Statewide Campaign Becomes a Shared Story of Identity, Ministry and Hope across Arkansas

Logo for Following Jesus, Loving People, Sharing Grace, depicting the United Methodist logo within a red shape of the state of Arkansas

When the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church launched the Following Jesus. Loving People. Sharing Grace. campaign in the fall of 2025, the goal was clear: create a visible, hopeful and unified message that would help Arkansas United Methodists reclaim and share their identity during a season of transition and uncertainty. What began as […]

Ministry in Action: White Memorial Bus Stop Feeding and Literacy Ministry

Group photos of volunteers at White Memorial UMC Bus Stop Feeding and Literacy Ministry

At White Memorial United Methodist Church in Little Rock, ministry looks like showing up, learning names, and building trust over time. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 3 to 5, a small but deeply committed group of volunteers gathers for a bus stop feeding and literacy ministry that has quietly become a […]

Arkansas Broadcasting Legends Headline Fundraising Luncheons for Project Transformation Arkansas
Donna Terrell and Craig O’Neill Inspire Support for Literacy and Youth Programs

Written by KD Reep PINE BLUFF and LITTLE ROCK, AR (Apr. 16, 2026) – Two of Arkansas’s most recognizable and respected broadcast journalists headlined the fundraising luncheons, Find Your Way, benefiting Project Transformation Arkansas, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through literacy, youth development and leadership opportunities for young adults. Award-winning FOX16 news anchor Donna Terrell […]

Seeds of Community

Checking seed depth and seeing the results of the planter Dr. Gill Giese works with the Newport High School students

Newport First United Methodist Cultivates More Than a Garden What began as a small patch of land and a simple idea has grown into something much larger for Newport First United Methodist Church. Under the leadership of Rev. Kelly Giese, the church launched a community garden project, which is feeding neighbors, building partnerships and creating […]

Rev. Sam Meadors receives inaugural Eric Lindh Award

In October 2025, Rev. Sam Meadors was awarded the inaugural Eric Lindh Award for Steadfast and Visionary Leadership in recognition of her extraordinary work in founding and growing Project Transformation in Arkansas. Each year, the leader who most exemplifies the PT Way of leadership is chosen by their peers across the PT network. One peer shared, “She has the […]

Jacksonville First UMC Finds New Life Through Service After Disaffiliation Season

Background photo of food on a table with overlaid text boxes describing donation totals.

In the wake of disaffiliation tensions across the United Methodist Church, Jacksonville First United Methodist Church experienced a season of uncertainty that ultimately gave way to renewed ministry, deeper engagement and expanding outreach. Rev. Melanie Tubbs said the congregation faced significant challenges as some members chose to leave during the disaffiliation process. The church lost […]

Native American Ministries Sunday – April 19

Compiled by Rev. Dan Read, chair of the ARUMC Native American Ministry Committee On April 19, churches across the Arkansas Annual Conference will observe Native American Ministries Sunday — a time to honor the rich heritage, ongoing ministry, and enduring influence of Native American communities within The United Methodist Church. This special Sunday is more […]

Joint Statement from the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University

The South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University have reached an agreement that provides a clear framework for their relationship moving forward and affirms their shared commitment to the University’s mission. As part of this agreement, Southern Methodist University has filed Amended and Restated Articles of incorporation reflecting the understandings […]