Southwest District News [link removed] I want to send a special thank you to all of you that are starting to send us your celebrations for the newsletter and Facebook! It's great to see what you are doing in your churches!
Please take note of the 2025-2026 SW District Timeline
below with dates for the upcoming months.
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
Pitt's Chapel Breast Cancer Walk
On October 11, 2025 Pitt's Chapel in Springfield sponsored a community wide Breast Cancer Walk in the Historic Silver Springs Park . It was a lot of fun, we gave out water and healthy snacks, had guest speakers, and even had prizes. They collected a nice donation to give to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
Branson UMC to Host CAM Fundraiser
Branson UMC will host the (CAM) Christian Action Ministry - Branson Festival of Trees on Sunday, November 9th, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
We invite everyone to visit the Branson Festival of Trees location at the Branson Landing, suite 505. (Park on the Belk/Paula Deen end of the Landing) Branson’s Festival of Trees is a Fundraiser for Christian Action Ministries.
Their ministry distributes 1.7 M pounds of food, 2 million meals & assisted 78,225 individual cases lastyear.
Vote for the BUMC - "Gingerbread" themed Christmas Tree. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Save the Date: Notes of Rest Retreat
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us April 30 – May 2, 2026, in St. Louis for a Notes of Rest Retreat with Julian Davis Reid. During this contemplative, music-infused time apart, participants will explore rest, reflection and renewal through Scripture and song. You can view the [link removed] full retreat flow and schedule at this link. Registration opens on Jan. 20, 2026. Indicate interest and receive more information when it becomes available by completing this form: [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/interest-form.
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]
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
For more info on this amazing travel opportunity, click the following link. [link removed] TRAVEL
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
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
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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
