Please take note of the 2025-2026 SW District Timeline
below with dates for the upcoming months. 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
April 1 – UPDATED DUE DATE Pastor Eval forms due
May/June – Pastor Evaluations with DS
June 30 – Annual Fund Balance Reports due
June 5 - 7 – Annual Conference in St. Charles, MO
June 30 – Mentor Report Forms due
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In a pastoral letter to Missouri United Methodists, Bishop Robert Farr calls the Conference to renewed faithfulness and courageous Christian action and witness in a time of fear and uncertainty. Responding to recent events in Minneapolis and growing concern for immigrant and refugee communities, Bishop Farr reminds the Church that these are matters of human dignity and neighborly love. He invites congregations to pray, teach and act in ways that reflect Christ’s call to stand with the vulnerable. Read the full letter here: www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/bishop-farr-issues-a-call-to-courageous-christian-witness-19590570
Next Generation Ministries is offering a fantastic opportunity for young people during Annual Conference to grow in connection and leadership. We are doing this by officially bringing back the Youth Leadership Team (formerly known as CCYM).
What’s the timeline?
•Applications will be open now through March 2nd.
•Selections for the Youth Leadership Team will be made by March 9th
Who should be filling out the application?
The youth who is interested should fill out the application. They need to use an email that will be good for an entire year (Avoid using a school email if there will be limited access to that through the summer.)
Click Here for more info and to apply for this excellent opportunity.
Notes of Rest is a contemplative, music-infused retreat created by Julian Davis Reid that invites clergy and spiritual leaders into rest, reflection and renewal through Scripture and song. Our guiding text for the retreat will be John 4:1-7. You can view the full retreat flow and schedule at this link.
Ask most churches if they have an online worship service and you will probably get a lot of heads nodding. Between better technology and a pandemic that pushed us to go virtual, online worship is now common. Click the link above to get helpful hints to make your online worship more engaging for your members.
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Soul Space – Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.
Take time to recenter with us on Tuesday mornings. Beginning on Feb. 3, join us virtually for Soul Space, 15-20 minutes of guided reflection and prayer. Designed with both clergy and laity, Soul Space provides space to reflect on the presence of God with a spiritual director. You can join from wherever you’re at, whether it’s the comfort of your home or your cubicle. Get the Zoom info at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/soul-space-2026-19546651
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Jump Start Workshop on Mental Health
In our first Jump Start workshop of the spring, we’re tackling the tricky topic of mental health. Join us on Feb. 17 as we consider questions around supporting those experiencing grief and trauma, caring for young people, and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the community. You’ll leave with practical advice and solutions that can be immediately implemented in your ministry context. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/jump-start-mental-health-19525332
Save the Date: Statewide Laity Training on Feb. 28
Jesus said to follow him. But what does that look like in today’s challenging world?
Join us on Feb. 28, 2026, as we explore two key elements of Jesus’s leadership: Curiosity and loving one another. Rev. Robert Johnson, lead pastor at Resurrection Lee’s Summit, will lead our time together.
Participants will connect with other area United Methodists to learn and fellowship and will leave energized to love their communities like Jesus.
For the cost of registration, participants will receive lunch and a book. Registration closes on Feb. 19.
Register Here
Classified Ads
Branson UMC is seeking a passionate and gifted Director of Music Ministry to lead, develop, and oversee all aspects of the church's music ministry. This role is responsible for cultivating a vibrant worship environment, leading music teams, and working closely with the senior leadership to enhance the worship experience for the congregation. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please reach out to Pastor Dave Wiant at [email protected].
There is a small church that is looking for help trying to locate any church that might have an extra official Cokesbury Parament sets (8 pc | Red, White, Purple, Green). They can't afford the new ones from Cokesbury right now and don't have a set of their own. If so, please contact Pastor Michael Cole at [email protected].
Stay Connected
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/19590585
Stay Connected with the Missouri Conference
See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
Laity Quick Links
Lay Education Classes
- Wednesdays beginning March 4 - Polity online via Zoom
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.
Update your Find-A-Church profile | ResourceUMC
