Southwest Newsletter Email Updates
Often we have people tell us they didn't know of a deadline, that an event was happening or where to find a necessary form. You can find all those things in our newsletter or on our website. southwest.moumethodist.org
As we have been updating the 2025 officers, church representatives and pastors, we have added your email to our list so that you will receive the latest updates and know what is happening and when in the Southwest District. If you would not like to receive these emails every other week, please feel free to unsubscribe at any time. We value your privacy and understand if you choose to to so. Thank you for being a part of the Southwest District!
Upcoming Important Dates to Remember
04/01/2025 – Multiple Spring Grants Deadline - See information below for all options
04/09-10/2025 - Southwest District dCOM Interviews
05/01/2025 – PPRC and Pastor Self Evaluations are due
06/06/2025 - 06/08/2025 Missouri Annual Conference www.MOACinfo.com
2025 Annual Conference Session
Event registration will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Registration can be completed online at www.MOACinfo.com. Payment will be required at the time of registration. More information about annual conference is available at that website as well. Regular registrations received between April 12 and May 1 will cost $175, and those received May 2 and after will cost $200
We have contracted with various hotels in St. Charles. Hotel information will be posted at www.MOACinfo.com at 9 a.m. on March 11.
Hood UMC is hosting a Women's event on March 29th
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Upcoming Early Response Team Basic Training
The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes. Help the Missouri Conference and United Methodist Church be equipped and ready for the next time a disaster happens in Missouri or the wider jurisdiction by becoming Early Response Team trained. Join us on March 22 for disaster response training at Manchester UMC. Space is limited. Learn more and register for the by March 19 at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/march-manchester-ert-training-18993119
Scholarship Deadlines
Missouri United Methodist Foundation
The Missouri United Methodist Foundation (MUMF) awards various college scholarships to United Methodist students each year. The deadline for 2025-2026 undergraduate scholarship applications is April 1, 2025. All materials must be postmarked by this date to qualify. Current college students as well as incoming freshmen are encouraged to apply. For more information or to download an application, visit https://mumf.org/students/undergraduate-scholarships/.
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) Dollars for Scholars Application deadline
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) Dollars for Scholars scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2025. This program involves matching support from a student’s church, UMHEF, as well as participating United Methodist-related schools and UMC conference foundations. Awards may total up to $4,000. Learn more at UM Dollars for Scholars program. Missouri United Methodist Foundation is a participating UMC conference foundation that will match $1,000 for those students attending Saint Paul School of Theology & Central Methodist University.
Time is running out! Don’t Delay! Missouri UM Foundation Ministry Grants Deadline – April 1st
A Foundation Ministry Grant can help jump-start a new ministry, address a special project or need, and affirm the work and initiatives of your church members. The deadline is approaching. Learn more and apply online at: https://mumf.org/churches-organizations/ministry-grants/
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Grant Applications Due April 1
Have a ministry idea that needs an extra boost? There’s a grant for that! Missouri United Methodist Churches can apply for funds to support both big and small local ministry projects. Applications are due April 1. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/ministry-grant-applications-now-open-18897449
Admins:
Are you looking for an opportunity to renew your spirit to enhance your ministry at your local church? The 2025 National PAUMCS Annual Conference, with the theme Be Still and Know, will be held April 3-5 in Woodworth, LA. You will be networking with Admins from across the country, gaining continuing education, and enriching spiritual growth. Please join some of our MO PAUMCS Chapter members in Louisiana! See details here: https://paumcs.org/?page_id=28375 Please share with your Staff-Parish Relations Committee and Pastors/Directors and see if they will support your continuing education on behalf of your local church. I am happy to address any questions you or your Pastor may have.
Dora Thackery
President
MO PAUMCS Chapter
AI and the Church Event – April 7 and April 8
Join us on April 7 in St. Louis and on April 8 in Kansas City as two experts in translating emerging tech for ministry life share ways artificial intelligence can support the good work you’re already doing. You’ll gain a new perspective on AI and will leave with at least one practical use for AI in your ministry. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/ai-conference-stl-18792907
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Dream Lab Retreat – Aug. 1-2
Get out of the office and into a creative headspace. Dream Lab, a 24-hour retreat at the Lake of the Ozarks, is designed for you and your team to imagine and brainstorm about something new for your ministry. A facilitator will guide your group through creative prompts and questions to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into the next dream God has for your church.
Learn more and register your local church team at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/dream-lab-18646730
Stay Connected
Stay Connected with the Missouri Conference
As Annual Conference draws near, we want to make sure you stay informed of the exciting opportunities the Missouri Annual Conference is offering. View our annual stay connected letter to see the many ways you can connect and follow the Missouri Conference: https://www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/18891548
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