“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:43-47
AC2025 begins in
June 18-20 | Horner Hall in Hot Springs
In-person registration will be on Tuesday, June 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Horner Hall.
We will have early start times this year, so please plan accordingly.
The Lay Leader Assembly will be held on Saturday, August 9, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Pulaski Heights UMC. Featuring keynote speaker, Rev. David Teel, director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership at Discipleship Ministries. Teel’s work centers around supporting and empowering lay people to participate actively in ministry. This gathering is for local church lay leaders in ARUMC, OKUMC, and OIMC. The cost is $20 per person to cover the resources provided. Thank you to The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas for providing lunch, Pulaski Heights UMC for opening their facilities, and the ARUMC Board of Laity.
Map of the Hot Springs Convention Center:
Revised 2025 Resolution Instructions
Retired Minister Per Diem Expense Form (Per Diems will be mailed AFTER Annual Conference)
Request for Excused Absence (Clergy)
Supplement to the PCJ – Conference Secretary Board of Global Ministries
Supplement to the PCJ – 2025 Nominations Report
Supplement to the PCJ – Board of Ordained Ministry Policy
Supplement to the PCJ – New Hendrix Trustees for Annual Conference Approval
Supplement to the PCJ – Revised CFA Report 6/19/25
Bishop Merrill discusses Regionalization (video)
Resource UMC: Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Resource UMC: Your Role in Constitutional Amendments
Ballot 4: Education Requirements
Webinar: Arkansas Conference Ballot Discussion 2, 3 and 4 (video)
Webinar: Arkansas Conference Regionalization Discussion (video)
The Arkansas Boards of Church & Society and Global Ministries are memorializing Rev. Dr. William H. “Bill” Robinson with the annual Human Relations offering. Our Juneteenth offering will go to the UMC Human Relations offering grants to support resources for volunteer-based groups and programs that challenge unjust racial, social, and economic systems while responding with leadership projects and community development.
Hotel Hot Springs
305 Malvern Ave.
Hot Springs, AR 71907
877-623-6697
Renovated and Remodeled Guest Rooms, Refrigerator & Microwave in all Rooms, Complimentary Breakfast available 6:30 am to 9:30 am, The Inside Track and Lounge, Shuttle Service to Popular attractions within City Limits, Complimentary WIFI.
Single Occupancy: $129 + tax
Double Occupancy: $139 + tax
Triple Occupancy: $149 + tax
Quad Occupancy: $159 + tax
Details – The Hotel Hot Springs and Spa
Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa
400 Convention Blvd.
Hot Springs, AR 71901
501-624-9200
Suites, Complimentary Breakfast, Manager’s Reception, Spa, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Free Parking
Single: $161 + tax
Double: $171 + tax
Triple: $181 + tax
Quad: $191 + tax
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/unitedmethodistannualconference/
Double Tree by Hilton
4813 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71913
501-525-1391
Mini Refrigerator, Microwave, Iron & Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, Safe, Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Lakeside pool, Lake View rooms available, Made Market Restaurant
Tuesday – Thursday
King Standard: $159.00+ tax
Double Queen Standard $139.00 + tax
Friday
King Standard: $279.00+ tax
Double Queen Standard $259.00 + tax
DoubleTree By Hilton, Hot Springs Booking Link for AR Conference of the United Methodist Church June 17-21, 2025
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
120 Desai Patel Ct.
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Complimentary WIFI & Parking
Hot Breakfast Buffet,
Refrigerator/freezer, Stove top,
Microwave, Utensils & Dishes
Included
King Suite: $139 + tax
Double Queen: $149 + tax
Book your group rate for AR United Methodist Church
Courtyard by Marriott
(4 miles)
200 Marriott Court
Hot Springs, AR 71913
501-651-4366
Complimentary on-site parking, Free
High Speed Internet, Fitness Center,
Pool, Microwave Oven, Mini Fridge
King or 2 Queen: $132 + tax
Book your group rate for Arkansas United Methodist Conference
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
4253 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 624-5551
Complimentary Breakfast, Parking
& WiFi, Fitness Center, Indoor
Pool, Business Center, Sundries,
Laundry Facilities
Single: $99 + tax
Double: $99 + tax
Arkansas United Methodist Church Conference
AC Kids Camp (partial cost provided by The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas)
Vendor Tables are SOLD OUT
Annual Conference will be held in Horner Hall this year so space will be limited. Vendors are only allowed one table, you can request an outlet and up to two chairs. Vendor tables on a first come, first serve basis.
Deadline for registration is May 31st or once all the tables have been sold.
Itinerary:
June 17: Exhibitors set up 12 pm – 6 pm
June 18 – 19: Conference opens at 8 am – 5:30 pm
June 20: Conference concludes at 8 am – 5 pm
Tentative Itinerary
*Itinerary is subject to change
Tuesday, June 17:
4:00 – 8:00 pm – Conference Registration
5:30 pm – Ordination Rehearsal
Wednesday, June 18:
7:30 am – Conference Registration
9:00 am – Clergy Session
10:00 am – Laity Session
11:30 am – Opening Business
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Business Session
3 pm – Episcopal Address
3:30 pm – Business Session
5:30 pm – Ordination (Horner Hall)
Thursday, June 19:
8:00 am – Juneteenth Celebration with Rev. Peter Matthews
9:00 am – Business Session
10:30 am – Learning Session #1 with Dr. Ron Bell
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Retirement Service
2:00 pm – Business Session
3:00 pm – Learning Session #2 with Dr. Ron Bell
- 4:00 pm – Business Session
Friday, June 20:
8:00 am – Worship
8:15 am – Business Session
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Celebration of Life
2:45 pm – Business Session
- 3:45 pm – Sending Forth
Saint Paul School of Theology alumni dinner, June 18
As a cherished member of the Saint Paul School of Theology family, we are delighted to extend our warmest invitation to the Arkansas Annual Conference Alum Dinner. This event will provide a perfect opportunity for you to reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your time at Saint Paul, and forge new memories together.
Please note that this will be a pay-your-own-way dinner. Each individual will be responsible for covering the cost of their own meal. However, we are delighted to inform you that Saint Paul School of Theology will be generously providing appetizers for the table, ensuring that we can all enjoy some delicious bites together.
This promises to be an evening filled with warm conversations, laughter, and the opportunity to rekindle old friendships.
We encourage you to RSVP by June 9 to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Arkansas Conference Black Methodists for Church Renewal (ARBMCR) 2025 Dr. Negail Riley Nominations Form
Since 2010, the Arkansas Chapter of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (ABMCR) has honored the legacy of Rev. Dr. Negail Riley. Annually, ARBMC recognizes persons in three (3) categories: Laity, Clergy, and Youth/Young Adult. The Negail Riley dinner will be held on Thursday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Convention Center.
The cost of the dinner tickets is $50 and can be purchased as part of your Annual Conference registration package. Dr. Riley, in his BMCR leadership role, was one of the main writers of the legislation which became the 1968 Discipline paragraph forming The General Commission on Religion and Race, and in 1972, both the Black College Fund and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
Please use this form to nominate someone who you think exemplifies Dr. Riley’s characteristics.
South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ) Volunteers In Mission Insurance
While ensuring you have the right tools and an appropriately sized team for your chosen location is essential, have you considered whether you have the necessary insurance to protect you and your team? Having the right coverage is vital to safeguarding everyone involved, allowing you to focus on your mission with peace of mind.
The South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ) Volunteers In Mission (VIM) is introducing mission travel insurance for international and domestic journeys, significantly enhancing support for mission teams. This initiative prioritizes the safety and well-being of volunteers who serve any community while providing coverage for accidents, medical, emergency evacuation, and travel assistance. The insurance, provided by reputable companies, is both reliable and affordable.
A key feature of this insurance is its ease and accessibility. Team leaders can easily apply and pay for coverage online, eliminating barriers that may have previously discouraged participation in mission trips. The insurance’s affordability makes it a practical option for individuals and groups with limited budgets. Domestic insurance is just $1.25/person/day for $ 50,000, and international starts at $2.50/person/day, plus a $15 processing fee/per person.
The coverage is comprehensive, catering to various mission activities such as local outreach, medical assistance, construction, evangelism, and YOUTH trips. This reflects the diverse nature of mission work and acknowledges volunteers’ unique challenges while making disciples of Jesus Christ.
While most mission journeys proceed without incident, accidents can occur. This insurance provides peace of mind for volunteers and helps organizations manage the risks associated with potentially hazardous situations. In many VIM sites, accident insurance is not just recommended but required, underscoring the commitment to volunteer safety. Both our domestic and international insurance includes accident medical, sickness (including COVID), accidental dismemberment or death, emergency evacuation, and more.
The insurance addresses a range of scenarios, ensuring volunteers have access to medical assistance wherever their mission takes them. This is especially crucial for mission journeys in areas lacking adequate facilities. Additionally, it includes features for those involved in high-risk activities, such as motorbike riding or outdoor projects.
Any proceeds from the policies support other SCJ ministry efforts. With coverage, volunteers can focus on serving others without the anxiety of potential emergencies. This initiative represents a significant advancement in ensuring safety remains a top priority in mission work.
More information can be found at SCJUMC.ORG or by emailing admin@scjumc.org
About Dr. Ron Bell
We are excited to welcome Dr. Ron Bell to this year’s Annual Conference! He will be leading us in our learning sessions on Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Dr. Bell serves as Director of Healing and Resilience for Discipleship Ministries and The Upper Room. He is passionate about emotional formation and the intersection of faith and mental health. He has also served in the past as both a new church plant pastor, Director over Congregational Development and SBC 21 for the Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference, and as a senior pastor of an existing traditional UMC church, Camphor Memorial UMC in the Minnesota Annual Conference. He is an author and regular guest columnist for several publications. He has written articles for The Upper Room, UMNews.org, and has published articles in the Minnesota Coalition for Death Education and Support quarterly journal, and Wesley Theological Seminary’s Lewis Center for Church Leaders’ Leading Ideas newsletter, among other publications. Three of his most popular books deal with his work with grief and trauma: Is There Space for Me Embracing Grief through Art, The Eagle and the Squirrel: Stories, Fables and Truths for Emotional Formation and The Four Promises Journeying through Past and Present Trauma. He has also created an ongoing webinar series on Trauma and Empathy that he has led with several universities, including St. Paul College, Bethel University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Fuller Theological Seminary, and several others, as well as with numerous nonprofits and county agencies. He serves on many boards, including the Minnesota Coalition for Death Education and Support, National Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education board, and SBC21 national executive committee.
About Rev. Peter Matthews
Peter Matthews is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and graduate of the nationally acclaimed Seven Hills School, Denison University (Granville, Ohio), Princeton Theological Seminary (Princeton, New Jersey ) and the World Council of Churches’ Bossey Ecumenical Institute (Geneva, Switzerland) where he received his BA (Black Studies), MDiv (Church Administration), and MA (Ecumenism) respectively.
He is a much sought-after author and speaker who has preached, lectured, or keynoted extensively throughout the United States, India, Jamaica, England, Switzerland, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa over the past two decades.
Pastor Matthews was appointed to the New Vision United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 1st, 2024. In his brief tenure they have doubled in person attendance and (with the installation of more than $20,000 worth of new equipment) New Vision is the most viewed congregation via social media platforms in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additionally, New Vision has installed a brand new security system for its 5 acres campus alongside a historic agreement with its community partner Xavier University (Office of Belonging) to cultivate a home away from ministry for their students of color and international students.
The Dayton Daily News both in 2020 and 2021 for his work alongside Primary Health Solutions and the Kettering Health Network to ensure more than 2500 persons were tested for COVID 19 and over 20,000 vaccination shots were freely distributed in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods; and on November 5th, 2023 the mayor of Dayton proclaimed it Peter Edward Matthew Day in Dayton, Ohio at his 7th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration as pastor of McKinley.
As a businessman, Peter Matthews is the founder of the Global Village (a United Methodist NGO), a Methodist church collective of churches from which he secured more than $1.4 million dollars to to revitalize urban ministry from an international context while developing a pipeline for a new generation of persons wanting to work in historic African American congregations with Methodist Theological School of Ohio in Delaware with more than 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities with opportunities for graduate level work.
Finally, Peter Matthews is married to the now Dr Pamela J. Matthews (Antioch University) with two adult sons and one 10 year-old grandson who takes his breath away every time he says, “Pa Pa”; and, he is in the final stages of his doctorate of ministry dissertation from MTSO entitled: NEEMA (An Urban Ecclesiology).
Annual Conference 5k
hosted by the ARUMC Virtual Walking Club
On Friday, June 20, at 6:30 a.m., the ARUMC Virtual Walking Club will be hosting an Annual Conference 5K. Participants will meet in the parking lot in front of the Embassy Suites hotel, then walk through downtown Hot Springs to Whittington Park and return to the parking lot. Those who want to go the extra mile will have the option to continue with Rev. Bill Sardin.
