Events

The Northwest District is hosting an online collaboration chat on Tuesday, November 17th at 2:00 pm. The topic for the chat is brainstorming ideas for celebrating Christmas Eve. We look forward to you joining us and exploring how we can celebrate ...

The Mark Twain District office is closed to allow our staff time with their family and to be thankful even in the midst of a pandemic. 

NW District Office is closed for Thanksgiving.

The Northwest District is committed to supporting our clergy and laity by creating spaces for collaboration and support. We are hosting a clergy soul check-in on Tuesday, November 1st at 2:00 PM. This virtual check-in will be hosted by the Northwest ...

Northwest District Office is closed for Christmas. 

The Northwest District Office is closed for the New Year holiday. 

There was a time when the church focused solely on physical ministry. Then COVID-19 happened, and for months now, the church has put all its energy into digital, learning what it could as fast as it could about how to do church online. But how can ...

The Mark Twain District Office is closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.   

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

Please join us on Sunday, January 31 at 2:00PM for a Virtual Simplified Structure Training with Kay Kotan for churches currently using this model for leadership.  Kay is a nationally known speaker and leader who has helped many churches to reshape ...

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

COVID-19 will not be with us forever. But because it has challenged our churches and leaders to pivot like never before, it is encouraging to see what Missouri Methodists are making possible.  Join the Northwest District on Monday, February 8th from ...

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

Compassion Fatigue Webinar: February 11 7-8 PM via Zoom - The Community Care Ministry Team at Platte Woods UMC is sponsoring a community webinar focused on “Compassion Fatigue.” Guest speaker Robin Ewy, MS, LPC will be the presenter, guiding the ...

Grab your lunch and join us on Facebook on Monday, February 22nd starting at 12:00 PM. Rev. Melissa Dodd will "sit down" with several pastors in the Northwest District chat about how they are approaching the Lenten season and Easter Sunday. This will...

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

The Basic Course, Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Registration Deadline:  February 17, 2021 Class size limited to 25. This course is the foundation course and allows you to take other courses to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker or Lay ...

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

The Basic Course, Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Registration Deadline:  February 17, 2021 Class size limited to 25. This course is the foundation course and allows you to take other courses to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker or Lay ...

Clergy, come take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and start the new year with a commitment to develop a deeper prayer life. Beginning with breath prayer, the class will explore a full array of prayer forms and spiritual disciplines that engage your ...

The Basic Course, Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Registration Deadline:  February 17, 2021 Class size limited to 25. This course is the foundation course and allows you to take other courses to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker or Lay ...

The Basic Course, Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Registration Deadline:  February 17, 2021 Class size limited to 25. This course is the foundation course and allows you to take other courses to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker or Lay ...

Over the past year, many of us ramped up our tech skills, stacked all sorts of random household items for home made videos, and increased our social media engagement just enough to figure out how in the world to reach people in a pandemic. These ...

The Basic Course, Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Registration Deadline:  February 17, 2021 Class size limited to 25. This course is the foundation course and allows you to take other courses to becoming a Certified Lay Speaker or Lay ...

Join us for a lunchtime virtual conversation on Monday, March 29th  (12 – 1 PM) around the process in creating a space in your congregation to have healthy conversations around the topic of human sexuality. This virtual conversation will include ...

The Northwest District office is closed. 

Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional Structure (PAUMCS) is an organization that supports administrators from all over the world including local churches, districts, conferences, episcopal, and general agency offices. The ...

Title of Class: Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Summary of Class: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy, and lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. ...

Title of Class: Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Summary of Class: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy, and lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. ...

The Northwest District Committee on Ministry will be holding virtual interviews. Sign up is required for attendance. 

Title of Class: Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Summary of Class: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy, and lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. ...

Title of Class: Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Summary of Class: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy, and lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. ...

The Mark Twain District Office is closed in observance of Memorial Day.

The Northwest District office is closed for Memorial Day.

All churches are required to complete a fund balance report every year. The deadline to submit the report  to the district office is June 1st.  Completed reports may be emailed to Barbara Buck or submitted via snail mail  to Mark Twain District, PO ...

Xtreme Camp is a fast paced, fun, and high energy experience held at the state of the art facilities of Eagle Sky Christian Camp. Campers will explore the story of God while having a ton of fun and building relationships that will change their lives....

Xtreme Ignited is a high school camp designed to equip, transform, and ignite a deeper faith in Christ.  Campers will be challenged, empowered, and unleashed at the state of the art facilities of Eagle Sky Christian Camp. Campers will explore the ...

The District Office is closed while the staff are on vacation. 

Older Elementary Extreme Camp is dedicated to helping 4th, 5th and 6th grade students begin their journey as a Christian by identifying who Jesus Christ is. Through daily Bible studies, worship services and fun activities, we will discover what it ...

Some of us end up twisted and backwards in our faith. A week at camp will get you turned around and living the Extreme life of a Christ follower! Join us as we worship together, serve, swim hike, study the Bible and discover what it means to have a ...

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to serve. Leadership camp is all about learning to be a servant leader. Through actual hands-on learning opportunities that will get you growing, you will discover how to share your gifts at camp, in your church and...

The Mark Twain District Office is closed in observance of Independence Day. 

The Northwest District office is closed in observance of July 4th. 

Title of Class: Public Prayer, Virtual via Zoom Summary of Class: Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and ...

A tradition for over 40 years, Sanctuary Kamp is a unique camp that connects multiple generations together and strives to bring every camper closer to God. Whether you come to enjoy the beauty of nature, evening campfires, talent shows or great ...

Title of Class: Public Prayer, Virtual via Zoom Summary of Class: Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and ...

We are hosting a Charge Conference Forms training on Wednesday, July 28 at 10 AM through Zoom. It will be recorded. Please register today and submit any questions ahead of time.    Register → Need Additional Help? Set up a time for ...

Title of Class: Public Prayer, Virtual via Zoom Summary of Class: Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and ...

The Northwest District offers an opportunity for churches to apply for ministry grants and youth grants in the Spring and Fall. The Spring deadline is February 1st and Fall deadline is August 1st. Grants will be awarded to churches that are ...

The Northwest District office is closed for a staff mental health day.

Title of Class: Public Prayer, Virtual via Zoom Summary of Class: Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and ...

After this past year, connecting with our faith communities is more important than ever. But – also because of this last year – our gathering together may look different than ever before.   As leaders prepare and plan for people returning to church, ...

The Northwest District is excited to bring Kay Kotan back for another virtual leadership training on the Nominations Committee. Over the lunch hour (12-1 PM) on August 11, participants will discover the fullness of this leadership position and become...

Title of Class: Public Prayer, Virtual via Zoom Summary of Class: Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and ...

After this past year, connecting with our faith communities is more important than ever. But – also because of this last year – our gathering together may look different than ever before.   As leaders prepare and plan for people returning to church, ...

The District Office is closed to allow the district admin staff to participate in conference sponsored training. The office will be open at its normal time of 8 am on Thursday, August 19th.   

The Northwest District office is closed for a district admins training off site. 

The District Office is closed to allow the staff to attend a District Mission Council Meeting. 

The Mark Twain Mission Council will meet at the United Methodist Church from 2 pm - 3:30 pm. 

Join Robert P. Jones, author of White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, as he discusses with author Jennifer Harvey why Christianity’s role in white supremacy cannot be overlooked any longer. As the CEO and Founder of...

The Northwest District Mission Council meets virtually for their quarterly meeting. 

The District office will be closed to allow the staff to attend a staff meeting being held in Moberly. 

The District Office is closed to allow Barbara time to move her daughter into her college dorm. 

Summary of Class:  This course offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life to help church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others. Description: This class will be hosted by the Northwest District office and ...

The Northwest District Office is closed for Labor Day. 

The Mark Twain District Office is closed in observance of Labor Day.

Summary of Class:  This course offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life to help church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others. Description: This class will be hosted by the Northwest District office and ...

Regional Festival of Sharing event with worship and community service. Learn more at www.festivalofsharing.org

The Northwest District has set the Charge Conference paperwork deadline  completed and signed charge of Tuesday, September 14, 2021. All completed  completed and signed charge conference forms need to be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the district ...

Summary of Class:  This course offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life to help church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others. Description: This class will be hosted by the Northwest District office and ...

Join Rev. Dr. Tex Sample for a live webinar from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries at 7 p.m. on September 16. The webinar will feature Civil Rights leader Bob Zellner, a white civil rights pioneer and layperson whose life inspired the motion ...

Summary of Class:  This course offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life to help church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others. Description: This class will be hosted by the Northwest District office and ...

We are excited to have a Festival of Sharing Sharefest at Cameron UMC on October 2, 2021. Come enjoy a limited contact event, in which you can drive-through and drop off your pre-assembled kits. Below is the schedule, how to volunteer, and link for ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Sunday, October 3rd at ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Sunday, October 3rd at ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at 6:00...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Thursday, October 7 at ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Thursday, October 7 at ...

Some popular culture like television show, theater and movies have incredible lessons of faith. However, the language or adult themes caution us against referencing them in worship. How can we be brave and relevant in our sermon prep to blur the line...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Tuesday, October 12 at ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Thursday, October 14 at ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Thursday, October 14 at ...

Building on our rich Wesleyan heritage of social holiness, Manchester UMC will host Methodists from across the connection in a two-day conference dedicated to the topic of “Just Missions.” The Walk Justly Conference is a NEW annual gathering of ...

The Northwest District will have our fall cluster charge conferences online using the Zoom Webinar platform. There are a variety of date and time options. This registration is for the cluster charge conference scheduled for Monday, October 25 at 7:00...

We are entering another Advent that may look different than the past because of COVID. We just don’t know. However, the District knows that clergy and church leaders are worn out. However, Advent is a beautiful time in the liturgical year. Can the ...

Invitation Only Interviews

The District Office is closed due to Barbara working in the Mid-State District Office in Columbia. 

The Northwest District Office is closed for Thanksgiving

The Mark Twain District Office is closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

The Mark Twain District Office is closed so that Barbara may spend the day with her youngest child celebrating their birthday. 

The Northwest District Office will be closed for the staff Christmas gathering. 

The Mark Twain District Office is closed for a Christmas break.

The Northwest District Office is closed. 

Application closes February 1st and August 1st The Northwest District offers an opportunity for churches to apply for ministry grants and youth grants in the Spring and Fall. The Spring deadline is February 1st and Fall deadline is August 1st. Grants...

Clergy and laity are invited to a time of prayer, reflection and renewal on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. The Northwest District is creating some time and space to come sit with God. Quiet and reflective time for our souls is more ...

The Northwest District office is holding virtual continuation interviews. Invitation only. 

How does lunch on NextGen Ministries sound?! The new Youth Specialist, Angel Garcia, is trying to make his way across Missouri to hear from our leaders working with NextGen and how NextGen Ministries can better help support them. For this event, we ...

The Northwest District office is holding virtual continuation interviews. Invitation only. 

The Northwest Mission Council is meeting virtually. 

There are two classes available: Discovering Spiritual Gifts All participants in the Body of Christ depend on the spiritual gifts God has given them. Explore your gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn how to align with God's purpose to become a more ...

The Northwest District office is closed for the Easter Holiday. 

The Northwest District Committee on Ministry is holding their continuation interviews on Zoom April 19. 

The Northwest District office is closed starting at 1:30 PM for the Bishop's conversation at Chillicothe UMC. 

Bishop Farr would like for every clergyperson under appointment to attend at least one of these conversations. Each location has a clergy-only afternoon session from 3:30-5 p.m. and an optional lay session in the evening from 6:30-8 p.m. There will ...

Bishop Farr would like for every clergyperson under appointment to attend at least one of these conversations. Each location has a clergy-only afternoon session from 3:30-5 p.m. and an optional lay session in the evening from 6:30-8 p.m. There will ...

Bishop Farr would like for every clergyperson under appointment to attend at least one of these conversations. Each location has a clergy-only afternoon session from 3:30-5 p.m. and an optional lay session in the evening from 6:30-8 p.m. There will ...

Bishop Farr would like for every clergyperson under appointment to attend at least one of these conversations. Each location has a clergy-only afternoon session from 3:30-5 p.m. and an optional lay session in the evening from 6:30-8 p.m. There will ...

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 25, 2022.   Title of Class: Basic Lay Servant Ministry Class   Summary of Class This is the Basic course required for all levels of recognition in Lay Servant Ministries. It will familiarize you with leading, caring and ...

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 25, 2022.   Title of Class: Leading Public Prayer Lay Servant Ministry Class   Summary of Class Public Prayer is an advanced Lay Servant Ministries class to encourage you to feel confident when asked to pray in a ...

The Northwest District is hosting a clergy only event at the Kansas City Royals game. Contact Morgan Scott for more information. 

The Northwest District Office is closed in observation of Memorial day. 

Xtreme Kids Camp is for kids ages 8-11 and will ignite their faith through experiencing the beauty of God’s creation and the joy of fellowship. Through new and challenging experiences kids will gain confidence in themselves and the God who loves ...

Xtreme Ignited is designed to equip, transform, and ignite a deeper faith in Christ. Campers will be challenged, empowered, and unleashed. Xtreme Ignited Camp will be held at Eagle Sky Christian Camps in their “North Camp” that includes the Triplex ...

Xtreme Camp is a fast-paced, fun, and high-energy experience for campers ages 12-14. Campers will explore the story of God while having a ton of fun and building relationships that will change their lives. Xtreme Camp will be held at Eagle Sky ...

The Northwest District office is closed to travel to Annual Conference.

The Northwest District office is closed. 

Please mark your calendars to come by and say Thank You to Melissa, Megan and Morgan as they each embark on new adventures! Join us for the Northwest District Open House celebration on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm at Cameron UMC. All ...

Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with First UMC-Sikeston, NextGen Ministries strives to provide a unique environment ...

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to serve. Leadership camp is all about learning to be a servant leader. Through actual hands-on learning opportunities that will get you growing, you will discover how to share your gifts at camp, in your church and...

Older Elementary Extreme Camp is dedicated to helping 4th, 5th and 6th grade students begin their journey as a Christian by identifying who Jesus Christ is. Through daily Bible studies, worship services and fun activities, we will discover what it ...

Some of us end up twisted and backwards in our faith. A week at camp will get you turned around and living the Extreme life of a Christ follower! Join us as we worship together, serve, swim hike, study the Bible and discover what it means to have a ...

Note: This camp is 4 days only from Tuesday-Friday Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with Concord Trinity UMC, NextGen ...

Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with Campbell UMC, NextGen Ministries strives to provide a unique environment where ...

Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with Faithbridge Church and Harper Chapel UMC, NextGen Ministries strives to provide a...

A tradition for over 40 years, Sanctuary Kamp is a unique camp that connects multiple generations together and strives to bring every camper closer to God. Whether you come to enjoy the beauty of nature, evening campfires, talent shows or great ...

Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with Missouri UMC and Community UMC, NextGen Ministries strives to provide a unique ...

Whether you have attended any camp before or whether this is your very first summer, action-packed NextGen Day Camp has something for you. Through a partnership with Pleasant Grove UMC, NextGen Ministries strives to provide a unique environment ...

Registration for this course ends on August 1, or when 25 people have registered, whichever comes first.   Class Summary  The Basic course is an easy way to learn more about Methodism, and our history, heritage, administration and organization. You ...

Registration for this course ends on August 1, or when 25 people have registered, whichever comes first.   Class Summary  The Basic course is an easy way to learn more about Methodism, and our history, heritage, administration and organization. You ...

Registration for this course ends on August 1, or when 25 people have registered, whichever comes first.   Class Summary  The Basic course is an easy way to learn more about Methodism, and our history, heritage, administration and organization. You ...

All Southwest district clergy, laity and their families are invited to join us for a district meet-and-greet with botanical garden tour and lunch. RSVP will be required. More information to come.

Registration for this course ends on August 1, or when 25 people have registered, whichever comes first.   Class Summary  This study is for everyone who moves at breakneck speed through their daily lives, often relying only on their own strength to ...

Join other clergy and their spouses for a time of learning, sharing a meal and planning your future. MUMF and C2FM staff will be in a different district every day to provide education on: Saving Grace Classes, Funding Retirement, Putting Your House ...

Join other clergy and their spouses for a time of learning, sharing a meal and planning your future. MUMF and C2FM staff will be in a different district every day to provide education on: Saving Grace Classes, Funding Retirement, Putting Your House ...

Clergy and their spouses are invited to a lunchtime meet-and-greet at Pomme de Terre. Location to be determined. RSVP Required. More information to come.

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship and sharing of the packs, kits and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...

In-person and virtual options available. Meet District Lay Leaders and your District Lay Education Coordinator during a time of connection, networking and conversation. Registration closes on Friday, September 9 at 12 p.m.

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship and sharing of the packs, kits and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...

Registration for this course ends on September 16.   Class Summary  All participants in the Body of Christ depend on the spiritual gifts God has given them. Explore your gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn how to align with God's purpose to be more ...

Registration for this course ends on September 16.   Class Summary  What is a disciple and why is discipleship important to your church life? How does your church make disciples? This class will challenge your thinking about growing disciples and ...

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship and sharing of the packs, kits and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...

If you are a laity of a United Methodist Church in the Southwest District and you are interested in being part of the virtual meet and greet on October 6, 2022, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm please email Tiffany Freeman at the District Office for the zoom ...

In-person and virtual options available. Meet District Lay Leaders and your District Lay Education Coordinator during a time of connection, networking and conversation. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 5.

Clergy Family Dinner and Show at Landry’s Seafood House in Branson. RSVP required. More information to come.

Registration for this course ends on November 4. Class Summary  The history and beliefs of the United Methodist church lays the foundation for our ministry, outreach, and testimonies. This introduction will trace the beginnings of the Methodist ...

Registration for this course ends on November 4.   Class Summary  The Class Meeting is a means of grace that has the ability to transform people and facilitate spiritual growth. The instruction is focused on the history of the class meeting, the ...

We all have a story to tell, and all are looking for a connection with others. When Christ "walked" clear across the cosmos 2,000 years ago, he had no formulas and no script, just an offer of redemption to people like us, many of whom were neck-deep ...

As Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries continues to dream on how best to support you and your local church, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at an upcoming NextGen Listening Session to share your ideas and vision for NextGen Ministries directly...

As Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries continues to dream on how best to support you and your local church, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at an upcoming NextGen Listening Session to share your ideas and vision for NextGen Ministries directly...

As Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries continues to dream on how best to support you and your local church, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at an upcoming NextGen Listening Session to share your ideas and vision for NextGen Ministries directly...

As Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries continues to dream on how best to support you and your local church, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at an upcoming NextGen Listening Session to share your ideas and vision for NextGen Ministries directly...

For more information please call the District Office at 417-623-2382

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship, and sharing of the packs, kits, and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship, and sharing of the packs, kits, and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...

Sharefests are the opportunities in which we gather as communities for service, fellowship, and sharing of the packs, kits, and funds recognized in the Festival of Sharing booklet. These events are open to the public and are held in partnership with ...