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Annual Conference 2026

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

Blue background and wavy, flowing design in shades of blue with the words, The Way of Love: Flowing as One

AC2026 begins in

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June 15-17 | Horner Hall in Hot Springs

This year’s Annual Conference will be held Monday to Wednesday, starting Monday morning.

In-person registration will be on Sunday, June 14, from 4 to 6 pm at Horner Hall. 

We will have early start times this year, so please plan accordingly. 

Registration Is Now Open!
Annual Conference Worship Participation Signup

Understanding How the ARUMC Budget is Prepared

Attending Annual Conference as a First-Timer

6 p.m. May 7

Will this be your first year to attend Annual Conference? Did you attend last year for the first time and still have questions? If so, please join our hosts, Rev. LaToya Shepherd, Kathy Conley, Rev. Mark Norman, Sadie Ledbetter and Rev. Charlotte Knox for an informal conversation as they walk through the what, where, when, and how of our Annual Conference. They will also cover the “why” of our Wesleyan tradition that encourages us to gather yearly for holy conferencing. Please also bring any questions you may have.

Register

Parliamentary Procedure

6 p.m. May 12

Have you ever wondered why the Bishop has deemed something “out of order” or how to make a motion correctly? Do you know when something “requires a second” or when a motion is debatable? Do you ever confuse “point of order” and “point of personal privilege”? If so, please join Bishop Laura Merrill and Arkansas Conference Parliamentarian, Chuck Culver, for a quick and easy to understand crash course on Parliamentary Procedure.

Register

Reading the Proposed Budget

6 p.m. June 2

We will discuss the budget CFA is proposing for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and answer any questions that participants have. This will allow more time for CFA to answer questions than we typically have during Annual Conference.

Register
Map of the Hot Springs Convention Center:

Tentative Itinerary

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Sunday, June 14:

  • 4 p.m. – Registration Opens
  • 5 p.m. – Ordination Rehearsal in Horner Hall

Monday, June 15:

  • 7:30 a.m. – Registration Opens
  • 9 a.m. – Laity Session in Rooms 207-209
  • 9 a.m. – Clergy Session in Horner Hall
  • 10:15 a.m. – Break
  • 10:30 a.m. – Opening Worship
  • Noon – Lunch Break
  • 1:30 p.m. – Business Session
  • 3 p.m. – Clergy Coffee Break
  • 3:15 p.m. – Episcopal Address
  • 3:45 p.m. – Break
  • 4 p.m. – Business Session

Tuesday, June 16:

  • 8:15 a.m. – Worship
  • 8:30 a.m. – Laity and Youth Addresses
  • 8:50 p.m. – Business Session
  • 10 a.m. – Break
  • 10:15 a.m. – BOM Report
  • 10:45 Break – Retirees Honored in Lobby
  • 11 a.m. – Retiree Recognition
  • Noon – Lunch Break
  • 1:30 p.m. – Learning Session with Rev. Paul Chilcote
  • 2:15 p.m. – Breakout Sessions
  • 3 p.m. – Break
  • 3:15 p.m. – Business Session
  • 4:15 p.m. – Break
  • 5:30 p.m. – Ordination in Horner Hall

Wednesday, June 17:

  • 8:15 a.m. – Worship 
  • 8:30 a.m. – Business Session
  • 9:15 a.m. – Learning Session with Rev. Paul Chilcote
  • 10 a.m. – Breakout Sessions
  • 10:45 a.m. – Break
  • 11 a.m. – Service of Remembrance
  • Noon – Lunch Break
  • 1:30p.m. – Business Session
  • 2 p.m. – Break
  • 2:15 p.m. – Setting of Appointments, Sending Forth and Closing Worship