4.9.3 Human Resources Committee

Methodist Foundation. In 2021, each Foundation took a step preparing to provide services to all churches and organizations with a Wesleyan belief in the event of a split and/or addition of a new denomination. Part of our purpose includes setting our churches up for success whether they remain United Methodist or join a new Methodist denomination created by the General Conference. To service all Methodist organizations, it was decided to remove the word United from the title of each Foundation. A new title and logo were developed to define who we are and to help strengthen our partnership between the Foundations. This partnership has proven to be valuable as we share administrative processes and other resources and as we learn from each other along the way. We look forward to continuing this work together. We are dedicated to walking alongside churches as they grow their ministry in the Dakotas and Minnesota.

This past year presented us with many challenges but one thing that remained constant was the generosity of our churches and donors in the Dakotas Conference. Our growth has been tremendous in recent years as we continue to be an edge organization. As of December 31, 2021, we reached an all-time high of $41.7 million invested with the Foundation. This growth has allowed us to invest in ministries in the Dakotas United Methodist Conference. In 2021, the Foundation distributed a total of over $1,128,000.00 to churches, organizations and seminary students and we continue to look for ways to assist our churches in turning money into ministry. In 2021 we partnered with churches and organizations to open twenty-nine new accounts totaling $1,910,668.10. In July, the Foundation launched the Klingbeil Legacy and Investors Grant program for all new accounts opened through the end of the year. We were pleased that sixteen churches took advantage of this program. In all, $78,551.50 in grant dollars was distributed and eighteen new accounts were established. We are so thankful to Maynard Klingbeil for his generous, undesignated gift to the Foundation. Through this gift, his legacy of bringing others to Christ lives on as these churches invest more in their own missions and ministry. Seminary Scholarships – The Foundation continues to come alongside our future leaders in the United Methodist Church by investing in their call to ministry. Last year, scholarships totaling $93,200.00 were awarded to thirteen seminary students: Bryce Blank, Thanael CertaWerner, Don Dinger, Andy Early, Stephanie Eliason, Kim Hastings, Justin Jenness, Taylor Johnson, Barbara Krumm, Amber Laffey, Teresa Person, Janson Steffan, and Kippy Udehn. Undergraduate students Davis Anderson and Erin Moncur were also supported through the Dollars for Scholars program. Breakthrough Ministry Grants – Churches interested in grant money to fund new or expanding ministries are encouraged to apply for a Breakthrough Ministry Grant. In 2021, $78,600 in grant funds were awarded to twenty-two churches to assist in starting twenty-four new ministries. Projects supported through these grants include outreach ministries, church/school partnerships, young adult/campus ministries and Culture of Call. If your church is considering a new ministry opportunity you are welcome to apply. The application can be found online at www.dakotasumf.org. Application deadlines are January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31. Builders Club – Our Builders Club members generously gave to four calls during 2021. The Builders Club is a wonderful example of connectional ministry. Each year, hundreds of individuals, organizations and churches across the Conference assist churches in reaching new people in their community by financially supporting a building remodel or expansion project. Last year our Builders Club members gave nearly $39,000 to support the following churches: De Smet UMC (SD) expanded their narthex area to become a more welcoming space for people to gather before and after worship. The Journey at Spirit Lake (ND) updated their worship space with technology, remodeled a closet to use for storage and laid gravel in their dirt parking lot. Parker UMC (SD) replaced their flat roof with a pitched roof. The old roof caused many leaks and damage to the fellowship hall, kitchen, and pastor’s office. Oakes UMC (ND) repaired their roof by replacing supporting lumber and re-shingling after several storms caused severe damage. If you would like to join Builders Club or apply for a Builders Club grant, please visit the Builders Club page on our website: www.dakotasumf.org or contact our office at 605-990-7790. We know there is more work to do, and we look forward to our continued partnership with churches, organizations, and ministries in the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences. Our mission is to cultivate and secure resources for churches and ministries by developing relationships with a community of donors who embrace the value of changing lives and seeking the love of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And this is a mission we will continue to embrace each time we have the opportunity to walk alongside churches on their ministry journey. Submitted by Jeff Nelson, chair, Board of Directors and Sheri Meister, president/CEO, Dakotas Methodist Foundation

4.9.3 Human Resources Committee (HR)

The Human Resource (HR) committee continued to work with Jeff Pospisil and Rebecca Trefz to assure our staff is aligned properly within our mission. In our December meeting applications for Equitable Comp Grants were presented by the District Superintendents, they were reviewed and approved. Staffing issues were discussed and approved as presented by Jeff and Rebecca. The HR committee approved Al Roll’s duties to include Impact Ministries and facilitating the Strategy Team. Approval was given to allow Sara McManus to be compensated for work on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Diane Owen’s roll will be transitioning from primarily focusing on clergy financial health to a more comprehensive view of clergy health relating to Higher Ground. Compensation for staff was discussed and approved. A preview of the 2023 Compensation Schedule was reviewed. Jeff reported that the Cost-of-Living Adjustment is based on CPI and Social Security’s