2024 Conference Workbook

Conference Workbook

31st Session of the Dakotas Conference

The United Methodist Church

Bismarck, North Dakota

June 6-8, 2024

Section 1: Legislation

Organizational Resolutions

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 sanctuary at Legacy United Methodist Church 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 United Methodist annual conferences, and special guests of the bishop will be recognized as guests and may be seated with voting members.

d. Any non-members participating shall not have voice or vote, except for those non-members to 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 by voice or written ballots. All voting members will receive colored ballots at registration for use if there is a need for written ballot

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, or other parliamentary motion.

a. When the presiding officer recognizes a speaker, it will be by location, and the presiding officer will 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 Para. 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 in one or more ways, on screens during the breaks, announced orally by the presiding officer or conference secretary during the session if time allows, and/ 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 in 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 7, 2024. In the request list the specific item number you are requesting to be lifted and the names and e-mail addresses of at least 15 voting members that agree with the request.

10. Any proposals to change legislation, such as amendments, must be submitted digitally to the conference secretary, using the strikethrough feature for removing information from the legislation and underlining new proposed language.

1.2 Modifications to Clergy Leave Policy

Title: Modifications to Clergy Leave Policy

Information submitted and affirmed by: Dakotas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry

Action: Personal Wellness Leave be added to the Clergy Leave Policy as printed on pages 237-239 of the 2023 Dakotas Conference Journal

Rationale: Sometimes there are unexpected circumstances that necessitate a short time of leave for a pastor’s health and well-being. This leave category, that is approved by the district superintendent, allows for a more immediate response to address those needs.

Proposed Personal Wellness Leave:

Clergy under appointment serving a local church in the Dakotas Annual Conferences may request a Personal Wellness Leave up to eight weeks when needed due to an urgent situation or crisis in the life of the clergyperson when other time away options are not available or not appropriate. The Clergy Personal Wellness Leave request is approved by the district superintendent in coordination with the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee. The local church continues providing compensation and benefits during the pastor’s leave.

The pastor contacts the district superintendent and if able, the S/PPRC, to request a Personal Wellness Leave. The Personal Wellness Leave form is completed by the clergyperson if possible. If not, the district superintendent completes on the clergy’s behalf. The district superintendent approves or denies the request based upon the circumstances of the situation. The district superintendent works with the S/PPRC and leadership to seek pastoral coverage in the pastor’s absence.

Financial help for pulpit supply and pastoral coverage is available through the Pastoral Coverage Grant. Funds for the Wellness Plan is available through clergy well-being emergency funds by contacting the Area Director of Clergy Wellbeing.

Title: Move Policy

Information submitted and affirmed by: Dakotas Conference Council of Finance and Administration, Dakotas Conference Cabinet, and the Dakotas Conference Common Table .

Action: To replace the current policy on page 247 of the 2023 Dakotas Conference Journal with the proposed language.

Rationale: A variety of contributing factors were a part of this decision. First, our contract with the moving company was coming due for renewal, and due to company changes, we have not been satisfied with that working relationship over the past 2 years. These changes have caused added confusion and stress for staff and pastoral families. Second, the tax law changes that occurred January 1, 2018, made relocation benefits taxable income for the employee; military members receiving orders are the only exception. It is no longer advantageous, from a tax perspective, for the Annual Conference to pay a moving company directly as in years past. Third, this gives flexibility and agency both to clergy families in how they would like to manage their move and to the Annual Conference as we organize move dates. Previously, move dates were completely in the hands of the company, and with a change in policy now we can work together to make more accommodating plans for churches and pastoral families. Fourth, we may save financially, though this is not a driving factor, nor is it guaranteed because the move budget fluctuates significantly from year to year based on number of moves. We remain committed to financially supporting the cost of clergy moves and expect our clergy to be good stewards of the funds available.  Finally, this policy change also moves the Dakotas into alignment with many other annual conferences who handle moves in this manner-via stipend.

Move Policy proposed change:

Expenses for moving clergy and their families shall be administered under the following policies:

1. General:

a. The Moving Fund shall assist in paying the moving expenses for household goods, office furniture, and equipment of itinerant clergy appointed to a pastoral charge, a conference staff position, or as district superintendent. Assistance shall be provided when a primary residence is changed due to a new appointment.

b. Clergy included in this provision shall include full members, provisional members, associate members, local pastors, seminary students appointed to a local charge, one move of a retiring clergy person to his/her retirement residence, and those under disability leave.

c. The Treasurer/Finance Office will follow the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) regulations in issuing the proper tax forms to those who move.

d. The moving funds issued to a clergy person are taxable income and will be reported as such to the IRS.

e. The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) shall set the moving stipend and mileage rates by January 1 for the upcoming move cycle.

f. Eligible clergy may submit requests for a supplemental moving grant to cover additional expenses. These requests will be reviewed by the Treasurer, CCFA and Cabinet.

2. Additional Eligibility Clarification

a. Pastors with disability status moving out of a Dakotas Conference appointment are eligible to receive a onetime move stipend at the time of the relocation of their primary residence.

b. Retiring pastors moving out of a Dakotas Conference appointment are eligible to receive a one-time move stipend at the time of the relocation of their primary residence.

c. If a person in retired status is required to move their primary residence to accept an appointment within the Dakotas Annual Conference, they are entitled to a stipend to and from that appointment.

d. Clergy under suspension or clergy leaving appointment in the Dakotas Annual Conference for leave of absence, honorable location, extension ministry, and transfer to another conference or denomination will not be eligible for a moving stipend.

e. Clergy moving to the Dakotas Annual Conference are eligible to receive a moving stipend.

f. When a clergy dies while under appointment to a local charge, conference staff position, or as a district superintendent, the surviving spouse and/or dependents may have their moving stipend paid by the Conference within the provisions of this policy. If no spouse or dependents are living with the clergy person at their death, a move may be provided in accordance with this policy within 90 days of the death of the clergy. A 1099 will be issued in the name of the spouse at year end.

3. Moving Stipend:

a. Each eligible clergyperson shall receive a moving stipend as determined by CCFA in consultation with the cabinet.

b. Clergy couples being moved shall be given an additional 25% of the moving stipend.

4. Mileage Reimbursement

a. Those clergy eligible for a moving stipend, are also eligible for mileage current address to new address to be paid at a trucking freight rate, as determined by CCFA. The per mile rate is paid only within the bounds of the Annual Conference and is in addition to the stipend.

b. Retired Clergy and seminary students returning to take an appointment are eligible for a mileage reimbursement of actual miles up to maximum of 700 miles at the trucking freight rate determined by CCFA.

c. Clergy couples are eligible for 1 mileage reimbursement.

5. Procedures:

a. The Cabinet will name a Move Coordinator who will work with the staff in fulfilling this policy.

b. The Move Coordinator will provide the procedure to moving clergy.

c. The Move Coordinator in conjunction with the cabinet shall establish and administer all procedures for implementing the moving policy contained herein.

d. Clergy forfeit access to the moving funds if they fail to complete the procedure as outlined by the Cabinet and Move Coordinator.

1.4 2025 Budget Proposal

Developing Missional Leaders

Equipping Missional Congregations

Extending Missional Impact

Generating Missional Resources

Cabinet

Support Services

Program Area

Apportioned Budget Overview 2025

GRANDTOTALEXPENSES(NETOFNON-APPORTIONMENTFUNDINGSOURCES)

APPORTIONMENT INCOME

OTHER UNRESTRICTED INCOME (INTEREST/INVESTMENT INCOME)^

GRANDTOTAL NETINCOME

NET INCOME/(DEFICIT)

SAVINGS RESERVES USED FOR BUDGET DEFICIT

^Interest and investment income from our CCFA savings reserves as well as interest earned on our operating account.

*Change is comparing the 2025 Budget to the 2024 Spending Plan.

**Includes apportionments received from disaffiliating churches in 2023 of approximately $553,000. Apportionments received net of this amount for 2023 is approximately $2,391,000. The apportionment estimates for 2024 and 2025 were reduced portionately by the reduction in apportionment percentage each year (i.e., 13.5% in 2024 and 13.0% in 2025).

^Interest and investment income from our CCFA savings reserves as well as interest earned on our operating account.

Overview

As you all know, it has been a period of considerable change and challenge in the life of our Church and Conference. Although we have more work to do to ensure we are on a sustainable path going forward, we have also come a long way over the past couple of years. As I mention below, our 2023 Conference expenses were more than $200,000 below budget.

Additionally, as you may know, Bishop Plambeck has formulated a Wisdom Council, which will focus on developing our long-term strategic and financial plan to ensure we are able to continue our ministries and are financially sustainable going forward. I look forward to supporting this Council and providing them with the necessary information to do their work.

Please see below for our Conference budget update, financial details regarding 2023 disaffiliations, details regarding our General Church apportionments, our current CCFA reserves, staffing update, and other financial support.

Conference Budget Update

2023 – Apportionments received for 2023 totaled approximately $2.94 million. This includes $553,000 from churches that disaffiliated in 2023, resulting in a total apportionment received from churches remaining UMC after 2023 of $2.39 million (See ‘Disaffiliations’ below for further details). Total income for 2023 was $3.04 million, after including interest and investment income earned on our Conference savings reserves.

Total expenses for 2023 were $3.10 million, $211,000 less than our 2023 budget of $3.31 million. This resulted in a smaller than expected budget shortfall of $60,000, absorbed by Conference reserves. We incurred lower than budgeted costs in the following areas: 1) Leadership Development Office, Board of Ordained Ministry, Council on Youth Ministries, New Churches, Annual Conference, and District Superintendency (which includes our Moving Fund). Conversely, the Conference incurred higher than budgeted costs by the Finance Office (due to higher-than-expected audit fees) and the Board of Trustees (primarily due to higher-than-expected insurance costs), as well as Chancellor/Legal costs (primarily due to CCFA approving paying 100% of the Dakotas Conference portion of the Boy Scout Settlement).

2024 – As of April 30, 2024, we received approximately $529,227 in apportionments. I estimate that apportionments received from churches for 2023 (including from those that are disaffiliating in 2023) will be $2.3 million. With an additional $114,000 from interest/investment income, our total apportionment and interest/investment income is estimated to be about $2.42 million. With a budget of $3.06 million, we will need to use our operating reserves and/or reduce our spending (See ‘Reserves’ and ‘Disaffiliations’ sections below for further details). Additionally, I expect our budget shortfall to be lower than the $643,409 outlined in the budget due to the decision by the Board of Pensions to cover the Conference HealthFlex direct bill for Conference and camping staff. This will help our Conference close the budget shortfall in 2024 by over $200,000. On behalf of the Conference, thank you Board of Pensions for your generosity!

2025 – The Conference Council on Finance and Administration approved and recommends an apportioned budget of $3,010,350 to the Annual Conference. Our 2025 proposed budget represents an overall decrease of approximately 2% from 2024. One key area we have reduced by $50,000 includes apportionments allocated to Conference Missionaries (Solar Oven Partners and Spirit Lake Ministries). Although this is a reduction in our direct budget allocation to these ministries, we continue to provide administrative support, including processing cash receipts, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, and communications. Additionally, these two ministries have ‘carryover’ reserve balances (totaling approximately $500,000 for each ministry). These reserves have accumulated due to individual and church support, as well as previous Conference support; therefore, these ministries have ample reserves and support to sustain them for the foreseeable future.

As Ray Baker, Chair – CCFA, mentioned in his report, CCFA approved a further reduction in the local church apportionment percentage from 13.5% in 2024 to 13.0% in 2025. CCFA determined that we have sufficient reserves to meet any short-term budget shortfall and wanted to continue to reduce our church apportionment percentage. 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 disaffiliation.

Disaffiliation

Through the work of our Conference Chancellors, Nancy Oviatt (SD) and Steve Ottmar (ND), along with our Conference Board of Trustees, Conference Board of Pensions and our Conference Council on Finance and Administration, thirty-nine churches were approved to disaffiliate in 2023. Twenty-four of these churches were approved during our Annual Conference on June 9, 2023. Additionally, an online special session of Annual Conference was held on August 15, 2023, where an additional fifteen churches were approved to disaffiliate. (Note: Crystal UMC decided not to fulfill the terms of the disaffiliation agreement. Therefore, they remain members of the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church).

See the table below for financial details for each church:

*Note: Total apportionments received in 2023 was $553,000. That includes apportionments received from Ashley Emmanuel UMC and Milbank Central UMC of $131,935. However, since their disaffiliation vote occurred in 2022, they are not included in the disaffiliation table totals above.

The apportionment obligation received from disaffiliated churches in 2023 was used to bridge the budget shortfall in 2023. Conversely, pension obligations were deposited into our Pension Liability Fund established at the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations in 2023 for the sole purpose of covering future pension liabilities.

General Church Apportionments

Each General Church fund represents our core connectional giving and supports the UMC and its ministries in a variety of ways. These funds include: 1) World Service Fund, 2) Africa University Fund, 3) Black College Fund, 4) Episcopal Fund, 5) General Administration Fund, 6) Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, and 7) The Ministerial Education Fund. The Dakotas Conference paid General Church apportionments for 2023 totaling $474,838. This represents approximately 52% of our total apportionments allocated to the Dakotas Conference of $911,219. However, it is important to note that we paid 100% of two (of seven) General Church funds: 1) Africa University and 2) Episcopal Fund in 2023. As mentioned last year, while it is always our goal to pay 100% apportionments to the General Church, meeting

the full obligation for 2024 was unrealistic primarily due to the impacts of the pandemic and disaffiliation since the apportionment calculation was based on the 2016 General Conference methodology.

The General Church apportionments to the Dakotas Conference for 2025 is $536,152. The 2025 budget includes 100% of our General Church apportionments and represents slightly more than half the total General Church apportionments allocated to the Dakotas Conference in 2024. This is due to GCFA lowering the base rate percentage (from the 2016 base rate) that was approved at General Conference and reflects the effects of church disaffiliation.

Reserves

As I mentioned last year, fortunately the Conference has various reserves available for use through this transitional period. These reserves include $1.24 million invested in five Certificates of Deposit. The Conference also has reserve funds invested at the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations of approximately $1.01 million as well as funds in the Conference operating account to meet current needs. Lastly, we also have approximately $1.09 million that was allocated several years ago by the Board of Pensions in the Transitional Reserve Fund. This fund has decreased from approximately $1.33 million at the end of 2022, due to using a portion of these funds to create grants for churches negatively impacted by the disaffiliation process. With these reserves in place, the Conference is currently in a solid financial position that will help us meet our short-term budget shortfalls.

Staffing

To say we have gone through staffing transitions since our last Annual Conference would be an understatement! First, Dana Bassett has taken over the role of Assistant Treasurer and continues to be an anchor for our office. She is the most experienced member of our team, and her knowledge is a blessing as we train new staff. Dana will continue to assume more responsibility in the months ahead, including managing our insurance policies and assisting with our annual Conference audit. Thank you, Dana, for all you continue to do to keep our Conference running smoothly!

We also have several new faces in the Finance & Benefits/Human Resources office. First, Kathy Roll joined us part-time in September 2023 and processes our payroll, camp receipts, and assists with other accounting functions, e.g., bank reconciliations and staff credit card expense processing. We are blessed to have her on our team! I’m also pleased to report that JoAnn Early was hired in December 2023 and assumed the role of Conference Benefits and Human Resources Officer. Many of you know JoAnn since she served as Operations/Finance Director for several local churches in the Bismarck, ND, area. JoAnn is doing a fantastic job leading our benefits and human resources functions and has already made a big impact in our office, for example, by helping us enhance our Conference policies and procedures. She also brings a great sense of humor and energy to our office as she helps clergy and conference staff with all things benefits and human resources.

Kaylynn Schutte recently joined our team in April 2024 and serves as our Finance & Benefits/HR Assistant. Kaylynn is a Mitchell, SD, native and most recently managed Cool Beans in Mitchell. She is also a proud graduate of DWU. Go Tigers! She will be assisting our office with a variety of responsibilities, including processing staff credit card expenses, church and individual receipts, assisting with clergy benefits and training, and human resources. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team!

Lastly, a special thanks goes out to both JoAnn Schlimgen and Leana Stunes, who have continued to support our office on a part-time basis as they assist with training our new staff. Thank you, ladies, for your continued assistance. You have both been a blessing to me and to our entire Conference!

Other Financial Support

Since other financial support from individuals and local churches is not included in our apportioned budget, I wanted to give you a summary of the support our Dakotas Conference members and churches have provided to various ministries throughout our Conference and broader United Methodist connection. I am pleased to report that these individual and church donations total approximately $500,000 in 2023! These funds provided much needed financial support to various projects and ministries, including (but not limited to) our three Dakotas Conference Camps, Spirit Lake Ministries, Solar Oven Partners, UMCOR, Tree of Life, Abbott House, World Poverty and Hunger, Thanksgiving Offering, Native American Awareness, UM Student Day, UMCOR Sunday, World Service Specials, and the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Supporting these ministries makes an enormous difference and is life-giving to many people throughout the Conference and the world. Thank you for your generosity!

Final Thoughts

I am hopeful and excited to see what God has in store for us as we re-focus our attention on our core ministries and what God has called us to do, as we continue tour mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I am eager to hear from you, so please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or requests. My email is jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org or you can reach me at 605990-7786 or 605-550-2243. God bless you as you continue in the good work of God’s kin-dom in the Dakotas Conference!

Jim Ducker, Treasurer

*Change is comparing the 2025 Budget to the 2024 Spending Plan.

**Includes apportionments received from disaffiliating churches in 2023 of approximately $553,000. Apportionments received net of this amount for 2023 is approximately $2,391,000. The apportionment estimates for 2024 and 2025 were reduced portionately by the reduction in apportionment percentage each year (i.e., 13.5% in 2024 and 13.0% in 2025).

^Interest and investment income from our CCFA savings reserves as well as interest earned on our operating account.

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

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

Section 2: Consent Calendar

2.1 Cabinet Resolutions

1. WHEREAS the following congregations have voted to recommend dissolution as a United Methodist congregation;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that these congregations be recognized with thanks to God for their faithful service, and that they be officially discontinued under the provisions of The Book of Discipline, paragraph 2549 by the Dakotas Annual Conference:

Northeast:

Northwest: Bethesda, Elgin, N.D. McClusky, N.D., Nortonville, N.D.

Southeast:

Southwest:

2. THAT July 1, 2024, be designated as the beginning of all new appointments for 2024-2025, 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.

3. 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.

4. THAT both congregations and pastors be sensitive and respectful as to the transition of pastoral leadership in a charge. Negotiations between the Staff-Parish Relations chair, and the incoming and outgoing 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.

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

2.2 Equitable Compensation

The purpose of Equitable Compensation is to work with the District Superintendents in the effort to support congregations as they strive to become viable (Rule 1.4). This is done by A) providing salary support grants to Churches/Charges served by a full-time United Methodist pastor and B) making an annual recommendation of the minimum compensation needed by 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 three years after the calculation year, i.e., the 2025 CAC is calculated using the 2022 compensation figures. Due to the pension rebates paid to clergy in 2021 and 2022, the CAC reported to the Dakotas Conference from Wespath for 2024 and 2025 were abnormally high ($84,767 and $81,594, respectively). Therefore, the CAC’s for 2024 and 2025 were adjusted by increasing the CAC by the five-year average increase in CAC of 2.84% and 2.65%, respectively, preventing a decrease in the equitable compensation calculation from 2024 to 2025. For 2025, the adjusted CAC is calculated as follows: $75,241 * 1.0265 = $77,234.

The charges which received Equitable Compensation support in 2023 included the following: Garretson, Montrose, Flandreau, Plankinton, Clark, and Langdon.

2.3 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 2025 and for all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Joel Winckler - $30,000

• Rebecca Trefz - $32,665

• Brandon Vetter - $34,000 (effective 7/1/2024)

• Dan Bader - $30,000

• Kris Mutzenberger - $1,500

• Nicole Anderson - $5,000

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that of the cash salary paid to the following persons the following housing exclusions are hereby designated for July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024:

• Jen Tyler – $30,000 (annualized)

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 2025 and all future years unless otherwise provided:

• Dan Bader - $25,548

• Rebecca Trefz - $25,548

• Brandon Vetter - $25,548 (effective 7/1/2024)

• Joel Winckler - $25,548

• Kris Mutzenberger - $25,548

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 July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024:

• Jen Tyler - $25,500 (annualized)

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

2.4 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 2025 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.

Committee / Agency

THE COMMON TABLE (CT)

(3 Lay, 3 Clergy) Description: The Common Table partners with the Bishop and Cabinet to steward the Conference vision and resources of the Dakotas Annual Conference.

Ex officio (with vote)

Ex officio (without vote)

CONFERENCE CHANCELLORS

THE EXTENDED CABINET

Section 3: Elected Leaders

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

CONFERENCE

Jeanne Sortland 2020 Chair, Clergy

Michele Slott 2022 Clergy at large

Rod Knock 2023 Clergy at large

Cody Warns 2014 Lay at large

Terry Nebelsick 2021 Lay at large

Ex officio (without vote)

MISSIONAL LEADERS LINK

Description: The Developing Missional Leaders Link convenes several groups that are charged with ensuring systems and resources are in place to develop a Culture of Call and Discipleship. They also ensure processes are in place to be empowered to live that call, and to be equipped to become leaders in their local churches, and ministries throughout the Conference.

Standing Committee (Member with vote)

Ex officio (with vote)

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY (BOM)

Description: The BOM is responsible for recruitment, credentialing, and care of candidates for ordained and licensed ministry.

701-320-1477 pastorjeannes@gmail.com

605-390-8757 PastorMich.SD@gmail.com

605-759-4017 hilltopumcpastorrodney@gmail.com

605-480-0369 cwarns@hotmail.com

605-354-0050 terrynebelsick@gmail.com

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

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

Brandon Vetter 2024 Cabinet Representative (SE DS) 605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

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

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

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 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 bishopsoffice@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

Brandon Vetter 2024 SE District Superintendent 605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

Dan Bader 2022 SW DS (District Superintendent) 701-840-9802 dan.bader@dakotasumc.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 605-990-7786 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@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

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

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

DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS

Melissa Gall 2022 Chair & CCYM Representative

605-880-4500 melissa.gall@hotmail.com

Taryn Ragels 2024 Clergy  605-999-7368 taryn@mitchellfusion.com

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

Jo Anne Hipple 2020 SW Co-Lay Leader

Scott McKirdy 2022 Clergy

605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

605-269-1358 mckirdyscott@gmail.com

Bethany Severson 2024 Lay bethany.severson@hotmail.com

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

Rebecca Trefz 2024 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@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

Director of Lay Servant Ministries - to be filled

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

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

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

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

Jen Tyler 2018 Conference Relations Chair 605-868-8164 pastorjent@gmail.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. & LLP registrar 701-329-1810 imrickcraig@icloud.com

Keith Nelson 2022 SE District Representative 605-996-7721 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Jeff Lathrop

605-270-3185 marilynspurrell@gmail.com

Ex officio (with vote)

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Description: The committee on nominations works to identify clergy and lay leadership to serve on various boards and committees at the Conference and district levels.

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Chang Yi 2012 Clergy

Ex officio (without vote)

CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRY COUNCIL (CRMC)

Description: The CRMC is an Area-wide advisory committee that supports the mission, vision and values of camping ministries.

701-772-1893 pastorchangyi@gmail.com

Scott McKirdy 2023 Clergy 605-642-3457 mckirdyscott@gmail.com

Sharla McCaskell 2014 BOM Rep. to Miss. Leaders 605-484-4588 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

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

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

Rita Lepp 2023 Lay 701-391-4521 rlepp@bis.midco.net

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

Suzanne Hoskins 2024 NE District 601-833-0160 susanneh@srt.com

Wayne Millar 2024 NE District 701-403-0878 millarwd@msn.com

NE District - to be filled

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

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

John Britt 2024 SW District 605-787-2414 pastorjohnbritt@gmail.com

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

NW District - to be filled

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 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

Amber Laffey 2024 Clergy 605-239-4343 laffeyad@gmail.com

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

Rydel Samuelson 2024 Clergy 605-384-5382 pastorrydel@gmail.com

Erin Woods 2022 Lay 605-348-1080 erin.woods@clumc.com Ex officio (without vote)

Auxiliary / Invited (without vote)

CONF. COUNCIL ON YOUTH MINISTRIES (CCYM)

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

Nicole Anderson 2023 Site Director, Lake Poinsett 605-237-6786 pastrixnicole@gmail.com

Tanner Clark 2023 Site Director, Storm Mountain 605-343-4391 tanner.clark@dakcamps.org

Lori Faleide 2024 Site Directors, Wesley Acres 701-733-2413 wac@dakcamps.org

Peggy Hanson 2016 Chair, Clergy 562-505-6363 pastorphanson@gmail.com

Seth LaBounty 2024 Clergy 308-641-2761 pastor.labounty@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Quaya Ackerman 2024 SW District Coordinator 701-261-6492 pastorquaya.rvumc@gmail.com

District Youth Representatives (to be elected at AC2024 CCYM meeting)

MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS LINK

Description: This link partners with conference staff and leadership to support the work of planting new churches and revitalizing congregations.

Ex officio (without vote)

MISSIONAL IMPACT LINK

Description: This link equips the local church

EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS

Becky Holten 2022 Chair - Lay

605-770-6184 beckyrholten@gmail.com Lay - to be filled

Andrea Hult 2024 Lay

Tia Felberg 2024 Clergy

Kori Lehrkamp 2020 Clergy

Matt Morrison 2018 Clergy

605-695-5243 andreahult@outlook.com

605-854-3149 kaplansmom@yahoo.com

605-430-4389 koriannlehrkamp@hotmail.com

605-366-5009 matt@sfasbury.org

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

Lanette Plambeck 2023 Bishop 612-230-6152 bishopsoffice@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

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 Janice Thompson 2024 Clergy 605-370-8731 janicelthompson68@gmail.com

by providing avenues connecting in local, regional, and worldwide missions. They also provide resources to help churches reach into their communities.

Standing Committees (Membership with vote)

Ex officio (with vote)

Ex officio (without vote)

NON-PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY CONCERNS AND MINISTRIES

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Laura Borman 2017 Clergy

INTER-METHODIST STANDING COMMITTEE

Description: This Committee was formed through legislatie action of the 2022 Annual Conference to explore cross-Methodist parnerships.

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF)

Description: UWF 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.

UNITED METHODIST MEN

CONFERENCE COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (CCFA)

Description: CCFA oversees the management and care of the finances of the Dakotas Annual Conference including recommending an annual budget for approval at Annual Conference as well as setting policies and procedures for the stewardship and the use of funds raised through apportionments and other assets

Ex officio (without vote)

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

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

Al Roll 2020 Secretary of Global Ministries 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

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

Shirley Deethardt UWF Mission Coord. for Education 402-580-2741 kittylovex2@windstream.net

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

Quaya Ackerman 2024 Chair - Clergy 605-393-1526 pastorquaya.rvumc@gmail.com

Veronica Fleming 2024 Clergy 701-967-8559 pastorveronica@arthurumc.org

Katie Clark 2024 Lay 701-840-3448 katieoclark@gmail.com

Gene Mason 2024 Lay 605-484-1108 Circleoffriends@rap.midco.net

Al Aman 2024 Lay 701-320-6555 aaman@csicable.net

Josh Russiff 2024 Lay Russiffj@gmail.com

Rebecca Trefz 2022 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

Fern Bailey 2022 Lay fmbailey@wah.midco.net

Connie Eichinger 2022 Clergy 605-787-5799 godaboveall@hotmail.com

Mary Hayenga 2022 Lay mhayenga@nvc.net

Rodney Knock 2022 Clergy 605-759-4017 hilltopumcpastorrodney@gmail.com

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

John Lomheim 2022 Lay jlomheim02@gmail.com

Lou Whitmer 2022 Clergy 701-240-5346 pastorlou@nvc.net

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

Linda Smith 2024 Treasurer 605-350-0520 ldsmith@hur.midco.net

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

Alexis Huff 2022 Membership Nurture and Outreach 701-482-7777 alexishuff@hotmail.com

Shirley Deethardt 2023 Education and Interpretation 402-580-2741 kittylovex2@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

Sherry Heaton 2020 Nominations Chair (end 2025) 701-527-0797 slheaton@bektel.com

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

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

Jan Petersen 2020 Committee on Nominations (end 2024) 605-638-0922 kjpeterse@gmail.com

Debra Richardson Committee on Nominations (end 2026) 605-580-6846 d.a.r.rosetree333@gmail.com

President - to be filled

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

GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

Jim Griebel 2024 Lay 612-961-7478 jbg@alliancecom.net

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

Andrea Johnson 2024 Clergy 605-310-8333 pastorandrea@northhighlandumc.org

Thanael Certa-Werner 2024 Clergy 715-718-1992 revthanael@gmail.com

Clergy - to be filled

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

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-990-7786 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

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

Al Roll 2023 Board of Pensions Rep. 701-391-2015 al.roll@dakotasumc.org

Joel Winckler 2024 Cabinet Representative (NW DS) 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

BOARD OF PENSIONS & HEALTH BENEFITS (BOPHB)

Description: The BOP administers the pension,

Anne Osborne 2012 Chair - laywoman 701-368-9815 aosborne@wheatworld.org

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

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

Committee / Agency

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 accomplish its mission.

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Jack Erickson 2014 Member - Clergy

Ex officio (without vote)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)

Description: The BOT's ministry is to care for the property of the Conference, making it available for the agencies of the Conference, and investing funds so that the proceeds can be used to fund ministry.

Ex officio (without vote)

HUMAN RESOURCES (HRC)

Description: The HRC partners with Conference leadership in developing and following policies and procudures related to Conference staff.

Ex officio (without vote)

COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY (CAH)

Description: Your Commission on Archives and History conducts a ministry of memory in our conference. The Conference Archives are housed at Dakota Wesleyan University.

605-448-2900 jack@venturecomm.net

Ryan Mutzenberger 2023 Member - Clergy 701-232-4416 pastorryan@firstumcfargo.org

Shawn Culey 2015 Member - layman 605-360-8352 Shawn.Culey@dakotasumc.org

Leana Stunes 2023 Member - laywoman 605-999-5267 leanastunes1@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Curtis VanDyke 2023 Member - Layman curtis.vandyke@agcountry.com

Bruce Dekrey 2024 Member - Layman 701-226-4883 bddekrey@bis.midco.net Member - laywoman - To be filled

JoAnn Early 2023 Conference Benefits and HR Officer 605-990-7785 Joann.Early@dakotasumc.org

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-990-7786 jim.ducker@dakotasumc.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob Ruedebusch 2024 Clergy 605-484-1502 rrudyds@gmail.com

Ron McLean 2024 Lay 701-200-9600 rmclean@serklandlaw.com

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

Jim Ducker 2023 Director of Finances, Treasurer 605-990-7786 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 Cabinet Representative (NW DS) 701-269-9960 joel.winckler@dakotasumc.org

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.midco.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

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

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

Brandon Vetter 2024 Cabinet Representative (SE DS) 605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org

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

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

Elisabeth Jassmann Massingill 2024 Clergy 605-222-6172 mej3953@yahoo.com

Carole Knodle 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

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

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

Committee / Agency

(Appointed by the Bishop)

Description: The Sessions Committee plans the Dakotas Annual

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Kris Mutzenberger 2024 Cabinet Representative to be filled

701-532-0455 kris.mutzenberger@dakotasumc.org

Karl Rockeman 2023 Conference Co-Lay Leader 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

Brandon Vetter 2024 Host DS 605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

Host Team Clergy - to be filled

Host Volunteer Coordinator - to be filled

Thanael Certa-Werner 2023 Worship Coordinator 715-718-1992 revthanael@gmail.com

Lou Whitmer 2016 Worship Coordinator 701-240-5346 pastorlou@nvc.net

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7781 rebecca.trefz@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

4 clergy + 3 lay (nominated by the Bishop)

Description: T o consider judicial complaints against clergy members of the Annual Conference, clergy members on honorable location or administrative location from that Annual Conference, local pastors, and diaconal ministers.

COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY (COE)

7-17 members (one fifth appointed by the Bishop) Description: This committee is the liaison between our Conference and the Bishop. It is similar to a local church PPRC. It works in partnership with the Minnesota and North Central Jurisdiction Committees on Episcopacy.

RECORDS, RULES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE DISASTER RESPONSE

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

Clergy - to be filled

Clergy - to be filled

Lay

Joanne Ottmar 2017 Lay

701-252-7229 jottmar@ottmarlaw.com

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

Clergy Alternates (3) - recruit as needed

Lay Alternates (6) - recruit as needed

Lay - to be filled

John Srstka 2021 Conference Co-Lay Leader

605-941-6048 j1srstka@aol.com

Jennifer Tyler 2016 Clergy 605-868-8164 pastorjent@gmail.com

Mary Lee Nielson 2024 Lay 701-840-1580 vcmarylee@gmail.com

Keith Nelson 2017 Clergy

605-630-6586 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Karl Rockeman 2024 Lay 701-590-9093 cowboyk79@gmail.com

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

Rebecca Trefz 2014 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 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 Coordinator - to be filled

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

Nancy Manning 2023 Operations & Representative to the South 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

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

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

Rebecca Trefz 2024 Bishop Assistant for Connections & Communication 605-990-7791 rebecca.trefz@dakotasumc.org At Large - to be filled At Large - to be filled

DAKOTAS METHODIST FOUNDATION

Dave Page 2016 Chair, Lay

605-467-0302 d.dpage@outlook.com

Cory Thrall 2022 Vice Chair, Clergy 701-319-1137 thrallcory@gmail.com

Richard Wahlstrom 2018 Secretary/ Treasurer - Lay 605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

Jeff Nelson 2016 Past Chair, Lay 605-376-5388 jeff@605advantage.com

Teresa Person 2021 Clergy

605-352-6227 pianoperson@live.com

Steve Pietila 2015 Lay 605-760-4916 spietila@firstdakota.com

Bob Ruedebusch 2017 Clergy 605-484-1502 rudy@rap.midco.net

Eric Walth 2018 Lay 701-220-6331 ericwalth@gmail.com

Sheri Meister 2014 President/CEO Dakotas and Minnesota

605-990-7789 sheri.meister@dkmnmf.org

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

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

DISTRICT NOMINATIONS

NORTHEAST DISTRICT (NE) Elizabeth Ewing-Lee NE District Lay Leader 701-361-3231 ewinglee@yahoo.com Rob Salmonson Chair, Clergy

NE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

605-933-0077 robsalmonson@hotmail.com

Committee

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Veronica Fleming Clergy

Kori Lehrkamp Clergy

NE Building and Location Committee

NE Superintendency Committee

NE Committee on Nominations

701-756-7272 pastorv2017@gmail.com

701-642-6202 koriannlehrkamp@hotmail.com

Martin Avery Clergy mavery1219@hotmail.com

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

Carol Windels Lay cwindels@umn.edu

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

Chuck Engels Lay engels@iw.net

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

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

Melissa Gall Clergy 605-880-4500 melissa.gall@hotmail.com

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

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

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

Robbie Daugherty NE Superintendency Chair, Lay NORTHWEST DISTRICT (NW)

NW District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Lisa Rhodes NW District Lay Leader

Rick Craig Chair, Clergy

NW Buildings and Location Committee

NW Superintendency Committee

NW Committee on Nominations

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT (SE)

SE District Committee on Ordained Ministry

701-400-5840 lgrhodes1@yahoo.com

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

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

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

Lay - to be filled

Bruce Adams Clergy

605-641-6500 bruceadams2261@yahoo.com

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

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

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

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

Don Vanderlip Clergy (LLP) 605-371-2065 vanderlip99@yahoo.com

Susan Jennys Clergy (LLP) 605-368-0510 UMPastor.susanj@outlook.com

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

Lay - to be filled

Troy Hansen Lay

Val Melmer Lay

605-263-3104 ethansen@iw.net

605-280-4035 valmelmer@hotmail.com

Committee

SE Building and Location

SE Superintendency Committee

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Brandon Vetter SE District Superintendent

Gary Rae Clergy

Keith Nelson Clergy

John Claggett Lay

Brandon Vetter SE District Superintendent

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader

Diane Kisch Lay

Charles Schnabel Lay

Alisha Vincent Lay

Teresa Person Clergy

Charlie Moore Clergy

Seth LaBounty Clergy

605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

605-940-7865 gary.w.rae@gmail.com

605-630-6586 keith@downtownfirstumc.com

605-770-7248 johnclaggett@mit-tel.net

605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org

605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

605-665-1500 dkischfumc@gmail.com

605-692-5655 cvschnabel@brookings.net

605-995-2937 alvincen@dwu.edu

605-691-2070 pianoperson@live.com

605-270-3945 pastorcharlie@sunnycrest.org

308-641-2761 pastor.labounty@gmail.com

Brandon Vetter SE District Superintendent 605-996-6552 brandon.vetter@dakotasumc.org SE Nominations

Nancy Hallenbeck SE District Co-Lay Leader

Amber Laffey Clergy

SOUTHWEST

DISTRICT (SW) Jo Anne Hipple SW District Lay Leader

SW District Committee on Ordained Ministry

Jeff Lathrop Chair, Clergy

Julia Jones Secretary, Lay

Richard Wahlstrom Lay

Jo Anne Hipple SW District Lay Leader

Jenene Earl Clergy

Sharla McCaskell Clergy

Greg Kroger Clergy

Jeff Adel Clergy

Ashley Alsup Lay

SW Building and Location Committee

605-360-2352 nghallenbeck@gmail.com

605-990-7791 conference.secretary@dakotasumc.org

605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

605-682-9447 pastorjeff@pierrefirstumc.org

605-280-2670 juliajonesaud@gmail.com

605-484-7761 rkw68@live.com

605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

605-720-5578 ljearl@outlook.com

605-343-7145 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

605-321-3342 gregscot@gmail.com

605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

605-390-4296 ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

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

Sharla McCaskell Clergy

Jeff Adel Clergy

Robert Puffer Lay

David Bonde Lay

Mike Barrett Lay

SW Superintendency

605-343-7145 knollwoodpastor@gmail.com

605-350-5159 pastorjeffa@gmail.com

605-745-4819 puffer@gwtc.net

605-280-9680 ldbonde@pie.midco.net

605-391-7575 rvbarrett@rap.midco.net

Kent Nyman Lay 507-202-9127 melvinnymann@gmail.com

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

Jo Anne Hipple Chair, SW District Co-Lay Leader

Ashley Alsup Lay

Janelle Jones Lay

George Keehner Lay

Linda Purvis Lay

Greg Kroger Clergy

SW Committee on Nominations

TREE OF LIFE MINISTRY

Ex officio

OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY CENTER –BOARD OF DIRECTORS

605-222-0357 joanne.hipple@outlook.com

605-390-4296 ashleyalsup@hotmail.com

605-641-7731 jljones@midco.net

605-431-9216 george_k44@hotmail.com

605-830-1188 lkpurvis@goldenwest.net

605-321-3342 gregscot@gmail.com

Sharla McCaskell 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

Randy Burnison Chairman

Cheryl Nyman Vice Chair

Dennis Unkenholz Member

Jerry Bottger Member

Dr. Tom Gilmore Member

Steve Meister Member

Linda Garriott Executive Director

Linda Baldock Clergy, Recorder

605-350-6978 rgburnison@santel.net

507-202-0115 pastorcnyman@gmail.com

605-280-4581 dgu47@aol.com

605-593-6873 jerbearremember@yahoo.com

605-665-8303 tojan41@yahoo.com

815-409-2729 steveo0151@aol.com

605-856-4266 treeoflife@gwtc.net

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

Rob Gilkerson Chair robgilkerson@gmail.com

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

SOLAR OVEN PARTNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (SOP) Ex Officio

II. ELECTED LEADERSHIP

Names in italics indicate laity.

Jim Karn Member, Lay

701-226-4712

Londa Holen Member, Lay holen@bis.midco.net

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 Manager 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 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

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

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

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

Dakotas Conference Secretary, Rev. Amber Laffey

Amber is seeking a second term as Conference Secretary. She currently serves as the pastor at Alexandria United Methodist Church in South Dakota. She is on track to be ordained as a deacon. Amber brings blessings and joy to those that she serves.

Before entering ministry, Amber worked at the Conference Office as the Director of Higher

Dakotas Conference Treasurer, Jim Ducker

Jim is seeking his first term as Conference Treasurer. He began as the Dakotas Conference Executive Director of Finance and Administration on January 1, 2023.

Jim is a certified internal auditor, is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Minnesota, and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors. He has served as the senior auditor at AgriBank of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ground. She is a graduate of Kairos University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the University of Bellevue in Nebraska.

She is married to Tyler. Together they have four children, three girls and one boy. Thney live in Parkston, South Dakota.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business and a minor in Accounting at South Dakota State University and master’s in Accounting and Information Management from The University of Texas—Dallas.

He is a native of Milbank, South Dakota. Jim is married to Rev. Krista Ducker. They live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dakotas Conference Statistician, Rev. Joel Winckler

This will be Rev. Joel Winckler's first term as Conference Statistician. He currently serves as the Northwest District Superintendent for the Dakotas Conference.

Joel has served the Dakotas Conference at Harrisburg, S.D., First UMC in Aberdeen, S.D. Calvary UMC in Fargo, N.D. , and St. Paul's UMC in Jamestown, N.D.

Joel attended Asbury in Kentucky for his undergraduate and Master of Divinty. Before entering ministry he managed an apartment complex in Mandon.

He is a native of Mandon, N.D. Where he currently lives with his wife, Kris live. They enjoy antiques and exploring history

Dakotas Conference Co-Lay Leader, Karl Rockeman

Karl was elected for as Co-Lay Leader in 2022, and is seeking to return to that leadership position.

Karl Rockeman attended The United Methodist Church in Donnybrook, N. D.. He was baptized and confirmed there. In that church, he grew as a follower of Jesus and in his understanding of the importance of every member of the body of Christ. He says, “The

Dakotas Conference Co-Lay Leader, John Srstka

John is seeking to continue as Co-Lay Leader. Just sitting in the pew and consuming worship is not an option for John Srstka, a member at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is constantly looking for ways to engage others in knowing Christ and digging deeper into being and making disciples.

John acknowledges that his wife Cindy was

United Methodist Church is a church of and for the people. The work of the laity is vital. It is not up to the pastor to do everything. It is everybody’s responsibility.”

In 2021, Karl’s congregation, Dickinson Prairie Winds, voted (by one vote) to disaffiliate from the UMC. Karl with others led those who wanted to remain United Methodist to form Dickinson UMC.

instrumental in the development of his faith. It had been important for her to marry in The United Methodist Church, and when they later moved, it was important that they look for a local United Methodist church community.

John’s challenge is, as a disciple, to have at least one or two people he’s working with them to help them come along their faith journey.

4.1 Common Table

Section 4: Conference Reports

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” These words from Colossians 3:15 apply to the approach the Common Table has taken in our tasks. We aspire to be seekers of peace when coordinating and prioritizing the ministries and resources of the Dakotas Annual Conference, always keeping our minds set on the most important work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The responsibility of the Common Table was to review disaffiliation checklists for churches that chose to disaffiliate from the UMC. Each church that decided to proceed with disaffiliation from the UMC completed a procedural checklist with guidance from their District Superintendent. The Common Table reviewed those checklists to ensure no critical steps were missed in the process and that there had been communication with members of the churches throughout.

Several churches in the Dakotas Conference had difficult, painful, and close votes as they discerned whether to remain in our United Methodist connection or to disaffiliate and go another direction. Congregations experienced deep fracturing and membership losses. This resulted in tithes and offerings received in those churches to be substantially lower than they had previously been. The Dakotas Conference had prepared for this possibility by establishing a Transitional Reserve Fund from which the conference or these churches could draw to alleviate some of their financial distress. The District Superintendents presented the names of churches remaining UMC that had experienced significant harm and recommended funding needs to help sustain those churches. The Common Table, along with Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) and Board of Pensions (BOP), approved grants for disbursement. Fourteen churches were initially awarded grants from the Transitional Reserve Fund, with another three churches subsequently receiving funds.

Significant budgetary realignments will be required in the Dakotas Annual Conference due to a loss of approximately 25-35% apportionment income as a result of disaffiliated churches. Jim Ducker, our new Executive Director of Finance and Administration/Treasurer, has been instrumental in projecting income and expenses to assist with budgeting. District Superintendents have taken on additional responsibilities as we reduce the need for contracted services. Conference staff have also been assuming increased duties to minimize the need for hiring to replace retiring employees. The monies received from disaffiliating churches have helped to offset the reduced apportionment income, and funds had been reserved to assist in this transitional time, so we are grateful that we have not needed to make rash decisions as we work together to reduce the Conference’s budgetary needs. These funds will not sustain us indefinitely yet having them to resource our ministries is a blessing at the present time.

The Cabinet, in conjunction with the Conference Council on Finance and Administration, presented the Common Table with an updated Conference Move Policy, requesting that the policy be approved so it could be immediately instated. Updates to the Move Policy were needed based on a number of factors: decreasing customer service and flexibility from our previous moves and moving company, the contract for the moving company was up this year, other annual conferences are moving to this same style of policy, this policy would increase flexibility of choices for our clergy to determine the “how” of their move, and continuing to provide adequate and equitable funding for moves. The updated policy was accepted and will now be brought to the Annual Conference for adoption.

We are pleased to welcome Kim and Paulette Paulson as the new directors of Spirit Lake Ministry. Paulsons assumed responsibility in time to coordinate the distribution of 5,000 Shoebox Christmas gifts to Native American children across seven reservations. Kim and Paulette are passionate about serving the people of Spirit Lake Nation, and we look forward to supporting them in their ministry.

Solar Oven Partners Director Christopher Sylvah and three volunteers traveled to Sierra Leone for twelve days in March. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen our trans-Atlantic partnership while working in three different distribution centers. Sylvah was also part of a six-person team that served 10 days on an education mission in the Dominican Republic. There continues to be a great need for solar ovens in these areas and we will remain committed to the mission of Solar Oven Partners.

The Fresh Expressions movement continues to generate ministry momentum in the Dakotas Conference. We have contracted with Rev. Michael Beck of the Florida Conference of the UMC to inspire and coach churches to reach out in new and exciting ways as they help others discover the love and grace of Jesus Christ. New ministries in the Dakotas Conference have been started based on the philosophy Fresh Expressions, such as Flame of Faith’s Drinks and Doubts, Mission Bismarck’s teaching Ukrainian refugees how to drive, Park River’s Shout Worship, and many more.

Our Dakotas Conference clergy continue to be trained, cared for, and supported. Some programs for clergy are Higher Ground, Scripture Circles, the Clergy Epiphany Gathering, and the Clergy Leadership Academy. Resources are also offered to clergy in the following areas: Total Well-Being, Financial Well-Being, Mental/Emotional Well-Being, Physical Well-Being, and Spiritual Well-Being. Individual Spiritual Direction and coaching may be offered to clergy based upon recommendation from a District Superintendent.

New energy and passion for mission and ministry are revealing themselves in the Dakotas Conference as we begin to move past the pain of disaffiliations. Our connection is a valuable part of who we are as United Methodists and followers of Jesus Christ. May we lean into the power of our connection as we focus our efforts on helping others to know Jesus Christ by serving them in his name. In the words of 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

Submitted by

Jeanne M. Sortland, chair,

Common Table

4.2 Conference Commission on Archives and History (CAH)

Your Commission on Archives and History conducts a ministry of memory in our conference. This ministry really is as old as our faith. When we read the Scriptural record, we find our faith ancestors preserved the facts of their history in poetry, prose, and even artifacts. We preserve the actual history (as opposed to some sanitized version of it) so that we might maintain a Christian heritage. We preserve the actual history so that we might know what it means to be United Methodist. We study our history to trace the path of our heritage. We study the past to avoid past pitfalls and repeat past glories. We study the past to envision a brighter future.

The way we conduct this ministry is by enacting the functions enumerated in ¶641 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2016 edition.

Once again in the past year, the archives became an integral part of the disaffiliation process, as records of closed and disaffiliated churches were transferred to our archives. Some of those records already have been used for research. Our archives are available to the public, regardless of denomination.

Our 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 18 years, and we are grateful for the partnership we have with the DWU archives, especially their collections relating to the late U.S Senators Francis Case and George McGovern, who were both Methodists. We believe co-locating our separate archives with a common archivist adds cost-effective value to both institutions.

Additionally, your 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. She also serves on the board of the South Dakota Historical Society.

This past year, the commission met three times – once here at annual conference and the other two times on Zoom. This past year, the archives was blessed to add the services of a student worker and a volunteer from LifeQuest, a non-profit in Mitchell that provides services for adults with developmental disabilities. This is working out well and many materials are being accessioned.

Jubilee Clergy: Assuming this report is accepted, we will recognize this year the following persons as jubilee clergy: Marilyn Spurrell and Bert VanEssen.

2025 Budget Proposal: Your commission was able to find a way to cut 0.42% of its budget request from 2024 ($172) by doing away with in-person meetings, suspending contributions to an account attempting to pre-fund the eventual printing of the written update of our official conference history, and not funding travel costs of delegates to the annual meeting of the North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History (NCJCAH). Except for the $100 the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) asked us to budget for miscellaneous, every dollar is critical to our mission. In fact, in 2024, we expect that apportionment dollars will buy grave markers for the first time in 18 years. We welcome any private donations for that effort, but we feel that marking the graves of recently deceased clergy members of our conference is part of our history-preservation ministry that benefits the whole conference. Those grave markers are presented to the families at the funeral or memorial service of the deceased clergy member according to our commission’s policy. With shipping and taxes, these cost about $170 each. Please understand that fixed costs now represent 97.6% of our budget (up 1.9 percentage points from 2024), or all but $950. (As of this writing, CCFA has not notified the commission that its proposal was considered. So, the amount you have before you may differ from the $40,403 requested.)

Transitions: This year, we welcomed four new members elected at the 2023 annual conference: Cindy A. Heidelberger (as of this writing a lay woman from Sioux Falls Asbury), Dr. Bob Horne (a layman from Fargo First), Rev. Rod Knock (a clergyman serving Sioux Falls Hilltop), and Carol Knodle (a laywoman from West Fargo Flame of Faith). We have no terms that are up for election this year. This is the last year that our chair, Rev. Duane Coates (serving Valley City Epworth) is chair of the NCJCAH, a position he’s held for eight years because of the pandemic postponement of the 2020 General Conference. He opted not to seek a “second” quadrennium on the General Commission of Archives and History, a position he’s also held for eight years. So, without an ex-officio reason for him to stay on the commission, Coates will no longer be eligible for re-election once the suspension of the term-limits rule sunsets at the next annual conference. At that point, he will have served on the commission 19 years. So, there will be an opening to serve in the 2025-26 appointment year. If you are interested, please see a member of the commission or the Nominations Committee.

Conference History Update: One of our commissioners and the chair of the Dakotas Conference Historical Society, the Rev. Dr. Stephen

Perry, continues updating the conference’s written history. In February of 2023, he posted online the fifth of a proposed seven chapters. You may see his work at https://dakotahistorianblog.wordpress.com/

Submitted by

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

4.3 Communications

The Dakotas Conference communication team continues to tell the story of the ministries of the Dakotas Conference. The website—www. dakotausmc.org, 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 2,500 viewers per week.

This Week @ Dakotas, weekly announcements, provides a venue to share upcoming events, ministry announcements, and resources with local churches. Each week, there is an average of 2,000 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 10%. Facebook is the most popular channel with 1,500 average daily views. There is a conference presence on Instagram that has about 180 daily viewers.

Video contributes to telling the ministry story. This past year, the communications team produced more than 100 hours of video for the Dakotas-Minnesota area with more than 30,000 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 an 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

4.4 Sessions Committee Reports

The Sessions Committee has planned the June 6 - 8, 2024 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota. It will be held at Legacy United Methodist Church and McCabe United Methodist Church. The theme is “Jesus. Redeemer.” This draws on Isaiah 43:1.

Three Pre-Conference Gatherings are planned via Zoom webinar. These will help members understand how voting will occur, the 2024 budget proposal, the nominations report, the consent calendar, and other items. They will also include a time for questions.

Eight different learning sessions are scheduled through out the conference. These include Lunch and Learn Sessions and additional workshops. Ted-style talks will be a part of the Annual Conference.

Legislation will be voted upon, and reports will be presented. All worship services and plenary sessions will be available via livestream on the Conference website.

The Celebration of Life in Ministry Service will be held on Saturday June 8 at McCabe UMC in Bismarck.

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, Rebecca Trefz, Karl Rockerman, Al Roll, Lou Witmer, Thanael Certa-Werner, Doreen Gosmire, Duane Coates, Dayne Zachrison, Kris Mutzenberger, Susan Punt, and Bea Stucke. When you see them, please thank them.

Thanks for the Host Team members: Joel Winckler, Host District Superintendent, Brandon Vetter, Bismarck Legacy Host Clergy; Karl

Kroger, Bismarck McCabe Host Clergy; and Jen Chillemi Host Volunteer Coordinator. They worked with the Session Committee for the entire year. And thanks to all of those who assist them as volunteers for the 2024 Annual Conference. Please give these hard-working people your thanks too!

Planning for the 2025 Annual Conference has begun.

Respectfully Submitted by Kay Braun, chair, Sessions Committee

4.5 DEVELOPING MISSIONAL LEADERS

4.5.1 Board of Ordained Ministries (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 have streamlined the process for clergy to access short- and long-term renewal dollars and continuing education (CE) dollars. In a world of constant and chaotic change, we cannot encourage clergy strongly enough to take leave and utilize the CE dollars available as well as other resources available to let the Holy Spirit rejuvenate and replenish you. 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.

The Elisha and Samuel Projects have been exciting for the Dakotas Annual Conference. College students and high school students have the opportunity to explore pastoral 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. Elisha Interns for 2024-25 are Anna Mutzenberger (DWU Campus Ministry and Nate Meyers (DWU Campus Ministry. Samuel Interns for the 2024-25 are Cadence Weidner (Watertown First UMC) and Leah Aderhold (Lake Poinsett Camp, Madison UMC, DeSmet/Iroquois UMC).

We offer events and opportunities in the Dakotas Conference: Licensing School, Certified Lay Ministry School; 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

4.5.2 Dakotas-Minnesota Area United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry

Mission - Helping campers to experience Christ, Creation, and Community through camp and retreat ministries.

Core Values - Provide sacred places apart - Nurture Christian faith and discipleship - Teach creation care and appreciation - Partner with United Methodist churches and agencies - Extend Christian hospitality and community - Develop principled spiritual leaders - Inspire and equip lives for love and justice.

Outcomes - Disciples and leaders who hear and respond to God’s call to share faith, love, and accept everyone, serve others, and trust God. Lake Poinsett - Lake Poinsett – 2023 was the year of transformation at Lake Poinsett Camp! In the spring, we worked diligently alongside donors and volunteers to install a new playground where the old tire swing used to be and rebuild the deck around the retreat center. Both of these transformations have brought camp and retreat ministries to the next level. We also witnessed the transformation of so many campers and guests who experienced Christ, Creation, and Community. From 4-H and UBU (a camp for the deaf and hard of hearing) to family reunions to our United Methodist summer programming, we served over seven hundred people! Most of all, we saw the transformation of all that Christy Heflin and family have done for Lake Poinsett and Camping and Retreat ministries. After serving LPC for 9 years, Christy

accepted a job at Dakota State University. While we are sad to see her go, we know that God will use her and her gifts to bring transformation to DSU. Thank you, Christy, Jim, Spencer, and Bryce, for all you have given to camp!

Storm Mountain Center - With change comes opportunity, and Storm Mountain Center and lots of opportunity this year. We welcomed a new director, as well as new facilities and kitchen managers. The new ministry team at Storm Mountain hit the ground running, providing hospitality to over 2200 campers, guests, and volunteers throughout the year, hitting normal numbers for the first time since pre-covid! As the year wrapped up, we completed a roof replacement project for all the major buildings on site, as well as looked at our long-term vision planning. The future of Storm Mountain is full of continued opportunities for all to be involved, continuing the connectionism that the Dakotas Annual Conference has with camp.

Wesley Acres - Your camp in North Dakota was blessed with and nurtured a great staff again this year. From hospitality ministry with groups from all walks of life to the heart-to-heart connections with campers from across our conference, we witnessed spiritual and emotional growth as well as being able to walk alongside as individuals pushed their emotional and physical boundaries. Thanks to excellent training and a team mindset we were able to thrive within the very high standards we set for ourselves.

The biggest excitement for this summer was the addition of an ADA ramp onto a gigantic deck that also grants easier access to our main chapel building. This deck is also connected to a beautiful walking bridge across Baldhill Creek granting much better access to our property on the north side of the creek. We knew that this bridge would create new opportunities to engage with our high ropes course, yet it was exciting to see how we programmed those encounters differently giving more people chances to be a part of the challenge and group dynamic.

At the same time as we transformed our physical space, we also expanded our training to include neurodiversity training for our program staff. We created spaces for safe separation, have bags of sensory toys and equipment, and see each other as valuable and unique gifts to the community. When we are aware of what can make the camp experience better for each of our campers, we all have a better experience and more opportunities to meet Christ in a place apart.

2023 by the numbers – total summer camp registration 1063, an increase of 5.25% vs 2022. Church participation: 105 (58%) Dakotas UMC congregations sent one or more campers, registration breakdown includes 85% UMC, 11% other denominations, 4% unchurched. Camperships: $8,363.50 was awarded to forty-four campers to attend one event of their choice, churches paid $91,016.39 in local funds to support local church

Staffing Transitions and Celebrations – Welcome: Nicole Anderson, Director at Lake Poinsett Camp; Laurie Wilson, Storm Mountain Food Service Manager; Larry Wilson, Storm Mountain Property Manager; Nathan Flann, Northern Pines Ministry Assistant. Goodbye: Christy Heflin, Director at Lake Poinsett Camp; Jay Foss, Storm Mountain Property 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 and area staffing, director level staff 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.

2023 Financials - The Camp and Retreat Ministry operations of the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences each ended 2023 financially in the black. Success is attributed to strong 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. Dakotas operating income breakdown: 24% from hosted/Retreat Ministries, 54% from summer camping ministries, 5% from apportionments, 15% from gifts, grants, and earnings, 2% misc. income.

Camper Safety and the 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 - Dakotas: Nicole Anderson - Director, Lake Poinsett Camp; Tanner Clark – Director, Storm Mountain Center; Paul and Brenda Lint (will be moving to local church leadership in June 2024) - Co-Directors, Wesley Acres Camp. Minnesota: Leslie HobsonDirector, Northern Pines Camp; Dan Ziegler - Director, Koronis Ministries and Kowakan Adventures. Central Camping Office - Stacey Edwards - Camping Coordinator; Linda Bowers - Camping Assistant; Beata Ferris (position will going away in 2025) - 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’ leader-

ship. Thank you!

“Camp

Gives Kids a World of Good!” American Camp

Association

Submitted by

Keith Shew, area director of Camp and Retreat Ministries

4.5.3 Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM)

We are so grateful for the support of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to be able to continue to offer opportunities for youth and adults to grow in their faith. We recognize that the youth are not the future of the church but are the present of the church. Their engagement, involvement, and passion continue to help the Spirit move through the people called United Methodists.

Youth 2023 – July 23-29, 87 youth and twenty-five adults from the Dakotas discovered what it meant to “Be Bold: Be Ourselves Living Different.” Youth 2023 was an international gathering of United Methodist Youth, where more than 2500 youth and adults gathered in Daytona Beach, FL. The Dakotas was once again the largest group and best represented at the Annual Conference! In addition to attending Youth 2023, the youth of the Dakotas were able to spend an additional 3 days, working at the Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center assisting with maintenance, cleaning, and end of summer projects. A day of fun was spent at Universal Studios Florida. Thank you to the Annual Conference for the spiritual and financial support to this incredible opportunity! God bless our time together, and our connection to other United Methodists was strengthened by this time of worship, mission, and fellowship.

DAKYOUTH 2023 was held in Aberdeen, SD. We were privileged to have guest speakers Mark Ostreicher (Mark O) and Stephanie Caro. Outstanding and Spirit-filled worship with guest preachers Rev. Seth LaBounty and Rev. Sara McManus (who yes, the rumors are true, preached in a unicorn onesie!). With two hundred participants of youth and adults representing almost thirty churches throughout the Dakotas, we explored the theme of “Good vs. Evil.” VOTA offered fantastic music, and illusionist Jared Hall left everyone shocked!

Youth Worker Academy 2023 was held in conjunction with DAKYOUTH 2023 for the first time. We had approximately thirty youth worker adults who were able to attend and learn from guest speaker Andrew Root. We are hoping to continue and improve the way the youth workers can connect with one another as they grow and continue to learn during this time set apart.

Winter Connection was hosted at three different locations throughout the conference. Approximately ninety youth and adults gathered in Rapid City and Mitchell, South Dakota, and Fargo, North Dakota. Our theme was “Be Bold, Be Fearless” based on Deuteronomy 31:6. Each site was able to share in worship, bible study, fellowship mission work, and fun.

Our CCYM youth election process has been solidified and applications were made available online in January with a deadline of May 31. Current CCYM leadership will review candidates’ applications and videos and evaluate them based on their gifts and potential to serve at the 2024 annual conference for the upcoming 2024/2025 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. Thank you to the seven youth and eight adults who worked diligently for the 2023/2024 year!

This year we launched a new process to help us connect with adults who are interested in serving on CCYM. In consultation with the conference nominations team, we created an application for adults to complete that encourages a candidate to share their gifts and strengths, so that we can balance adult leaders not only by their clergy/laity status and location, but also with the strengths they are able to add to the team as well.

Leadership Training Camp (LTC) continues to be a place and opportunity in which the youth leaders elected to CCYM practice leadership. Staffed by CCYM adults and conference leaders involved in youth ministry, the youth in attendance: learn, plan, and lead worship, engage in small group workshops, hands-on activities, enjoy fun and fellowship, and build lasting relationships. They study biblical themes each day, participate in mission work, and talk about faith and real-life application. This year’s theme is “Learn(ing) to Swim” based on Ezekiel 47:5 with guest speaker Stephanie Caro.

DAKYOUTH 2024 will be hosted in Aberdeen at the ARCC October 11-13, 2024 (Please note the date change). We are excited to have as our main guest speaker, author, pastor, and overall awesome guy, Rev. Matt Rawle. Our musical guests will be Winona Avenue making their Dakotas debut. Returning for our evening entertainment are the SKIT GUYS! Keep an eye out for when registration opens! Early bird deadline is September 19, 2024.

CCYM continues to promote events through updates on Mondays at Dakotas, email, social media text, paper mailings, and continual revisions and additions to our website: www. Dakyouth.com. To receive text updates, text “DAKYOUTH” to 40650

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

4.5.4

Clergy Well-being

Our mission: to embed the value of clergy well-being in order to strengthen clergy resiliency and become more effective pastoral and ministry leaders. Collaborative strategic efforts across both Minnesota and the Dakotas annual conferences guide the mission by equipping and resourcing clergy and thus, churches and ministries, through training, education, and resources as follows:

39 Dakotas clergy 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.

10 Area clergy and conference leaders graduated from the Practical Church Leadership Graduate Certificate program in July 2023. The PCL is 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. Ten clergy joined the cohort in 2023.

We continued to offer financial education and counseling options for clergy, including student loan repayment counseling (44 participants in 2023), resulting in student debt being reduced, eliminated, or forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. We awarded $36,436 to 9 DK clergy to reduce educational loan debt through our Investing in Leaders Resource Grant. Grants totaling $13,000 were awarded to clergy who requested an emergency grant

Clergy were provided a clear and comprehensive process to obtain renewal leaves and churches were provided a grant option to obtain different levels of pastoral coverage – both with funding support.

We offered a nine-week Summer Healthy Lifestyle coaching cohort for clergy interested in improving their physical health.

We offered Scripture Circles, a deep dive into scripture facilitated by a trained leader, was held with three 10-week sessions accommodating thirty-eight clergy participants in 2023.

We provided a robust year of orientation to ministry and leadership through the New Clergy Orientation process for clergy new to Minnesota.

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

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

4.5.5 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:

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

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

Equip clergy with tools and experiences to foster resiliency.

Increase awareness of health and growth in key areas: Physical, Financial, Emotional, Social, Spiritual and Vocational, a recent addition to assist clergy as they review and renew their call to ministry.

Higher Ground continues to have two primary tracks:

We offer 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. Ten clergy participated in 2023.

We offer Annual Coaching for clergy desiring personal or professional growth opportunities. Varied types of coaching are available with the clergyperson guiding their own development. Clergy engage with a coach or counselor for one year. Twenty-seven clergy partici-

pated in 2023.

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 2023 included:

The Clergy Epiphany Retreat, held in January 2023, offered clergy a chance to connect as well as lament the loss and pain from a year of disaffiliations.

Soul Fill-Up, a weekly online gathering, added in 2020 as a response to the pandemic concluded in early 2023.

Scripture Circles, a deep dive into scripture facilitated by a trained leader, was held with three 10-week sessions accommodating thirtyeight clergy participants in 2023.

Summer Healthy Lifestyle, led by health coaches from Avera Health over nine weeks this past summer 2023, offered small group coaching for twenty-five participants.

The Clergywomen’s Retreat was held for eighteen clergywomen who gathered for a 3-day retreat to connect with each other and experience God speaking to each of them through children’s books.

At the required training for provisional clergy, Clergy Leadership Academy, we continued 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. The proposal for the sustainability grant will be submitted in 2024. In order to receive the grant, a required match of $500,000 must be raised which was satisfied in 2022 with the generous contribution from the Dakotas Board of Pensions.

We continue to emphasize the inner work and the understanding that healthy, self-differentiated pastors need to lead healthy, thriving churches.

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

4.5.6 Lay Servant Ministry

We continue to work to strength and support the work of our laity across the Dakotas. Active, involved laity are crucial to drive the work of the church forward.

To better equip our laity and help them use their spiritual gifts, a hybrid version of the Lay Academy was offered. There was an in-person option and a virtual option for training on preaching and leading worship, We thankful for the Lay Academy Leadership team of Rev. Michele Slott, Rev. Doug Diehl, and Rev. Bob Rudebusch.

Pastor Brenda Wicks is working with the Dakota Connections Initiative to develop a model for care ministry in rural settings. She is recruiting and training a team of people, lay and clergy, for visitation, prayer, and connection. The group will work across several communities. In October, she held a care ministry training with participants at Riverview United Methodist Church in Huron, South Dakota, and Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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.

4.6 EQUIPPING MISSIONAL CONGREGATIONS

With the transition in Conference leadership/responsibilities and new directives from Bishop Lanette Plambeck, this past year has been a year of rebuilding for the Equipping Missional Congregations Link and exploring the best ways to resource congregations in our Conference to continue to grow into vital congregations reaching out into the community and world to demonstrate God’s love and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Equipping Missional Congregations Link aligns with the prong of Bishop Lanette’s strategy that includes Vital Faith Community Development, centering around the three subcategories of Fresh Expressions, Rural Ministry and JAM (Justice, Advocacy and Mission).

We began our work last fall by developing a survey to better assess the greatest needs of our congregations. Each congregation has vastly different needs depending on its size, constituency, and location/context among many other factors. Clergy were encouraged to complete the survey first and then it was offered to laity to complete in the new year. Our Link was delighted to learn many exciting ministries beyond

the walls of our churches are already happening. Clergy felt most equipped in worship planning and sermon preparation but there was a great need for recorded worship music, especially contemporary music. Other needs identified were leadership development, especially laity development, discipleship pathways and lack of time, human resources and “know how” for community outreach. Conversation is ongoing on how to address these needs as well as what format could be used to access and share resources.

Conversation in the Extended Cabinet has identified Amplify as a format for sharing resources with a pilot program now underway. As currently planned, the Conference would cover the cost of the Amplify subscription and all churches would have access to all the resources Amplify provides as well as a special link for resources specific for the Dakotas Conference. Hopefully, this project can be rolled out for all churches in the Conference, yet this year so stay tuned.

Dollars are still available from the Lilly Grant for Rural Ministries. Our Link is currently assessing how these funds were distributed in the past and looking at possible new ways for churches to tap into these funds.

Another exciting pilot program being rolled out in North Central ND is Community Visioning with local congregations. This visioning process helps churches assess the assets of their congregation (gifts and talents of individual members and leadership gifts and passion) and how these assets might be integrated into the community.

The Practical Church Leadership Certificate program through Dakota Wesleyan University (formerly the Non-Profit Church Leadership Certificate) continues to be another excellent training, coaching, and networking opportunity for clergy. Ministry planning and projects that can be immediately applied to each pastor’s individual ministry setting are part of the year long program.

Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Fresh Expressions Ministries were introduced last year at the Annual Conference. Dr. Beck has, and will continue, coaching and leading Fresh Expressions workshops at the Dakotas Conference. It has been fun to continue to read about the many new ministries in communities of all sizes throughout the Conference as highlighted by the Dakotas Communication Team. Fresh Expressions falls under the portfolio of District Superintendent Dan Bader who serves on our Equipping Congregational Ministries Link. This year our Link will discuss ways we might better partner Rural Ministries with Fresh Expressions.

Lay Ministry is a vital part of Equipping Missional Churches. The Lay Ministry Academy started last year by Michele Slott, Pastor, Rapid City Open Heart Church continues with the Academy centered around training and experience for those interested in serving as lay pastors or lay pulpit supply throughout the Dakotas Conference. While the portfolio and responsibility for Lay Ministry is somewhat truncated in the Conference the Equipping Missional Congregations Link will continue to look for ways to partner with and support other Conference entities that help lay persons identify their giftedness and find training and ways to use their gifts to share God’s love and grace.

The Equipping Missional Congregations Link thanks you for the opportunity to serve with you. Just as many churches have found themselves in a new place post-COVID and post-disaffiliation, so too, has the Equipping Missional Congregations Link. As we move forward in the coming year in this new place we all find ourselves our Link will continue to rethink, evaluate and look for the best ways to partner with churches and other Conference entities to resource local churches, laity and pastors to be the center of love and grace outside their walls in their communities.

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach and Becky Holten, chair, Equipping Missional Congregations Link

4.6.1

Rural Ministry

The third year (2023) of our Dakotas Connection Initiative was a period of experimentation. Having completed church disaffiliations, our United Methodist congregations were ready to take on more challenges of separation in rural ministry. A spirit of exploration and adventure set in, and several new initiatives were launched.

As a result of disaffiliation, several churches were left in a position of ministry without an appointed pastor, thus leaving them in a situation where continuation of regular worship ministry would require innovative partnerships. A current trend for these churches is to equip them with technology to connect with each other or to a larger congregation so they can stream other UMC services or engage in meaningful larger group study opportunities. Two technology mini grants were awarded within the Northeast District and several more are planned in 2024. These grants allow these churches to continue regular worship rather than having to close their doors to worship.

Another experiment was started in the Southeast District whereby a Congregational Care Ministry connected several churches with a program to provide a regional care system to outlying rural areas. This program focuses on laity providing care to congregation members from many churches instead of requiring each church’s local pastor to provide such care. A second regional care system is planned for the Northwest District in 2024 centered out of the Minot area.

The largest and so far, most successful partnership has been the Abundance Parish which is the combination of the Burke, Gregory, and Herrick churches in the Southwest District. Again, due to disaffiliation related activity, these churches responded to the need to work together

to enhance ministry for the whole group. The partnership formed a Covenant Agreement to offer options within the three churches to share resources, staffing, and leadership. A grant was awarded that provides administrative support which allows the current pastor to focus on the individual and combined ministries of the Abundance Parish. This partnership will serve as a model for several other planned partnerships within the Conference.

Related to partnership development, the rural ministry initiative is considering another form of administrative cooperation. Two financial and accounting partnerships are being tested in the Southwest and Southeast Districts similar to one previously started in the Northwest District. This project would allow several smaller and rural churches to benefit from a uniform accounting system designed to provide churches with more accurate and usable financial information for decision-making purposes.

The last major initiative in Dakotas rural ministry is also in an exploratory stage. The Conference is looking to partner with Amplify Media, part of the communications arm of the UMC, to establish a digital resource library. This library will allow all Dakotas Conference UMC’s to not only access the current inventory of Amplify Media but will also provide a home for Dakotas created materials to be stored and accessed by all our congregations. Currently, the Dakotas Conference Communications Team is in the process of uploading locally created content for testing and evaluation. It is hoped this digital library can be introduced to churches in 2024.

Rural Ministry projects were on the uptake in 2023 and are expected to blossom in 2024!

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach.

4.7 EXTENDING MISSIONAL IMPACT

The Missional Impact Link continued to award various grants in 2023, as well as support the Annual Conference Miracle Offering and the Bishop’s Thanksgiving Offering. Grants were awarded for Breakthrough Ministry (innovative efforts to experiment with new ministry), Campus Ministry (creating opportunities for college campuses to bring ministry onto campus), and Hunger Grants (funds to serve local church partnerships with food insecurity organizations). $75,000 was awarded to these ministry projects in 2023.

The Missional Impact Link again recommends local United Methodist Churches focus on 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.

The Missional Impact Link is also looking for funding sources to help support the Hunger Grant Program. Please contact any member of the Link with any potential opportunities to raise these funds. Additionally, the 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. Any recommendations are welcome.

In accordance with Bishop Plambeck’s initiative to become more missional and supportive of social justice and principles, the Missional Impact Link is placing a priority on topics such as environmental care, disabilities, minority acceptance, etc. Much of the work of the Link will focus on supporting the work of Global Ministries’ activities.

Submitted by Al Roll, missional impact development coach.

4.7.1 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry – Watford City, ND

One of our staff members, Josie, recently stated something I believe to be profound, “How can God bless your steps if you’re sitting down.” This is true whether you are working at the thrift store, serving at one of our outreach events, or giving generously to our mission. By supporting and praying for Bakken Oil Rush in 2023, you stood up and stood out for Jesus.

I want to take a moment to celebrate God’s goodness in blessing the following BORM programs in 2023.

In August, we partnered with The Salvation Army to distribute backpacks full of school supplies to 130 children, setting them up for success in their educational endeavors.

At our annual Thanksgiving Gathering in November, we served 250 hot meals to both newcomers and established residents of Watford City. One of our local pastors shared an uplifting message of hope with all who attended.

Your support brought smiles to 237 children at our Toy Mall Event in December. With the help of about sixty volunteers, children learned about Jesus’ birth and experienced the joy of giving.

The heart of our ministry, the Winter-wear Giveaway runs throughout the long North Dakota winter. We provided essential warm clothing to 673 families in 2023, a testament to your compassion and care.

Our Language and Culture classes are becoming a mainstay resource for residents, both old and new, who want to learn English or Spanish. We now offer 12-week sessions in both the fall and the spring which are free to the community. The best thing about these classes are the

relationships being formed across different cultures creating feelings of belonging and inclusivity.

Perhaps the largest impact is the daily mission at the thrift store where we continue to put people over profit. Beyond our low prices at the thrift store, we gave away over $6,000 worth of clothing and household items to those in need. In total, with the winter-wear included, we were able to give away $37,000 in thrift-store valued items in 2023.

Apart from all the numbers giving us tangible proof, it is the moments where we get to “Care like Jesus” that make the most difference. Just yesterday, our community witnessed a tragedy when a duplex burned down displacing twelve people, including a family with four children. City leaders contacted our ministry right away to put us on standby to help those affected. Our devoted staff stayed late last night and provided not only free clothing and household items, but also dedicated care and hope to those who lost everything in the fire. The dad cried as the staff loaded twelve stuffed totes full of good quality clothes into the bed of his truck.

Furthermore, BORM offers opportunities for newcomers to feel like they belong through our language classes. A group of students (both old and new residents representing several cultures) meets regularly for breakfast outside of class at a local restaurant to practice their new language skills and to also learn more about each other. With the spring session drawing to a close, they are also planning events throughout the summer to meet up and share life with each other. It is incredible to see these relationships flourish!

Great changes are coming to the ministry in 2024. As of this writing, we plan to close for 2 weeks in April to complete some much-needed renovations and repairs to the thrift store and parking area. We plan to resurface the floor of the store, address drainage issues in the parking lot, and pour a sidewalk between the store and the Quonset, where donated items are received, sorted, and stored. These changes will bring more value to the experience of the staff and customers while offering a safer environment for all.

For instance, our current floor is cracked concrete with peeling paint. It is impossible to keep clean and we have constant concern for children who accompany their parents to the shop. The new floor will elevate the shopping experience, especially for families. Currently, our staff rolls carts of donations from the sorting area about one hundred feet to the store over rocks which are caked with mud, ice or snow depending on the weather. A sidewalk will greatly enhance their ability to restock the store! And when it rains, we must bring in the troops to remove pooling water away from the buildings. Our Quonset floods 3-4 times a year. A local engineer has offered to survey our parking lot, dig trenches and re-grate the gravel to create improved water flow away from the buildings. We are expecting these renovations to cost $20,000 and will be relying solely on financial contributions to fund them.

Comedy Café will be on Friday, October 11, 2024. Once again, we invite you all to come and celebrate God’s provision for our ministry with us. This annual event raises funds to cover operations and programming. We are committed to keeping prices low in the thrift store, so while it generates enough income to pay wages for our staff, it does not provide for costs like utilities, supplies, and programs we offer as part of the ministry outside of the store.

Thank you to those who continue to faithfully support Bakken Oil Rush Ministry with your prayers and your financial giving. If you are not part of our support team, please consider joining us! God is using people all over the Dakota Region to bless His work in Watford City, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

Besides financial contributions, there are other ways you and/or your church could support our mission. One of the ways you can participate is by organizing a school supply drive in your church or community to help supply the backpacks we give away in August. This year, we will not be working with The Salvation Army due to their limited funds, so we are providing 100% of the program. Reach out to me if you want to help us out!

I am eternally thankful to the Dakotas Conference for kickstarting this valuable ministry in Western North Dakota. You created ripples that are growing larger and larger each day, week, month, and year. Your faithfulness in staying in touch with us through all these years is also commended by all who serve in this Ministry. Our entire ministry greatly appreciates the Dakotas Conference for your continued partnership and investment in BORM’s growth and impact for Jesus.

Submitted by Melanie Smith, executive director, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry - director@oilrushministry.com

4.7.2

Solar Oven Partners (SOP)

On Jan. 1, 2023, I, Christopher Sylvah, took on the role of the new Director of Solar Oven Partners and embarked on my duties making my first mission trip to the Dominican Republic on Jan. 7. This mission held a special significance as it marked the first post-pandemic outreach effort, and we were able to distribute multiple solar ovens to various communities across three separate locations. This trip allowed me to gain valuable insight into the DR’s operations. I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that we were making an impact on people’s lives by empowering families and promoting an alternate form of cooking by using the sun.

On our mission trip to Sierra Leone March 1 to 12, 2023, I was joined by Retired Rev. Kevin Schill, in which the US team collaborated closely with the local SOP team led by Joe Pormai. This was Joe’s first as the new SOP in-country coordinator and together we distributed

ovens to families, empowering and raising their hopes and the promise of a brighter future.

During our second mission trip to the DR in March we worked with a medical team as a hybrid venture, blending medical outreach with solar oven awareness and education. The medical team led by Julia Jones, comprised of five dedicated local doctors, and nurses whose clinics served over 550 patients by providing essential medical and pharmaceutical care. While the medical clinics operated, the solar ovens took center stage. Five ovens worked industriously, producing treats like cornbread, banana bread, chocolate cake, pineapple upside-down cake and even hard-boiled eggs. This partnership we hope will serve as a blueprint for future missions.

After returning to home base from the multiple trips in a busy first quarter, my focus as director shifted to logistical efforts. With our dedicated team at the Raymond workshop, we worked hard and prepared oven items for shipment to DR, an urgent task as ovens were badly needed. We worked tirelessly with our limited staff and volunteers over the course of a few days as we meticulously packed oven boxes along with essential materials into a large shipping container. The container left Raymond, SD in May on its voyage across the seas arriving in DR June 2023.

I journeyed to our workshops in Montrose, Rapid City, and Raymond, SD, where I immersed myself in the process of understanding the various machinery used by our dedicated workshop managers and volunteers. During these visits we exchanged stories, shared laughter, and celebrated the purpose of making solar ovens for the communities we serve. To our diligent volunteer staff, I expressed heartfelt gratitude and let them know that their efforts continue to fuel our missions and the oven recipients from the communities we serve send their appreciation and gratitude each time we hand out an oven during our distributions.

The SOP relationship with the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona was top priority when I came onboard as director. After several phone meetings, in May I met with our new SOP coordinator in Shiprock, New Mexico. Debra Yazzie is the executive director of Four Corners Native American Ministry. This ministry is a great organization that focuses on the needs of the community. I returned to our office convinced about the new relationship formed in Shiprock, New Mexico and all the different ways Solar Oven Partners can be expanded and customized to accommodate the many different cultures the agency works with. The seeds of a new union had been sown in Shiprock, New Mexico and its roots run deep, but this was more than a mere connection—it was a revelation.

NCJ Mission Academy: August 9–12, 2023, at Epworth Forest Camp and Conference Center in North Webster, Indiana. The theme was: “Encounter. Transform. Respond. The Emmaus Experience.” SOP has a table with the display of a solar oven and literature materials for take away. Minnesota Annual Conference: May 31–June 1, 2023, Theme: “Encounter. Transform. Respond. The Emmaus Experience. “Dakotas Annual Conference: June 8–10, 2023, Theme: “Encounter. Transform. Respond. The Emmaus Experience.” All of these conferences not only served as sacred spaces where encounters led to transformations, but SOP endeavors and our ovens were also on full display.

In October, the Solar Oven Partners communications team created a newsletter, woven with threads of compassion and hope, it highlighted stories of solar ovens igniting change—nourishing families, pasteurizing water, and promoting wellness. These ovens were not mere appliances; they were catalysts for well-being. Sunlight, abundance, and free space replaced costly cooking fuels and tools in tight spaces. Families are now able to redirect their savings toward other needs and free time with their families. By replacing wood and charcoal fires, solar ovens ease environmental burdens. Clean fuel sources have far-reaching effects, touching lives beyond the kitchen. Our faith journey mirrored the Emmaus Road; like the disciples encountering Christ, we sought deeper awareness and relationship with Jesus through our service, rooted in love and compassion. As our communications team penned each word, we knew that this newsletter was not just information; it was an invitation—to volunteer, to donate, and to be part of a movement that transcended borders. Our hopes and dreams for each newsletter are to touch hearts and bring conviction that prayers are answered through people we cannot see - one oven at a time.

In November 2023, we made our second mission distribution trip to SL. Our journey was more than a physical voyage; it was a bridge connecting hearts, cultures, and purpose. We had successful distribution in Freetown, the capital city of SL, as well as the cities of Bo and Kenema. Although were not able to use the ovens to cook at our second location, Moyamba, adversity could not dampen the spirits of the participants. As the rain dropped the participants sang songs of hope in their local language, Mende. These songs transcended barriers and united us in purpose. Before bidding farewell to SL, we distributed a total of seventy-one ovens. Each one carried a promise—a promise of nourishment, health, and transformation. As we departed for the US, our hearts remained intertwined with the land, the rain, and the songs.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors, churches and individuals who contribute regularly. Their support enables us to continue our work. Kudos to our dedicated volunteers in our workshops. Their efforts directly impact the lives of those we serve. The individuals, various women’s groups, and the United Women of Faith who all sewed potholders, black bottom cloths, and bread pan covers played a crucial role in our operations. Dakotas UMC Annual Conference and other Conference Missions’ support and contributions are invaluable in advancing our mission work to the communities we serve.

Thanks to SOP board and staff for the exciting work of Solar Oven Partners. Our commitment to empowering people through self-help solar cooking and water pasteurization is commendable. -

Visit our website Solar Oven Partners and learn about our mission! Solar ovens not only cook food but also change lives and communities.

By harnessing the sun’s energy, we are promoting well-being in the DR, SL, and the Navajo Nation.

On our Facebook page we share updates and engage with the community.

Submitted by Christopher Sylvah, director of Solar Oven Partners

4.7.3 Spirit Lake Ministry

Hello from Spirit Lake Ministry Center on Spirit Lake Nation, just west of Wood Lake in Wood Lake District.

We would like to announce that we are open under new management but the same owner! We are Paulette and Kim Paulson, Co-Directors of Spirit Lake Ministry, and The Journey, as of October 2024.

We are not new to this ministry as we have been involved with Spirit Lake Ministry for all the 16 years that Mike and Libby Flowers were the Directors. We have been huge believers and supporters of the ministry under the leadership of Mike and Libby. They are missed and we thank them for their continued support and guidance as we begin to navigate these waters. We also appreciate and want to acknowledge the strong foundation that they and the United Methodist Church created for us to step in and build on.

My name is Kim, and I have been a retired General Contractor in the Devils Lake area for over 20 years. Upon retiring, an opportunity to teach Carpentry at Cankdeska Cikana Community College came available, and I have been doing that for the past 7 years and enjoy it very much. My wife Paulette has been involved with affordable housing for 30 years. She is currently Director of the Multi-Family Housing program with Lewis and Clark Development Group.

Since our appointment in October, we have continued our Sunday evening service called “The Journey.” Our worship service draws approximately twenty-five individuals each Sunday, ranging in age from 2 to 70 years of age. As part of our regular events, we share a meal once a month along with Communion. We have had “girls’ night out” and “boys’ night out,” that includes pizza and a movie. During the fall, we took the congregation to a local corn maze, which we all enjoyed. We look forward to continuing to grow this part of our ministry.

One of the first large projects we took on was the continuation of “Shoebox Christmas.” This was a large undertaking, but with the contributions of gifts from churches across the nation, the volunteers from folks from “The Journey,” young volunteers from a “homeschool group” in eastern North Dakota, and other individuals, we were able to distribute gifts to reservations throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. We are thrilled to report that over 5,000 gifts were distributed to excited appreciative children, quite often being the only gift received for many. It is with humble and contrite hearts that we would like to thank once again all who participated in whatever capacity the spirit moved you to participate - prayers, shoeboxes, and volunteering. We are already making plans to continue this program for next year.

At the time of this letter, we are again preparing to host short term mission teams from throughout the nation. We are excited and a little bit nervous about the upcoming summer’s activities. Our goal is to accommodate approximately 50% of the pre-Covid numbers that were hosted by the previous Directors, with the ultimate goal of meeting or exceeding pre-Covid numbers in the future. We truly believe that this part of our ministry is such a Kingdom Building tool, not only for the people of Spirit Lake, who benefit from groups helping with time and treasure, but we also believe that the Spirit blesses the hearts of the individuals who come with their teams to help. This could not happen without all of you, and we are so grateful for each person and church that supports this program.

With Paulette and my connection to this reservation through our work and family, we have found great partners that are excited and ready to be part of what God has planned for us and for the community. Examples of these partnerships - we have volunteers to help us with Cultural Night (nights when the mission teams are here and help them experience Native American culture), and the agencies with the tribe in assisting us finding projects and materials for the mission groups to work on and with.

We only wish you could all be with us at Spirit Lake Ministry so you can see how you make a difference, making sure a mom has gas money to go see her son who was flown to a hospital 3 hours away, how you helped a dad buy clothes for a job interview, helped with an electrical bill when the weather was 50 below and the family (young and old) was going to have their heat shut off, being able to create a library so the kids can come and take books home, and so many other ways of showing love.

We have dreams for the ministry - growing The Journey, having more mission trips come and experience Spirit Lake Nation, visions of upgrading and improving the buildings at the camp, having more playground equipment for the kids, growing funds so we can send kids to different events and church camps, being known as a retreat for local groups and families and more importantly being known as a place where God helps people make a difference.

Submitted by Kim & Paulet Paulson, co-directors, Spirit Lake Ministry Center

4.7.4

Tree of Life Ministry

God has blessed the Tree of Life with so many experiences, friends, volunteers, and gifts of prayer, time, and donations. The “Yer Boutique” (thrift store) is thriving. Bob Barker (stand up cut out) stands by the cash register, making sure that the “price IS right!” Bob spent much of his growing up years in Mission, making him Mission’s most famous son. Each Wednesday was Rez Ring Toss Day, allowing the purchaser a chance to toss a ring for a designated discount. Later in the year, customers could spin the wheel on Wednesdays for the same chances or

for a special prize. The Boutique was open two evenings per week during December allowing shoppers an extra chance to make purchases or get needed items. Todd County is home to several ministries such as the Meth Treatment Program, White Buffalo Calf Woman Shelter, the men’s, women’s, and teen shelters, amongst others. Clients come to get clothing as needed, at no charge.

We had seventeen Volunteer in Mission teams, as well as numerous individual volunteers and groups throughout the year. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Tree, providing countless hours of help and skills. Several groups and individuals worked at various times throughout the year at Myrna’s home. She is our local cat rescue lady, housing several lost, abandoned, and sick cats. She had a major house fire, lost space for her cat cages, but is nearly back in full operation. She so appreciated all the help. Group (the Red Shirts) brought a large team of young people during the summer, doing repairs/painting for thirty-five families, while the Tree did three roofs. The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire continues to come twice each semester, in fall and spring. They bring energy to the Boutique, but lots of skills to the communities by doing presentations in the schools, foot clinics, etc. A group of college aged volunteers brought the prom attire program to the Rosebud through Tree of Life. It continues to this day with students having the opportunity to pick out prom dresses, tuxes/suits, shoes, jewelry, etc. at no cost. The Tree’s Prom Boutique went to some of the local schools in the Spring. Many folks donated dresses at the 2023 Dakotas Annual Conference in Sioux Falls!

The weather was always challenging. It was super cold at times and very, very hot at other times. Yet we were able to distribute 395,943 pounds of food and 287,126 pounds of other items, thanks to deliveries from Native American Heritage Association and Dakota Warehouse.

July 26 was our grand opening, a chance to share the renovations that have happened on our campus. Some of the past directors and board members attended including Pat Lucke, Jeannine Carpenter and Allen Herbolt. Children enjoyed the playground, and everyone found shade to enjoy a picnic lunch, cotton candy and other goodies.

Thank you to all our faithful donors, volunteers, and staff for another great year blessing the folks of the Rosebud Reservation and the surrounding area. We pray for another blessed year in 2024.

Submitted by Rev. Linda Baldock, office staff and board member

4.7.5 United Methodist Women in Faith

The Dakotas Conference United Women in Faith are learning and adapting to the new climate of United Methodism. We lost several units when churches severed their connection to the UMC. Conference and district officers visit individual units every year through the Shepherdess Program and have been focusing on the relationships with the units which remain, and in assisting with new ideas to build membership. We encourage units to hold a “UWF Sunday,” where members help lead worship and promote United Women in Faith. We continue to gather input from local units regarding how they are participating in mission, how they are nurturing their members, and how they are reaching out to their communities.

Financially, it was a tough year, with many units withdrawing their financial support when disaffiliating. However, we have two specific celebrations: 1) We gave our New Opportunities Grant of $1000 to a woman who is continuing her post-high school education, Andrea Flautman of Fargo First; and 2) We received a grant from National UWF to fund a Racial Justice Webinar. The topic will be Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons and will be held on August 17, 2024. Our two presenters will be: Lisa Heth, Executive Director of Wiconi Wawokiya, Inc., an organization on the Crow Creek Reservation of SD that works to reduce violence in the home, workplace, and schools, and Lily Mendoza, Director of the Red Ribbon Skirt Society, which provides education, awareness and support to the families of MMIW. Webinar attendance will be open to all.

Our yearly events included:

• District Focus Days - celebration of community, promotion of UWF missions, education featuring the Mission u study.

• District Annual Meetings and Conference Annual Celebration - community building, spiritual growth, business

• Mission u - three days of study, worship, and fellowship; held in Jamestown, ND and Mitchell, SD

United Women in Faith are focusing on abundance, and how we can return the blessings God has given us by blessing others.

Submitted by Colleen McKirdy, Dakotas Conference UWF President

4.8 GENERATING MISSIONAL RESOURCES LINK

4.8.1 Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA)

Bob Ruedebusch stepped down from his position as Chair of the committee but remained a member of the committee to provide a better sense of history and insight into the workings of the CCFA. He served his twelfth and final year on the committee, and we offer him a great deal of thanks for his tremendous service. Ray Baker became the Chairperson and Bill Kluckman was named the new Vice Chairperson. Unfortunately, Bill passed away on October 9, 2023. He was a dedicated and insightful member of our team. Following his death, John Lomheim agreed to serve as the Vice Chairperson.

Our committee continued its role of 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 use of funds raised through apportionments and other assets. We also work closely with the Common Table, the Board of Pensions, Human Resource Committee, and the Annual Conference Trustees. A few items to highlight for 2023 and beginning of 2024 include the following:

• Recommended that our local church apportionment percentage to be remitted to the Annual Conference be reduced from 13.5% of church operating income in 2024 to 13.0% of church operating income in 2025.

• Paid the Dakotas Annual Conference’s share of the Boy Scout Settlement in full in 2023 to GCFA. These funds are held ‘in trust’ by GCFA and GCFA will distribute payments to claimants. We continue to receive reports on the status of this process from GCFA and the United Methodist BSA Ad Hoc Committee.

• Updated the conference reimbursement amount for lodging to $100/night.

• Collaborated with the Transitional Reserve Fund Task Force to create grants for churches negatively impacted by the disaffiliation process.

• Collaborated with the Dakotas Cabinet to develop a new interim moving policy which was adopted in 2024. The CCFA is responsible for setting and adjusting the amount of financial support to help pay for a pastor’s move and the executive committee will update the amount of support at the end of each year for the following year.

• Updated the vehicle purchase policy for Annual Conference staff. This committee is also responsible for oversight of all vehicles owned by the Conference, i.e., maintenance, replacement schedule, etc.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to Jim Ducker, Dana Bassett, Kathy Roll, JoAnn Early, and Sheri Meister for their hard work and dedication to the Dakotas Annual Conference. We also appreciate the many years of service by Leana Stunes and JoAnn Schlimgen, who continue to work on a parttime basis for the Annual Conference.

Submitted by Ray Baker, chair – Dakotas Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration

4.8.2 Dakotas Methodist Foundation

On our journey with churches, guiding them to see their financial resources not just as numbers but as seeds of hope and instruments of faith, we have been blessed with moments of profound connection and insight. It is a process that brings us deep joy, especially when we witness the transformation in how church leaders and committees perceive their role—not as gatekeepers of scarcity but as caretakers of possibility. As of December 31, 2023, we had $38.6 million invested with the Foundation. Throughout 2023, the Foundation distributed a total of over $2,102,380 to churches, organizations and seminary students and we continue to look for ways to assist our churches in turning money into 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 $83,800.00 were awarded to twelve seminary students: Tiana Bohn, Annie Carlson, Allison Galbreath, Rebecca Hafner, Andrea Hult, Amber Laffey, Andrea Plueddeman, John Schomberg, Janson Steffan, Cory Thrall, Brandon Vetter, and Josh Willprecht. Undergraduate students Tyra Gates, Jackson Knuth, Erin Moncur, and Anna Mutzenberger 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 2023, $58,250 in grant funds were awarded to sixteen churches to assist in starting twenty 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 Builder’s 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 $31,600 to support the following churches:

Piedmont Grace UMC installed a new digital sign to invite people to events and church, as well as share God’s love through scripture and messages of hope. West Fargo Flame of Faith UMC repaired and updated their parking lot to make it safer and more accessible for everyone. Woonsocket Spirit of Faith Lutheran-Methodist Church installed a partial wall on the west end of the parking lot to clarify the property line and create more parking spaces, added lighting to illuminate the large metal cross on the outside of the church building, and installed a new digital sign. Hettinger

UMC made repairs to the roof above their Sunday school rooms to address safety issues and prevent further problems. 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.

As we navigate these waters together, let us remember that our role is to nurture and grow the seeds of faith and compassion entrusted to us, transforming our resources into channels of love, service, and ministry. It is a path marked by challenges but also by immense joy and fulfillment as we witness the thriving of our collective efforts into a ministry that truly reflects the heart of Jesus. We continue to look for ways to turn money into ministry and 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. We will continue to embrace this mission each time we see opportunities to be on the journey of turning money into ministry.

Submitted by Sheri Meister, president/CEO, Dakotas Methodist Foundation and Dave Page, chair, board of directors.

4.8.3

Human Resources Committee (HR)

This past year long time employees, JoAnn Schlimgen and Leana Stunes, transitioned from full-time employment into retirement. We are thankful for their assistance through the process of onboarding others.

We welcome JoAnn Early who was hired to fulfill the Benefits and Human Resources responsibilities.

We are becoming more flexible in where our employees work. This approach enables employees to work from where they live. Together the staff is learning how to work together as a dispersed team.

Summer/Fall 2023 the focus was on recruiting and interviewing. Beginning in 2024 the Human Resource committee is now focused on policy review.

We encourage any laity with Human Resources gifts and interest to consider being part of the Human Resources Committee.

Submitted by Nancy Bohlen, chair, Human Resource Committee

4.8.4

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 year /Because of favorable financial returns we were able to gift funds to the Central Conference Pension Initiative as well as giving Clergy and their families the opportunity to attend a conference camp for free.

Grants: Clergy and Laity that are on Healthflex and Retiree before the age of 65 may apply for a grant to help offset the Healthflex Premium. Due to the increase in premium costs the Board has approved increasing the grant maximum from $2,100 to $4,200. The board will continue to offer Parental Leave grants to help cover lay supply expenses while a pastor or spouse is on leave. Medical grants will continue for eligible clergy to help with large out-of-pocket medical bills. Surviving Spouses will continue to be eligible for Premium grants to help with Medicare Part B as those rates continue to increase.

Clergy Medical Leave: Clergy members Richard Zeck, Howard Baird, Lori Broschat, and Kevin Kloster were approved to continue medical leave for the conference year of July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.

The Pre-82 (Past Service) Annuity Rate: The Board recommended that the 2025 Past Service Annuity Rate (effective 1/1/2025) be set at $834 for each year of pre-82 service in the Dakotas Conference. This is a 2.34% increase over 2024.

Pre-82 Surviving Spouse: Benefits have been increased from 70% to 85% of the benefit the clergyperson was receiving. The increase will be effective 1/1/2025.

HRA or Premium Support: Years of service needed to be eligible to receive HRA or premium support will change from 18 or more years of service to 14 or more years of service. All other requirements will remain as stated in the Health Benefit Guidelines of the Conference Policy.

2025 HealthFlex Direct Bill to churches will increase by 2% rounded to $15,948 annually due to the increase in health premiums.

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.

Wespath has partnered with Quantum to provide care coordinators that will assist all clergy and lay persons with any questions or concerns pertaining to medical, prescriptions, and mental health issues. Wespath health team will still aid with any HSA, HRA and FSA questions.

The chart below shows the actual cost for each category of participant enrolled in the 2025 HealthFlex Exchange:

The Board of Pensions will provide a Premium Credit to offset the cost of Health Insurance for Active Clergy and Laity as follows:

Eligibility to participate is specified in the HealthFlex Plan Documents and Conference Policy.

All premiums will be paid in accordance with conference policies regarding such payments (see Policy section of the 2023 Journal).

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.

The Direct Bill to churches with three-quarter time clergy that opt out, retiree active or lay following a three-quarter time opt out clergy 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 2023 Journal for all eligibility rules.

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 from the Frank Lynch Trust to the Retiree Health Fund. The Georgia Lynch Trust with a balance of $100,887 as of 12/31/2023 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.

UPDATES ON VIA BENEFITS FOR RETIREES:

Clarification on eligibility rules found on page 234 of the 2023 Journal:

CLERGY: Shall be a member of the Dakotas Conference AND meet one of the following:

The average retiree Health Reimbursement Account to a participant for 2024 is $4,021. 45% of all our retiree HRA accounts had funds roll over from 2023. Of those accounts, 42% rolled over a minimum of $1000.

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 12/31/23. 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 2024-2025: 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 & Invest-

ments (“WBI”), during the calendar year 2025 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 JoAnn Early, conference benefits officer

Letter of Response for Resolution 1.7

Per 2023 Annual Conference referral back to the Board of Pensions:

Board of Pensions of the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc. (BOP) is incorporated according to the Book of Discipline to manage the affairs of the corporation. It is governed by its Bylaws which have been approved and adopted by members of the Annual Conference.

The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are elected by the members of the Annual Conference and are charged with management of the corporation’s resources, policies, and procedures.

At the 2023 Annual Conference, Resolution 1.7, which relates to the eligibility requirements for the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), was referred to the Board of Pensions.

Since the Annual Conference, the BOP has carefully considered the eligibility requirements for the HRA. We have taken into consideration correspondence from our members, former members, spouses of our members and former members, other conferences’ eligibility policies and basic premises of HRAs.

After prayerfully considering all correspondence, the Board of Directors, along with our Benefits and Executive Committees, have discussed the details of the HRA and have concluded that HRA benefits will only be provided to members who remain members of the Dakotas Annual Conference.

We want to thank everyone for their feedback to help us arrive at our decision. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Anne Osborne Chair Dakotas

Conference Board of Pensions

The Conference Board of Trustees’ primary purpose is to oversee and care for all Conference property, while making the property available for the agencies of the Conference. The Trustees are also tasked with investing any proceeds received from the sale of property so that the proceeds and earnings can be used to fund other ministries. The report below summarizes the details of the properties currently owned by the Dakotas Conference as well as property related activity that occurred in the past year:

Only includes the amounts provided by Trustee Unrestricted Funds or Apportionments for maintenance.

(1) The Mohall church is covered for liability insurance only (no insured value is assigned to this property due to the poor condition of the church).

(2) Storm Mountain received $18,500; Wesley Acres received $38,500; and Lake Poinsett received $9,500 from the Conference.

The Mohall, ND, parsonage owned by the Conference was sold on June 23, 2023, for $120,000. The net proceeds from the sale, after closing costs, were $116,547.80. Additionally, the Grand Forks Wesley church was sold on October 31, 2023, for $700,000. The net proceeds from the sale, after closing costs, were $664,217. This was less than initially hoped; however, the inspector identified several major maintenance issues to the property that lowered the offer price. Additionally, besides the monthly utilities, several maintenance and repair costs were incurred prior to the sale, including mold damage resulting from a boiler maintenance issue. Therefore, the Board of Trustees determined it was in the Conferences’ best interest to sell the property at the offered price.

Storm Mountain Camp incurred major hail damage in August 2021 resulting in insurance claim receipts of $296,037, after deductible ($5,000) and deductible credit ($1,250). Most of the work was completed in 2023, with the remaining work completed in early 2024. However, after several internal miscommunications amongst the contractors’ team members, the contractor completed major repairs (including roofs) that were not part of the original insurance claim or work estimate. Disagreements arose on the final invoice and the Conference ultimately settled with the contractor for a total payment of $302,074. Minor gutter repairs still need to be completed. However, a new contractor will be retained to complete the remaining work that was part of the original insurance claim and estimate.

The Dakotas Conference also owns the following farmland parcels:

• McPherson County farmland (159 acres), near Leola, SD, is leased for $100/acre. The lease was renewed for another three years on the same terms as the prior lease to the same party (Leola United Methodist Men’s group). The current lease will expire on December 31, 2026. 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), near Watertown, SD. This 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 frequently throughout the year to review and approve the disaffiliation agreements presented at the Annual Conference in June 2023 and at the special session in August 2023. Thank you to everyone who served on the Board of Trustees, as well as the Chancellors, during a challenging year. Your service is appreciated!

Submitted by Kathy Chesney, board of trustees chair & Jim Ducker, conference treasurer

Section 5: Agency and University Reports

5.1 Africa University

Keep on doing the things that you have learned, received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:9 (NRSV)

Africa University greeted 2024 with bold faith and eager confidence because of the goodness of United Methodists who are faithful, generous, and enthusiastic about investing in transforming lives and communities.

Thank you, Dakotas United Methodists, for the deep commitment and extravagant generosity that has made 100 percent investment in the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment a tradition for your annual conference. Your unwavering engagement has helped Africa University to evolve into the cornerstone institution for The United Methodist Church’s mission of disciple-making for transformational impact in Africa and beyond.

As United Methodists fortify themselves for a vital and vibrant witness beyond the 2020 General Conference in 2024 and its outcomes, Africa University urges the members of the Dakotas Conference to:

• Support Africa University’s effort to secure General Conference approval of Report #4.

• Maintain your investment in the Africa University Fund at 100% of the 2016 budget level as outlined in the resolution that is before the General Conference.

• Help identify at least two (2) churches (keystone congregations) in your conference that will commit to providing second mile gifts of $6,500 each or $13,000 in total for annual scholarships for two undergraduate students. (This will help address any shortfall in giving to the fund.)

In 2023, sustained by the steadfast support of The United Methodist Church, Africa University:

• Provided more than $2M in scholarships and financial aid grants to students who would otherwise fail to access higher education.

• Enrolled 2,219 young women and men from 26 African countries.

• Launched its second new academic unit in less than a year—the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences—with a first cohort of 279 students.

• Shared innovations, such as lozenges made from the indigenous Zumbani plant, and IT solutions to reduce food waste and make vital research findings more accessible to those who need the information.

• Saw its alumni swell to more than 12,000 serving in 32 African countries, with the addition of 954 graduates in June.

Africa University is grateful for your support, and we hope good news like this propels the Dakotas Conference and other annual conferences to keep on doing the work of redeeming, equipping, and sending disciples of Jesus Christ into a hurting world.

The Dakotas Conference was one of sixteen (16) annual conferences that invested 100 percent of their commitment to the Africa University Fund (AUF) in 2023. Overall giving across all five jurisdictions in 2023 was 79.61 percent or $1,836,175. Despite experiencing a year-on-year decline of 4.12 percent, the AUF remains at number two among the seven general church funds.

Well, done, and thank you, United Methodists of the Dakotas Conference! Your generous support for the Africa University Fund apportionment ensures that Africa University can continue to nurture and deploy ethical and effective leaders whose daily efforts increase food security, overall health, good governance, abundance, and peace in their communities. Let us keep on doing this important work together and may the God of peace be with you!

Submitted by James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University and President/CEO of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc.

5.2 Boston University School of Theology

Your partnership, prayers, and support are a cherished gift as BUSTH seeks to serve the church and the world! In a year like 2023, BUSTH’s commitments to equip transformational leaders for peace and justice are all the more necessary and significant. We are hopeful and vigilant in our continued partnership with you.

NEWS:

• Students: Our academic year 2023-24 entering class was among our most diverse, with 86 new students enrolling, 34% of whom are international students.

• Faculty: In September we welcomed visiting faculty member David Anderson Hooker, Visiting Associate Professor of Religion and Conflict Transformation. Two new faculty searches are underway—an Assistant Professor of Religion and Society and the

Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion and Black Studies.

• Expanding Online Programming: BUSTH’s first fully online master’s degree—the Master of Religion and Public Leadership (MARPL)—continues to expand after welcoming 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: Associate Dean Cristian De La Rosa received a Lilly Parenting Grant for $1.25 million. Our faculty members published more than 75 books, scholarly articles, op-eds, and book reviews during 2023. Many were interviewed by media publications for their work on academics and activism, fat liberation, caring for creation, responding to congregational trauma, and the spread of Christianity in Africa. Selected stories can be found at bu.edu/sth/research/faculty-research/

• Scholarships: We continue to offer free tuition to UMC-registered 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. We have newly endowed funds for DEI, Theology & the Arts, and Doctor of Ministry.

• Accreditation and Curriculum: BUSTH received a renewed full and unqualified listing by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. BUSTH is concluding a curriculum review for the MDiv and MTS programs which will launch in fall 2024.

• Online Lifelong Learning: BUSTH offers online courses for professional and spiritual enrichment of religious leaders. Recent offerings include “Sustaining Spirits while Empires Crumble” and “Preaching Mark with Different Voices.” 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 role and responses of theological education for the challenges of today with lectures from Rev. Dr. Ted Smith (fall) and Dr. Keri Day (spring).

• Work continues to improve accessibility, sustainability, and responsible investing as written in our 2030 Strategic Plan. BUSTH is the first certified Green School at BU and is active in the Green Seminary Initiative.

Submitted by G. Sujin Pak, dean

5.3 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 Wesleyan value of ecumenical openness, enthusiastically welcoming students from more than 40 denominations, with nearly half of Master of Divinity students coming from the Methodist family, 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 419 from twelve countries and thirty-eight states, and 44% 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 degrees (Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Religion and Public Life, Master of Religious Leadership, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry) and ten dual degrees, most of which are available in hybrid or online formats. Response to our new hybrid-format Master of Divinity, which launched in Fall 2023, has been strong: 65% of 2023’s MDiv entering class chose the hybrid model, blending online classes and in-person intensives. Plus, around 20% of MDiv students participate in Candler’s Teaching Parish program to earn contextual education credit as they serve as student pastors in local churches. Our proven DMin program—with a near 90% completion rate—is 90% online as well. These flexible options plus Candler’s recognized academic excellence and hands-on learning opportunities are opening possibilities for even more people to follow God’s call to ministry.

Reducing student debt through generous financial aid is a top priority for Candler. In 2023-2024, we are on track to award $6.3 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 receive financial coaching and complete a financial literacy program to strengthen their budgeting skills and reduce debt. That knowledge will serve them—and the ministries they serve—well into the future.

Candler is growing in exciting directions as it creates avenues to bring high-quality theological education to a wider audience. It is a hub of Christian learning with multiple entry points. Those who aren’t seeking an advanced degree can engage in learning through The Candler Foundry, our innovative program to make theological education accessible to the public through short courses, events, and related activities; the United Methodist Course of Study to educate licensed local pastors; the new Candler Center for Christian Leadership to refine business-related skills of United Methodist leaders; and La Mesa Academy, offering diplomas in pastoral leadership via a two-year hybrid program with courses in Spanish, English, and Korean.

One of the biggest news items of the year for Candler is the announcement that after 18 years, Dean Jan Love will step down from

Candler’s deanship in the summer of 2024. Through Dean Love’s transformational leadership, Candler has expanded to offer three new degrees, five new dual degrees, and more online and hybrid options, including the highly successful hybrid MDiv and DMin degrees. She has increased the diversity of Candler’s faculty and student body, continued the school’s tradition of world-class scholarship in hiring 75% of the current full-time faculty, and grown the number of endowed professorships. Her efforts have enhanced Candler’s ability to fulfill its mission in a rapidly changing environment, and she leaves the school in a strong position. The next dean of Candler is expected to be named by early summer.

Candler 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 Office of Communications, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

5.4 Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)

In summer 2023, Dakota Wesleyan University announced that the Rev. Dr. Anthony Purcell joined the university as its new campus pastor. His installation occurred on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. in the Sherman Center as part of the university’s opening convocation. Purcell comes to DWU with an extensive background in ministry and teaching. Most recently, he served as the Senior Pastor at Lake Gibson United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Fla. In Lakeland over the past four years, he also served as a visiting assistant professor of religion at Florida Southern College, and as an adjunct instructor at the Emory University and Candler School of Theology. He previously served as the Minister of Youth and Young Adults for the Lithia Spring United Methodist Church in Georgia.

In October, DWU announced that Pastor Taryn Ragels was appointed part-time Associate Pastor. Ragels, a Mitchell native, serves as the lead pastor at Fusion Church, and has been an integral part of the campus community for several years, actively engaging with students and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

As these changes have occurred, DWU has continued to steward and 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 through scholarships.

$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 the Fusion United Methodist Church.

Reporting on his first nearly full year serving the DWU community, Purcell detailed a full slate of initiatives. He writes:

Our focus is on creating spaces for students across campus to plug-in, build community and grow toward God. This year, we’ve created low-barrier, flexible spaces for students to build relationships and expand their faith. We’ve seen fantastic and consistent student engagement as we work with the Student Life team and student leaders to create pathways for discipleship and spiritual formation events that are interwoven with the entire campus community. We have 20-25 students engaged weekly on the student ministry team, which leads to developing young adults as leaders in the Christian faith. We have another 20 students meeting bimonthly and helping run FCA rallies as the student captains for FCA on campus.

We have placed a real emphasis on supporting all our students and weaving faith life across the university, primarily by communicating to students, faculty, and staff that we are here to invest in and help build the community that they want to see. For example, in the fall semester we had a student team envision hosting a community Halloween event on campus for local K-12 students and families; we shared their vision with the Student Life team and hosted a Mitchell “Trek or Treat” event on campus that brought in over 800 community members!

With support from the Dakotas-Minnesota United Methodist Foundation, we launched Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus in the fall. FCA started because we heard multiple student-athletes express a desire to create ways for student-athletes to build fellowship across their teams and grow together in their faith. Campus Ministry, Fusion and the Athletics department worked together with our student leaders to create an FCA culture that resonates with the UMC in order to provide our studentathletes with a space to grow their relationships with God and with each other. We plan to continue creating such student-

centered spaces that blend faith exploration with students’ passions, as our ultimate aim is to bring students together around their shared faith in Jesus.

Another focus for this year has been developing student leaders to run weekly spiritual life small groups. The small groups and their leaders branch out of the Student Ministry Team and FCA. We began the academic year with one small group meeting weekly on Tuesday nights with 20-25 students to disciple and help train student small group leaders. We taught them Wesleyinspired questions to help them learn to ask each other where God is working in their lives. This group grew to two, meeting Tuesday and Thursday nights. We then launched student-led small groups across campus, which have grown from four groups meeting in the fall semester to seven groups meeting across campus Sundays to Thursdays with 6-20 student members per group. Our hope is for accessibility and peer-to-peer ministering as students explore their faith and form deeper bonds with each other.

As we continue to build on this vision over the next year, we also intend develop discipleship pathways that lead students toward local church engagement with intergenerational relationships and worship experiences to help them create patterns of worship that will last long beyond their time at DWU.

It is obvious across campus that Pastors Anthony and Taryn are having an impact. Each brings a wealth of experience and insights that will undoubtedly enhance the spiritual and personal growth of our students. Their dedication to guiding students along their faith journey and empowering them to become leaders within our community aligns perfectly with the values of DWU.

Submitted

by

Jan Larson, director of communications and marketing

5.5 Drew University Theological School

Drew University Theological School educates and mentors pastors, preachers, deacons, activists, teachers, thought leaders, and change agents for ministry and service in the church and society. Drew Theological School is diverse in theology, vocations, age, as well as racial, ethnic, national, and international identities. Many Drew students are just beginning their ministry, while others come to graduate theological education with prior ministry experience. The latter reflects a growing trend among all theological schools in the United States and Canada. Drew holds in-person classes in Madison, New Jersey, several classes meet exclusively online, while other meet in hybrid fashion, i.e., partially online, partially in-person. This is also the case with chapel worship which originates in Seminary Hall, but also is live streamed so that students around the world participate. Drew Theological School is a global seminary with a global student population serving the worldwide church.

In Fall 2023 Drew Theological School welcomed 104 new students in all degree programs, with total student enrollment (by head count) growing from 364 students in Fall 2021 to 407 in Fall 2023 semester. Enrollment of international students at Drew increased from 120 students in Fall 2021 to 169 students in Fall 2023. This number includes students who are studying full-time in the U.S.A. on a student Visa, students who are studying online from their home country, and students in the South Korean Cohort of the Doctor of Ministry program.

Drew’s interdisciplinary degree programs provide real-world apprenticeships, promotes adaptive leadership skills, and encourages innovation through team-taught core courses as well as a variety of electives that integrate theological disciplines and faith practices. The Drew faculty’s shared values are infused across all aspects of the teaching and learning: 1) a commitment to anti-racism; 2) gender and sexualidentity equality; 3) eco-sustainability and environmental justice; and 4) interfaith understanding and cooperation. Drew Theological School has an increase in United Methodist students, additionally, Drew has many United Methodist Global Fellows pursuing further education for ministry. UMC graduates are serving in conferences across the United States, and especially within our nearby regional United Methodist conferences of Greater New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and New York Annual Conference.

Submitted by Rev. Edwin David Aponte, dean, and professor at Drew University Theological School.

5.6. Duke Divinity

Duke Divinity School can attest to the work of God’s Spirit to usher us into a season of hope and continued faithfulness to the mission and calling to serve the church, academy, and the world. In 2023, the Duke University president and provost appointed Dean Edgardo Colón-Emeric for a full five-year term. In his Opening Convocation sermon, he stated: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of my ordination in the United Methodist Church. This is the school that prepared me. Today, I give God thanks for still allowing me to serve as a minister of the gospel and I renew the vow I made when I was installed as dean. By the grace of God and en conjunto with you, I will uphold this school’s ‘commitment to God and the people of God, to the highest standards of academic excellence, and to this university.’”

In the next three years, we will celebrate a number of centennial milestones: Duke University and The Duke Endowment (2024), the 17th centennial of the Council of Nicaea (2025), and Duke Divinity School (2026). As a foretaste of those occasions to reflect and celebrate, we have had two important milestone celebrations in 2023. The Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS) commemorated its 50th anniversary, an occasion to rejoice in all that God has done through OBCS to bless our Duke Divinity community and to extend the gifts from the Black Church to the whole church. As just one example of the impact and influence of OBCS, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale (D’79) received

Duke University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to ministry and service.

The Hispanic House of Studies (HHS) celebrated its quinceañera (15th anniversary), another opportunity to have our hope buoyed by God’s work in our midst. HHS was created by the Divinity School, with support from The Duke Endowment, to support the formation of ministers to Hispanic/Latinx congregations and communities in the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences and beyond. These efforts are not confined to a limited silo but extend throughout our academic and ministerial programs. For instance, we now offer the “Rediscovering the Heart of Methodism” course in Spanish on Divinity+, an online resource that is widely available for ministers and congregations.

This fall, we welcomed 215 entering students from thirty-five different states as well as new community members who hold either primary or secondary citizenship in 16 other countries including Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Zimbabwe. The Master of Divinity program gained 104 new students, with fifty-four residential students and fifty in the hybrid program. The Master of Arts in Christian Practice enrolled thirteen new students; the Doctor of Ministry, 22; Master of Theology, 11; Master of Theological Studies, 29; the Doctor of Theology welcomed five new students to campus, and five special students enrolled. The Certificate in Theology and Health Care welcomed eleven residential students to campus and fifteen in the hybrid program. Across all degree programs at the Divinity School, 31 percent of the incoming class identified as a race or ethnicity other than white. Black students made up 21 percent of all students; Latinx students, seven percent. Fifty-four percent of students in the incoming class identify as female. There were twenty-five denominations represented in the M.Div. entering class, with 26 percent affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Baptists made up 10 percent of the incoming students; Anglican or Episcopal students, 10 percent; and nondenominational students, 12 percent.

Duke Divinity School continues to invest in pathways to support Methodist leadership and pastoral formation. Divinity+ launched the Church Administration series focused on developing practical skills for church leaders. More than 1,000 learners have enrolled in the first two courses, “Theology and Time Management” and “Strategic Management.” We inaugurated the Certificate in Chaplaincy, designed to prepare students to provide spiritual care in a variety of settings such as hospitals, hospice, prisons, higher education, and the military. The certificate can be earned as part of the residential M.Div., Th.M., and M.T.S. degree programs.

The school has also welcomed new leaders who bring their gifts to the work of advancing the mission to serve Christ and the church. Two houses have appointed new directors: the Office of Black Church Studies is led by the Rev. Dr. Eric Lewis Williams (D’05), Assistant Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies; and the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies has named the Very Rev. Timothy Kimbrough (D’83), Jack and Barbara Bovender Professor of the Practice of Anglican Studies. Key members who have joined our staff team include Anita Lumpkin, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, and the Rev. Sarah Belles, a Duke Divinity alumna and ordained elder in full connection with the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, as the Director of Student Life.

Several new programs demonstrate Duke’s sustained commitment to connecting with churches and ministers. With gratitude to funding from the Lilly Endowment, the Divinity School has launched the Transformative Preaching Lab to prepare creative, culturally competent preachers who can reach audiences in effective and engaging ways. It will expand preaching training for students in the hybrid modality of the M.Div. program with new courses and preaching laboratories along with new capacities to explore and engage digital tools for community worship and preaching. The Transformative Preaching Lab also provides new opportunities for formation in trauma-informed preaching and preaching in immigrant communities, issues that are especially salient in communities across the country and around the world.

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture initiative has launched the Mental Health Track for Christian mental health practitioners as part of its Certificate in Theology and Health Care. This hybrid certificate program offers spiritual and theological formation for mental health clinicians in a range of disciplines. The research and programming from other Duke Divinity initiatives, including Theology, Medicine, and Culture; Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts; Leadership Education at Duke Divinity; and Thriving Rural Communities, continue to provide numerous opportunities to bear witness to God’s creativity, compassion, and care for communities and congregations. Duke Divinity School continues to be grateful for our ongoing participation in The United Methodist Church and partnership with this Annual Conference. We look forward to our ongoing work with you as we join the leading of God’s Spirit in the task of preparing people for Christian ministry. To learn more about Duke Divinity School, please visit our website at www.divinity.duke.edu.

Submitted by Edgardo Colón-Emeric, dean of Duke Divinity School

5.7 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.

During this past academic year, Garrett also welcomed its largest entering class in over a decade, with 124 new students, and a current enrollment of 314 students representing thirty-seven states and twenty-one nations from across the globe. We have experienced particular growth in students from the African continent and the Indian subcontinent, adding to an already richly diverse student body. While our denominational diversity also continues to grow, we also proudly welcomed growth in our United Methodist students who constitute more than 50% of our student body.

Of particular importance in the past year has been the partnership we have entered into with Phillips School of Theology of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME). Phillips students are now also fully Garrett students and together we are preparing the next generation of CME leaders in a robust pan-Methodist/Wesleyan context alongside UMC, AME, and AMEZ students. Phillips President, Dr. Paul Brown, is now also affiliated with our faculty, teaching CME History, Doctrine, and Polity, as well as spiritual formation and organizational leadership courses. It is our hope and intention to continue to grow this partnership and foster a truly pan-Methodist/Wesleyan ethos which includes our growing global Methodist partners in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Additionally, last year, all Garrett degree programs were made truly hybrid so that students can study with us and earn their degrees either on our Evanston campus or in virtual learning spaces around the globe. This has added an amazing breadth of experience and contexts to our classrooms, where we seek to address real-world challenges with gospel inspired solutions or responses.

Garrett’s world-class faculty continue developing curricular innovations that are responsive to the church’s growing needs, while also contributing a significant body of scholarly work to their respective fields. Our faculty are also at work developing The Garrett Collective, an online platform of theological learning and resources for churches and partner organizations inspired by our faculty’s research and/or strategic partnerships. Finally, at this critical juncture in the history of United Methodism, faculty leaders are providing essential guidance to UMC students, while also continuing to envision with hope the next expression of Methodism that is responsive to the Spirit’s call for such a time as this.

Submitted by Vilma Franco, executive assistant to the president

5.8 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 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 firsthand experience necessary to meet the needs of a changing world.

At the core of our mission at Saint Paul is the formation of people for innovative, creative ministry through rigorous academic life. In 2024, we are launching two exciting new programs to revitalize current pastors and preachers and prepare seminary students for music ministry. First, with the help of Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching grant and the leadership of Dr. Casey Sigmon, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Contextual Education and Pause/Play Center for Preachers, Saint Paul School of Theology is creating a Center that addresses the risk of losing heart and prophetic imagination as a preacher in this divided world. The Pause/Play Center for Preachers’ mission is in its name: to hold space for busy preachers to pause and play their way into a renewal of their vocation as preachers of the Good News. Second, for Fall 2024, as part of our Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree program, we will launch a first-of-its-kind specialization in Modern Worship Music. Saint Paul will partner with The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and their  COR Worship Collective to prepare students to write, produce, and perform modern worship music. Students will integrate a worship leaders› skills with their study of theology, the bible, history, and worship in a diverse, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment. Lastly, we recently completed the (Theo)Logic Studio on our Oklahoma Campus. The Studio serves as a dedicated space for creating, recording, and editing digital media resources tailored to the ministries of students, staff, faculty, and alums, encompassing content development ranging from podcasts and video resources to digital graphics.

We continue to invite Saint Paul students, alums, and friends to join us in a hybrid format, where participants may join in-person or online, allowing everyone to come together as one institution from wherever they are. Saint Paul offers weekly chapel services throughout the academic year featuring students, alums, faculty, and local leaders. In addition, weekly Spiritual Formation allows attendees to engage in spiritual practices led by new Oklahoma Chapel Coordinator Rev. Alanna Ireland ‘23. Some practices take us outdoors or to other sacred spaces and others have us connect with community leaders.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, we brought forty-one new, faithful theologians from across the world to our learning community. International students from South Korea, Belgium, and Mexico added to the global learning environment on both campuses and online. Twenty-

seven percent of incoming students identified as a race or ethnicity other than white, and 53 percent identified as female.

The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year brought a change in leadership to the Seminary. Rev. Neil Blair ‘80 retired as President on December 31, 2023, and President Jay Simmons, formerly Vice President of Institutional Advancement, took the helm at the start of 2024. In addition, Saint Paul Board of Trustees’ Chair Dr. Amy Hogan stepped down as Board Chair, with Ms. Sharon Cleaver assuming the position until the end of June 2024. Our current strategic plan is set to conclude within the coming year. Consequently, the Board of Trustees formed a task force several months ago to prepare the next iteration of our strategic plan. Members of the Seminary’s Executive Leadership Team are now working with faculty and staff to refine the draft scripted by the task force. These efforts will continue over the next few months until we have a document ready for review by the Board of Trustees. While we are still too early in this effort to comment on any specific initiatives, the plan ultimately endorsed by the Board will guide all our efforts for the next several years. Therefore, this effort is critical in defining how we ensure that Saint Paul remains a vital and vigorous Seminary committed to preparing our students for creative and innovative ministry.

For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Saint Paul Course of Study (COS) School educated 250 individual students, including seventy-nine new students, with approximately six hundred registrations and offering forty-six classes. Serving 31 Conferences, 89 Districts, 116 Full Time and 126 Part-Time Licensed Local Pastors comprised these registrations. Seventy percent of these students take more than one course. To help offset student costs, twenty percent of all students received aid from their conference or church. COS School continues to attract a diverse student body. We helped twenty-three students finish the 20-course program this year, issuing them certificates of completion. With approval from GBHEM, the school has continued its course offerings in both asynchronous and synchronous online formats.

Saint Paul is a financially healthy Seminary. We operate with a balanced budget, no debt, and an endowment that is 9-10 times the size of our annual expenses. Sustainability has been our focus over the past six years, and we have achieved our goal. Investments in our future bring exciting new opportunities for our students, staff, and faculty. As always, we continue to be grateful for donations from the community that provide technology, scholarships, and evolving academic programs to students. Our significant technological investments have allowed us to maintain a hybrid educational delivery model, providing a flexible working arrangement for our students.

We are continuing to enhance our partnership with Zoom and Neat. We now have Neat Bars & Neat Boards in all our classrooms. In addition, during this last year, we implemented a Neat Board in Harris Chapel on our Oklahoma Campus. We also have Neat Boards in multiple common areas to encourage ad-hoc use of the technology for breakout groups and other miscellaneous meetings between our two campuses and our remote students. One of the best features of this technology is its ability to receive automatic real-time over-the-air feature upgrades. Zoom & Neat continues enhancing our learning environment by rolling out new enhancements, including enhanced whiteboarding, noise cancellation, and AI features. We are excited about the additional enhancements that will come to our classrooms from Neat and Zoom over this next year.

Saint Paul School of Theology is blessed to be your partner in ministry and help those seeking to discover more and answer the call. Your advocacy for the Seminary and generous financial support have been vital in realizing our accomplishments. Many thanks for the innumerable ways you have helped Saint Paul. Your prayers and actions on behalf of the Seminary are a blessing to all of us.

Submitted by Jay K. Simmons, president, Saint Paul School of Theology

5.9 United Theological Seminary

For more than 150 years, United Theological Seminary has prepared men and women to serve as faithful and fruitful Christian leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the seminary served 547 students, representing thirty-six states, twenty countries, and forty-three denominations, with 38% of students identifying as United Methodist. United in Christ, the student body is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial community that is 43% African American, 27% White, 18% international, 9% Hispanic, and 2% Asian or Pacific Islander. * During the 2022-2023 academic year, 120 graduates completed their programs.

Houses of Study

United’s academic programs include seven Houses of Study for denominational, church renewal, and/or language- and culture-based ministry, including online Spanish and Korean houses of study. These houses of study have enrolled over 120 new master’s students in the United States and around the world.

Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center

In 2023, the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center, directed by Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, engaged more than 5,000 participants through sixty-four resourcing events and activities. The Center partnered with the Black Methodists for Church Renewal Laity Advocacy Committee to conduct the 2023 Laity Leadership Institution. The Center also launched a Dynamite Prayer movement, based on the guidebook Dynamite Prayer: A 28 Day Experiment (Invite Resources, 2022) by Rev. Kibbey and Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo. Multiple United Methodist conferences and more than ninety congregations across denominations committed to be part of a Dynamite Prayer Wave and received resourcing on the practice of “breakthrough prayer.”

Over the past year, the seminary welcomed several new members to the United community. Bishop James Swanson, most recently bishop of the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church, was installed as United Methodist Bishop-in-Residence. Dr. Pauline Paris Buisch and Rev. Dr. Xavier L. Johnson joined the faculty as Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Assistant Professor of Preaching and Black Church Studies, respectively, and Dr. Eliseo Mejia came on board as the Academic Oversight Officer for the Hispanic House of Study.

Reducing Student Debt

Finances should not stand in the way of a seminary education. That is why United has launched the Fresh Wind: Where the Spirit Takes Flight campaign to add $10 million to the scholarship endowment, which will dramatically increase the seminary’s capacity to provide scholarships to students for many years to come. As of January 2024, the seminary was more than 70% toward the $10 million goal.

* Student data represent unduplicated headcount enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year. Demographic figures represent those who responded.

Submitted by Dr. Kent Millard, president.

5.10 Wesley Theological Seminary

The mission of Wesley Theological Seminary (WTS) is to equip persons for Christian ministry and leadership in the church and the world, to advance theological scholarship, and to model a prophetic voice in the public square.

Despite the challenges posed by the global landscape, WTS continues to flourish, driven by our commitment to excellence in theological education and community engagement:

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theological Studies Degrees: We offer pathways to meet the needs of a variety of students. Whether traditional, brick and mortar, in- person study or a flexible, online, hybrid model (Wesley FlexMA), WTS is committed to curating space for theological reflection, academic inquiry, and practical application. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/study/

Doctor of Ministry Degree: WTS is a leader in DMin education offering specialized tracks of study for scholars going into parish ministry, global missions, or military chaplaincy. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/doctorofministry/program/

Wesley Innovation Hub: WTS received a $1.2M grant from the Lilly Endowment and will embark on groundbreaking initiatives that harness the power of technology, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/wesley-innovation-hub/

Center for Public Theology: WTS received a generous grant from the Trinity Wall Street Foundation to launch “The Public Theology Fellows Program,” an innovative initiative to bridge gaps between faith communities and political action. https://www.wesleyseminary. edu/ice/programs/public-theology/

Community Engagement Institute: WTS received a generous grant from City Seminary in NYC for the innovative, immersive study and praxis of urban ministry. https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/ice/about-us/overview-2/

The Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion: WTS is thrilled to share two new exhibits, Sacred Ground, which focused on the intersection of community-engaged art and spirituality; and Paradise Lost, a captivating exhibition highlighting transcultural, multicultural, and interreligious narratives. https://www.luceartsandreligion.org/

Lewis Center for Church Leadership: The Lewis Center conducts leading edge research for the local church. WTS is pleased to report a growing demand for transformative leadership training within religious communities. https://www.churchleadership.com/

Call us: (202) 885-8659 Email us: admissions@wesleyseminary.edu Follow us: Facebook/IG: @WesleySeminary and LinkedIn: @WesleyTheologicalSeminary

Submitted by Lyvonne Briggs, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, President