many of JoAnn’s current responsibilities and has been working hard to get cross trained. Thank you, Dana, for helping the Conference during this transition! Although she has big shoes to fill, the Finance Office will continue to be well served by Dana in her new role.

Final Thoughts

I feel fortunate that I get to work with such a dedicated and ‘God serving’ team each day. Thank you for entrusting me with this important Conference role and thank you to everyone who has helped me ‘get up to speed’ (you know who you are!). Although this period has been a challenging time for the church, I am truly hopeful and excited to see what God has in store for us. While it’s true we will be a smaller (yet nimbler) church, this will give us the opportunity to re-image how we "do ministry." And I’m looking forward to working with you and Conference leadership to dream what is possible.

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or need assistance. We are here to serve you and your ministries. God Bless!

Jim Ducker, Treasurer

Apportioned Budget Detail

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

Apportioned Budget Detail

Program 2022

2023 Budget 2024 Budget $ Change % Change

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

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

2.1 Northeast District

2.1.1 Church: Big Stone Tabor

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Section 2: Disaffiliation Agreements

July 26, 2022

January 8, 2023

Yes: 33 No: 0

Motion to Disaffiliate Yes: 28 No: 5

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

$4,043.78

$1,995.93

$12,961.45

Church building and lot $1

June 15, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 19-24

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Tabor United Methodist Church, Big Stone, South Dakota

WHEREAS Tabor United Methodist Church, Big Stone, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, January 8, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (85%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Tabor United Methodist in Big Stone, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.2 Church: Bristol

Process Initiated October 11, 2022

Church Conference March 12, 2023

Church

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

$8,458.65

$892.62

$8,511.41

Church building and land $1

August 31, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 26-31

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Bristol United Methodist Church, Bristol, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Bristol, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 12, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Bristol, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.3 Church: Claremont

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 33-38

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church, Claremont, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Claremont, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 29, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (83%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for United Methodist Church in Claremont, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.4 Church: Clear Lake

Process Initiated November 21, 2022

Church Conference March 5, 2023

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval Yes: 67 No: 1

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present $54,465.94

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income $2,874.52

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula) $16,992.69

Buildings and Land holdings

Church building, parsonage, garage, storage shed, $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

Cemetery, rental house $1

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 40-45

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 5, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.5 Church: Gary

Process Initiated

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 47-52 Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Gary United Methodist Church, Gary, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Gary, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 5, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Gary, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.6 Church: Hecla

Process Initiated

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

February 6, 2022

$626.03

$ 463.65

$ 6,471.68

Church and land $1 Other special circumstances

Buildings and Land holdings

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 54-59

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Hecla United Methodist Church, Hecla, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Hecla, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 29, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Hecla, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.7 Church: Kellerton

Process Initiated September 7, 2022

Church Conference March 29, 2023

Church Conference Vote Summary

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

$2,761.18

$ 859.77

$ 6,266.81

Building and land $1

July 1, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 61-65

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Kellerton United Methodist Church, Hazel, South Dakota

WHEREAS Kellerton United Methodist Church, Hazel, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 29, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the Kellerton United Methodist Church in Hazel, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.8 Church: Mellette

Process Initiated

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present $20,305.42

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income $

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date August 1, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 68-72 Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Mellette United Methodist Church, Mellette, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Mellette, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 5, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (90%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Mellette, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.19 Church: Milbank Parkview

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion to Disaffiliate

August 17, 2022

March 12, 2023

Yes: 17

Yes: 13

No: 0

No: 4

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

$4,895.59

$ 1,123.47

$ 18,545.84

Church building and lot $1

Other special circumstances Foundation funds

Official Disaffiliation Date

August 31, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 75-79

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Parkview United Methodist Church, Milbank, South Dakota

WHEREAS Parkview United Methodist Church, Milbank, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 12, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (76%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Parkview United Methodist Church in Milbank, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO ¶2553

This Disaffiliation Agreement Pursuant to ¶2553 (“Disaffiliation Agreement”) is entered into this ______ day of June, 2023, by and between Parkview United Methodist (“Local Church”) and Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (“Annual Conference”).

WHEREAS, Local Church is a United Methodist church within the boundaries of Annual Conference;

WHEREAS, Local Church has held a church conference, in compliance with ¶¶ 246.8, 248, and 2553.2-.3 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (“Discipline”), at which at least two-thirds (2/3) of the professing members present at the church conference of Local Church voted to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church “for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.”

WHEREAS, pursuant to ¶ 2501.1 of the Discipline, Local Church holds its real and personal, tangible and intangible property “in trust for The United Methodist Church and subject to the provisions of its Discipline.”

WHEREAS, property subject to ¶ 2501.1 “can be released from the trust, transferred free of trust or subordinated to the interests of creditors and other third parties only to the extent authority is given by the Discipline.” (¶ 2501.2)

WHEREAS, ¶ 2553 provides a specific circumstance in which property subject to ¶ 2501.1 can be released from the trust imposed by that paragraph.

WHEREAS, pursuant to ¶ 2553.4 and Judicial Council Decision (JCD) 1420, the Annual Conference Board of Trustees is vested with the exclusive authority to establish the terms and conditions of a local church’s departure from The United Methodist Church.

WHEREAS, ¶ 2553.4 requires the terms and conditions of Local Church’s disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church to be “memorialized in a binding Disaffiliation Agreement”.

WHEREAS, any disaffiliation by a local church from The United Methodist Church must be ratified by a simple majority of the members present and voting at a duly called session of Annual Conference, as required by JCD 1379.

WHEREAS, Local Church and Annual Conference wish to (1) resolve all matters between them and to disaffiliate in compliance with the requirements of ¶ 2553 and Judicial Council Decision 1379.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and all the mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Local Church and Annual Conference agree as follows:

1. Conditions Precedent. Local Church and Annual Conference acknowledge and agree that the following are conditions precedent to effective disaffiliation.

a. Church Conference Vote. At least two-thirds (2/3) of the professing members present at a church conference of Local Church must vote to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church “for reasons of conscience regarding a change in the requirements and provisions of the Book of Discipline related to the practice of homosexuality or the ordination or marriage of self-avowed practicing homosexuals as resolved and adopted by the 2019 General Conference, or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.” Local Church must provide documentation, to the satisfaction of Annual Conference, which evidences the result of the disaffiliation vote taken at the church conference. Such documentation must be certified by an authorized officer of Local Church and shall be included as an exhibit to this Disaffiliation Agreement. (Exhibit A.)

b. Annual Conference Approval. The disaffiliation memorialized by this Agreement must be “ratified by a simple majority of the members . . . present and voting” at a duly-called session of Annual Conference, as required by Judicial Council Decision 1379 and ¶ 2529.1b(3).

c. Local Church Compliance. Local Church shall satisfy all of its obligations set forth herein by the Date of Disaffiliation stated below.

Should any of the above fail to occur, this Disaffiliation Agreement shall immediately become null and void and Local Church’s disaffiliation shall be ineffective.

2. Applicability of ¶ 2501. Local Church acknowledges and agrees that pursuant to ¶ 2501 of the Discipline, Local Church holds all property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, in trust for the benefit of The United Methodist Church.

3. Date of Disaffiliation. Should Local Church timely comply with all of its obligations as set forth herein, Local Church’s disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church will be effective on August 31, 2023 (“Disaffiliation Date” Per ¶ 2553.2, this date cannot be later than December 31, 2023). Such Disaffiliation Date must be subsequent to the Annual Conference’s ratification referenced in Section 1 above.

4. Consideration. In consideration of the Annual Conference’s obligations under this agreement, Local Church agrees that it shall do the following no later than the Disaffiliation Date unless otherwise stated:

a Payments. Local Church shall pay to Annual Conference, in a manner specified by Annual Conference, the sum of $24,565.90. This sum represents:

i. Unless there is a deed or other restriction (other than the general applicability of the trust clause) limiting the ownership or use of a property to a United Methodist purpose or entity, Local Church shall pay One Dollar ($1.00) in exchange for the right to retain its real and personal, tangible and intangible property. Any costs relating to Local Church’s retention of the property will be borne by Local Church.

ii. Any unpaid apportionments from January 1, 2020 through the Disaffiliation Date, which includes any unpaid apportionments for the twelve (12) months immediately prior to the Disaffiliation Date, as calculated by Annual Conference, totaling $4895.59;

iii. An additional twelve (12) months of apportionments, as calculated by Annual Conference at a rate of 20% of the 2022 apportionment (3% of operating income) totaling $1,123.47;

iv. An amount equal to Local Church’s pro rata share, as determined by Annual Conference, of Annual Conference’s unfunded pension obligations, based on the Annual Conference’s aggregate funding obligations as determined by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits totaling $18,545.84;

v. Any prior year pension and health insurance outstanding balances, as recorded in the permanent records of the Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits, totaling $0;

vi. Any unpaid loans or other obligations to other United Methodist entities (i.e. to a District, Foundation, Conference, or other local churches) totaling $0;

vii. Local church warrants that it has carefully reviewed and provided to the Annual Conference information about all gifts (endowments, memorials, bequests, donations and gifts of any kind) it received which have restrictions imposed regarding the gift’s use or purpose, so that Annual Conference can ensure compliance with donor intent, donor restrictions, applicable South Dakota state law and the Discipline and rules of the United Methodist Church. Local church shall treat all such gifts it receives before or after the Disaffiliation Date in its pre-disaffiliation name(s) in accordance with the restrictions imposed and shall notify the Annual Conference of the gift so that a determination can be made as to its proper disposition to ensure compliance with donor intent, donor restrictions, applicable state law and the Discipline and rules of the United Methodist Church.

2.1.10 Church: Oakes

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 82-86

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Oakes United Methodist Church, Oakes, North Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Oakes, North Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 26, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (81%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Oakes, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.1.10 Church: Webster

Process Initiated September 22, 2022

Church Conference March 12, 2023

Church Conference Vote Summary

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

$14,046.38

$ 3,253.92

$ 17,851.36

Church building, parsonage, and lots $1 Other special circumstances

Buildings and Land holdings

Official Disaffiliation Date

July 31, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 89-94

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Webster United Methodist Church, Webster, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Webster, South Dakota, in the Northeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 12, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (77%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Webster, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2 Northwest District

2.2.1 Church: Dickey United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

August 26, 2022

March 16, 2023

Yes: 14 No: 0

Motion to Disaffiliate Yes: 14 No: 0

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

$929.60

$726.00

$6,727.78

Church building, parsonage, and lots $1

August 31, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 96-101

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Dickey United Methodist Church, Dickey, North Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Dickey, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 16, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Dickey, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.2 Church: Hazen Salem United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Membership list approval

December 19, 2022

February 26, 2023

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Buildings and Land holdings

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 103-108

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Salem United Methodist Church, Hazen, North Dakota

WHEREAS Salem United Methodist Church, Hazen, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, February 26, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (93%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Salem United Methodist Church in Hazen, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.3 Church: Marion Grace United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

August 28, 2022

March 16, 2023

Yes: 14 No: 0

$3,150.70

$1,350.30

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula) $15,187.97

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

Church building, parsonage, lot $1

August 31, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 110-115

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Grace United Methodist Church, Marion, North Dakota

WHEREAS Grace United Methodist Church, Marion, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 16, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Grace United Methodist Church in Marion, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.4 Church: Medina Emmanuel United Methodist Church

Process Initiated December 18, 2022

Church Conference March 19, 2023

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Buildings and Land holdings Church building, lot $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 117-122

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Medina, North Dakota

WHEREAS Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Medina, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 19, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Medina, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.5 Church: Tappen Zion United Methodist Church

Process Initiated December 20, 2022

Church Conference March 19, 2023

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Official

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 124-129

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Zion United Methodist Church, Tappen, North Dakota

WHEREAS Zion United Methodist Church, Tappen, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 19, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Zion United Methodist Church in Tappen, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.6 Church: Turtle Lake United Methodist Church

Process Initiated December 11, 2022

Church Conference March 26, 2023 Church

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present $5,006.38

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income $627.86

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula) $9,388.16

Buildings and Land holdings

Church building, parsonage, lots $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 131-136

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Turtle Lake United Methodist Church, Turtle Lake, North Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Turtle Lake, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 26, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.2.7 Church: Tuttle Salem United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion to Disaffiliate

November 16, 2022

March 19, 2023

Yes: 20

Yes: 18

No: 0

No: 2

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Church building and lot $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 138-143

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Salem United Methodist Church, Tuttle, North Dakota

WHEREAS Salem United Methodist Church, Tuttle, North Dakota, in the Northwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 19, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (90%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for Salem United Methodist Church in Tuttle, North Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.3 Southeast District

2.3.1 Church: Geddes United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

October 18, 2023

March 26, 2023

Yes: 54

No: 0

Motion to Disaffiliate Yes: 39 No: 13

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

$6,088.26

$4,441.68

$21,843.44

Church building, parsonage, lot $1

Cemetery $1

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 145-150

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Geddes United Methodist Church, Geddes,

South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Geddes, South Dakota, in the Southeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 26, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (72%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Geddes, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.3.2 Church: Huron First United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion to Disaffiliate

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

October 21, 2023

March 26, 2023

Yes: 198

Yes: 166

No: 1

No: 34

$14,906.76

$16,415.94

$43,799.87

Church building, parking lot, garage, playground $1 Other special circumstances

Buildings and Land holdings

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 152-157

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for First United Methodist Church, Huron, South Dakota

WHEREAS First United Methodist Church, Huron, South Dakota, in the Southeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 26, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (84%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for First United Methodist Church in Huron, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.3.3 Church: Olivet United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion to Disaffiliate

February 26, 2023

March 29, 2023

Yes: 34

Yes: 33

No: 0

No: 1

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present $9.760.00

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

$1,950.00

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula) $10, 213.69

Buildings and Land holdings

Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

Church building, parking lot $1

Cemetery $1

July 1, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 159-164

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Olivet United Methodist Church, Olivet, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Olivet, South Dakota, in the Southeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 29, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (97%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Olivet, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.3.4 Church: Viborg United Methodist Church

Process Initiated November 11, 2022

Church Conference March 19, 2023 Church

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Buildings and Land holdings

Church building, parsonage, lot $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 15, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 166-171

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Viborg United Methodist Church, Viborg, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Viborg, South Dakota, in the Southeast District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 19, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (100%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Viborg, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.4 Southwest District

2.4.1 Church: Mobridge United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

February 2, 2023

March 23, 2023

Membership list approval Yes: 10

No: 10

Motion to Disaffiliate Yes: 8 No: 2

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

$4,024.91

$1,170.72

$7,004.97

Church building and lot $1 Other special circumstances

Buildings and Land holdings

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 23, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 173-178

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Mobridge United Methodist Church, Mobridge, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Mobridge, South Dakota, in the Southwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 23, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (80%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Mobridge, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

2.4.2 Church: Winner United Methodist Church

Process Initiated

Church Conference

Church Conference Vote Summary

Membership list approval

Motion to Disaffiliate

January 23, 2023

March 9, 2023

Yes: 130

Yes: 112

No: 0

No: 18

Disaffiliation Agreement Summary

12 months past apportionments: defined by Dakotas as current on apportionments from 2020-present

12 months additional apportionments: defined by Dakotas at 3% of operating income

Pension Liability (calculated by Wespath’s formula)

Buildings and Land holdings

Church building, vehicle, lot, parsonage $1 Other special circumstances

Official Disaffiliation Date

June 30, 2023

All agreements include official release from the trust clause, removal of UMC name and symbols, archiving UM records etc. Full agreement is available in the expanded conference workbook.

Disaffiliation agreement pages 180-185

Link to supporting documents

Resolution to ratify the disaffiliation agreement for Winner United Methodist Church, Winner, South Dakota

WHEREAS the United Methodist Church, Winner, South Dakota, in the Southwest District of the Dakotas Conference, has been completed all the steps in the disaffiliation process as outlined by the Dakotas Annual Conference; and

WHEREAS this local church was prompt in providing documents and meeting deadlines throughout the disaffiliation process, demonstrating their resolute commitment to disaffiliate. As such, on, March 9, 2023, a Church Conference was convened, and those professing members present voted (86%) to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

THEREFORE, having met all the requirements in a timely manner, the Conference Board of Trustees hereby, prayerfully recommends the ratification of disaffiliation agreement for the United Methodist Church in Winner, South Dakota. We pray for God’s favor and blessings on this ministry as we part ways.

3.1 Cabinet Resolutions

WHEREAS the Dakotas Conference Cabinet has recommended appointments to the bishop, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

1. THAT July 1, 2023, be designated as the beginning of all new appointments for 2023-2024, unless prior arrangements have been made. The moving pastor’s current charge shall pay the compensation, health, pension and other benefits through June 30, 2023.

2. THAT the moving schedule be flexible enough to consider the needs 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.

3. 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 pastors, 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.

4. 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.

3.2 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 a pastor to allow them to focus their efforts on the ministry instead of seeking secondary employment.

ANNUAL RECOMMENDATION OF MINIMUM COMPENSATION

1) The Base Cash Salary for each year: 65% of the Conference Average Compensation for Full Connection Clergy; 62% of the Conference Average Compensation for Less than Full Connection Clergy

2) The Base Cash Salary for both clergy groups listed in paragraph #1 shall include any personal tax deferred annuities, personal IRA’s paid by the local church, or personal pension plan in addition to the recommended contribution to the Pension program (UMPIP) in No. 3.

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

SALARY SUPPORT GRANTS

1) The following requests will be considered by the Commission:

a. Strategic Appointment Grant – Available when a new appointment results in significantly increased costs to the Church/Charge. These increased costs will be so burdensome that it is unlikely that the Church/Charge will have adequate resources available to take the necessary steps to becoming viable without outside assistance. The purpose of this grant is to assist the Church/Charge in its transition to being able to fully support the newly appointed pastor. The Church/Charge shall provide monthly written status reports to the District Superintendent and Conference Treasurer. Status reports shall at a minimum report progress towards benchmarks.

b. Discernment Grant – Available when a Church/Charge has declined in its ability to support a full-time United Methodist pastor to the point where it is unlikely to be able to provide the recommended minimum compensation. The purpose of this grant is to provide time for the Church/Charge and District Superintendent to evaluate the viability of the congregation and decide upon a ministry plan that is appropriate for the Church/Charge. The District Superintendent shall provide a report on the viability and the ministry plan at the next Equitable Compensation meeting. Depending on the ministry plan adopted by the District Superintendent and the Church/Charge, it may be appropriate for the Church/Charge to provide monthly written status reports to the District Superintendent and Conference Treasurer.

c. Emergency Grant – Available when a Church/Charge provides evidence that they will not be able to provide their full-time United Methodist pastor with the recommended minimum compensation. The purpose of this grant is to ensure that the pastor is properly cared for.

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

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

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

* The Conference Average Compensation (CAC) is the average compensation paid to full-time clergy in a particular conference, effective two years after the year of calculation. Due to the bonuses paid to clergy in 2022, the CAC reported to the Dakotas Conference from Wespath for 2024 was abnormally high. Therefore, the 2024 CAC was adjusted by increasing the CAC by the five-year average increase in CAC of 2.84% (73,163 * 1.0284 = $75,241).

The charges which received Equitable Compensation support in 2022 included the following: Drayton/Pembina/Humboldt/St Thomas, Garretson United, Hurley, Kenmare Renew, Montrose, Parker, Milbank Parkview / Big Stone City / Tabor / Ortonville, and Salem Unite.

3.3 Housing/Parsonage Allowance for Ordained or Licensed Clergy Serving as Conference Staff and District Superintendent

WHEREAS, section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code permits a minister of the gospel to exclude from gross income the rental value of a parsonage furnished to the minister;

WHEREAS, a minister is also allowed to exclude from gross income the amount paid to him/her as a properly designated parsonage allowance to the extent used for actual expenses incurred in maintaining a parsonage;

WHEREAS, a minister is also allowed to exclude from gross income the amount paid to him/her in lieu of a parsonage when properly designated as a housing allowance to the extent used for actual housing expenses not to exceed the fair rental value of the home (including furnishing and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities);

WHEREAS the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is the qualified organization for the designation of housing and parsonage allowances for all ordained 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 2024 and for all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Joel Winckler - $30,000

• Ben Ingebretson - $33,500

• Kris Mutzenberger - $1,500

• Dan Bader - $30,000

• Rebecca Trefz - $32,665

• Paul Lint - $7,000

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 2024 and all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Dan Bader - $25,456

• Rebecca Trefz - $25,456

• Joel Winckler - $25,456

• Kris Mutzenberger - $25,456

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.

3.4 Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Active, Retired, Disabled, or Former Clergy Persons of the Dakotas Conference

The Dakotas Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, terminated, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference:

WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”);

WHEREAS, the practice of the church and of this conference was and is to provide active clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation;

WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and

WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the conference (or its predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for clergypersons who are or were members of this conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance, or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from Wespath Benefits & Investments (“WBI”), during the calendar year 2024 by each active, retired, terminated, or disabled clergyperson who is or was a member of the conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such clergyperson; and

THAT the pension, severance, or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance designation applies will be any pension, severance, or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from Wespath (WBI) and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a Wespath (WBI) plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a clergyperson rendered to this conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled clergyperson of this conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the church, general agency of the church, other institution of the church, former denomination that is now a part of the church, or any other employer that employed the clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled clergyperson’s pension, severance, or disability plan benefit as part of his or her gross compensation.

NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state) income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2), and regulations thereunder, to the least of: (a) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the church (such as this conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (b) the amount actually expended by the clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (c) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion.

Submitted by Leana Stunes, Conference Benefits Officer

3.5 Board of Pensions Action Items

The Budget: The Board recommended that the 2024 Board of Pensions budget be adopted as proposed with the total apportionment request of $0.

Submitted by Leana Stunes, Conference Benefits Officer

Section 4: Elected Leaders

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Year and class information can be obtained at the conference office or from the nominations chair. Names in italics indicate Lay.

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

CONFERENCE

Jeanne Sortland 2020 Chair, Clergy 701-320-1477 pastorjeannes@gmail.com

Michele Slott 2022 Clergy at large 605-390-8757 PastorMich.SD@gmail.com

Rodney Knock 2023 Clergy at large  605-759-4017 hilltopumcpastorrodney@gmail.com

Cody Warns 2014 Lay at large 605-480-0369 cwarns@hotmail.com

Terry Nebelsick 2021 Lay at large 605-354-0050 terrynebelsick@gmail.com

Cindy Yeager 2022 Lay at large 701-793-2805 cyeager1537@gmail.com

Ex officio (with vote)

Ray Baker 2022 CCFA Representative 701-220-4803 ray@fargofaithumc.org

Joel Winckler 2020 Cabinet Representative (NW DS) 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

John Srstka 2021 Conference Co-Lay Leader 605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Ex officio (without vote)

CONFERENCE CHANCELLORS THE EXTENDED CABINET

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Cabinet Representative (SE DS) 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Steve Ottmar 2021 North Dakota 701-252-7229 sottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Nancy Oviatt 2012 South Dakota 605-886-5812 nancy@grolawfirm.com

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Kris Mutzenberger 2020 NE DS (District Superintendent) 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Joel Winckler 2020 NW DS (District Superintendent) 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 SE DS & Exec. Director of Ministries 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Dan Bader 2022 SW DS (District Superintendent) 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

Ben Ingebretson 2016 Area Director New Church Development 612-230-6124 ben.ingebretson@dkmnareaumc.org

Diane Owen 2021 Director of Clergy Well-Being 612-230-6129 diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org

Keith Shew 2016 Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries 612-230-6130 keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Sheri Meister 2014 President/CEO Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations 605-990-7790 sheri.meister@dkmnmf.org

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Doreen Gosmire 2010 Director of Communications 605-990-7794 doreen.gosmire@dakotasumc.org

John Srstka 2021 Conference Co-Lay Leader 605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Karl Rockeman 2022 Conference Co-Lay Leader 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

Al Roll 2021 Mission Coordinator 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Anne Osborne 2023 Pensions Chair 701-368-9815 osborne@daktel.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Jeanne Sortland 2021 Common Table Chair 701-320-1477 pastorjeannes@gmail.com

Bea Stucke 2014 Cabinet Assistant 605-390-1434 bea.stucke@dakotasumc.org

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS

MISSIONAL LEADERS LINK

Melissa Gall 2022 Chair & CCYM Representative 605-880-4500 melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Eric Van Meter 2018 Clergy 870-219-6255 ervanmet@dwu.edu

Randy Hedge 2019 Lay 920-420-9901 pastorrandy1057@gmail.com

Anita Tulp 2019 Lay 701-320-9058 crazy4bookslms@gmail. com

Jo Anne Hipple 2020 SW Co-Lay Leader 605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Scott McKirdy 2022 Clergy 605-269-1358 mckirdyscott@gmail.com

To be filled - Lay

Standing Committe (Member with vote)

Ex officio (with vote)

Sharla McCaskell 2021 Board of Ordained Ministry 605-484-4588 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Nicole Clade 2020 Camping Representative 605-237-6786 pastrixnicole@gmail.com

Karl Rockeman 2022 Conference Co-Lay Leader 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

Kris Mutzenberger 2020 Cabinet Representative (NE DS) 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Keith Shew 2016 Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries 612-230-6130 keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Diane Owen 2022 Director of Clergy Well-Being 612-230-6129 diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org

To be filled - Director of Lay Servant Ministries

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY (BOM)

Brandon Vetter 2012 Chair 701-223-4401 brandon@legacyumc.org

Katie Ricke 2017 Vice Chair 605-467-0918 pastorkricke@gmail.com

Tom Dravland 2017 Secretary 605-222-0579 dravland@pie.midco.net

Sara McManus 2016 Registrar 701-282-5765 pastorsara@flameoffaithumc.org

Gary Ball-Kilbourne 2008 Conference Relations Chair 701-500-0985 gbk@prairiescribbler.com

Ex officio (with vote)

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Eric Van Meter 2022 Clergy - Dean of Licensing School 870-219-6255 ericvanmeter@ymail.com

Howard Grinager 2013 Retired Liaison 605-297-1060 grinagerh@gmail.com

Bruce Forbes 2016 Extension Ministries Liaison 612-708-3419 forbes@morningside.edu

Rob Salmonson 2019 NE District Representative 605-933-0077 robsalmonson@hotmail.com

Rick Craig 2021 NW District Rep. & DCOM Chair & Licensed Local Pastor Registrar  701-329-1810 imrickcraig@icloud.com

Keith Nelson 2022 SE District Rep. & DCOM member 605-996-7721 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Sharla McCaskell 2014 LLP Rep. & SW Rep. & BOM Rep. to Missional Leaders 605-484-4588 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Marilyn Spurrell 2017 Clergy, Continuing Education Chair 605-270-3185 marilynspurrell@gmail.com

Chang Yi 2012 Clergy 701-772-1893 pastorchangyi@gmail.com

Jennifer McDonald 2020 Clergy 701-368-0135 jenmcdwy@gmail.com

Jen Tyler 2018 Clergy, Conference Relations 605-868-8164 pastorjent@gmail.com

Mark Finck 2022 Lay 702-470-1394 mark.finck82@gmail.com

Jean Larson 2022 Lay 605-350-4736 jeanlarson164@gmail.com

To be filled - Lay, Conf. Relations

To be filled - Lay

Kris Mutzenberger 2020 Cabinet Representative (NE DS) 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Jennifer Hallenbeck Orr 2022 Chair, NW District  701-255-1160 jennifer.hallenbeck@gmail.com

Nancy Hallenbeck 2015 SE District 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Amber Laffey 2019 SE District & Conference Secretary 605-990-7791 conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org

John Srstka 2021 SE District & Conference Co-Lay Leader 605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Debra Ball-Kilbourne 2020 NE District 701-630-3561 dbk.central@gmail.com

To be filled - NE District

To be filled - NE District

Connie Eichinger 2017 SW District 605-787-5799 godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jeff Adel 2018 SW District 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

To be filled - SW District

Sharman Zachrison 2016 NW District 701-320-0463 sharman.zachrison@gmail.com

To be filled - NW District

Ex officio (without vote)

CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRY COUNCIL

Rebecca Trefz 2014 SE DS & Exec. Director of Ministries 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Bea Stucke 2020 Coordinator of Ministry Operations 605-390-1434 bea.stucke@dakotasumc.org

Tyrel Schlecht 2017 Chair, Lay 701-320-7636 tyman_nd@hotmail.com

Nicole Clade 2016 Clergy 605-237-6786 pastrixnicole@gmail.com

Lyall Workman 2012 Lay 701-250-9379 lyall.workman@outlook.com

Kris Mutzenberger 2020 Clergy, NE DS 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Erin Woods 2022 Lay 605-348-1080 erin.woods@clumc.com

To be filled - Lay

Ex officio (without vote)

Auxiliary / Invited (without vote)

CONF. COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRIES (CCYM)

District Coordinators

Keith Shew 2015 Area Director Camp & Retreat Ministries 612-230-6130 keith.shew@dkmnareaumc.org

Christy Heflin 2014 Site Director, Lake Poinsett 605-983-5547 christy.heflin@dakcamps.org

Tanner Clark 2023 Site Directors, Storm Mountain 605-343-4391 smc@dakcamps.org

Paul / Brenda Lint 2016 Site Directors, Wesley Acres 701-733-2413 wac@dakcamps.org

Peggy Hanson 2016 Chair & SE District 562-505-6363 pastorphanson@gmail.com

Clay Lundberg 2022 SE District 605-830-1976 umcpastor@iw.net

Paul Lint 2022 NW District 701-733-2413 paulnbrenda@hotmail.com

Melissa Gall 2021 NE District 605-880-4500 melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Andrea Plueddeman 2022 NE District 701-232-4416 youth@firstumcfargo.org

John Britt 2016 SW District 605-787-2414 pastorjohnbritt@gmail.com

Steve Hilton 2018 SW District 605-390-1301 andone39@gmail.com

Jeff Lathrop 2014 SW District 701-772-1869 pastorjefflathrop@gmail.com

District Youth Representatives MISSIONAL

To be filled - NE District

To be filled - NW District

To be filled - SE District

To be filled - SW District

EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS

Becky Holten 2022 Chair - Lay 605-770-6184 beckyrholten@gmail.com

CONGREGATIONS LINK

Travis Jensen 2022 Lay 605-690-5894 travis_sdstate@hotmail.com

To be filled - Lay

Zach Kingery 2020 Clergy 605-838-6303 zach.kingery@gmail.com

Kori Lehrkamp 2020 Clergy 605-430-4389 koriannlehrkamp@hotmail.com

Matt Morrison 2018 Clergy 605-366-5009 matt@sfasbury.org

Cory Thrall 2015 Clergy 701-462-3220 thrallcory@gmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Ben Ingebretson 2016 Area Director New Church Development 612-230-6124 ben.ingebretson@dkmnareaumc.org

Al Roll 2022 Rural Ministry Grant 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Dan Bader 2022 Cabinet Representative (SW DS) 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT

MISSIONAL IMPACT LINK

Marty Toepke-Floyd 2014 Co-Chair, Clergy 701-325-0378 pastormarty@daktel.com

Karl Kroger 2015 Co-Chair, Clergy 605-999-9898 karlkroger@gmail.com

Leisa Richards 2017 Clergy 505-299-6797 leisaloo7@gmail.com

Laura Borman 2017 Clergy 605-321-5218 lborman@att.net

Gail Arnold 2014 Clergy 605-892-5007 gail.arnold.ga@gmail.com

Ron Olson 2021 Clergy 701-440-1102 ronolson58@gmail.com

Lindsey Weich 2021 Lay 605-770-3514 lweich@krohmeragency.com

Deb Holland 2021 Lay 605-431-1973 bosswoman@icloud.com

Deb Brooks 2023 Lay 701-799-1020 Dbrooks1068@gmail.com

Standing Committees (Membership with vote) Ex officio (with vote)

Ex officio (without vote)

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF)

Colleen McKirdy 2023 United Women in Faith President 605-269-1054 captkeys@speartown.com

To be filled - Secretary of Global Min.

Linda Dodds 2021 UWF Coordinator Social Action 605-680-4273 lindadodds@midstatesd.net

VirLyn Hoff UWF Mission Coord. for Education 701-845-1721 virlynhoff@yahoo.com

Dan Bader 2022 Cabinet Representative (SW DS) 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

Al Roll 2020 Staff Representative 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Colleen McKirdy 2023 President 605-269-1054 captkeys@speartown.com

Robyn Nadvornik 2023 Vice President 701-690-8958 robyn.nadvornik@gmail.com

glenda Kluckman 2023 Secretary 605-941-1071 kluckmang@gmail.com

Lynda Rustand 2017 Treasurer 701-260-8382 5rustands@gmail.com

Linda Dodds 2021 Social Action 605-680-4273 lindadodds@midstatesd.net

Alexis Huff 2023 Membership Nurture and Outreach 701-482-7777 alexishuff@hotmail.com

Shirley Deethardt 2023 Education and Interpretation 402-580-2741 kittyloverx2@windstream.net

Brenda Rekow 2020 Spiritual Growth 701-535-0109 bpets@drtel.net

Penny Galinat 2020 Secretary of Program Resources 605-224-9586 plgalinat@yahoo.com

Diane Dyk 2023 Communications Coordinator 701-222-4194 dianealiceliz@gmail.com

Jan Petersen 2020 Nominations Chair (end 2024) 605-638-0922 jkpeterse@gmail.com

Marsha Timm 2023 Committee on Nominations (end 2024) 605-695-9368 edmarshatimm19@gmail.com

Charlene Koll 2020 Committee on Nominations (end 2024) 701-232-5457

Debra Richardson Committee on Nominations (end 2025) 605-580-6846 d.a.r.rosetree333@gmail.com

Sherry Heaton Committee on Nominations (end 2025) 701-527-0797 slheaton@bektel.com

UNITED METHODIST MEN

CONFERENCE COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (CCFA)

To be filled - President

Robert Schultz 2012 Treasurer 605-987-2569 bomar67@q.com

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES

Ray Baker 2012 Chair, Clergy 701-220-4803 ray@fargofaithumc.org

William Kluckman 2023 Vice Chair, Clergy 605-360-8624 wkluckman@gmail.com

Ruth Barrett 2013 Lay, Secretary, Executive Team 605-348-5045 rvbarrett@rap.midco.net

John Lomheim 2022 Lay 605-988-4658 jlomheim02@gmail.com

Mike Briggs 2022 Lay 701-214-9860  briggs@bis.midco.net

Bob Ruedebusch 2012 Clergy 605-484-1502 bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Teresa Person 2023 Clergy 605-352-6227 pianoperson@live.com

To be filled - Lay

Mark Johnsen 2016 Clergy 605-440-3201 pastormarkjohnsen@gmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

BOARD OF PENSIONS & HEALTH BENEFITS (BOPHB)

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Sheri Meister 2014 President/CEO Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations 605-990-7790 sheri.meister@dkmnmf.org

To be filled - Board of Pensions

Rebecca Trefz 2014 SE DS & Cabinet Rep. and Exec. Team 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Anne Osborne 2012 Chair 701-368-9815 osborne@daktel.com

Al Roll 2014 Vice Chair 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Cynthia Nelson 2019 Recording Secretary 605-351-2818 cynthianelson1@sio.midco.net

Jack Erickson 2014 Clergy 605-448-2900 jack@venturecomm.net

Roy Caudill 2015 Clergy 605-362-1812 roybcaud@aol.com

Shawn Culey 2015 Lay 605-360-8352 Shawn.Culey@dakotasumc.org

JoAnn Early 2022 Lay 701-223-4401 joann@legacyumc.org

Valerie Hummel LaBounty 2017 Clergy 605-660-5419 ladypastorvalerie@gmail.com

Michele Slott 2019 Clergy 605-390-8757 pastormich.sd@gmail.com

Diana Fuhrman 2020 Lay 701-820-0473 glendianafuhrman@gmail.com

Dayne Zachrison 2019 Clergy 701-840-7294 pastordayne@gmail.com

Kevin Klare 2021 Lay 605-351-7851 kklare01@gmail.com

Curtis VanDyke 2023 Lay curtis.vandyke@agcountry.com

To be filled

To be filled

Ex officio (without vote)

Leana Stunes Conference Benefits Officer 605-990-7785 leana.stunes@dakotasumc.org

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

JoAnn Schlimgen Assistant Treasurer 605-990-7787 joann.schlimgen@dakotasumc.org

Howard Grinager BOM Representative 605-297-1060 grinagerh@gmail.com

Ray Baker CCFA Representative 701-220-4803 ray@fargofaithumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2022 SE DS & Cabinet Representative 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)

Kathy Chesney 2022 Clery, Chair 605-280-7127 chez@gwtc.net

Larry Madsen 2021 Lay man, Vice Chair 605-765-2746 larry_madsen@hotmail.com

Kristi Barber 2018 Lay woman, Secretary 605-381-6677 kristibarber37@gmail.com

Bill Bates 2018 Clergy 605-610-6209 igtwlb@vastbb.net

Boyd Blumer 2013 Clergy 605-630-1606 besquare@mit.midco.net

Jeff Adel 2022 Clergy 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Dennis Holm 2018 Lay man 605-324-3674 djh@venturecomm.net

Tami Prostrollo 2021 Lay woman 210-323-3528 prostrollot@sfumc.org

Mark Stearns 2012 Lay man 605-480-1858 stearnsj@iw.net

Al Goehring 2019 Lay man 701-269-2968 agoehri@daktel.com

Judy Roed 2022 Lay woman 701-509-5178 gjroed@srt.com

Rosemary McDougall 2022 Lay woman 701-269-2591 penguin1605@gmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Steve Ottmar 2022 Conference Chancellor ND 701-252-7229 sottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Nancy Oviatt 2012 Conference Chancellor SD 605-886-5812 nancy@grolawfirm.com

Joel Winckler 2022 NW DS & Cabinet Representative 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

HUMAN RESOURCES (HRC)

Nancy Bohlen 2013 Chair, Lay 605-692-7744 nbohlen@swiftel.net

Teresa Whetsel 2021 Clergy 605-203-3011 pastorteresaw@gmail.com

Mark Ehrmantraut 2022 Clergy 701-934-7272 pastormark1024@gmail.com

Connie Colwill 2023 Lay 605-359-8958 gccolwill@sio.nidco.net

Melissa Gall 2022 Missional Leaders Representative 605-880-4500 melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Cory Thrall 2022 Missional Congregations Representative 701-319-1137 thrallcory@gmail.com

Marty Toepke-Floyd 2021 Missional Impact Representative 701-325-0378 pastormarty@daktel.com

Ray Baker 2020 CCFA Chair 701-220-4803 ray@fargofaithumc.org

Jeanne Sortland 2021 Common Table Representative 701-320-1477 pastorjeannes@gmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Cabinet Representative, SE DS, Executive Director of Ministries 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY (CAH)

SUPPORT SERVICES

Duane Coates 2006 Chair, Clergy 605-695-5561 dcoates70@yahoo.com

Bob Horne 2023 Lay 701-212-4594 rmdlhorne@gmail.com

Michelle Brennan 2022 Clergy 701-269-3640 michellebrennan@hotmail.com

To be filled - Clergy

To be filled - Clergy

Carole Knodel 2023 Lay 701-799-9468 merrilkno@aol.com

Cindy Heidelberger 2023 Lay 605-201-5549 heidelbergercindya@gmail.com

Cheryl Finney 2010 Conference Historian 605-332-9959 fcheryl6@aol.com

Laurie Langland 2010 Archivist 605-995-2134 LaLangla@dwu.edu

Ex officio (without vote) Stephen Perry 2015 Historical Society Chair 763-427-6080 historian@centurylink.net

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSIONS COMMITTEE

(Appointed by the Bishop)

Kay Braun 2016 Chair, Lay 701-232-1915 kkbndak@gmail.com

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Cabinet Representative & Host DS 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

John Srstka 2022 Conference Co-Lay Leader 605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Kip Roozen 2022 Host Team Clergy 605-332-8861 kip@sfasbury.org

Jordan Louks 2022 Host Team Clergy 605-336-3652 PastorJordan@sfumc.org

Nancy Hallenbeck 2022 Host Team Lay Leader 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Val Melmer 2022 Host Team Lay Leader 605-280-4035 valmelmer@hotmail.com

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 2014 Agenda Coordinator 605-695-5561 dcoates70@yahoo.com

Al Roll 2021 AC Project Manager 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Dayne Zachrison 2010 At large 701-845-0340 pastordayne@gmail.com

Ex officio (without vote)

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION

Bea Stucke 2014 Coordinator of Ministry Operations 605-390-1434 bea.stucke@dakotasumc.org

Susan Punt 2021 Admin. Assistant for Ministries 605-990-7796 susan.punt@dakotasumc.org

Stephen Perry 2013 Chair, Clergy 763-427-6080 historian@centurylink.net

Gary Rae 2013 Clergy 605-940-7865 gary.w.rae@gmail.com

Jeff Adel 2013 Alternate, Clergy 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Doug Diehl 2017 Clergy 605-431-1123 dugdeal@gmail.com

Jenene Earl 2017 Clergy 605-720-6389 ljearl@outlook.com

Penny Eberhart 2017 Clergy 605-310-8504 ebhartp@gmail.com

Kim Callies 2017 Lay 605-270-2327 birdiecallies@yahoo.com

Joanne Ottmar 2017 Lay 701-252-7229 jottmar@ottmarlaw.com

Terry Prendergast 2017 Lay 605-351-6934 tprendergast@gra.midco.net

To be filled - Clergy Alternate

To be filled - Lay Alternate

COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY (COE)

Jennifer Larsen 2010 Chair, Lay 605-359-6682 jlarsen@hwalaw.com

John Srstka 2021 Conference Co-Lay Leader 605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Jennifer Tyler 2016 Member appointed by Bishop 605-868-8164 pastorjent@gmail.com

To be filled

Keith Nelson 2017 Member appointed by Conference 605-630-6586 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Jerry Bass 2022 Member appointed by Conference 701-775-5696 jerry.bass@gra.midco.net

Sara Nelson 2022 Member NCJ COE 605-336-3652 pastorsara@sfumc.org

Beata Ferris 2021 Member NCJ COE 605-222-8284 beata.ferris@dkmnareaumc.org

RECORDS, RULES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE

DISASTER RESPONSE

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Chair, SE District Superintendent & Executive Director of Ministries 605-990-7791 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Duane Coates 2012 Member 605-695-5561 dcoates70@yahoo.com

Amber Laffey 2020 Conference Secretary 605-990-7799 conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org

To be filled - Coordinator

Mark Ellingson 2010 Planning 218-779-5707 mellingson56@gmail.com

Nancy Manning 2023 Operations & Representative to the South Dakotas VOAD 605-215-3429 nancyserving@gmail.com

Linda Kropenske 2015 Training 605-371-1205 lkropenske@yahoo.com

Nancy Trefz 2015 At large 605-765-4335 trefzponyexpress@hotmail.com

DAKOTAS METHODIST FOUNDATION BOARD

Connie Eichinger 2015 At large 605-787-5799 godaboveall@hotmail.com

Al Roll 2021 Staff Representative 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Doreen Gosmire 2012 Administration & Communication 605-990-7794 doreen.gosmire@dakotasumc.org

To be filled - Planning

To be filled - Operations

To be filled - At Large

To be filled - Administration

Dave Page Chair, Lay 605-467-0302 d.dpage@outlook.com

Jeff Nelson Vice Chair, Clergy 605-376-5388 jeff@605advantage.com

Sheri Meister President/CEO Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations 605-990-7789 sheri.meister@dkmnmf.org

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-996-6552 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Bob Ruedebusch Clergy 605-484-1502 bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Katie Ricke Clergy 605-467-0918 pastorkricke@gmail.com

Cory Thrall Clergy 701-319-1137 thrallcory@gmail.com

Teresa Person Clergy 605-352-6227 pianoperson@live.com

Steve Pietila Lay 605-760-4916 spietila@firstdakota.com

Richard Wahlstrom Lay 605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

Eric Walth Lay 701-220-6331 ericwalth@gmail.com

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishop@dkmnareaumc.org

DISTRICT NOMINATIONS

NORTHEAST DISTRICT (NE)

NE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Elizabeth Ewing-Lee NE District Lay Leader 701-361-3231 ewinglee@yahoo.com

Ray Baker Chair, Clergy 701-220-4803 ray@fargofaithumc.org

Rob Salmonson Vice Chair, Clergy 605-933-0077 robsalmonson@hotmail.com

Mark Gronseth Clergy 605-359-9480 markgronseth@gmail.com

Veronica Fleming Clergy 701-756-7272 pastorv2017@gmail.com

Lou Whitmer Clergy 701-240-5346 pastorlou@nvc.net

Becky Holten Lay 605-770-6184 beckyrholten@gmail.com

Mike Beeson Lay 701-274-8944 mbeeson@rrt.net

Deena Heitmann Lay 605-470-0308 deenaheitmann@gmail.com

Carol Windels Lay cwindels@umn.edu

Kris Mutzenberger NE District Superintendent 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

NE Building and Location Committee

Mark Ellingson Clergy 218-779-5707 mellingson56@gmail.com

Kara Heagel Lay 605-881-3625 togelkara@gmail.com

Elizabeth Ewing-Lee NE Lay Leader 701-361-3231 ewinglee@yahoo.com

Kris Mutzenberger NE District Superintendent 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Robbie Daugherty Chair, Lay

Elizabeth Ewing-Lee NE Lay Leader 701-361-3231 ewinglee@yahoo.com

Alice LaFontaine Lay

Robert Moorlach Clergy 701-742-2925 rm1032004@yahoo.com

Sandee Prouty-Cole Clergy 605-868-7039 revsandee@gmail.com

Kris Mutzenberger NE District Superintendent 701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Pat Siefken Lay 605-395-6656 lpksiefken@nvc.net

To be filled

NORTHWEST DISTRICT (NW)

Lisa Rhodes NW District Lay Leader 701-400-5840 lgrhodes1@yahoo.com

Rick Craig Chair, Clergy

701-329-1810 imrickcraig@icloud.com

Marty Toepke-Floyd Secretary, Clergy 701-325-0378 pastormarty@daktel.com

Lisa Rhodes NW District Lay Leader

701-400-5840 lgrhodes1@yahoo.com

Karl Rockeman Conference Co-Lay Leader 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

Bruce Adams Clergy 701-663-8909 bruceadams2261@yahoo.com

Karl Kroger Clergy 605-999-9898 karlkroger@gmail.com

Lori Broschat Clergy

701-381-0755 loribroschat@gmail.com

NW Buildings and Location Committee

Joel Winckler NW 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

Jim Jeromcheck Lay 701-220-7494 jim@biancorealty.com

Joel Winckler NW District Superintendent 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

NW Superintendency Committee

Lisa Rhodes NW District Lay Leader 701-400-5840 lgrhodes1@yahoo.com

Randy Meissner Lay 701-663-2305 randymeissguy@gmail.com

Claudia Holm Lay 701-659-3477 cholm@daktel.com

To be filled - Lay

Bruce Adams Clergy 605-641-6500 bruceadams2261@yahoo.com

Mark Ehrmantraut Clergy 701-934-7272 pastormark1024@gmail.com

Karl Rockeman 2017 Conference Co-Lay Leader 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

Joel Winckler NW District Superintendent 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

NW Committee on Nominations

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT (SE)

SE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Sharman Zachrison Lay 701-320-0463 sharman.zachrison@gmail.com

Anita Tulp Lay 701-320-9058 crazy4bookslms@gmail. com

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Val Melmer SE District Co-Lay Leader 605-280-4035 valmelmer@hotmail.com

Valerie Hummel LaBounty Clergy, Co-Chair 605-660-5419 ladypastorvalerie@gmail.com

Connie Smith Co-Chair 605-363-5097 cmsmith@siouxvalley.net

Ron Johnson Clergy 605-359-3867 revron24@gmail.com

Keith Nelson Clergy, SE Representative to BOM 605-630-6586 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Kip Roozen Clergy 605-645-9630 kip@sfasbury.org

Amber Laffey Clergy (LLP) 605-770-7802 laffeyad@gmail.com

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

To be filled - Lay

Troy Hansen Lay 605-263-3104 ethansen@iw.net

Val Melmer Lay 605-280-4035 valmelmer@hotmail.com

Rebecca Trefz SE District Superintendent 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

SE Building and Location

SE Superintendency Committee

Gary Rae Clergy 605-940-7865 gary.w.rae@gmail.com

Keith Nelson Clergy 605-630-6586 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

John Claggett Lay 605-770-7248 johnclaggett@mit-tel.net

Rebecca Trefz SE District Superintendent 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Diane Kisch Lay 605-665-1500 dkischfumc@gmail.com

Charles Schnabel Lay 605-692-5655 cvschnabel@brookings.net

To be filled - Lay

Teresa Person Clergy 605-691-2070 pianoperson@live.com

Charlie Moore Clergy 605-270-3945 pastorcharlie@sunnycrest.org

To be filled - Clergy

Rebecca Trefz SE District Superintendent 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

SE Nominations

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT (SW)

SW District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader 605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

Amber Laffey Clergy 605-990-7791 conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org

Jo Anne Hipple SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Richard Wahlstrom SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

Greg Kroger Chair, Clergy 605-321-3342 gregscot@gmail.com

Julia Jones Secretary, Lay 605-280-2670 juliajonesaud@gmail.com

Richard Wahlstrom SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

Jo Anne Hipple SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Jenene Earl Clergy 605-720-5578 ljearl@outlook.com

Sharla McCaskell Clergy 605-343-7145 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Jeff Lathrop Clergy 605-682-9447 jeff.lathrop@midconetwork.com

Jeff Adel Clergy 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

SW Building and Location Committee

Ashley Alsup Lay 605-390-4296 ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

Dan Bader SW District Superintendent 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

Sharla McCaskell Clergy 605-343-7145 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Jeff Adel Clergy 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

Darwin Kopfman Clergy 605-673-3473 drkopf@goldenwest.net

Robert Puffer Lay 605-745-4819 puffer@gwtc.net

David Bonde Lay 605-280-9680

Eileen Wilson Lay 605-673-3401 pew@gwtc.net

Dan Bader SW District Superintendent 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

SW Superintendency Committee

Richard Wahlstrom Interim Chair, SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

Jo Anne Hipple SW District Co-Lay Leader 605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

Ashley Alsup Lay 605-390-4296 ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

Janelle Jones Lay 605-722-5911 jljones@midco.net

George Keehner Lay 605-431-9216 george_k44@hotmail.com

Greg Kroger Clergy 605-321-3342 gregscot@gmail.com

Sharla MCaskell Clergy 605-343-7145 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

Dan Bader SW District Superintendent 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

Connie Eichinger Clergy 605-787-5799 godaboveall@hotmail.com

Jeff Adel Clergy 605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

RELATED AGENCIES

TREE OF LIFE MINISTRY

Randy Burnison Chairman 605-350-6978 rgburnison@santel.net

Dennis Unkenholz Vice Chair 605-280-4581 dgu47@aol.com

Cheryl Nyman Member 507-202-0115 pastorcnyman@gmail.com

Jerry Bottger Member 605-593-6873 jerbearremember@yahoo.com

Dr. Tom Gilmore Member 605-665-8303 tojan41@yahoo.com

Steve Meister Member 815-409-2729 steveo0151@aol.com

Bob Ruedebusch Member 605-484-1502 bob.ruedebusch@dakotasumc.org

Ex officio OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY CENTER – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SW Committee on Nominations Ex Officio

SOLAR OVEN PARTNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (SOP)

Linda Garriott Executive Director 605-856-4266 treeoflife@gwtc.net

Linda Baldock Clergy, Recorder 605-786-2262 lindambaldock@gmail.com

Dan Bader Cabinet Representative (SW DS) 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.org

Al Roll Missional Impact Link Representative 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Londa Holen Chair holen@bis.midco.net

Pat Wood Secretary pattywood99@bis.midco.net

Derrick Hobein Treasurer 701-258-5716 raiderguy10@gmail.com

Dyan Wood Parent Representative dyankaywood@gmail.com

Jodie Campbell Member, Lay

Sara Rice Member, Lay

Jim Karn Member, Lay 701-226-4712

Rob Gilkerson Member, Lay robgilkerson@gmail.com

Dean Reese Member, Lay reesespieces4@bis.midco.net

Jean Rexine Director 701-222-3004 opendoor@midconetwork.com

Karl Kroger Member, Clergy 605-999-9898 karlkroger@gmail.com

Joel Winckler NW District Superintendent 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Phil Lint President, Southeast District, Shop 605-363-3470 pmllint@goldenwest.net

Christopher Sylvah Director 605-692-3391 sopdir@swiftel.net

Jesse Pikul Office Assistant 605-692-3391 office@solarovenpartnersumc.org

Gene Bethke Northeast District, Shop Manager 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 Northwest District, Expertise Gifts Processing, Communications 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

Adam Burnison Shop Manager 605-360-6638 paws4u@gmail.com

Committee / Agency First Name Last Name Class Role

Phone Email

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@gmail.com

Ex officio Al Roll Cabinet Staff Representative 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

SPIRIT LAKE MINISTRY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD

Kim / Paulette Paulson Board members blackhammer1@gmail.com

Valerie Luick Board member valerie.luick@hotmail.com

Kenny Baker Jr Board member kennybaker_02@hotmail.com

Al Goehring Board member agoehrin@daktel.com

Myra Pierson Baord member wacstaske@yahoo.com

Andrew / Jenny Lindstrom Board members andrewlindstrom@yahoo.com

To be filled - Member

Mike Flowers Clergy 701-799-1174 slministry@hotmail.com

Libby Flowers Lay 701-799-1174 slministry@hotmail.com Ex officio

Section 5: Conference Reports

5.1 Common Table

The Common Table serves to coordinate and prioritize the ministries and resources of the Dakotas Annual Conference. We continue to center on our mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” staying kingdom-focused while navigating the intricacies of a denomination embroiled in schism. Churches in the Dakotas Conference continue to choose to separate from the UMC. Disinformation and misinformation that is being spread about the UMC has contributed to churches voting to leave, which is a harmful state of affairs.

Each church that chooses to proceed with disaffiliation from the UMC has a procedural checklist that must be completed with guidance from the district superintendent. The Common Table reviews those checklists to ensure no critical steps have been missed in the process, and that there has been communication with those in the church throughout the process. There is a sense of grief that comes with every checklist needing to be reviewed. Every church that leaves the UMC means a fracture in relationship with our siblings in Christ.

While all of the circumstances surrounding disaffiliation are painful, we are an Easter people who believe in the power of the resurrection that leads to new life. There are many seeds of new life being planted in the Dakotas and we can celebrate those things that lead to reaching others in the name of Jesus Christ. We will continue to be filled with Christ’s love, hope, joy, and peace as we follow him in our ministry efforts.

The Common Table supports the work being done for our clergy leadership in areas of renewal and learning. Some things included in this area are Higher Ground, Scripture Circles, the Clergy Epiphany Gathering, and the Clergy Leadership Academy. We are emboldening our clergy leaders to establish discipleship pathways for their churches, enter into mentoring relationships, and develop the lay leadership of their churches.

Another focus of Common Table is congregational development. We encourage all congregations to explore the Values Assessment, Fresh Expressions of ministry, and Rural Ministry Partnerships. Areas of priority in congregational development are Oasis churches (churches committed to staying UMC that will care for members of a church that will be disaffiliating and yet desire to stay United Methodist), establishing a virtual church for members of disaffiliating churches who wish to remain United Methodist, and new ways of doing ministry, especially in rural areas.

Two areas of our mission intentions are facing some changes. We are pleased to welcome Christopher Sylvah as the new director of Solar Oven Partners. Mike and Libby Flowers are retiring this year, so the search for new directors of Spirit Lake Ministry is taking place. Once the new directors for these missions are established, the next focus will be on board development. We thank Marj Evans-de-Carpio and Mike and Libby for dedicating themselves to the mission work of our conference.

As expected, the resources available for supporting ministry in the Dakotas Conference will be decreasing due to churches disaffiliating. The Annual Conference has planned well; and due to your faithful apportionment giving, there will be funds available to navigate the budget shortfall as we make adjustments. We will not want to continue to deplete these resources, so will still need to find ways to trim the budget in the future. We are planning to do this without raising apportionments as our goal remains to eventually reduce apportionments to a tithe of 10%. Thank you for being committed stewards as you support ministry in the Dakotas Conference.

Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 1:6-7 that we will face trials, and in doing so, we will refine our faith like gold when Jesus is revealed. May the challenges that we are facing lead to a period of refinement that bursts us forth into a new cycle of ministry in which new people in new places come to meet the risen Christ.

Submitted by Jeanne M. Sortland, chair, Common Table

5.2 Conference Commission on Archives and History (CAH)

Your Commission on Archives and History conducts a ministry of memory in our conference. It is a missional imperative because without memory, we literally lose the Good News. So, your Commission on Archives and History enacts the functions enumerated in ¶641 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016 edition.

This year, the archives became an integral part of the disaffiliation process, and many Dakotas United Methodists learned that the memory of their former churches is kept alive at the archives. Those archives are available to the public, regardless of denomination.

Those archives are located in space we rent for $10,000 annually from Dakota Wesleyan University within its George and Eleanor McGovern Library in Mitchell, South Dakota. We have been told this is one of the finest archives spaces in the jurisdiction. We are grateful that it has been offered to us at this price for the past 17 years, and we are grateful for the partnership we have with the DWU archives, especially their collections for the late U.S Senators Francis Case and George McGovern, who were both United Methodist. We believe co-locating our separate archives with a common archivist adds cost-effective value to both institutions.

Additionally, apportionments fund half the cost of employing the archivist we have shared with DWU since March of 2007, Dr. Laurie Langland. While the conference is responsible for maintaining and managing our archives, Langland is a full-time DWU staff member with faculty status. Langland roughly splits her time between institutions archiving materials and assisting researchers. She also writes conference memoirs and attends conference and university meetings. This is all pursuant to a written agreement between DWU and the conference.

This past year, at DWU’s request, both parties considered changes to the agreement that governs our shared interests. The conference seeks to enhance communication between the entities and give both parties an equal and frequent opportunity to redress grievances. The conference will resist requests to delegate conference authority over what is accessioned into our archives, and we will advocate for keeping the archives as open as possible. We also want the archivist to have 24-hour access to the conference archives. We await further discussion about whether DWU will follow the recommendation of their archivist consultant to hire additional staff.

Archives Reopen: After DWU closed the archives to the public on January13, 2022, the archives were reopened on August 4, 2022. In that intervening time, Dr. Langland and her volunteers worked mightily to address the large volume of loose unboxed materials that had previously cluttered the reading room, the work room, and the office. Langland demonstrated much progress in meeting the objectives of a DWU-imposed improvement plan. But as of this writing, the plan is still in place.

Following its archivist consultant’s recommendation, DWU added a movable safety ladder to the archives space. Yet, DWU has not answered your commission’s questions of early 2022 regarding DWU’s January 2022 changes to the archivist’s position description.

Disaffiliated Church Records: As of this writing, the conference archives have accessioned records of 19 churches that have disaffiliated or plan to under the parameters of ¶2553.

Jubilee Clergy: Assuming this report is accepted, we will recognize this year the following persons as jubilee clergy: Dennis Aleson and Russ Masartis.

2024 Budget Proposal: Your commission is requesting a slight funding increase of 1.56% or $625 more in 2024 than approved in 2023. Largely, this is to pay for grave markers, for which we have not had to use apportionments in the past 17 years because (a) we had a large supply, (b) relatively few clergy deaths, (c) a private donation that funded 10 grave markers. Please understand that fixed costs represent 95.7% of our budget. (As of this writing, the Conference Council on Finance and Administration has not notified the commission that its proposal was considered. So, the amount you have before you may differ from the $40,575 requested.)

Conference History Update: Our commissioner and chair of the Dakotas Conference Historical Society the Rev. Dr. Stephen Perry continues updating the conference’s written history. This past winter, he posted online the fifth of a proposed seven chapters. You may see his work at https://dakotahistorianblog.wordpress.com/

Meetings: This year, your commission met three times – once at annual conference and twice by Zoom. Mid-year, we said goodbye to Pat Breidenbach, archivist emerita, who retired from the commission after 37 years; the Rev. Sheri Fadley, who left the denomination; and Mr. Tanner Carlson, who transferred his United Methodist membership out of the conference. At the end of this conference session, we will retire (for now) Mr. Tom Thaden, who has completed the conference limit on consecutive terms. The Nominations Committee has offered names for your consideration to fill those shoes.

Respectfully submitted by R. Duane Coates, chair, Dakotas Conference Commission on Archives and History

5.3 Communications

The Dakotas Conference communication team continues to tell the story of the ministries of the Dakotas Conference. The website—www. dakotausmc.org, which serves as the home base for all communications—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; these publications continue to grow in distribution, subscribers, and shares. Social media communication has become a vital and inspiring tool, as well as video story telling. Two other communications streams are photos on Flickr and videos on Vimeo. 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.dakotasmf.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 12%.

Mondays @ Dakotas remains popular for sharing the ministry and telling the story of the Dakotas Conference. Mondays @ Dakotas continues to reach an average of 2,600 viewers per week.

This Week @ Dakotas provides a venue to share upcoming events, ministry announcements, and resources with local churches. Each week there is an average of 3,000 viewers through the website, e-mail, or on social media.

The social media presence of the Dakotas Conference continues to grow. Each day, multiple posts and tweets continue through HootSuite. Engagement has increased shares on Facebook and retweets on Twitter by 21%. Facebook is the most popular channel with 1,200 average daily views. There is a conference presence on Instagram that has about 230 daily viewers.

Video contributes to telling the ministry story. This past year, the communications team produced more than 80 hours of video for the Dakotas-Minnesota area with more than 40,000 shares and views. All the videos can be accessed on the conference Vimeo account.

Visually telling the story is what catches people as they scroll through social media platforms. The conference is blessed with the excellent photographer skill of Dave Stucke who populates the Dakotas Conference Flickr account with photos that churches can use in their ministry.

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 communications

5.4 Sessions Committee Report

The Sessions Committee has planned the June 8-10, 2023, Dakotas Annual Conference at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The theme is “Encounter. Transform. Respond. The Emmaus Experience.”

Rev. Michael Beck is the guest speaker and will offer practical ways that churches can connect to their communities and reach new people that are lay-led, low-cost, highly relational, and contextual.

The worship services, including the Celebration of Life in Ministry Service, will be livestreamed for public viewing. The Celebration of Life in Ministry Service will be held on Friday, June 9.

A hybrid special session was held on November 19, 2022, for the consideration of resolutions ratifying the disaffiliation of local churches from the United Methodist Church. This was called by Bishop Deborah L. Kiesey.

A virtual Special Called Conference will be held August 15, 2023. This was set by Bishop Lanette Plambeck with the Appointive Cabinet to meet the needs of churches in the disaffiliation process.

You are able to participate in the Annual Conference thanks to the Committee members. Without them and all their hard work, the Annual Conference would not be the same! Members are: Bishop Lanette Plambeck, Interim Bishop Deborah Kiesey, Rebecca Trefz, John Srsttka, Al Roll, Lou Whitmer, Doreen Gosmire, Duane Coates, Dayne Zachrison, Susan Punt, and Bea Stucke. When you see them, please thank them.

Thanks to the Host Team members: Kip Roozen, host clergy; Jordan Louks, Host Clergy; Nancy Hallenbeck Orr, and Val Melmer, Host Volunteer Coordinator; Val Melmer. They worked with the Sessions Committee for the entire year. And thanks to all of those who assist them as volunteers for the 2023 Annual Conference. Please give these hard-working people your thanks too!

Planning for the 2024 Annual Conference has begun.

Respectfully Submitted by Kay Braun, chair, Sessions Committee

5.5 Executive Director of Ministries Report

One of my favorite scripture passages is Romans 5:3-5 (NIrV): “We are full of joy even when we suffer. We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on. The strength to go on produces character. Character produces hope. And hope will never bring us shame. That’s because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. This happened through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This past year has certainly had its share of struggles and pain. Yet, in the midst of it, God has been faithful. There have been countless moments of vitality and fruitfulness. The blessing of connection has sustained us even as we experience the deep pain of seeing churches choose to part way from the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

In our connectional ministries, we continue to ground ourselves in our core values of the person and work of JESUS, our shared MISSION of making disciples and being the hands and feet of Christ, and our CONNECTION that reminds us that we are not alone in this work and allows us to do more together than we could on our own. Our key strategies to accomplish the mission of inspiring and equipping the local church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world are outlined in the reports below. Of particular emphasis this past year has been clergy wellbeing and resiliency, rural ministry, and local church resourcing around mission, vision and leadership.

Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive

director of ministries

5.6 Developing Missional Leaders

Developing Missional Leaders encompasses several groups that are taking leadership in helping individuals identify God’s call on their lives, be empowered to live that call, and be equipped to become leaders in their local churches, ministries and throughout the Conference.

Some key strategies of clergy leadership development include: New Clergy Orientation – A series of Zoom trainings led by Cabinet and staff throughout June/July/August to help clergy start well. Topics/ trainings included: First 100 Days, Preaching with Impact, Holy/Healthy Habits, Communications, Camp/Retreat Opportunities for Discipleship, Finance/Taxes/Benefits, Turning Money into Ministry (Foundation), Discipleship (Do-Know-Be), Total Well-being, Case Study Scenarios.

Licensing School – Hybrid experience of in-person and online learning. New deans will be Revs Eric VanMeter and Annie Carlson. Clergy Leadership Academy – In previous years, we used the book, Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase as the framework for 5 of the 6 sessions (Clergy Wellbeing was the 6th). As we began to plan last fall’s gathering, it felt like focusing on some of these more technical aspects of leadership, while certainly helpful in some ways, would “miss the mark” of what our clergy were needing for support and development. Based on felt needs we were hearing from our clergy through one-on-one conversations as well as through our Higher Ground process, we shifted to focus on Courageous Leadership in the fall of 2021. In spring 2022, we focused on the core of our mission – Discipleship. In the fall of 2022, we focused on navigating conflict and difficult conversations. The focus of spring 2023 was church administration and governance. Each gathering time has also included times of worship in which different clergy have led/preached and then received feedback on their preaching (content, delivery, organization) as well as times for retreat, renewal, and relationship building.

Clergy Coaching (individual/group) – see Higher Ground report below.

Submitted

by

Rebecca Trefz, executive director of ministries

5.6.1 Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM)

The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) trains, develops and cares for clergy in their Jesus-centered Wesleyan theology, servant leadership, passionate preaching and personal wholeness.

We 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.

We’ve streamlined the process for clergy to access short-and long-term renewal dollars and continuing education (CE) dollars. In our era of disaffiliations and continuing effects from the pandemic, we cannot encourage clergy strongly enough to take leave and utilize the quadrennial CE dollars available to let the Holy Spirit rejuvenate and replenish them. Visit the Dakotas website to find the forms and processes.

The Elisha and Samuel Projects have been exciting for the Dakotas Annual Conference. College students and high school students have the opportunity to explore ministry. College students may apply to participate in the Elisha Project and high school students may participate in the Samuel Project. A sub-group of the board selects interns for host churches from the pool of applicants. Samuel Interns for 2023-24 are Alayna Nelson (Watertown First) and Jersey Trautman (Fargo First).

We offer events and opportunities in the Dakotas Conference: Licensing School, Certified Lay Ministry School, and pre-conference gatherings for seminary students and young adult members of the annual conference. We 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.

It is all our responsibility to keep our eyes open to those in our midst who have a call on their lives. We need to be bold and call it out when we see it! God has called each Christian to ministry, whether lay or ordained. If you have a call to pastoral ministry, please seek out your pastor or district superintendent and share your call.

Submitted by Rev.

Brandon Vetter, chair, Dakotas Board of Ordained Ministry

5.6.2 Camp and Retreat Ministries

Wesley Acres Camp (WAC)—God is on the move! Wesley Acres Camp and Retreat Center (WAC) experienced some good chaos from the stirring of the Holy Spirit in 2022. Once again, our entire staff team dedicated themselves to this ministry as they extended hospitality, shared their gifts for teaching and leading small groups, and led worship. Campers were blessed and challenged through their highly qualified facilitating on our challenge course, on the creek canoeing and kayaking, in the pool, and on the archery range. We appreciate the hard work of our volunteers including the Kevins (Knight and Tulp), the two builders from Geronimo (who led the bridge project), and the volunteers who brought completed critical work and strategic projects. Wesley Acres reached out to new campers, outside groups, and individuals offering a place apart to experience Christ, Community, and Creation. Through the efforts of the directors, new groups have developed a relationship which will be ongoing. We offer our space to campers who are underserved and may not otherwise experience the joy of camp, and we are ready to spread the love of Christ in 2023.

Lake Poinsett Camp (LPC)—We were grateful to host returning and new retreat groups in 2022, (especially after COVID-19 suspensions in 2020) including a new Men’s and Women’s Walk to Emmaus and CBU, a camp for deaf youth. Our ministry would not be a success without countless volunteers and donors. We are most thankful for volunteers who have done laundry, weeding, chain sawing, cleaning, and tons of other projects at camp. We were excited to participate in several church visits in 2022. It is amazing to have so many UMC churches who work hard to promote camp and send campers from their local churches. It was a joy to see many campers throughout the summer filling our cabins, making joyful noise, swimming in the lake, and growing in their faith! In December 2022, some volunteers spearheaded a fundraising to build a new deck on the retreat center, and we were blessed to receive almost $30,000 by the end of the year. The new deck will be built in May 2023. We are thankful for all the summer staff, volunteers, and full-time staff that make the ministry successful.

Storm Mountain Center (SMC)—Coming off of the challenges that COVID-19 brought upon camp and retreat operations, Storm Mountain still had the ability to host campers, guests, and volunteers in one of the most beautiful camp settings across the country. In addition to living into radical hospitality, several critical projects reached full completion, including rebuilding the bridge across Spring Creek and residing Allison Hall. The facilities and programming continued to be adapted and improved to meet the current and coming needs of the camp, with a great team of staff and supporters both on site and around the conference, where all peoples continued the vision of being a place apart for all to experience Christ, creation, and community.

Strategic Initiatives—Your Area Camp and Retreat Ministry experienced significant progress on strategic initiatives including the completion and dedication of the new Tabernacle/Dining Center at Koronis, a new ADA deck off the chapel and suspension bridge at Wesley Acres Camp, a new modular playground at Lake Poinsett Camp, and clarity around next steps with a new cabin at Northern Pines Camp.

2022 Grants Received— Our area camps were blessed to receive multiple grants from the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry (UMCRM) granting foundation. Ministry impact grants were received and used for the following projects: Lake Poinsett Camp received $53,000 to construct a new playground; Koronis received $50,000 for the Tabernacle project, Northern Pines received $20,000 for a site evaluation to prepare for a new cabin, and Wesley Acres received $24,000 to construct a suspension bridge and new ADA deck. The total amount of grants received across the area was $147,000. Camp Minnesota received an additional $2,000 Solomon Cramer grant through UMCRM to support camperships around racial/ethnic diversity within camp participation and leadership.

COVID-19—Camping leaders continue to pay attention to current COVID-19 safety information and adjust the ways we care for campers accordingly.  We partnered with local and state health officials, the American Camp Association, and the Centers for Disease Control to implement COVID-19 safety best practices specifically developed for overnight camp settings. Our 2022 camping season safety protocols were dictated by individual county COVID-19 levels.

Staffing Transitions—Welcome: Tanner Clark, Director to Storm Mountain Center and Eric Grinager, Storm Mountain Center Interim Director. Goodbye: Levi and Lara Ziegler, Storm Mountain Center Co-Directors; Elouaze and Edson Alexis, Koronis food service and support staff; Jerry Simmons, Storm Mountain Center Food Service Manager.

Dakotas-Minnesota Area Alignment/Collaboration—Since 2016, the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences’ camp and retreat ministries have combined their strengths and leadership, forming a supportive, cooperative, symbiotic and highly collaborative relationship. This merger helps provide consistent support while significantly reducing financial costs and includes a combined administration office, shared staff, an area director, shared policies, processes, and organizational strategies, and a joint advisory council. The Camp and Retreat Council is made up of equal representation from each conference and meets quarterly.

2022 Financials—Minnesota ended with a 1.4% operating deficit due to higher than anticipated inflation; and for the seventh year in a row, the Dakotas ended financially in the black. Strong financial success is attributed to rebounding summer camp and retreat participation, generous financial support from local churches and conference boards/teams, a unified financial system, controls and review processes, staff management and oversight, regular review of costs/rates, and real-time access to accurate data and information.

Camping Statistics and Additional Highlights—See 2022 missional report or contact the central camping office.

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 area sites are fully accredited operations through the ACA, 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— In the Dakotas: Christy Heflin, Director, Lake Poinsett Camp; Tanner Clark, Director, Storm Mountain Center; Paul and Brenda Lint, Co-Directors, Wesley Acres Camp. In 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 Outreach 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 your camps and retreat centers 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 conferences’ leadership. Thank you!

“Camp Gives Kids a World of Good!” American Camp Association

Submitted by Keith Shew, director, Dakotas-Minnesota Camp and Retreat Ministries

5.6.3 Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM)

Like many churches within the Dakotas, our Conference Council on Youth Ministry adapted and made changes to the youth ministry program. Some of our events from 2022 had to be cancelled or made available online. We have great hope of better outcomes for the upcoming year in 2024.

Youthworker Academy 2022—Originally, we had planned to host Kenda Creasy Dean, professor of youth, church, and culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, at the Living Waters Retreat Center on May 13-15. Due to some nasty storms throughout the area we had to adapt to an online offering via Zoom. We had also hoped to explore hosting another Youthworker Academy guest, Andrew Root at our upcoming DAKYOUTH 2022 event but had to cancel due to inclement weather. Youthworker Academy 2023 will be a joint venture with DAKYOUTH 2023 (more details to come).

Our CCYM election process has been solidified and applications were made available online back in January with a deadline of May 31. Current CCYM leadership selects candidates based on their gifts and potential to serve at Annual Conference 2023 for the upcoming 20232024 year. As always, our hope is that more pastors and youth leaders throughout the Dakotas Conference will continue to encourage their youth to share their gifts and apply in future years to come.

Leadership Training Camp continues to be a place and opportunity in which the youth leaders elected to the CCYM practice leadership. Staffed by CCYM adults and other conference leaders, the youth in attendance select classes to attend daily, learn about, plan, and lead worship, enjoy fun and fellowship, and build lasting friendships. They study biblical themes each day in large and small groups. This year’s theme is “My Lighthouse” (Psalm 43:3) and our guest for the week is Mark Oestreicher, founder of The Youth Cartel.

DAKYOUTH 2023 will be hosted in Aberdeen at the ARCC November 10-11. The hope is to kick-off our event with a greeting from Bishop Lanettte Plambeck. Our worship leaders will be VOTA, along with a few guest preachers, and our main stage presenters will be Steph Caro of Ministry Architects and Marko, President of the Youth Cartel. In addition, we will also be hosting workshops for our conference youth leaders—consider it Youthworker 2023. Our guest presenter for those special workshops will be Andrew Root, professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Theological Seminary.

CCYM will continue to offer yearly training (via the Youthworker Academy) to support and equip both paid and volunteer youth workers across The Dakotas. These leaders are recognized and seen as a valuable part of our ministry.

The CCYM continue to promote our events through updates from the Mondays @ Dakotas, email, Facebook, text, paper mailings and continual revisions and additions to our website: www.dakyouth.com To receive text updates text “DAKYOUTH” to 40650

The CCYM continues to be an important area in which young leaders discern a call to ordained ministry. As leaders, we take this responsibility seriously, as well as the responsibility to educate and nurture leaders their call.

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

P.S. This will be my final report to the Dakotas Conference as the CCYM chair. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your Dakotas CCYM chair. And I am happy to share with you that my good friend and colleague Rev. Peggy Hanson will be the new chair of our Dakotas CCYM. Her heart and passion for our youth and the Dakotas make her the best choice to serve as the next chair. I look forward to all the ways in which she will continue to nurture, build, change, and lead us into the future together. I encourage each of you to pray for our Dakotas CCYM youth and adults as they boldly lead.

Submitted

by Rev. Jeff Lathrop, coordinator, Conference Council on Youth Ministry

5.6.4 Clergy Well-being

Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders, a collaborative ministry of the Dakotas and Minnesota Annual Conferences, expanded in 2022 to encompass a holistic approach to total well-being for clergy. Our mission is to encourage and resource clergy to improve their total well-being, in order to strengthen their resiliency and become more effective pastoral and ministry leaders. To further the mission, the Area Program Director role expanded to the Area Director of Clergy Well-being providing strategic oversight and increasing alignment with all efforts around clergy well-being in the area. Additionally, the required match of $250,000 was raised through the combined efforts of the Dakotas Foundation and the Minnesota Conference Board of Pensions with Lilly Endowment awarding the remaining $250,000. These funds fuel the mission by equipping and resourcing clergy and thus, churches and ministries, through training, education, and resources as follows:

• There were 39 clergy who obtained resources from the Clergy Well-being Grant to focus on well-being improvements in one or more dimensions of well-being including:  physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and/or social.

• Eleven clergy and conference leaders joined or graduated from the Practical Church Leadership graduate certificate program, a partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University offering coursework to strengthen competencies around financial management and development, human resources and governance, visioning and strategic planning, outreach and communications – all essential skills in leading local churches more effectively.

• A variety of financial education and counseling options were provided for clergy, including student loan repayment counseling, resulting in student debt being reduced, eliminated, or forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for numerous clergy ranging from $6000 to $130,000.

• The well-being needs of our BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) clergy were explored through qualitative research by conducting interviews with our BIPOC clergy serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. The research was conducted by a BIPOC clergyperson serving in extension ministry who provided recommendations to improve well-being of our BIPOC clergy. These recommendations are under review to ensure alignment with the overall strategy around racial justice and equity.

• Staff Parish Relations Committees were provided with guidelines around clergy compensation and time away, along with training on supporting clergy well-being.

Submitted by Diane Owen, director, Dakotas-Minnesota Clergy Well-being

5.6.5 Higher Ground

Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry initiative, known as Higher Ground, awarded to the Dakotas Annual Conference in 2019 continues to address the pattern of needs in our clergy. By aligning and working strategically with the Area initiative around clergy well-being, a full range of wholistic support and resourcing for personal and professional development is available to clergy leaders.

The primary goals of the Higher Ground initiative have remained consistent throughout the grant period. These are:

1. Inspire pastors to achieve renewed joy and clarity in their goals and calling.

2. Create relationships with pastors and strengthen collegial relationships to reduce experiences of isolation and burnout.

3. Equip clergy with tools and experiences to foster resiliency.

4. Increase awareness of health and growth in five key areas: Physical, Financial, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual.

Higher Ground continues to have two primary tracks:

• Recharge-refocus for clergy at their eight-year intersection point to engage in a season of renewal and refocus. The season includes monthly sessions to learn and connect with other clergy in the cohort, a week-long retreat to deepen the learning and connection, and a year-long focus on a specific intention to improve well-being. Thirteen clergy participated in 2022.

• Annual coaching for clergy desiring personal or professional growth opportunities. Varied types of coaching are available with the clergy person guiding their own development. Clergy engage with a coach or counselor for one year. Nineteen clergy participated in 2022.

Both tracks provide foundational wholistic leadership development for our clergy that is customizable to individuals needs and goals. Other

ways Higher Ground provided intentional support for renewal, connection, and growth for clergy in 2022 included:

• Extension Ministry Retreat, a two-day retreat to provide time for solitude, reflection, and rest designed for clergy appointed to extension ministry.

• Soul Fill-Up, a weekly online gathering providing spiritual nourishment to our clergy on a weekly basis using devotions, lectio, and quiet reflection.

• Codependent No More, based upon the book, “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself” by Melody Beattie. Thirteen clergy participated in a small group for 12 weeks to explore specific issues faced by spiritual leaders and their families and the challenges that contribute to stress, burn out, and depression/anxiety.

• Dare to Lead, research-based teaching of Brené Brown integrated into each pastor’s own personal situations, was offered to a cohort of 13 clergy. We captured the overall experience in an article shared with all in the Dakotas Annual Conference on the conference website and in Monday @ Dakotas.

• Clergywomen’s Retreat: Nineteen clergywomen gathered for a 3-day retreat to connect with each other and experience God speaking to each of them through children’s books.

• Clergy Leadership Academy: We continue to weave the Higher Ground ethos into our Clergy Leadership Academy – a cohort for clergy in their first five years of ministry that meets twice a year.

Numerous partnerships support the Higher Ground purpose. Most notable is the Dakotas Board of Pensions commitment of $500,000 to the Higher Ground initiative as the match for the sustainability grant offered by Lilly Endowment. The proposal for the sustainability grant will be submitted in 2024.

Drawing on our learning from Higher Ground in what we’ve seen in both the annual coaching and retreat tracks, we shifted the emphasis to inner work and the understanding that healthy, self-differentiated pastors help create healthy, thriving churches.

Submitted by Diane Owen, director, Dakotas-Minnesota Area Clergy Well-being

5.6.6 Lay Servant Ministry

We continue to work to strengthen and support the work of our laity across the Dakotas. During this liminal time of transition, the support and stability provided by active, involved laity is crucial to drive the work of the church forward.

To better equip our laity and help them use their spiritual gifts, we have continued to offer Discernment Retreats, a two-session training offered in person and online. Eight people participated in two Discernment Retreats. One retreat was hosted at Canyon Lake UMC and led by Rev. Scott McKirdy and Karl Rockeman. A second retreat was led by Rev. Taryn Ragels and Rev. Steve Trefz, at the conference office in Mitchell. Both retreats had an option to participate by Zoom.

We have offered two sessions of Lay Ministry Academy, a two-session training on preaching and leading worship, congregational care and discipleship. Thanks to all those who have helped organize and present these opportunities. Six participants participated in the two academies.

How do you become a congregation that genuinely cares for people as Jesus did? That is the question that 65 participants explored at a two-day Caring Congregations training. Six churches held watch parties. In addition, some participants joined the webinar on their device at home. The workshop was led by Rev. Karen Lampe and her team at Caring Congregations.

Lay persons are the heart and soul of The United Methodist Church. We look forward to continuing developing our lay servants through increased communication and collaboration in the future.

Submitted by Karl Rockeman and John Srtska, conference co-lay leaders

5.7 Equipping Missional Congregations

5.7.1 New Church Development

Starting new services, new sites, and new solo start 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:

Bismarck ND: Cory Thrall planting Mission Bismarck, a new church in the city.

Rapid City SD: Move, a new service under development at Open Hearts UMC led by Michelle Slott.

Sioux Falls, SD: The Collective, a missional community model, beginning early planting work this summer led by Pastor Jordan Bucholz.

Sioux Falls, SD: Sunnycrest, Recovery, led by Phil Tripp.

Sprouting:

Starts that have begun public worship:

Bismarck, ND: Legacy South; Rev. Andy Early leads this site that in south Bismarck.

Fargo, ND: Calvary African Fargo, Rev. Tamba Clark leads this congregation nested at Fargo Calvary.

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

Mitchell, SD: Renuevo (Renew) plant partnership in Mitchell developing a new ministry.

Plankinton SD: Renuevo (Renew) plant partnership with Plankinton UMC and Rev. Herman Perez.

Rapid City SD: The Road Recovery congregation in partnership with Rapid City First led by Jeff Hauser.

Sioux City, SD: Rev. Christine Cappetta leads this Embrace network church in reaching new people using the Dinner Church model.

Sioux Falls, SD: Sunnycrest Renuevo (Renew) Hispanic Church led by Rev. Herman Perez.

Growing:

Starts that have become self-sustaining:

Dickinson, ND: Dickinson 2022 UMC Pastor Rita Ennen relaunched and chartered.

Kenmare, ND: ReNew 2018

Mitchell, SD: Fusion. 2016

Salem, SD: Unite 2016

Sioux Falls, SD: Embrace, Sertoma Campus 2015

Sioux Falls, SD: First 11:01 Service 2022

Spirit Lake ND: The Journey at Spirit Lake 2018

Digital Campus Sites:

New starts in 2021 that are online as a mission community of a host congregation:

Bismarck Legacy: Campus leader, Mike Jennens

Fargo First: Campus leader, Abby Faleide

Piedmont Grace: John Britt

Rapid City Canyon Lake: Campus leader, Hayden Bentz

Sioux Falls Asbury: Campus leader, Matt Morrison

Spearfish: Kevin Nakajima

Washburn: Annie Carlson

Visioning:

Places where we imagine new congregations for new followers of Jesus:

Fargo

Grand Forks

Milbank

Minot

Rapid City

Sioux Falls

And perhaps your community!

Submitted by Ben Ingebretson, area director, New Church Development

5.7.2 Revitalizing Existing Congregations

We continue to seek ways to come alongside churches to help encourage and equip them for vital ministry in their communities. The Practical Church Leadership Certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University (formerly the Non-Profit Church Leadership Certificate) continues to provide clergy with high-level training and coaching. We have also found ways to weave some of the key learnings into other clergy training events such as clergy leadership academy.

Churches continue to request the Values Discernment workshop as a way to get clarity on who they are as a congregation and how God might use them for impactful mission and ministry. It has also had the effect of regalvanizing church for ministry, as they are reminded that God is not finished with them yet.

Finally, we have found that training for specific groups/teams in the church has been effective at meeting leaders where they are. A staffparish relations webinar, training around the one-board model of leadership and a congregational care training (through Caring Congregations) were particularly practical and helpful to congregations.

Submitted by Rebecca Trefz, executive director of ministries

5.7.3 Rural Ministry

The second year (2022) of our Dakotas Connection Initiative was a learning process. As congregations continued to navigate post pandemic life, it was very challenging to assume new ministry opportunities or formats. Additionally, the disaffiliation activity in the UMC put a number of projects on hold. As a result, it became necessary to take a second look at how to approach rural ministry transitions. Even

though progress was slow, several achievements were completed in 2022.

The Annual Conference included a strong emphasis on rural ministry presentations. Allen Stanton, Executive Director, Turner Center for Rural Vitality, led three discussions on the importance and impact of ministry in rural community. He provided a 30-minute TED Talk to the general audience along with two 1-hour workshops designed to encourage and inform pastors and laity how to take advantage of the opportunity rural communities have over their more urban counterparts. Stanton will be used in future Dakotas Conference teachings moving forward.

A Lay Ministry Academy was started by Michele Slott, Pastor at Rapid City Open Heart. This project centered around training and experience for those interested in discerning their calling into ministry. A teaching team was established, curriculum written, and two separate events were held in Rapid City and Pierre. Participants were provided with written lessons, sermon preparation guidelines, and live sermon presentation opportunities. Upon completion of these activities, participants were evaluated and considered for additional training. The goal is to continue to find lay preacher support throughout the Dakotas Conference. It is expected this project will continue in future years. Congregational cooperatives are in progress for two rural areas in the Dakotas. The first is a partnership referred to as the Highway 14 Partnership in central South Dakota which includes the churches of Pierre, Blunt, Harold, Highmore, and Miller. The second is a partnership referred to as the Northern Valley Cooperative in Northeast North Dakota which includes several churches in the area of Pembina, St Thomas, Drayton, Park River, Humboldt, and others. The goal of these partnerships is to take the strengths of each of these congregations and multiply that DNA to the entire partnership. These partnerships will be fleshed out in 2023.

Finally, detailed discussions are in progress to develop a Dakotas Conference digital platform which will allow all churches and congregations to access resources and programs online. This will include sermon series, music selections, shared finance and accounting services, and opportunity for shared group studies throughout the conference borders. This online resource library will allow churches access to information and services they otherwise would not be able to receive locally.

Looking forward to 2023, offerings will again be available at Annual Conference, regional training and education are planned to assist pastors and laity with preaching skills, and further partnership ideas are in the works.

Submitted

by

Al Roll, missional impact development coach

5.8 Extending Missional Impact

Breakthrough Ministry Grants continue to be the primary strategy to equip local churches to extend missional impact. These grants are meant to be seed money for new ministries that are: 1) outward-focused to reach beyond the existing membership of the church; 2) creating opportunity for relationship building; and 3) moving people closer to a connection with Christ and the church. In 2022, nearly $67,000 was granted in 28 awards to over 20 unique recipients.

The 2022 Annual Conference Miracle Offering was a great success, collecting approximately $54,000 from our Dakotas Conference churches and individuals. Funds were distributed evenly between the Todd County Public School District in South Dakota and the Four Winds Public School District in North Dakota to assist their respective school counseling programs with issues related to student mental health and well-being. Todd County is the home of our UMC Tree of Life Mission and our Spirit Lake Mission serves the Four Winds School area.

The 2022 Bishop’s Thanksgiving Offering raised approximately $10,000 to be used for hunger grants in the Dakotas Conference. Coupled with some funding from the Dakotas Methodist Foundation, these funds provided hunger grants of $12,600 to 14 recipients.

The Missional Impact Link recommends local United Methodist Churches shift focus to missions and ministries in the Dakotas Conference whenever possible. As the Conference shifts funding requirements for our missions at Solar Oven Partners, Spirit Lake Ministry, Tree of Life, and the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry to self-funding over the next few years, these missions will need to rely more on direct support from local churches and organizations. The Conference will promote and support projects to assist these missions with their material and financial needs in the future. These projects have replaced the UMCOR kit collections at the conference level. Due to challenges at the UMCOR level, it has become difficult and expensive to handle this project conference-wide, although local churches can still participate in the kit collection program directly with UMCOR if they desire.

The Missional Impact Link will continue to look for new and innovative ways to help the Dakotas Conference and its’ member churches to find ways to help extend missional impact. Feel free to contact the Missional Impact Link with suggestions and opportunities.

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach

5.8.1 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry – Watford City, N.D.

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY BORM!! Ten years ago the Dakotas Conference of the UMC received a miracle offering and chose to send two faithful servants, Jim and Kathie Konsor, to Watford City, ND, to minister to new families moving there for jobs in the oil field. They set up a mobile thrift unit and gave away much needed household items and winter wear to hundreds of families who were flocking to the area looking for new opportunities. Today, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry is a thriving ministry in the heart of oil country, ministering to people who now come from all over the world. Who knew the Konsor and UMC spark would light up such a fire of HOPE? God knew, and we have numerous reasons to celebrate Him and all He is accomplishing through this ministry!

What a delightful place the Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store has become in Watford City! People drive from over an hour away to shop in our store! We are open 3 days a week now and are as busy, if not busier, than any other retail establishment in the area. Just look at our Facebook page, facebook.com/oilrushministry, and you will find post after post of people looking for that special item needed—warm clothes, sports gear, prom dresses, you name it! Our customers are known by name by most of our employees and they are cherished, cared for, prayed over, and loved. We want them to feel the love of Jesus as soon as they walk through the front door.

We also give away…. a lot of stuff. Our community is extremely generous when it comes to donating used goods and clothing. It is as if people in Watford City truly understand “you can’t outgive God!” BORM’s mission is to help those who struggle, especially as they move to the area and try to get settled. We always place a priority of making sure imminent needs are met whether one needs a coat, boots, couch, or toaster. Often someone will make a request and the item will be donated ½ an hour later! God is so good! When we are not giving items away for free, we keep the prices super low to bless the entire community. This year, we introduced a “Care Card” Program where those in need are issued a $20 card which can be used in the store for anything they need or want, no questions asked. Customers in need can now check out at the register with dignity like everyone else and present their card for payment. They no longer must fill out paperwork and be ushered off to the back to document all their items. In a typical month, we give away about $250 of needed items through the Care Card Program. We also still give away thousands of winter wear items throughout the entire winter—all 8 months of it!

People come to the Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store who will not step foot in a church. We seek to minister to those who never hear an encouraging word from the Bible…those who never hear how much God loves them. What an amazing opportunity to BE the CHURCH outside the walls. The Bakken Oil Rush Thrift store alone is a ministry like no other, but there’s so much more!

Even though we are not a typical church, we still hold events and programs throughout the year to spread the Good News of Jesus. Last year we fed 185 people (in a community space that comfortably holds 150) a hot Thanksgiving meal. One of our board members, Pastor Jeff Kindle, also shared a message of thankfulness which was translated by a volunteer into Spanish. At our annual Toy Mall, 180 children picked out brand new toys and ate a pancake breakfast with their families. We also had an area where children picked out new gifts for their parents and then took them to a “gift wrapping station" to be wrapped for Christmas! Everyone was so happy! Our Board Chairman, Pastor Mark Honstein, shared the Christmas story and again, we had it translated into Spanish. For some of the children in attendance, this was the first time they had heard the story of Jesus’ birth in their own language. Local churches sent volunteers to serve and love those who came to both events. Our dream is to have our own permanent “gathering” location one day so we can hold more of these types of events monthly or even weekly, as our community spaces are small and expensive to rent.

Last summer, we collaborated with The Salvation Army to provide school supplies to 100 children. It was an incredible project which brought together area churches and community volunteers at a “Back-to-School” event where we set up a huge tent next to the store and offered free school supplies, a meal, pastor speakers throughout the day, and a deep discount on children’s items in the thrift store. We are on track to offer the same project and event this summer and are expecting to give out double the number of backpacks full of school supplies!

Perhaps our biggest addition to programming this year, though, has been our Language and Culture Classes which we were able to offer through a grant from Change Network, ND. This spring, we held 12 sessions of classes with both English and Spanish instruction offered the first hour, followed by an hour of social and cultural interaction. Sixty-five people registered for the class! Not only did the participants learn a new language, but they also formed new friendships. By the end of the class, participants, both Spanish and English learners, were inviting each other to baby showers, and birthday parties and even planned a Cinco de Mayo party to close out the spring session. Turns out, addressing the language barrier is a great way to help people feel cared for and like they belong.

Comedy Café continues to serve as our premier fundraiser event and also spreads awareness of who we are and what we offer to those in Watford City and surrounding areas. A whole team of volunteers organize, promote, and present this special night of laughter and family fun which draws about 300 people each year. This year, the event will be on October 20, 2023, at the Watford City High School Performing Arts Center. If your church would like to send a group to come, please let me know and I will help you with special ticket pricing, lodging, meals, etc. Stop by the booth for a flyer listing the featured comedians. It is going to be fun!

Speaking of fun, we can’t let the conference go by without having a 10 Year Birthday Celebration! Be sure to stop by the booth for birthday games and treats. We would love to visit with you and share with you about all God has done with the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry and how you and your church can collaborate with us in the mission. We have so much to celebrate!

Submitted by Melanie Smith, executive director, Bakken Oil Rush, Watford City Outreach – Watford, ND

5.8.2 Solar Oven Partners (SOP)

Marj Evans-de-Carpio announced her resignation during the summer of 2022 after nearly six years as the director of Solar Oven Partners. Marj and her husband made the move to Costa Rica as part of their retirement plan. During her time leading Solar Oven Partners, Marj continued to build on the wonderful foundation of the mission. The mission has a major stronghold in the Dominican Republic and is

starting up new mission fields in Sierra Leone and the Navajo Nation in southwestern United States. In fact, start-up mission trips are planned in 2023 in these new frontiers. Great thanks and appreciation go out to Marj for her time and effort, dedication, and valuable leadership with Solar Oven Partners. Enjoy your time in new surroundings!

Upon Marj’s resignation announcement, the SOP Board of Directors began a search for a new Director. We are very pleased to announce the hiring of Christopher Sylvah as the new Director beginning January 1, 2023. Christopher is a native of Sierra Leone so he will be able to bring great understanding and experience to the new ministry in that country. Additionally, Christopher is significantly knowledgeable in solar cooking and has experience with SOP mission trips in the past. Christopher comes to SOP after retiring from many years in the banking industry in the Minneapolis area. He looks forward to expanding the SOP vision into Minnesota and Iowa in the early stages of his leadership.

SOP still maintains workshops in Montrose, Raymond, and Rapid City, South Dakota where parts and materials are constructed to eventually be transported to our partner sites for assembly and distribution of solar oven cooking units. Each workshop plays a unique role in the manufacturing of our solar ovens. These workshops are led by a manager at each site but are run almost exclusively by volunteers. Please check the SOP website to find out what volunteer opportunities may be available to you or your church.

Although mission trips were still very limited in 2022, several trips are planned for 2023. Three trips are scheduled for the Dominican Republic, and one each for Sierra Leone and the Navajo Nation; an additional trip may be planned to Sierra Leone as that mission site gets rolling.

We celebrate the maturation of this ministry in the Dominican Republic, the resumption of developing the ministry in Sierra Leone and a new beginning with the Four Corners Native American Ministry in the Navajo Nation. We celebrate the many ways the food baskets ministered to people experiencing increased economic hardships due to the pandemic. We celebrate you, the people of the Dakotas Conference, who have generously supported us during these challenging times with your financial donations as well as with your service—sewing, volunteering at our workshops, or serving on our distribution teams. Hallelujah—the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach.

5.8.3 Southeast Pierre Mission UMC and Community Center (SEPCC)

In February 2022, the Southeast Pierre United Methodist Church held the final worship service at the church. Due to dwindling membership and attendance and a lack of pastoral options, the church ceased operations. However, the Southeast Pierre Community Center has new life and is thriving under new leadership!

Along with the closing of the church, Barb Lindbloom, Community Center Director, chose to retire as well. We thank Barb and her team for so many years of service to the community. Their tireless efforts brought meals, fellowship, programming, and other services to the Pierre/Fort Pierre area. Well done faithful servants.

About September 2022, the Southeast Pierre Community Center Board of Directors voted to transfer management of the center to a local community membership team. This team is now led by business leaders headed up by Calli Iverson. The organization will remain the Southeast Pierre Community Center and it will continue the main function of providing the Thursday Night Banquet to community members. Additionally, the new leadership team is looking to enhance services and expand the use of the facility to provide needed opportunities for the low-income population in the area. The facility remains the property of the Dakotas Conference and is leased to the Community Center Board.

The Banquet has returned to in-house meals after two years of carry out was needed to facilitate the mission during the pandemic. The Banquet will continue to be served by local business monetary contributions and volunteer workers. This is an exciting time for the Community Center as it takes the next step in serving friends and neighbors. Although the Dakotas Conference no longer provides direct monetary support to the Community Center, all those who previously assisted financially through the Conference are asked to continue their support directly to this offshoot ministry of the Dakotas Conference.

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach

5.8.4 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 150 people per month on and around the Spirit Lake Nation. This number has decreased over the course of 2021/2022. The tribe has implemented a food pantry in each of the four districts creating less need for emergency help. 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 assistance. They are given the opportunity for prayer and fellowship. This helps grow the faith community of The United Methodist Church and the Journey @ Spirit Lake congregation in our community. 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.

The Spirit Lake Ministry provided Shoebox Christmas gifts for 3,721 children in poverty and in need in 2022. The pandemic is having less effect on the churches who participate in this program, and I believe the support will continue to grow to pre-pandemic levels. 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 over forty 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 occasion 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. 2022 continued to challenge the ministry in outreach, in-person worship and other programs. Radical change in the way the ministry and other churches performed services and other important faith-based programs continued throughout this year.

Our Volunteer in Mission program is beginning to draw more teams as travel and COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. It was rewarding to see volunteer teams working in our community again. It was still a difficult year finding funding for supplies and material for our construction ministry. The Tribe, our partners in ministry, still found it difficult to fund as many projects as in the past. Even though we had to operate in a different way, and to a much smaller extent, we were again able to spread the love of Jesus Christ with the children in our community. The Summer JAM program had children coming back to participate in this fast-paced Vacation Bible School experience, and people are coming back to in-person worship and programs. The Christian Life Center began to show signs of life as the ministry began to evolve from no teams to having about 40% of the volunteers from pre-pandemic years. Repairs were made to roofs that had been leaking, and new wheelchair ramps were constructed as volunteers came back to our Volunteer in Mission site. Lifelong relationships were again formed as life stories were shared over a sandwich and bottles of water. The sounds of drum, song and jingle dresses erupted in Arthur Hall and I was amazed at how much these programs build bridges between the two cultures. Team members again heard stories and the history of the Dakota peoples and their lives here on the Spirit Lake Nation. Our weekly Culture Night brings a sense of understanding to the volunteer teams and members of our community. The Journey @ Spirit Lake, our worshipping community, continues to grow with in-person and virtual worship. We are seeing new faces and hearing from people who have never been to the ministry, but listen to our livestream. Our Summer JAM children’s outreach program was able to meet in person for several weeks during the summer and will continue to grow as we go forward. Our hearts were filled with joy as we again heard the laughter and witnessed the spiritual growth of the children in our community.

We hosted monthly family nights where we shared in games, movies and meals for our community. We continue to provide a food pantry, energy grants, and now with sporadic distance learning, help with phone bills to keep the children connected to Wi-Fi.

We continue to build a faith community that encourages members of our community to trust and feel safe in the church and to bridge the gap of cultural differences. Our focus is 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 safe in a loving, sharing community of faith.

Submitted by Mike

and Libby Flowers, co-directors, Spirit Lake Ministry Center

5.8.5 Tree of Life Ministry

This past year, 2022, was a fruitful year here at Tree. Our Thrift store was able to open for business at the beginning of year and has been in full swing since. It is located in what was the storage building, now converted to a beautiful retail area. Tuesdays are a fun day, as it is Rez Ring Day, allowing folks to toss a rubber ring to win anything from free item(s) to 10% off their purchases! Folks in need can receive items at no cost and in the case of a fire or other tragedies we offer all the assistance we can.

VIM teams, individual groups, and individual volunteers are back on Rosebud. We had several teams scheduled who helped on the main campus, at homes with wheelchair ramps for elders, a softball field in Mission, among other things. One unscheduled group brought a “Burger King” playground set, constructing it by the garden and Soup Kitchen, so little ones will have a safe place to play. We received a grant from the Conference allowing us to purchase two “bouncy bugs” for a tiny tot playground. It is our hope that VIM teams can host VBS times using the soup kitchen and playground areas. The University of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, student nurses made four visits this past year, helping at the Tree, doing clinicals around the reservation, and foot care clinics for people at the Tree. Many folks donated prom dresses, formal wear, shoes, and jewelry, which were donated to area students during prom season. Many of the students say they would not have been able to attend or be able to feel so special without help from the Tree.

The Soup Kitchen was not opened during 2022 but is planned to open in July 2023. There has been an issue with contractors to complete various parts of the project. The soup kitchen is the result of fire damage insurance payments, from the original building on Roosevelt. We distributed 719,829 pounds of food, valued at $1,209,313 throughout the year. This food supplements food stamps and commodity foods that many people receive. The Soup Kitchen, Thrift Store, warehouse, and office are all now located behind the Boys and Girls Club, north of Highway 18. Dorm facilities continue to be on the south side of the highway.

Looking ahead, we invite all to our grand opening on July 26, 2023. The Soup Kitchen will be serving a meal to all in attendance. There will be special children’s activities. The Thrift Store will be offering some special deals and door prizes that day. All past directors, board members and volunteers are invited to attend.

We so appreciate all of the support this past year. We have faithful donors who send us monetary donations as well as boxes of clothing, formal wear, household items, books, shoes, and so forth. We appreciate our ministry partners, including the Dakotas Conference, The Advance, Native American Heritage Association, the churches of the Dakotas and around the country. We have so much to be grateful for as we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus the Christ on the Rosebud. Every prayer and donation are vital to the ministry of the Tree of Life.

Rev. Linda Baldock, office staff and board member

United Women in Faith

United Women in Faith (UWF) (DBA United Methodist Women or UMW) 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 2022 theme was “Healing and Joy on Our Journey to God." After a challenging year for many individuals, for UMW groups, for churches and communities, we wanted to find ways to step into that pain and find something new. We chose to sow healing and joy in all the surprising ways that God offers it.

The National UMW organization was preparing us for something new. “New Wineskin” courses were available to some conference officers. Attendees to Assembly in May 2022 were invited to be present for the unveiling of something new. Instead, UMW made their own history during Women’s History Month!! On March 3, our National President ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u went live on Facebook to announce that United Methodist Women (UMW) is now named United Women in Faith (UWF)! Our purpose and focus on women, children and youth remain the same. The March/April issue of response magazine offered much information about the new name, new logo, and the new website: uwfaith.org.

The Dakotas Conference Mission Team met three times during the year. A team meeting was held by Zoom during January to plan the upcoming year. The second meeting was a conference call at the end of July. The final meeting was held prior to the Annual Celebration in October.

Each of the four districts planned for Focus Day events in April. These day meetings were prepared by a conference task force to be presented by representatives of conference and district officers. They offer the opportunity to fellowship with area women in worship, to hear about mission studies, to learn about social action concerns, and how the organization works for women, children and youth worldwide. Some were held and others cancelled due to the weather.

The Turn It Up! Assembly was held in Orlando, Florida, May 20-22, 2022. Thirty women from the Dakotas attended—16 in person and 14 virtually. There were community gatherings, worship services, transformative opportunities, workshops, music, dancing, poetry, fellowship, and a mixing of generations and cultures. A very informative session on the name change was presented in everyday terminology!! A highlight for many was the first ever Legacy Banquet. General Secretary Harriet Olson reminded all that the launch to United Women in Faith (UWF) continues. “We are all part of it. Our faith is what calls us, roots us, and encourages us. United Women in Faith (UWF) helps us experience God’s love and invites us to respond to the invitation to join in doing God’s work in the world.”

Mission u was held in July at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell (southern site) and at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown (northern site). There also was a virtual option in August. Mission u is an opportunity for women, men, children and youth to study current issues in society. The timeline was a change; south was Friday through Sunday and north was Thursday through Sa,turday. Rather than two or three studies, this year they were combined into one. The 2022 study was based on Luke 13 and titled “Who Can We Be Together--Building a Community of Hope and Joy." There were about eighty attendees for the three options.

The Dakotas Conference is represented beyond our conference by two energetic ambassadors. Dawn Armstrong serves as a national directorand is chair of the Legacy Fund Steering Committee. Ginny Coates serves on the Nominations Committee of the North Central Jurisdiction Leadership Team. Both women have logged many miles in their positions.

All four of the districts hold 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 Mission Today, Five Star Giving, and Reading Program Participation.

The Dakotas Conference UMW Annual Celebration was held at Aberdeen First UMC in Aberdeen from September 30-October 1. Conference officers held a Counterpart Officer Training session late Friday afternoon. After the evening meal, all were given a note card and asked to jot down three of their favorite hymns. Our enthusiastic song leader for the weekend, Pastor Laurie Kidd, included those choices throughout the weekend during the gathering times, worship, and communion. During opening worship, we heard of Unexpected Joys and Healings. Friday evening’s focus was the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project. Alice Metzger of the Aberdeen chapter showed a video and answered questions about that area’s ministry. Many other large communities in the Dakotas have chapters as well. Thanks to all who donated bedding, pillows, quilts and cash for that ministry. Saturday, we were educated by Pastor Susan Jennys of Colton/Chester, South Dakota about murdered and missing indigenous women. She shared historical information and statistics. We were informed that this situation is often overlooked by the white culture. She offered resources to help counter that. Awareness is always the first step in resolving a problem. We also heard reports from many of the officers and were entertained by skits about the Legacy Fund and Mission u.

The Annual Celebration’s offering totaled $1805, which will be split between the pledge (75%) and Pastor Jennys (25%). Love Ribbon sales totaled $140. Buffalo scarf sales totaled $125. Eight Love Ribbon grants totaling $3,850 were announced. The business meeting was held; 2023 officers were elected and the 2023 budget and pledge to mission were approved. Retiring officers were recognized and the 2023 officers were installed. Congratulations and prayers surround each of you!!

2023 will again be filled with meetings and activities. The 2023 United Women in Faith Conference Mission Team has adopted the theme, “A Mosaic of Faith—Living Your Part in God’s Story." Each is eager to share their part of the story. The Dakotas United Women in Faith continues to be open to where Christ leads. May we always follow His command to “love one another."

Submitted by Marsha Timm, 2022 Dakotas Conference UWF President

5.9 Generating Missional Resources Link

5.9.1 Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA)

Last year, Chair Jeff Adel, discussed that 2022-23 was a year of transition. It indeed was a time of change and transition as we had a change of treasurer, chair of the CCFA, as well as other changes coming through the disaffiliation process of churches leaving the Dakotas Annual Conference.

As a committee we still continue in our role of having oversight in managing and caring for 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 funds raised through apportionments and other assets.

On August 10, Bob Ruedebusch was named the interim conference treasurer as a search for a new treasurer continued. Bob completed his interim role on Dec 31, 2022. On January 1, Jim Ducker, was named the new full-time conference treasurer, and he brings a wealth of experience to the area of finances. Hitting the ground running, Jim has already made a great impact on our conference finance office through his very strong leadership. Welcome Jim!

In light of disaffiliation of churches, the CCFA has long been preparing for this time of a smaller number of churches related to the funding sources in our annual conference starting in 2019. Presently, we have an adequate amount of funds in reserve to help us in this transitional time through the next 2-3 years. (See Jim’s treasurer’s report for more detail.) Additionally, the CCFA is committed to reaching our goal of 10% of income received by local churches for our apportionments. In light of this transitional time, we recommend that the proposed reduction amount for the year 2024 be only 0.5 percent. Thus, we recommend that our apportionment percentage be reduced from 14% to 13.5% of the income received by our local churches to be remitted to the annual conference.

The CCFA proposes a 2024 budget for your approval. (See Treasurer’s report.) We have managed through some lowering of expenses as well as leaning on assets received through disaffiliations and CCFA funding reserves to help us meet our financial goals.

Again, I want to thank the members of the CCFA. I want to thank Jim, JoAnn, Dana, and Leana for their strong committed work in our finance office through these unusual times. One special note—we want to thank JoAnn Schlimgen for her incredible years of service and ministry as she retires this year! JoAnn, we are grateful beyond words! Blessings on you as you enter this new phase of life.

Lastly, we pray for your consideration and approval of the 2024 Dakotas Annual Conference budget.

Submitted by Bob Ruedebusch, chair, Dakotas Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration (salute)

5.9.2 Dakotas Methodist Foundation

This past year presented us with many challenges but the one thing that remained constant was the generosity of our churches and donors in the Dakotas Conference. As the volatility of the stock market continued to wax and wane, our spending policy of averaging our earnings over a four-year period allowed us to continue supporting ministries and clergy across the Conference through grants and scholarships. As of December 31, 2022, we had $34.7 million invested with the Foundation. Throughout 2022, the Foundation distributed a total of over $1,394,000 to churches, organizations and seminary students and we continue to look for ways to assist our churches in turning money into ministry.

In 2022 we partnered with churches and organizations to open ten new accounts totaling $1,081,251.79. In July 2021, the Foundation launched the Klingbeil Legacy and Investors Grant program for all new accounts opened through the end of the year We were pleased that six churches and individuals took advantage of this program in 2022. In all, $22,079.00 in grant dollars was distributed and seven new accounts were established. We are so thankful to Maynard Klingbeil for his generous, undesignated gift to the Foundation. Through this gift, his legacy of bringing others to Christ lives on as these churches invest more in their own missions and ministry.

Seminary Scholarships – The Foundation continues to come alongside our future leaders in the United Methodist Church by investing in their call to ministry. Last year, scholarships totaling $71,645.00 were awarded to ten seminary students: Rick Andrus, Tara Bush, Annie Carlson, Stephanie Eliason, Zach Kingery, Barbara Krumm, Amber Laffey, Derek Runge, Janson Steffan, and Travis Voeltz. Undergraduate students Tanner Christenson and Erin Moncur were also supported through the Dollars for Scholars program.

Breakthrough Ministry Grants – Churches interested in grant money to fund new or expanding ministries are encouraged to apply for a Breakthrough Ministry Grant. In 2022, $66,800 in grant funds were awarded to twenty-one churches to assist in starting twenty-eight new ministries. Projects supported through these grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries and Culture of Call. If your church is considering a new ministry opportunity you are welcome to apply. The application can be found online at www.dakotasumf.org. Application deadlines are January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31.

Builders Club – Our Builders Club members generously gave to four calls during 2022. The Builders Club is a wonderful example of connectional ministry. Each year, hundreds of individuals, organizations and churches across the Conference assist churches in reaching new people in their community by financially supporting a building remodel or expansion project. Last year our Builders Club members gave nearly $38,300 to support the following churches:

Tolstoy UMC made repairs to their old, leaking roof as well as the sidewalk and front steps outside the church. St Thomas UMC updated their gathering space by leveling and replacing the old kitchen floor and installing new kitchen appliances. Asbury UMC installed a new HVAC system to replace the old one that was causing leaking issues. ReNew UMC made some much-needed updates to their parsonage that had been vacant for several years. If you would like to join Builders Club or apply for a Builders Club grant, please visit the Builders Club page on our website: www.dakotasumf.org or contact our office at 605-990-7790.

We know there is more work to do, and we look forward to our continued partnership with churches, organizations, and ministries in the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences. Our mission is to cultivate and secure resources for churches and ministries by developing relationships with a community of donors who embrace the value of changing lives and seeking the love of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And this is a mission we will continue to embrace each time we have the opportunity to walk alongside churches on their ministry journey.

Submitted by Dave Page, chair, board of directors and Sheri Meister, president/CEO

5.9.3 Human Resources Committee (HR)

Human Resources (HR) Committee most significant work this past year was the selection of Jim Ducker as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration. The recruitment process began in the spring of 2022 with the hope of having the new person identified by the 2022 Annual Conference. With a tight labor market, we did not meet the deadline, deciding that we needed patience to find the right person. Our prayers were answered with Jim’s acceptance, beginning in January 2023.

During the interim we are grateful to Pastor Bob Ruedebush for stepping in as interim treasurer, ELO accounting firm for their guidance, and to the staff— JoAnn Schlimgen, Leana Stunes and Dana Bassett for their extra efforts.

As part of the transition, we learned there were responsibilities that had not been completed, details to processes and procedures were not documented, and staff were not trained to carry out responsibilities. Our policies and practices have been reviewed; while there are some updates needed, overall the policies and practices were not followed. This resulted in extra audit expenses for the conference and feelings of betrayal by the staff. A special thank you to Pastor Bob Ruedebush and Rev. Rebecca Trefz for their leadership and care.

Other work by the HR committee included learning the conference reorganization structure, approving a 5% cost-of-living (COLA) increase for conference staff, and reviewing the employee handbook. In 2023 we anticipate reviewing renewal leave for staff and ensuring accountability to policies.

We encourage any laity with human resources gifts and interest to consider being part of the Human Resources Committee.

Submitted by Nancy Bohlen, chair.

5.9.4 Board of Pensions

Pensions

Board of Pensions of the Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Inc. and South Dakota Annual Conference United Methodist Board of Pensions, Inc.

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 2016 Book of Discipline).

Major accomplishments over the last year include: (1) survived a year of changes that happened within our conference with disaffiliations and the resignation of the Conference treasurer. I am excited to say as of the first of this year we have a new treasurer that is doing a great job! (2) We gave gifts to Central Conference Pension Initiative, Alaska Missionary Conference and also Clergy and families for camping retreat at one of our conference camps. (3) continuation with Wespath HealthFlex Exchange for full and three-quarter time clergy with the option to opt out if qualifying; (4) continuation of Medicare Part B premium grants for surviving spouses as those rates continue to increase each year, however for 2023 the standard amount did decrease slightly; (5) continuation of premium grants for eligible retired clergy (Pre-65 and 65+) to assist with premiums in active and retiree health insurance; (6) continuation of medical grants to eligible clergy for large out-of-pocket medical expenses; (7) continuation of parental leave grants to churches to cover lay supply expenses while pastor or spouse is on parental leave; (8) gave discretionary rebates to churches and discretionary bonuses to clergy and

lay staff for those participating in pension and health; (9) continuation of no apportionment dollars.

Clergy Medical Leave: Clergy members Dayne Zachrison was approved to continue medical leave and to receive Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits for the conference year of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Clergy members Howard Baird and Kevin Kloster were approved to continue medical leave for the conference year of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.

The Pre-82 (Past Service) Annuity Rate: The Board recommended that the 2024 Past Service Annuity Rate (effective 1/1/2024) be set at $814 for each year of pre-82 service in the Dakotas Conference. This is a 2.76% increase over 2023.

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.

Webinars will be provided to all participants enrolled in HealthFlex Exchange in the fall of 2023 to prepare for the changes in some plans in 2024.

The chart below shows the actual cost for each category of participant enrolled in the 2024 HealthFlex Exchange:

The conference will provide a Premium Credit of the following:

$19,339

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 2023 Journal). For 2024, the annual HealthFlex Direct Bill to churches will remain the same as 2023. Although there are large increases in premiums for 2024 the Dakotas Board of Pensions approved to absorb the increase taking on the additional cost as a one-time benefit for churches. The Direct Bill to churches for full-time clergy that opt-out, three-quarter time clergy that enroll, and retirees that follow a full-time clergy will be 50% of the full-time Direct Bill. Direct Bill to churches with three-quarter time clergy that opt out will be 25% of the full-time Direct Bill. The Direct Bill for any interim appointment following a full-time or three-quarter time clergy will remain the same.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN

See the Pensions and Health Benefits Guidelines in the 2022 Journal for all eligibility rules.

UPDATES ON VIA BENEFITS FOR RETIREES:

Clarification on eligibility rules found on page 180 of the 2022 Journal:

CLERGY: Shall be retiring as a member of the Dakotas Conference AND meet one of the following:…

The average HRA to a participant for 2023 is $3,795. 49% of all our retiree HRA accounts had funds roll over from 2022. Of those accounts, 44% rolled over a minimum of $1000.

UPDATE ON THE RETIREE HEALTH LIABILITY FUNDING PLAN AND NEW INFORMATION ON A RETIREE HEALTH FUNDING PLAN/HEALTH REIMBURSMENT 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 with a balance of $249,517 as of 12/31/2022 still has not been received from Union Bank but will need to be transferred to the Retiree Health Fund upon receipt.

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 HRAs. 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 HRAs.

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 the merger total $84,646.59. The corpus of the endowment is $1,084,646.59, as of 12/31/22. The corpus is not viewed as a “target balance.” Instead, 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 2023-2024: Board Chair, Conference Benefits Officer, and Treasurer of the Board.

Pension Payments and Rental/Housing Allowance

Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Active, Retired, Disabled, or Former Clergypersons of the Dakotas Conference

The Dakotas Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, terminated, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference:

WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”);

WHEREAS, the practice of the church and of this conference was and is to provide active clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/ housing allowance as part of their gross compensation;

WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and

WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the conference (or its predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for clergypersons who are or were members of this conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance, or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from Wespath Benefits & Investments (“WBI”), during the calendar year 2024 by each active, retired, terminated, or disabled clergyperson who is or was a member of the conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such clergyperson; and

THAT the pension, severance, or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance designation applies will be any pension, severance, or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from Wespath (WBI) and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a Wespath (WBI) plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a clergyperson rendered to this conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled clergyperson of this conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the church, general agency of the church, other institution of the church, former denomination that is now a part of the church, or any other employer that employed the clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled clergyperson’s pension, severance, or disability plan benefit as part of his or her gross compensation.

NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a clergyperson’s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state) income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2), and regulations thereunder, to the least of: (a) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the church (such as this conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (b) the amount actually expended by the clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (c) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion.

Submitted by Leana Stunes, conference benefits officer

5.9.5 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, maintain 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:

*Includes only the amount provided by Trustee Funds or Apportionments for maintenance.

1. Storm Mountain received $18,500, Wesley Acres received $38,500, and Lake Poinsett received $9,500 from the conference.

2. The Mohall church is covered for liability insurance only (no insured value is assigned to this property). The Mohall parsonage was valued at ‘Actual Cash Value’ due to the vacancy and poor roof condition.

During 2022, the Dakotas Conference acquired management of Southeast Pierre (SD) church, and the Grand Forks (ND) Wesley church and parsonage. The Grand Forks Wesley parsonage was later sold in December 2022 for $356,505. The Mohall, ND parsonage is expected to sell in May 2023, for $120,000.

The Dakotas Conference also owns the following farmland parcels:

• McPherson county farmland (159 acres), near Leola, SD, is leased for $100/acre. The current lease will expire on December 31, 2023. The assessed value of this farmland (as of 2023) is $246,327.

• Brookings county farmland (71.80 acres), near Lake Poinsett, SD, is leased for $140/acre. The current lease will expire on December 31, 2025. The assessed value of this farmland (as of 2023) is $178,300.

• Codington county farmland (65 acres). The land was gifted to the Dakotas Conference in the 1990s with the request that the Jenkins Living Center in Watertown receive the rental proceeds. Currently, the land is farmed by the Watertown First United Methodist Men’s group. The agreement includes the Jenkins Living Center paying for all property taxes and one-third of certain crop input costs each year (e.g., fertilizer, pesticides, etc.). In return, the Jenkins Living Center receives one-third of the crop receipts. Conversely, the Watertown First United Methodist Men pays two-thirds of crop inputs and receives two-thirds of the crop receipts. The assessed value of this farmland (as of 2023) is $145,777.

The Trustees also met approximately weekly from September to mid-November to review and approve the disaffiliation agreements presented at the special session of the Annual Conference in November 2022. Thank you to everyone who served on the Board of Trustees, as well as the Chancellors, for your extra effort! Your service is appreciated!

Submitted by Jim Ducker, Board of Trustees

Section 6: Agency and University Reports

6.1 Africa University

United Methodists worldwide celebrated an ‘Ebenezer’ moment in the ministry of Africa University in 2022, marking 30 years of faithfulness, generosity, growth, and impact within and beyond The United Methodist Church.

God’s presence in the life of Africa University is evident, thanks to the prayers and generous support of the Dakotas Conference. Thank you to Bishop Lanette Plambeck, conference leaders and member congregations for being attentive to the needs of Africa University’s ministry and giving sacrificially to ensure its continuing vitality. The Dakotas Conference graciously invested 100 percent of its share of general church giving to support the day-to-day operations of Africa University. At 83.7 percent overall in 2022, giving to the Africa University Fund (AUF) remained resilient in all five jurisdictions in the United States.

Supported by strong missional engagement from Dakotas United Methodists and church members across the denomination, Africa University embraced new opportunities as it emerged from pandemic-related restrictions in 2022.

• Enrollment: Africa University achieved a total enrollment of 2,791 students in August 2022. Female students comprised 58 percent of the student population and 23 African nations were represented.

• Academic Growth: Africa University launched its first new academic unit in almost twenty years—The School of Law—with a pioneer cohort of 20 students pursuing the Bachelor of Laws (Honors) (LL.B.) degree program. The institution is launching five new undergraduate and graduate programs approved by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), the national accreditation and quality assurance agency.

• Infrastructure expansion: A new residence hall for female students at Africa University is under construction, funded by the East Ohio Conference’s $1.5 million Teach * Reach * Bless campaign. Once completed, the building will boost the available on campus housing for students to around 1200 beds.

• Outcomes: 712 graduates from 18 African countries became Africa University alumni in June 2022. The university’s almost 11,000 graduates to date are making vital contributions as clergy, educators, agriculturalists, health professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Faculty and student research efforts to address endemic challenges such as malaria and tuberculosis, food insecurity and climate change are gaining continental attention and significant international funding.

Africa University’s year-long 30th anniversary program culminated in October 2022 with a gathering of more than 3,000 people at its main campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Amidst the commemoration and joyful thanksgiving livestreamed to the world, the Rev. Dr. Peter Mageto was formally installed as the fifth vice chancellor (president) of the institution.

Mageto, a Kenyan and academician specializing in theological ethics, echoed the gratitude of the students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni of Africa University for the incalculable sum of answered prayers that are the Africa University story. His inaugural address highlighted the optimism and commitment to purpose that are the foundation of the university’s unfolding vision.

“Today, Africa University turns thirty. The number 30 is a blessed figure. Thirty was the age of our Lord Jesus Christ when he commenced his ministry here on earth. It gives us great faith to be walking resolutely towards the fourth decade,” Mageto said.

Thank you, Dakotas Conference, for nurturing change leaders and building an enduring legacy through the ministry of Africa University. Let us continue to journey together—learning, leading, and serving God, all the time, everywhere.

Submitted by James H. Salley, president and chief executive officer, Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. & Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Africa University

6.2 Boston University School of Theology

I am profoundly grateful for your partnership, prayers, and support in these challenging times. A year like 2022 makes even more relevant BUSTH’s historic and ongoing commitments to peace and justice in equipping transformational leaders. We remain hopeful and vigilant in our continued partnership with you.

BREAKING NEWS:

• Students: Our academic year 2022-23 entering class was among our most diverse, with 88 new students enrolling, 34% of whom are international students.

• Faculty: In September we welcomed three new faculty members: James McCarty, Assistant Clinical Professor of Religion andConflict Transformation; Eunil David Cho, Assistant Professor of Spiritual Care; and Peng Yin, Assistant Professor of Ethics.

• Degree First Cohort: BUSTH’s first fully online master’s degree—the Master of Religion and Public Leadership (MARPL)—welcomed its first students in fall 2022. MARPL seeks students who wish to be prepared for leadership roles that creatively engage the challenges of public life. Learn more at bu.edu/sth/marpl.

• Faculty Research: Prof. Filipe Maia was awarded a Louisville Institute book grant in April, and Prof. Luis Menéndez-Antuña was awarded a grant from the Catholic Biblical Association in August. Other large grants continue to move forward, including the Trauma Responsive Congregations Project led by Prof. Shelly Rambo and supported by the Lilly Endowment, and the Positive Psychology and Formation-Based Flourishing grant led by Prof. Steven Sandage and supported by the Peale Foundation.

Scholarships: This year, we announced free tuition for all residential master’s candidates. We continue to offer free tuition to UMCregistered candidates for ordained ministry and leadership fellowships that support students in ethnic, gender, and sexuality studies. New funds include the Research & Teaching Fund and Affirmation & Empowerment Fund as well as the following endowed funds: DEI, Theology & the Arts, and Doctor of Ministry.

• Accreditation Visit: BUSTH just welcomed the United Methodist University Senate Review team on February 1-3 for our reaccreditation visit.

• Online Lifelong Learning: BUSTH offers online courses for professional and spiritual enrichment of religious leaders. Recent offerings include “Ethics and Video Games,” and “Spiritual Mending for Helping Professionals.” To learn more, visit bu.edu/sth/oll

• Development: Recent accomplishments include endowing the Faith and Ecological Justice Fund, and new funding for student scholarships and academic programs.

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE and COMPASSION:

• BUSTH’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers webinars on timely inclusion efforts, such as “Increasing Participation of Students of Underrepresented Backgrounds.”

• This year’s Lowell Lecture topics explore the spiritual dimension of artistic expression. Last fall, Dr. Emmett G. Price III highlighted the brilliant resilience and demonstrative hope of Black folk through the lens of two exceptional spiritual beings: Nina Simone and John Coltrane. A diverse panel response fostered rich conversation.

• Work continues to improve accessibility, sustainability, and responsible investing. BUSTH is the first certified Green School at BU and is active in the Green Seminary Initiative.

Submitted by G. Sujin Pak, dean

6.3 Candler School of Theology

Since 1914, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has educated faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world. An official seminary of The United Methodist Church, Candler holds true to the Methodist value of ecumenical openness, enthusiastically welcoming students from more than 42 denominations, with nearly half of Master of Divinity students coming from the Wesleyan tradition, including United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Wesleyan, Free Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, and others. Our student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful, with an enrollment of 417 from 16 countries and 33 states, and 43% persons of color. This diversity is a blessing, enriching our life together and providing a “learning laboratory” for ministry in the 21st century—ministry that cultivates community across difference, welcomes all to contribute and belong, and embodies Christ’s love in and among us.

Candler offers six single degrees and ten dual degrees, most of which are available in hybrid or online formats so students can remain rooted in their home communities as they pursue their degrees. Our new hybrid Master of Divinity blending online classes and in-person intensives launches in fall 2023, and our successful Doctor of Ministry—with its high 87% completion rate—is 90% online. Hybrid and online options are also available in the Master of Religious Leadership and the Master of Religion and Public Life programs. Plus, Candler’s Teaching Parish program allows student pastors to earn contextual education credit as they serve their churches. We are excited that these flexible learning formats make a first-rate Candler education possible for even more people who are called to ministry.

Alleviating student debt through generous financial aid is a top priority for Candler. In 2021-2022, we awarded $7.3 million in scholarship support, with 100% of MDiv students receiving aid. All MDiv students who are certified candidates for ordained ministry in the UMC receive full-tuition scholarships, and all MDiv, MTS, MRL, and ThM students receive a scholarship covering at least 50% of tuition. MDiv students also complete a financial literacy program to strengthen their financial and budgeting skills and reduce debt.

Candler was recently honored as one of 16 theological schools to receive a “Pathways to Tomorrow” grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The $5 million grant will support Candler in establishing a set of initiatives to create an interconnected continuum of offerings for the education of pastoral leaders. This will position Candler as a hub of theological learning with multiple entry points, including The Candler Foundry, (our innovative program to make theological education accessible to the public), the United Methodist Course of Study, undergraduate classes, and a new venture, La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies. Set to launch in fall 2023, La Mesa Academy will offer diplomas in pastoral leadership via a two-year hybrid program with courses in Spanish and English. An optional third year of study will be offered to those aspiring to continue to a graduate professional degree at Candler.

This year, we welcomed the Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski as Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies, a position made available by the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Anne Burkholder. Brett is an elder in full connection in the Florida Annual Conference and most recently served for nine years as senior pastor of Christ Church United Methodist in Ft. Lauderdale. In addition to other pastoral appointments, he has held a variety of leadership roles in the Florida Conference, including chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry. He is deeply committed to working with students in discerning their call, spiritual formation, and guiding them through the commissioning and ordination process. Candler’s ability to fulfill our mission to provide the church with the faithful and creative leaders it needs depends upon your prayers, partnership, and support. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this essential ministry in the life of our denomination. We invite you to visit us online at candler.emory.edu

Submitted by Jan Love, dean and Mary Lee Hardin Willard Professor of Christianity and World Politics, Candler School of Theology

6.4 Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)

The 2022-2023 academic year has been a year of “settling in” at Dakota Wesleyan University. Dr. Daniel R. Kittle arrived in late March 2022 and has overseen a whirlwind year of strategic planning, expanding initiatives, and setting the groundwork for things to come. More than 220 students graduated in May and December 2022 and have gone on to careers in education, business, communications, criminal justice, healthcare, ministry, and nonprofit administration. Several will go on to graduate school, law school or medical school.

Our first cohort of Learn & Earn students, a unique educational model offered in Pierre, graduated in December with a beautiful service held at the Pierre First United Methodist Church. Five students finished the program with their associate’s degrees. These students divided their days between the classroom and their paid internship sites and engaged in a variety of professional entry-level positions including the SD Department of Labor and Regulation; the SD Bureau of Telecommunications; real estate; retail; insurance and others. The community of Pierre through its economic development organization, has stepped up to once again provide $500 scholarships for up to ten students annually to help develop a new professional class of workers to support businesses and organizations in the Pierre area.

We continued to grant scholarships to students, maintain funding for faculty in religious studies, support campus ministry, assist Fusion United Methodist Church, and carry on with other endeavors.

Dakotas Annual Conference funding of $75,500 was provided, along with Dakota Wesleyan’s ongoing, significant financial commitment to United Methodist higher education. $210,000 in scholarships were exclusively dedicated to supporting United Methodist student leaders. $98,000 supported a full-time United Methodist faculty member in religion. This individual introduces all students to concepts in Wesleyan theology through the general education program.$150,000 was provided to 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. $25,000 of in-kind support was directed to Fusion United Methodist Church.

Campus Ministry at DWU was able to carry out the important work of serving the entire campus community, in person, with many of their traditional activities. Weekly chapel services were held each Thursday where students were given the opportunity to deliver the sermons, lead the services or participate in the music ministry. Other activities including the weekly Worship Under the Stars, Freshmen Ministry and Upperclassmen Ministry.

In spring 2023 a new domestic service initiative was launched. Students were given the chance to participate in an “urban” mission in Kansas City, Missouri, over the university’s spring break. A group of eight students and their group leader, Adult & Online Enrollment Coordinator and International Student Services Coordinator Missy Leuthold, were able to serve in the community and experience a new city. The students served at Harvesters Food Bank, City Union Mission Community Center, and at a local thrift store. These organizations serve individuals and families in the greater Kansas City area who experience food scarcity and homelessness. The students also visited different museums and cultural exhibits throughout the city including the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame, WWI Memorial, American Jazz Museum, and the College Basketball Experience. President Kittle lauded the effort put together by a Service Task Force founded in fall 2022. He stated, “As these trips should do, they brought together people in pursuit of a worthy purpose while giving them an opportunity to appreciate diverse perspectives and learn from one another.” Trips like this are planned to become an annual event.

One of the university’s new initiatives has been developing more community relationships with businesses and organizations in the Mitchell region to provide customized training in areas needed like leadership, human resources, professionalism, etc. Since the kickoff in fall 2022, DWU has hosted employees from LifeQuest, an agency providing support services for individuals with diverse abilities, and from Toshiba America Business Solutions’ management team. These workshops and seminars are valuable to the organizations (who see immediate results, )and to the individuals participating (who receive certificates for the various sessions or units completed.) These certifications can be combined and applied toward the attainment of an associate’s degree, if the individual does not possess one, or toward a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, the university has been working on expanding “upskill” opportunities for the general public. Anyone with transcripts from previous college or technical institute experience can have those transcripts evaluated. Paired with credit for life experience, the person may be closer to attaining a degree than previously thought. If you know someone who might benefit from this program, please refer them to the Admissions office.

United Theological Seminary recently announced the establishment of a new program as part of its partnership with Dakota Wesleyan. The Certificate in Theology and Ministry (CTM) is for clergy and laity seeking a basic theological foundation for ministry as a pastor or church leader. The CTM is a great entry point for those beginning their journey through theological education, as a bachelor’s or master’s degree is not a prerequisite. The program offers focused study in Bible, theology, church and mission, and ministry. With twelve courses taught fully online over a three-year period, the CTM allows for the flexibility of schedules and distance, while still providing in-depth learning from well-trained instructors and group interaction with other students. As an added benefit, students can receive college credit for CTM courses. Credits will be granted and can be applied toward DWU’s online undergraduate programs. Students can choose to complete an online associate or bachelor’s degree in either Nonprofit Administration or Organizational Leadership.

Finally, a new position created at DWU will help to support and grow the university’s performing arts enrollment. A Performing Arts Talent Coordinator was hired in March 2023 to help recruit and retain students in vocal music, instrumental music and theatre. A current student, Corbin Kramer of Philip, South Dakota, will graduate in May 2023 with a dual major in music and theatre. He has begun half-time employment and will transition to full time following graduation.

Yes, 2022-2023 will be a year remembered as one of change at Dakota Wesleyan. But many of these changes helped to take our entire campus community in some new directions, enhance new ways of thinking, make new friends and make bold, innovative moves to ensure the continued health of this dynamic institution.

Blessed with gifted leadership at critical points in its history, Dakota Wesleyan University stands today after 138 years as a place where students, faculty and staff live, learn and work in an environment where minds are challenged, souls are nourished, friendships are forged, and lives are transformed.

Submitted by Jan Larson, director of communications and marketing

6.5 Drew University Theological School

Drew educates and mentors pastors, preachers, deacons, activists, teachers, thought leaders, and change agents. In fall 2022 Drew welcomed 77 new students, and as of February 2023 Drew has a total enrollment of 408 students.  Many Drew students are just beginning their ministry, while others come to graduate theological education with substantial ministry experience. The latter reflects a growing trend among all theological schools in the United States and Canada. During 2022, Drew classes met on campus in Madison, New Jersey, but also some classes met exclusively online, while others met in hybrid fashion, i.e., partially online, partially in-person. This was also the case with chapel worship. This reflects both our ongoing emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, but also Drew leaning into what it means to be a global school with a global student population. With 35% of students coming from 28 different countries, Drew Theological School is truly global and diverse in theology, vocations,and age, as well as in racial, ethnic, national, and international identities.  Drew’s interdisciplinary degree programs foster out-of-the-box thinking, provide real-world apprenticeships, promote adaptive leadership skills, and encourage innovation through team-taught core courses reflecting the integration of the theological disciplines and practices characteristic of the life of faith. The faculty-articulated shared values are infused across the teaching and learning at Drew: a commitment to anti-racism; gender and sexual-identity equality; eco-sustainability and environmental justice; and interfaith understanding and cooperation. The Theological School has seen an increase in United Methodist students. Moreover, Drew has many United Methodist Global Fellows who chose to pursue education for ministry at Drew. UMC graduates are serving in conferences across the United States, as well as in our regional conferences in Greater New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and New York Annual Conference.

Submitted by Edwin David Aponte, dean

6.6. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

For 170 years Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has been in service to the Church and the Wesleyan/Methodist connection through the formation of Christian leaders in ordained and lay ministries. As the result of a new strategic planning process that seeks to position the seminary more fully and purposefully in service to the global church, Garrett adopted a new mission and vision that will focus our work to this end: Forming courageous leaders in the way of Jesus to cultivate communities of justice, compassion, and hope…for the thriving of the Church and the healing of the world.

Garrett has had a year of growth and transformation, both in terms of numbers of students and expansion of programs, initiatives and partnerships. A few key partnerships include a joint venture with the Children’s Defense Fund that will continue Garrett’s legacy of preparing leaders equipped to center the thriving and well-being of children. A partnership with Africa University will provide support for our growing student body from the African continent by providing scholarships, mentoring support, collaborative programming, and funding for students to return home during and after their period of study. A partnership with the Association for Hispanic Theological Education is helping to strengthen our connection with Hispanic bible institutes and their communities, expanding our commitment to these students and to our Spanish language initiatives. We also welcomed three new faculty members to strengthen our already stellar faculty: Dr. Kate Ott in Christian Social Ethics, Dr. Esther Acolatse in Pastoral Theology and World Christianity, and Dr. AHyun Lee in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Garrett-Evangelical continues to offer a broad array of degree programs that equip students for leadership in congregations, health-care settings, community organizing and public theology, counseling, and scholarship and teaching in the classic theological disciplines and practices. 60% of Garrett-Evangelical students pursue congregational leadership following graduation, and our pastoral care and counseling programs also increasingly attract a large portion of our student body, having been ranked as #1 in the nation for Christian pastoral counseling programs.

Garrett-Evangelical continues to extend its service to the church through its centers and institutes which are focused on equipping leaders with the resources necessary to thrive in ministry and public leadership, and on influencing the moral, theological, and ethical conversations in the public square. This year we will also launch the Garrett Collective, an online lifelong learning platform that will feature the teaching, research, and programming of our centers and institutes to serves as resources for congregations and other organizations. These will include resources for Christian education in the parish, as well other ways to strengthen and enliven congregational life.

Submitted by Lori Moede, Assistant to the President for Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership

6.7 Saint Paul School of Theology

Educating tomorrow’s leaders by offering on-campus, online, and hybrid learning courses at a FLEXible schedule, Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary serving a diverse community committed to the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life. Grounded in the academic study of faith and ministry, theology is practiced in a traditional classroom and in remote spaces. Our contextual curriculum features ministry collaboration groups, practicums, spiritual formation retreats, and seminars. Students learn from dedicated faculty, experienced pastors, and community leaders about best ministry practices leaving our graduates with the tools and first-hand experience necessary to meet the needs of a changing world.

We continue to implement the changes the last few years have integrated into our daily lives. Our weekly chapel service utilizes a hybrid format, where participants may join in-person or online, allowing staff and students to come together as one institution where all are invited to create a sacred atmosphere from wherever they are. In addition, Saint Paul offers weekly spiritual formation allowing students to engage in spiritual practices led by Rev. Jen Logsdon-Kellogg. Some practices take us outdoors or to other sacred spaces, and others will have us connect with community leaders.

Saint Paul welcomed over thirty new students for the 2022-2023 academic year. Enrollment remained solid for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program with promising growth on our Oklahoma campus. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted yet monitored, prospective students returned to in-person visits on both campuses, experiencing community meals, worship, and the newly implemented “Hammock ministry” on the Oklahoma campus. The Admissions team continues to expand travel to meet new students, including the Carolinas, Washington, D.C., and various parts of Texas.

This year we have focused on strengthening the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry by creating two specializations: Women, Society, and Church; and Social Justice and Advocacy. In each case, the student takes 22 hours of MACM required courses, and then the remaining 12 hours of the degree are comprised of courses focusing upon the specialization. The two existing specializations, Prophetic Witness and Service; and Deacon Ministries, will continue to be offered as well. The Women, Society, and Church Studies specialization is also available in the MDiv program, as is a specialization in Wesleyan Studies.

Saint Paul staff and faculty continue contributing to the academy, church, and society. This year, we welcomed Rev. Dr. Sharon Betsworth as our new Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean and Professor of New Testament. The faculty of Saint Paul School of Theology maintains high standards of scholarship, research, publication, and engagement. Over the past year, their many activities and publications have been so numerous that space permits only sharing selected highlights.

• Rev. Dr. Sharon Betsworth co-authored a journal article with Julie Faith Parker, “’Where Have All the Young Girls Gone?’ Discovering the Girls of the Bible through Childist Analysis of Exodus 2 and Mark 5–7,” in Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 38, no. 2 (Fall 2022).

• Dr. Casey Sigmon, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Contextual Education, was the keynote speaker for the United Methodist Church Missouri Preaching Academy “Offering the Word to a Digital World.” She published “Failure to Discern the Online/Hybrid Body: A Captivity of the Eucharist” for the special issue of Currents in Theology and Mission: Eucharist and Online Worship: Toward Extended Theological Reflection, vol. 50, no. 1 (2023) and published the chapter “Liturgical Authority and the Table in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)” in Liturgical Authority in Free Church Traditions, edited by Sarah Johnson and Andrew Wymer, Calvin Worship and Witness Series.

• Dr. Joshua Bartholomew, Assistant Professor of Ethics, Church, and Society, led a “Race, Liberation, and Political Economics” series at Second Presbyterian. He also spoke at The Open Table KC on “Race, Liberation, and Economics.”

• Dr. Amy Oden, Adjunct Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality, was a guest speaker at numerous events around the country this year, including at a Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation in Oklahoma, the Beyond Conference in St. Louis, and the Academy for Spiritual Formation in Alabama.

Saint Paul Board of Trustees changed leadership this year as long-time faculty and board member Rev. Dr. Tex Sample concluded his term as chair. Dr. Amy Hogan, Professor of Education and Dean of the School of Education at Ottawa University, has succeeded him as chair. Dr. Hogan possesses a deep reservoir of experience in teaching, research, and accreditation. In response to President Neil Blair’s announcement that he will retire on December 31, 2023, Dr. Hogan appointed a search committee composed of faculty, staff, students, and trustees charged with identifying Saint Paul’s next president. The search committee is currently conferring with Saint Paul’s constituent groups to prepare the position prospectus that will describe Saint Paul’s needs and aspirations to candidates.

In September 2022, Saint Paul School of Theology hosted a review team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of Saint Paul’s primary accreditation agencies, as part of the seminary’s regular reaffirmation cycle. On November 18, 2022, the Higher Learning Commission notified Saint Paul that the Commission “continued the accreditation of Saint Paul School of Theology with the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2028-2029.” The Seminary’s Board of Trustees also devoted considerable time to improving its governance capacity. For example, in April 2022, trustees invested a significant portion of their meeting in a facilitated Emotional Intelligence and Trust-Building workshop. The workshop was led by Gail Parker, a noted management consultant who has worked with clients such as KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Disney, among many others. In October 2022, former executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, Dan Aleshire, offered an overview of demographic and enrollment trends in the nation’s seminaries, focusing on how those trends affect institutions’ diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As these activities suggest, the Board remains deeply committed to enhancing its capabilities to guide Saint Paul effectively and knowledgeably.

We are happy to report that Saint Paul School of Theology is financially sound. We operate with a balanced budget, no debt, and an endowment 9-10 times the size of our annual expenses. As always, we continue to be grateful for donations from the community that provide technology, scholarships, and evolving academic programs to students. At the close of 2022, over one hundred alumni and friends of Saint Paul contributed more than $60,000 to create the Tex and Peggy Sample Endowed Scholarship Fund honoring the life and work of Tex and Peggy Sample. Sustainability has been our focus over the past five years, and we have achieved our goal. Investments in our future bring exciting new opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty. Our significant technological investments have allowed us to maintain a hybrid educational delivery model, providing a flexible working arrangement for our students.

Saint Paul School of Theology is blessed to be your partner in ministry and help those seeking to discover more and answer the call. We are grateful for your support of our students and our seminary. May we continue to live into the call of Jesus Christ to be faithful witnesses for generations to come.

Submitted by Tiana Gatewood, director of events and public relations, Saint Paul School of Theology

6.8 United Theological Seminary

United Theological Seminary celebrated rising enrollment in the 2022-2023 academic year. In the previous year, 464 students were enrolled at United; in 2022-2023, the seminary is serving 541 students, a 17% increase. A diverse community of many denominations, races, and nationalities, United welcomed students from 36 states, 21 countries, and 43 denominations, with 42% of students identifying as United Methodist.* The seminary prepared 103 Course of Study students** and served 10 students through the Hispanic Christian Academy, a 3-year online course of ministry program for Hispanic/Latino lay pastors and leaders serving United Methodist congregations.

Houses of Study

In large part, this enrollment growth is a result of the seminary’s House of Study initiative, which is supported by a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. As of 2022-2023, the Seminary has established five Houses of Study that are equipping master’s students for the unique ministry needs of the communities, movements, and denominations in which they serve:

Fresh Expressions, directed by Dr. Michael Beck

Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, directed by Bishop Lisa Weah

Global Methodist, directed by Rev. Gregory Stover

Global Pentecostal, directed by Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns and Hispanic, directed by Dr. Jorge Ochoa

The largest of these communities is the Hispanic House of Study (Casa de Estudios Hispana), which is meeting a need for Hispanic/Latino pastors and church leaders ready to pursue a Master of Divinity in their native language. Nearly 50 students from across the United States and Latin America, including students from Mexico, Cuba, Columbia, and Peru, started in the online program in the 2022-2023 academic year.

As United continues to expand its offerings to support church leaders, it is preparing to launch three new Houses of Study in the 2023-2024 academic year: a Korean House of Study, taught 100% in Korean for Korean-speaking students, led by Dr. Seok Jae Jeon; an African Methodist Episcopal Zion House of Study led by Bishop Eric Leake; and a Global Lutheran House of Study led by Dr. Richard Blue, Dr. Tom Thorstad, and Dr. Dan Landin.

Doctor of Ministry

The seminary is also seeing growth in its Doctor of Ministry program. In 2022-2023, the Doctor of Ministry program has grown to 250 students, an increase of 32% over the past five years. * Doctoral students at United are actively engaged in ministry and seeking to become more effective leaders for the church through a Doctor of Ministry degree. Students identify a need within their congregations or communities and, with the support of a peer group, mentor, and United faculty, they develop a model of ministry to address the challenge.

Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center

Launched in fall 2021, the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center, directed by Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, is connecting with pastors, ministry leaders, and congregational members hungry to bring God’s renewal to their faith communities. In the past year alone, the Innovation Center has engaged more than 1,000 participants through more than forty live webinars, training events, and courses. The Innovation Center has also partnered with The Center for Spiritual Formation, a connectional ministry of the Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church, to offer a two-year online training course for those called to the ministry of spiritual direction. In addition, the Center is partnering with two United Methodist conferences to provide its Breakthrough Prayer Initiative training for all clergy in these conferences. Through these and other new opportunities, the Innovation Center seeks to set the stage for the increased vitality of leaders and congregations everywhere.

*Student data represent 2022-2023 headcount enrollment, as of March 1, 2023. Denominational figures represent those who responded. *

* Course of Study figures represent the most recent four terms.

Submitted by Dr. Kent Millard, president

6.9 Wesley Theological Seminary

Wesley Theological Seminary continues to grow and thrive through research, innovation, and equipping Christian leaders for real-life ministries.

Course offerings and support thatrespond to students’ needs. Get the education you need in the format you want.

• Pursue your call in a dynamic community within the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., or earn a degree through flexible hybrid and online options from your home! Learn more at: wesleyseminary.edu/study/

• Our FlexMA is a 36-hour flexible M.A. degree for those preparing for bi-vocational or specialized ministries. Learn more at: www. wesleyseminary.edu/flexma/

• Wesley offers specializations in African American church leadership, public theology, military chaplaincy, and certifications in Christian studies, children and youth ministry and advocacy, and health ministry. Learn more at: wesleyseminary.edu

Wesley provides $2 million annually in scholarships, including full-tuition scholarships for master’s applicants recommended by alums, campus ministers, or Christian service ministries; Next Call in Ministry scholarships for students working 10+ years in a non-ministry setting; and Generación Latinx Scholarships for emerging Latinx leaders in ministry.

Wesley’s Doctor of Ministry programs includes relevant tracks such as Church Leadership Excellence, Soul Care, Global Church Leadership, Howard Thurman, and the ground-breaking track on Trauma, Moral Injury, and Christian Life. Journey with a cohort of leaders with online classes and hybrid week-long intensive sessions. Learn more: wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/

Research projects support congregational thriving and envision future ministry.

Over $11 million in Grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. undergird Wesley’s research into and support of congregational thriving and innovation.

In collaboration with Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary is developing professional courses and certificates for pastors.

• The Wesley Innovation Hub brings together diverse congregational cohorts to learn and practice ministry innovations that engage young adults for social change. Learn more at: wesleyseminary.edu/wesley-innovation-hub/

• The Wesley Ministry Innovation Fellowship is a one-year, cohort-based experience with community formation, spiritual direction, graduate-level courses, and hands-on experience leading innovation. Each innovator earns a stipend and four graduate academic course credits. Learn more at: wesleyseminary.edu/wesley-innovation-hub/design-fellows/

• The Lewis Center for Church Leadership’s Religious Workforce Project offers multi-denominational research into current and future needs. Visit religiousworkforce.com/

Enrich your congregational outreach and explore new dimensions of ministry. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership conducts leading-edge research for the local church. Find the Leading Ideas e-newsletter and Leading Ideas podcast, a weekly resource for over 20,000 leaders, at churchleadership.com.

The Community Engagement Institute embraces a vibrant vision to be the premier center for churches and faith-based organizations engaging their communities.

• The online Health Minister Certificate Program prepares congregations for public health work in their parishes.  Contact: Dr. Tom Pruski, tpruski@wesleyseminary.edu.

• The Center for Public Theology creates spaces for civil dialogue at the intersection of religion and politics. Visit wesleyseminary.edu/ice/programs/public-theology/

The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion explores the intersection of the arts and theology. Visit luceartsandreligion.org

Stay connected. Contact us at (202) 885-8659 or admissions@wesleyseminary.edu. Follow us on social media— Facebook wesleyseminary, Instagram @wesleyseminary, LinkedIn wesleytheologicalseminary, and Twitter @WesTheoSem.

Submitted by Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, president, Wesley Theological Seminary