Obituary – Rev. Jim West
Jim West, 85, of Jonesboro passed away December 24, 2025 at home with his family at his side. He was born March 23, 1940 in Lake City to Hascle and Bernice Tucker West. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents and grandson, Josh Neal. Survivors include his wife, Polly Thomas West of the home; […]
ARUMC announces Safe Gatherings process change
Dear Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church, Over the last three years, Safe Gatherings has offered us a valuable and necessary process to safely check and train those adults who serve kids, teens, and vulnerable adults. We are grateful to all of you who have taken the time to complete this certification as a […]
Mount Eagle Retreat Center Receives EarthKeepers Grant to Expand Composting Ministry and Community Outreach
written by James Sawyer Mount Eagle Retreat Center has received an $8,500 EarthKeepers grant from UMCOR’s Global Ministries, marking a significant step forward in its long-standing commitment to creation care, environmental justice, and faithful stewardship. The grant will support a composting and awareness initiative at Mount Eagle and in partnership with First United Methodist Church […]
First UMC Texarkana Revives Rotating Art Wall With Powerful Gary Bachers Exhibition
written by Rev. Jaimie Alexander In 2019, First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, AR developed an Art Wall to display artwork and paintings from around the church campus. The pandemic disrupted the rotation of the display of art from various artists in the congregation and community. In 2025, the rotating art wall at First UMC Texarkana was reintroduced […]
Sewing Hope: Conway United Women in Faith Craft Tote Bags for Life-Changing Guatemala Stove Mission
written by Colleen Holt and Debbie Bartrow The United Women in Faith, Nell Dyer Circle, at Conway First United Methodist Church recently provided an opportunity for people to be a part of the church’s upcoming Guatemala Stove Builders Mission team, even if they will be unable to travel to Guatemala in January to help build […]
Press Release: UMC Bishops Issue Advent Message
Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church For Immediate Release December 3, 2025 UMC Council of Bishops 2025 Advent Message: Embracing, Living Our Vision As we enter the sacred season of Advent, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, urges all United Methodists to embrace our new Vision as we prepare our hearts for the […]
Obituary – Rev. Lynn Wimberly Lindsey
Lynn Wimberly Lindsey died on November 21, 2025 at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Clay and Carrie Boyd Hansen. In addition to her parents, Lynn is predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Wayne Lindsey; her first husband of 14 years, Ed Wimberly; children, Allison Wimberly and Clay Wimberly; and sister, […]
Leading from the Pocket: Learning to Create a Culture of Renewal
by Rev. Lyn Poplin We are deeply grateful to the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) for making it possible for five Arkansas United Methodist pastors to participate in Creating a Culture of Renewal® (CCR). Through this generous grant, these pastors have the opportunity to engage in a three-year journey designed to transform congregations from the […]
Obituary – Jim Harlan Tarkington
Jim Harlan Tarkington, 83, of Hot Springs passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on November 7, 1942 to Elizabeth Esque Tarkington and Robert Wilson Tarkington. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet Swafford Tarkington; his son, Scott Tarkington; his daughter-in-law, Christy Tarkington; […]
A New Season of Partnership Among Conway County Churches
written by Rev. Bill Sardin, First UMC Morrilton This year’s Community Thanksgiving Worship Service, held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morrilton, brought together congregations from across Conway County for an evening of shared gratitude and worship. Churches representing several Christian traditions filled the sanctuary—Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic—each offering their voices, prayers, and presence. […]