Southwest District News [link removed]
If you have any requests that you would like us to prayer over, please let us know.
* Pray for all the changes happening in leadership and churches among our denomination.
* State of the Church

We are praying for each of you, your families, and your congregations.



This event will be held at King's Way UMC from 9:30am - 3:30pm
The cost is free and lunch will be PROVIDED

[link removed] SIGN-UP HERE →

Charge Conference Paperwork is due in the District Office by November 28, 2023. Once all the forms have been fully completed with signatures you will receive a link to sign up for either an in person charge conference (January 21, 2024) or a zoom charge conference (January 28, 2024).
Please find the Charge Conference paperwork at the link below
[link removed] Charge Conference Paperwork →

Consultations, with signatures, are due in the District Office on December 1, 2023. Please make sure that both the pastor and the PPRC consultations are submitted together. Please reach out to the district office if you have any questions.




How to Do More with Less: Strategies for Small- and Medium-sized Churches
Join us on Saturday, Oct. 28, as Rebekah Simon-Peter leads an in-person event focused on practical pathways forward for all ministry contexts. Our time together will include learning, conversation and application. Both laity and clergy on ministry teams are encouraged to attend. After this event, participants will be able to name the resources their church already has and ideas for how to use those resources to engage the community in outwardly focused, hopeful and life-giving ministry. Learn more and register by clicking below.
[link removed] More Information →

For those on Wespath's HealthFlex insurance, the annual enrollment period is Nov. 1-16. Given the change in network and plan choices, it’s extra important that you review your plan selections, even if you want to keep your current coverage. For resources related to making your selections, UMPIP and Pastoral Support Addendum forms, and more, click the link below.
[link removed] Benefits →


When disaster strikes, United Methodists respond. Become early response team trained to help communities recover in the days following a disaster. Join us on Nov. 11 in Wentzville. Space is limited to 20 participants. Learn more and register by Nov. 2 by clicking the button below:
[link removed] Register →
Discipling Gen Z and Gen Alpha – Nov. 2
How can you disciple and raise up the next generation if you don’t understand them? Join NextGen Ministries for an educational event about generations Z and alpha, aka people ages 26 and younger. Together with experts from Barna and the Great Plains Annual Conference we’ll explore the motivations, mental health and habits of these new generations. You’ll take home strategies for reaching out and engaging with the youngest members of your church. This event is open to anyone dedicated to growing the church younger. Registration is $30, and lunch is included. Learn more by clicking below
[link removed] More Information →

Discerning a Call to Start Something New?
You’re invited to Church Planting Intensive, a three-day crash course on all things planting for those discerning or preparing to reach new people – whether it’s a new ministry or new multi-site. During our time together Nov. 6-8, we’ll cover crafting a vision and purpose, building a launch team, cultivating generosity, and what to do after launching your new ministry. Learn more and register by clicking below

[link removed] More Information →

NextGen Ministry Cohort
Learn, grow and collaborate with other UMC leaders working with children, youth and young adults in this six-month cohort experience. Whether you’ve been in ministry for a while or new to your role, there’s a place for you. Learn more and apply by Nov. 9 by clicking below.

[link removed] NEXTGEN → Get Discounts on NextGen Curriculum
Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries is offering a reduced rate on curriculum produced by top kids and youth ministry providers. This resource is available for any ministry leader working with kids and youth. Currently the discount covers Celebrate Wonder by Cokesbury, Grow, Orange and Sparkhouse curriculums. Read more about each of these providers and request your discount at:
[link removed] Click Here →

Free Resource: Local Church Disaster Response Plan
Does your local church know what to do in the event of a disaster? Thinking through all situations, making a plan and communicating it are important elements of being prepared when disaster strikes. Even if you church already has a plan, it’s best practice to revisit it annually. Use our new local church disaster response plan resource to make or update your plan this summer:
[link removed] Click Here →




Have a ministry idea that needs an extra boost? There’s a grant for that! Funds are available through the Missouri Conference and its related entities for your new or existing ministry idea. Missouri United Methodist Churches can apply for funds through several grant programs supporting local ministry projects. We encourage you to apply for multiple grant opportunities. Each program has a different focus and requires a different application. Learn more about each, and their spring application deadline
[link removed] Click Here →



If you are interested in information on Lay Leadership please contact:

Nancy Corley
District Lay Education Coordinator
mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Janice Greene
District Lay Leader mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Kent Kiester
District Lay Leader mailto:[email protected] [email protected]


Free Implicit Bias Course Available
The Missouri Conference has partnered with the UMC General Commission on Race and Religion to create a Missouri-specific version of the course “Implicit Bias: What We Don't Think We Think.” Any Missouri Conference member – clergy or lay – is invited to take the training for free to learn about the unconscious bias we all experience. Learn more and enroll at [link removed] [link removed]





Please contact the district office for any district listings or events you would like promoted on future newsletters!

[link removed] [link removed]

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns to our District Staff:

Mary Rodgers-Weaver District Superintendent - [email protected]
Rebecca Courtney - [email protected] or 417-499-8334
Tiffany Freeman - [email protected] or 417-499-6840
Ethan Owens - [email protected] or 417-623-2382




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Southwest District of the Missouri Annual Conference
2517 E 20th, Joplin, MO, 64804-1037
(417) 623-2382
southwest.moumethodist.org southwest.moumethodist.org