Southwest District News [link removed] Please take note of the 2025-2026 SW District Timeline
below with dates for the upcoming months.
October 26 – In-Person Cluster Charge Conferences – Resurrection Church @ 3PM
November 4 - 6 - [link removed] Discipleship Ministries Intergenerational Ministry Conference (use code MOAC50 for $50 off!)
November 18 - [link removed] Jump Start: Vision and Leadership with Rev. Olu Brown
November 27 - 28 – Conference/District Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 – Consultation Forms due - these are available in your portal
December 24 - January 1 – Conference/District Closed for Christmas/New Year’s Holidays
December 29 - Stats module open
January 7- Conference apportionment deadline (by 4 p.m.)
January 29 - Deadline for churches to enter stats
January 31 – Mentor Report Forms due
March 1 – Parsonage Inspection Forms due
March 23-24 - dCOM Interviews
May 1 – Pastor Eval forms due
May/June – Pastor Evaluations with DS
June 5 - 7 – Annual Conference in St. Charles, MO
June 30 – Mentor Report Forms due
HealthFlex Annual Enrollment
For those on Wespath's HealthFlex insurance, the annual enrollment period is Oct. 29 through Nov. 13. It’s 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 more, visit [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/benefits
Simplified Accountable Structure Webinar – Nov. 20
Join Amy Thompson, certified simplified accountable structure coach, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 for a virtual overview of what simplified accountable structure is and why a church might consider moving to this type of structure. A short Q-and-A will be available at the end of the hour. A pastor and two to three members of the current leadership board are encouraged to attend. Learn more and get the Zoom link at [link removed] [link removed]
Benefits Road Show Explains Changes In Retirement Plan
If you were unable to attend one of the Benefits Roadshows that were held in person, please click [link removed] HERE to watch a recording to learn about the changes coming for 2026.
Jump Start Workshop with Rev. Olu Brown
How do you work together as a local church team towards a common vision? Join us on Nov. 18 for our last Jump Start workshop of the fall as we welcome pastor and coach [link removed] Rev. Olu Brown. Rev. Olu will share insights and practical advice on bringing your church’s vision to life through collaborative leadership. Learn more and register at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/jump-start-vision-and-leadership-with-rev-olu-brown-18792935
NextGen Leaders Academy
NextGen Ministries seeks to support and equip Missouri’s NextGen ministry leaders. One way we do that is through a new program called NextGen Leaders Academy. This six-month program teaches the basics of NextGen ministry, empowers leaders to do big, exciting things, and creates a network of support for leaders all across the state. Both daytime and evening cohort options are available. Learn more and apply for the 2026 cohort by Nov. 20 at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/nextgen-leaders-academy
[link removed] CMU to Host Praise Music Competition
Scholarship Opportunities Attached
Central Methodist University is launching an exciting new opportunity for Missouri’s most talented and passionate young praise musicians. The new competition, Central’s Got Praise, is designed to inspire, connect, and elevate the next generation of worship leaders.
This fall, Central is bringing the stage to communities across the state with five district-level competitions hosted at United Methodist churches. Churches are invited to sign up their youth praise bands or standout musicians to compete in one of these local events. The competitions will be split into two categories, bands and individuals.
District winners in the band category will receive a trophy and advance to the statewide praise band competition held in February, during the annual Central’s Got Talent finals. In the individual category, scholarships and spots in the Central’s Got Talent showcase are up for grabs, with full-tuition scholarships possible for CGT winners.
The South West District competition will be held on November 2 at Kingsway UMC in Springfield. Central’s Got Talent and the statewide finals will be held on the CMU campus on February 19.
Praise bands and individual musicians of all faiths are invited to participate. Spots are limited in each district. To register for any of the district competitions, visit [link removed] [link removed]. For all competition dates, see the Central’s Got Praise page on the CMU website: [link removed] [link removed].
For more info on this amazing travel opportunity, click the following link. [link removed] TRAVEL
Classified Ads
The King's Way UMC preschool, Kingswood, has two job openings they would like to share. Please take a look if you or anyone you know might be interested.
Kingswood Preschool Director [link removed] click Here
Kingswood Part-time Administrative Assistant [link removed] click here
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 stay connected letter to see the many ways you can connect and follow the Missouri Conference: [link removed] [link removed]
[link removed] See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
Lay Education Classes
Tuesdays, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 - [link removed] Prayer Practices for Disciples: Creating a Life with God via Zoom
Mondays beginning Nov. 3 - [link removed] UMC Polity online via Zoom
Mondays beginning Dec. 1 - [link removed] Advent in Four Words online via Zoom
Laity Quick Links
[link removed] Conference Lay Ministry Team Listing
[link removed] Conference Lay Education Coordinator Listing
Interested in pursuing certified lay ministry? [link removed] View the process here.
[link removed] Absorb on-demand learning platform with lay education courses
Update your Find-A-Church profile
Developed by United Methodist Communications, Find-A-Church is the official online directory of United Methodist churches. It is one of the most visited sections of UMC.org, averaging more than 1,000 page views a day and helps you to connect with busy people in your community on their terms, on their time, and in their comfort zone. It also serves as a companion to your church’s existing website — giving you twice the local visibility online. Use the link below for more information and to access your profile.
[link removed] Update your Find-A-Church profile | ResourceUMC
View in browser [link removed]
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[link removed] Subscribe to our newsletter
Southwest District of the Missouri Annual Conference
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 743, Branson, MO 65615
(417) 623-2382
southwest.moumethodist.org southwest.moumethodist.org
