Judicial Council finds parts of Traditional Plan valid, exit plan constitutional
The United Methodist Church’s top court has found that while some provisions of the newly adopted Traditional Plan remain unconstitutional, the rest of the plan is valid as church law. Read more here: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/court-oks-part-of-traditional-plan-exit-plan The Judicial Council’s rulings can be read at the links below. Decision No. 1378: http://www.umc.org/decisions/79922 Decision No. 1379: http://www.umc.org/decisions/79923
Lights, Cellphone Camera, Action!
contributed by Melinda Shunk, Children’s Ministry Coordinator Nick Garrison, the youth director at Maumelle UMC, was in a planning meeting with his senior pastor a year ago discussing how they could get the whole church involved in a spring cleaning of the church grounds. The suggestion was made that they could make a video of […]
Talking God on the Pod
Arkansas United Methodists use podcasts to reach a new audience
Podcasts have become sort of a worldwide entertainment phenomenon in the past decade. The shows, which are similar to radio talk shows but available on the internet and downloadable for on-demand listening, can cover a wide range of niche topics. Love hearing award-winning long-form stories? Tune in to This American Life. Interested in historical documentaries […]
‘Small things lead to big things’
#Disciple365 seeks to tell positive stories from the church community
contributed by Sam Pierce Christ called his followers to be his disciples. He called them to follow his example and to do more than just attend church on Sunday. However, asking someone to “be a disciple” can sometimes be scary or off-putting, but with #Disciple365, the idea is to showcase how even the littlest things […]
School bus stop ministry keeps kids happy and full
contributed by Sam Pierce For Andrea Gentry, a former teacher, kids have always been near and dear to her heart. “I love helping people, and this was a neat and ongoing experience where I could help kids on a regular basis and eventually develop relationships with these kids,” Gentry said. Gentry, a member of the […]
Love & Immigration
How two people from different countries found love and navigated the complicated U.S. immigration system
The Rev. Taylor Loy didn’t realize it yet, but he was about to meet his future wife. At the time, Taylor was a seminary student at Duke Divinity School. Part of the academic requirements for students is to enter into an internship program to get practical ministry experience outside the walls of the classroom. Many […]
A Holy Week Playlist
Pop songs and the Gospels
contributed by Michelle Morris, Lead Equipper of the Center for Vitality A few months ago, I did a Bible study with the Conference staff where I shared how I had soundtracked the entire Gospel of John. The requirements for the songs were that they had to come from pop radio (sorry, country and rap fans) […]
Spring symbols remind us of Resurrection
When the weather turns warmer and the grass grows greener, it’s easier to understand the promise of new life and renewed hope that Christians proclaim as “Easter people.” The reminders are all around us so be sure to keep an eye out on your next spring stroll. Birds The robin, a very common bird in […]
A life-changing experience at Perkins School for the Laity
contributed by Kay Brockwell When I received the email inviting me to apply for one of the scholarships offered via the Arkansas United Methodist Church foundation to attend the Perkins Theological School for the Laity, I didn’t hesitate. Yes, I wrote back, I was most definitely interested. It may have been 40 years since I […]
Getting Up and Giving Back
contributed by Nathan Kilbourne, Senior Pastor of First UMC Jacksonville Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide […]