Farewell letter from Bishop Gary Mueller
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It has been quite a journey the last 10 years as I have had the privilege of walking with you in ministry. During this time, I have seen the Holy Spirit do amazing things in and through you. I […]
A Christmas Greeting
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Once again, we gather at the manger to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation, worship the Christ Child and regain our bearings in a world seemingly gone crazy. When we look at the faces of others who also have come to the manger, however, we make a startling discovery. […]
Information regarding Jonesboro First UMC
December 16, 2022 To the Arkansas Annual Conference: I am writing you with a heavy heart to update you concerning recent events at First United Methodist Church Jonesboro. The membership of First United Methodist Church Jonesboro was notified twice that a meeting for church members called by Rev. John Miles for December 15, 2022 was […]
Bishop appoints Rev. John Fleming to First United Methodist Church in Springdale
Bishop Gary Mueller announced today that he has appointed Rev. John Fleming to First United Methodist Church in Springdale as the Senior Pastor. For the past three and half years, Rev. Fleming has served as the Northeast District Superintendent and Chief Mission Strategist and has served on the Cabinet and Appointive Cabinet of the Arkansas […]
A Message from Bishop Mueller
November 7, 2022 Sisters and Brothers, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! By now, most of you have heard that Bishop Laura Merrill has been assigned as Resident Bishop of the Arkansas Area beginning January 1, 2023. What you may not have heard is that she was part of […]
Bishop Mueller Announces Retirement
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Arkansas Conference, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I am writing to share with you my decision to seek retirement at the upcoming South Central Jurisdictional Conference this November, to take effect January 1, 2023 under ¶408.2.a of The 2016 Book of Discipline of […]
A ReStart for the United Methodist Church: The Heart of United Methodism
I long for the United Methodist Church that invited me into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to continue to do for others what it has done for me because it is a church in which moderates and traditionalists, as well as progressives and centrists, are welcomed, valued and fully included. […]
Freedom Is As Freedom Does
I have always loved the Fourth of July. It’s a time to be with family and friends, eat picnic food and of course engage in the art of firework pyrotechnics. The Fourth is a time to celebrate the birthday of our nation. But like celebrating the birthdays of those we love, we don’t just celebrate […]
Bishop Mueller Announces Possibility of Retirement
May 20, 2022 Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The Judicial Council has just announced in Decision 1445 that jurisdictions can elect and assign bishops in 2022. I am writing to share with you the impact this decision has on me. ¶408.1 requires a bishop who is 68 or older […]
Immerse Yourself in the Reality of the Resurrection
We will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead this Sunday. I have no doubt there will be more people in sanctuaries worshiping than there have been since the beginning of Covid. Not only will most of them be able to tell you why Christians celebrate Easter, but the majority will really believe it. This is […]