Manchester UMC Issues Challenge in Support of Ukraine
Manchester UMC, a small rural congregation located 8 miles east of Arkadelphia, has issued a “Ukraine Challenge” for the local churches of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. During a recent men’s group meeting, Manchester UMC member John Haltom recommended creating a challenge after the group determined it would develop a fundraiser for […]
A Wedding Story
contributed by Diane Wright When at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. On Sunday, May 1, Rev. Amanda Smith, pastor of Norphlet United Methodist Church, had the honor of officiating the wedding of Robert Jackson, 89, to Mary Linda Darden, 77. “They had actually been married some 60 years before,” Rev. Smith said. Mary […]
Sundaes on Saturday
contributed by Judy White Members of the St. Paul UMC Little Rock family shared ice cream sundaes of their own design as well as a long-awaited fellowship on Saturday, May, 14. The purpose of the event was to spend time together again after the long hiatus with well-known church family members and get to know […]
The Best Little Thrift Store You’ve Never Heard Of
At some point in your life, you have probably heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” And if you have ever visited a thrift store, then you know that is, in fact, true. If you have stopped by Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church in the last few years, you have seen firsthand all […]
Rev. Troy Conrad Speaks on Racism Through History
The Malvern Historical Society, with a grant from the state of Arkansas, recently presented a forum about racism through history. The forum was held on the 100th-anniversary date of the lynching of Malvern resident John Henry Harrison in 1922. Harrison, a black man, was killed by a mob of 200 people on the courthouse steps. […]
Bryan Diffee’s Puppet Ministry
contributed by Diane Wright What began as an elementary school passion has morphed into a ministry for Rev. Bryan Diffee, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Monticello. “I first became interested in puppetry and ventriloquism at the age of 8 when I would watch Edgar Bergen, Willie Tyler, and Jay Johnson doing ventriloquial […]
Rogers FUMC Celebrates National Pet Month
contributed by Caroline Ezell In honor of National Pet Month, First United Methodist Church of Rogers hosted a ribbon-cutting for the city’s Little Free Pet Pantry. “The celebration of the little free pet pantry was a delightful surprise movement from the Spirit,” said Reverend Kjorlaug of the First United Methodist Church. Pet lovers of all […]
Rev. Jim Cross Leads 10th annual IMPACT event
contributed by Diane Wright Listening to the radio ten years ago, Rev. Jim Cross heard a story about a man riding a horse across the country to raise money for a charity. “Maybe I can do something like that with my walk,” Rev. Cross thought. For the past ten years, Rev. Cross, who pastors Ashdown, […]
It’s Time for Camp!
contributed by Colleen Holt With Arkansas being called The Natural State, it’s only natural that the Arkansas United Methodist Church would offer opportunities for members of the faith community to spend time outdoors and grow closer to God. There are four United Methodist camps and retreats in the state: Shoal Creek, Bear Creek, Mount Eagle […]
Surprise, I Got You!
contributed by Rev. Nathan Kilbourne, Jacksonville First UMC One of my daughter’s favorite activities is to crawl into our bed in the morning, hide under the sheets, and surprise my wife while she is getting ready. Often, I’ll still be in bed, and she’ll say, “Daddy, hide me so I can surprise mom.” So, we […]