#LiveWithLight Campaign

Annual Conference 2021 | June 2-4 | Hot Springs, AR

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Petitions and Resolutions Due March 15

When the Arkansas Annual Conference gathers, it is a family reunion. We missed our time together last year when we were required to conduct the 2020 Annual Conference using an online format.

The 2021 Arkansas Annual Conference will be held June 2-4, 2021 utilizing a hybrid format that will allow participants to gather either in-person in the Hot Springs Convention Center or online via Zoom. Both those who attend in-person and by Zoom will have the ability to fully participate in every aspect of the Conference, including voting and speaking to the entire Annual Conference.

Of course, the Bishop and Annual Conference Planning Committee will continue to monitor appropriate COVID-19 trends and vaccine distribution data, and make decisions about adopting a different format should conditions warrant. As we draw closer to June 2, updates will be issued via email and on the Annual Conference 2021 webpage. Information regarding lodging, petitions and resolutions (deadlines for submission are March 15) is already available and full registration will be open in early April.

The 2021 Annual Conference is being planned carefully so it will be a safe gathering. This will include adhering to the current real-time COVID-19 guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Annual Conference. It also means many of the usual meals, displays and gatherings will not be held.

We, as Arkansas United Methodists, have been at our best as we have lived out ministry and our connectional life together in extraordinary times. This has required responding and adapting to quickly changing circumstances involving the pandemic. At this point, the uncertainties that exist as we prepare for this year’s Annual Conference can be frustrating for everyone. Please be patient, continue to extend grace to each other and #LiveWithLight as we look forward to this year’s Arkansas Annual Conference.

If you have any questions about Annual Conference 2021, please email us at annualconference2021@arumc.org.

Worship Services

  • Ordination: Wednesday, June 2, 4:40pm
  • Retirement Service: Thursday, June 3, 10:15 am
  • Celebration of Life Service: Thursday, June 3, 1:30 pm

All worship services will be held in-person at the Hot Springs Convention Center and will also be live-streamed online.

Last updated 4/8/2021

Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa – 400 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 71901 SOLD OUT
501-624-9200

Amenities: Suites, Complimentary Breakfast, Manager’s Reception, Spa, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Free Parking

Rates:
Single: $157 + tax
Double: $167 + tax
Triple: $177 + tax
Quad: $187 + tax

Code: UMA

Hotel Hot Springs – 305 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71907
877-623-6697

Amenities: Under New Management! Newly Renovated and Remodeled Guest Rooms, Refrigerator & Microwave in all Rooms, Complimentary Breakfast available 6 am to 9 am, New Restaurant and Lounge, Shuttle Service to Popular Attractions within City Limits, Complimentary Wi-Fi

Rates:
Single Occupancy: $127 + tax
Double Occupancy: $137 + tax
Triple Occupancy: $147 + tax
Quad Occupancy: $157 + tax

Code: UMC2021

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa – 239 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
800-643‐1502 or 501-609‐2533
Thermal Mineral Water Bathhouse, Full Service Beauty Salon, Starbucks, Two Swimming Pools and Hot Tub

Rates:
Single Occupancy: $99 + tax
Double Occupancy: $99 + tax
Mineral Water Room: $149 + tax
Junior Suite: $169 + tax
Parlor 1 Bedroom Suite: $269 + tax

Code: Church

Holiday Inn Express – 206 Mehta Ct, Hot Springs, AR 71913
501-463‐5600

Amenities: Hot/Cold Breakfast Buffet, Heated Indoor Pool, 24 Hour Gym, Free Wi‐Fi, Outdoor patio with fire pit, Free Parking

Rates:
Single or Double: $115 ‐ $135.00 + tax

DoubleTree by Hilton – 4813 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913
501‐525‐1391

Amenities: Mini Refrigerator, Microwave, Iron & Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, Safe, Free Parking, Free WiFi

Rates:
King Standard: $169.00 + tax
Double Queen Standard $149.00 + tax

Courtyard by Marriott – 200 Marriott Ct, Hot Springs, AR 71913
501‐651‐4366

Amenities: Complimentary on‐site parking, Free High Speed Internet, Fitness Center, Pool, Microwave Oven, Mini Fridge, Free Shuttle Service

Rates:
King or 2 Queen: $109 + tax

Code: ACM

Comfort Inn & Suites – 3627 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71913
501‐623‐1700

Amenities:
Newly Remodeled, Complimentary Full Breakfast, Wireless Internet, Indoor Heated Pool, Texas Roadhouse Grill on site

Rates:
Kings: $94+tax
Suites: $104+tax

Mention United Methodist Church Conference

Hampton Inn – 151 Temperance Hill Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913
501‐525‐7000

Amenities: Newly renovated, Complimentary Hot Breakfast, 24 Hour Coffee and Tea, Ironing Board, Coffeemaker, Refrigerator and Microwave in every room, Free Wi‐Fi, Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center and Business Center

Rates:
Double (1‐2 people) $124+tax
King (1‐2 people) $124+tax

Best Western Winners Circle Inn – 2520 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901

501‐624‐2531 or 800-643‐8722

Amenities:
Complimentary Hot Breakfast, Fitness Center, Outdoor Pool, Wi‐Fi, Dish Network, Walking Distance to Restaurants, Recently Remodeled, Pets Welcome

Rates:
$107+tax for single or double

Forms

Petitions and Resolutions

Awards

  • Harry Denman Evangelism Award – Each year the Arkansas Conference has the opportunity, in partnership with The Foundation for Evangelism, to recognize one youth, one clergy, and one lay person to be recipients of the Harry Denman Evangelism Award.
    The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program honors United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
    Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and requires relationship among a variety of persons. What distinguishes a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is the commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ in all ministry settings. Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ Followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey.
    The Arkansas Conference Board of Discipleship is currently seeking nominations for the 2021 Harry Denman Evangelism Award, which will be presented during this year’s annual conference. To nominate the name of a youth, clergy or lay person for this award, simply complete this nominations form and email to Sara Andrews at sara.andrews@arumc.org. All applications need to be received by Tuesday, April 27, 2021 in order to be considered. If you have questions, call 501-324-8000.
  • Barnabas Award -The Arkansas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry will present the 2021 Barnabas Award at the Clergy Session of Annual Conference. The Barnabas Award is presented to a person, lay or clergy, known to have “a heart for pastors.” Established in honor of Reverend Jim Beal, we present the award to persons who, as Reverend Beal, show special interest in aiding pastors in the entry process, as well as in the work of ministry. Nominations for this year’s recipient are now being sought from among Arkansas United Methodists.
    If you would like to submit a nomination, please email your nomination to Reverend Susan Ledbetter at sledbetter@arumc.org no later than May 15, 2021. Please include the name of the person you wish to nominate and an explanation telling why you feel this person should receive the 2021 Barnabas Award.

With the health and safety of the Annual Conference 2021 attendees being our priority, the Annual Conference planning committee has recommended there be no in person special events or vendors at Annual Conference 2021. This decision is based solely upon the safety precautions for COVID-19 provided by the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health. We understand that gathering in person is very important to our family of Arkansas United Methodists. We know it is a special time when many gather in person for seminary reunions, association meals and with vendors who represent our partnering United Methodist agencies. We have great hope that next year we will offer in person special events and vendor space again! If you are interested in purchasing video promotion space or print ad space for your organization during Annual Conference 2021, please contact the Center for Communication at cfc@arumc.org for rates and placement information.