Southwest District News [link removed] If you don't have your Consultation Forms in
yet, please do so as soon as possible!
The deadline is December 1st.

Part of the Charge Conference paperwork was a form stating you had updated your officers in the new Portal system. Please go into your church dashboard in your leaders list and make those changes if you haven't already done so. Those new officers will need current contact info to receive apportionment statements and other MOAC correspondence. If you have any problems, please contact Teresa at the district office.
Please take note of the 2025-2026 SW District Timeline
below with dates for the upcoming months.
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 in person in Springfield
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

First UMC of Carthage is Making New Friends!
1st UMC of Carthage has been looking for a way to connect with the local Hispanic churches. On November 6th we hosted a tea and invited our neighbors to share. One of the churches in Carthage had burned and we wanted to see what we could do to help.
Pat Wakefield spent a great deal of time gathering supplies of all the craft and VBS supplies we have accumulated over the last 30 years and packaged them for our new friends. Pat does a great job not only organizing but was able to translate so that we could communicate in a way that was comfortable to all involved.
Nancy Sanders and her crew of helpers fed the 6th grade teachers during their parent teacher meetings. I know that they are so appreciative of our support and the great food as well. The students loved the Halloween gift bags. They were so excited to get the school supplies and candy.
We had a great turn out and met some new friends in the process.

Food Pantry for All
Antioch United Methodist Church has a Free Food Pantry that gives out food inside the church building every second Friday of the month between 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
No one needs any identification or documentation, we have plenty of close parking spaces for easy accessibility. People can just show up and we will give them free food.
Antioch United Methodist Church Food Pantry was also featured in the September 2025 issue of the Missouri Methodists magazine.
[link removed]
Support Mozambican United Methodists This Giving Tuesday
In many churches across Mozambique, United Methodists gather to worship without access to hymnals or Bibles for the congregation. Leaders in Mozambique named supplying these materials as a top priority for continued faith development and evangelism. Giving Tuesday funds will support this effort, one that is at the heart of our ministry: Encouraging United Methodists across the world in our shared faith. Learn more and donate at [link removed] [link removed] [link removed] nals-mozambique/
Year-End Stats Webinar – 11 a.m. on Dec. 4
The end of the calendar year means it’s local church statistics time. Before the AC Stats portal opens on Dec. 30, we want to share guidance and resources for making the most of your church’s statistical data. Conference Statistician Nate Berneking will host a brief overview and answer common questions related to the year-end stats process. Register to attend live or receive the recording at [link removed] [link removed]

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.
For more info on this amazing travel opportunity, click the following link. [link removed] TRAVEL

Stay Connected
Stay Connected with the Missouri Conference
[link removed] See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
Lay Education Classes
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