Refuge 2023
written by Meredith Grafton, West Memphis UMC Refuge was a successful event connecting junior high students to their foundations in Christ and other youth in the state. Refuge was so much fun with rotations such as speed friending, group games, and a scavenger hunt. These activities fostered a connection between the students and allowed friendships […]
Thornton UMC Serves Community After Fire
Last weekend, an unfortunate fire in Thornton, Arkansas, left a family without a home. The United Methodist Church in Thornton, led by Rev. Ron Grigsby, was able to collect $500 in a matter of hours and, with help from the community, organized a clothing drive and secured three nights of lodging at a local hotel. […]
The Stewpot at First UMC Magnolia celebrates 40 years
Recently, the Stewpot at First United Methodist Church in Magnolia celebrated its 40th birthday with a fundraiser take-out meal of chicken spaghetti, purple hull peas, salad, and dessert — the first meal that was served 40 years ago. The fundraiser was a huge success with the community purchasing over 700 tickets! In 1983, this non-profit […]
The Rider Family: A story of love, sacrifice, and self-commitment
First United Methodist Church of Texarkana recently held “A Night of Worship” with special music, a chili supper, and a silent auction to benefit the Cyndy and Tommy Rider family of Texarkana. Cyndy and Tommy have adopted five children who are all siblings from the same broken home. Two of the children have been diagnosed […]
The Phillipi Project: A Veteran and Families Ministry
Co-written by Amy Ezell and Rev. Walt Garrett When asked how the Phillipi Project was born, Rev. Walt Garrett, Benton First UMC associate pastor, shared, “The Lord gave me ears to hear the needs of our veterans over a three-month span in 2022.” “Beginning in May 2022, with a ministry request from a veteran, a […]
Conway First UMC food pantry receives more than $10,000 from a community event
written by Colleen Holt, communications assistant, Conway First United Methodist Church A total of $10,101.80 was recently donated to the Conway First United Methodist Church Food Pantry through proceeds from an Oktoberfest event sponsored by The Kitchen Store & More, a downtown business with a rich history of supporting non-profit organizations across the community. Tricia […]
Beacon Churches Shine Amidst Disaffiliation in the Arkansas Annual Conference
In the late summer of 2022, several Arkansas United Methodist Churches began seeing an influx of new faces for worship on Sundays and online. Most of these people were not new to United Methodism, and in many cases, they happened to live more than 30 miles away from the new churches they were visiting in […]
North Little Rock First UMC hosts Youth Internship Day
written by Laura Turner, Communications Coordinator NLRFUMC On August 1, 2023, the youth group of North Little Rock First UMC participated in a “Youth Internship Day” with the staff of First United Methodist Church North Little Rock. A total of nine students ranging from ages 12-16 participated in a staff meeting; and then divided up […]
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Parking
First United Methodist Bentonville has been letting the community park in its downtown Bentonville parking lot for a long time. This has been a significant benefit for people visiting because downtown Bentonville’s development and events make parking hard to find. “One day, I parked in the lot for Saturday Farmers’ Market,” shared Jeff Rickard, member […]
6-year-old uses lemonade stand to raise money for Disaster Response
When disaster strikes, United Methodists take action. In April of this year, 6-year-old Etta Bolte took disaster response into her own hands with a lemonade stand in her driveway in Augusta. Last month, Etta and her mother, Ann Bolte, traveled to Little Rock to present the check for over $400 directly to Bishop Laura Merrill. […]