Conference Board of Church and Society
Arkansas Conference Creation Care/Creation Justice Zoom Study
The Arkansas Conference Creation Care Team is hosting a 4-week study on Zoom. The purpose of the class is to help local congregations explore creation care and take next steps toward affirming their sacred calling to be responsible stewards of all that God has created.
Whether you are seeking ways to implement “greener” practices like energy audits or land use audits that reduce costs while also caring for the planet, or you already have a green team at your church, this class seeks to build upon those foundations.
Maybe you are just beginning to explore how we as United Methodists can engage more deeply in caring for our planet and helping people? Wherever you are in this calling to practice responsible stewardship and live in the right relation with the Creator, creation, and all of God’s people, we hope you will join this study.
All classes will be held via Zoom on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of October and January.
Session 1: October 8, 2026, 6 pm – 8 pm
Theology of Creation Care: Understanding Biblical and Indigenous theologies, examining UMC Social Principles, especially the section on Community of Creation, and reviewing the Creation Care and Justice Legislation passed by the General Conference in 2024. You will emphasize your United Methodist commitment to creation and the care of our common home.
Session 2: October 22, 2026, 6 pm – 8 pm
Climate Justice and Climate Care: All creation is God’s, and you are responsible for the ways in which you steward God’s gifts. You meet these duties through acts of loving care and respect. This session will focus on protecting God’s creation and those who are disproportionately affected by global climate change, and share resources from the United Women in Faith and other UM Agencies.
Session 3: January 14, 2027, 6 pm – 8 pm
How to create a Green Team at your church. There will be an introduction to the Land Use Audit for local congregations, and resources for Energy Audits that help support clean energy.
Session 4: January 28, 2027, 6pm – 8 pm
Next Steps for your congregation: What are you doing now? What do you hope to do? Sharing resources to help you accomplish those next steps.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Giese at kellygiese29@gmail.com.
Apply Now: Rev. William "Pawpaw" Robinson Human Relations Grants
The Arkansas Conference Boards of Global Ministries and Church & Society are now accepting applications for the Rev. William Robinson Human Relations Grants. Funded by the Human Relations Day offering, these grants honor the late Rev. Dr. William H. Robinson Jr., who served thirty-five years as senior pastor of Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church and gave his ministry to the people Human Relations Day seeks to serve — those affected by addiction, incarceration, and the long reach of racism.
Grants of up to $500 are available to United Methodist congregations and ministries across Arkansas for projects that reflect Rev. Robinson’s witness and the calling of Human Relations Day. Funding priorities include community development, recovery ministries, racial reconciliation, youth empowerment, and direct engagement with people pushed to the margins.
Applications will be accepted June 1 through August 1, 2026. Small-membership churches, rural churches, and ethnic churches are particularly encouraged to apply. Apply here: https://forms.gle/SopjejQe8oSvPffC9
Questions may be directed to Rev. Dr. Hammett N. Evans (hammett.evans@arumc.org) or Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder (betsy.snyder@arumc.org).
ARUMC Board of Church and Society Members
Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder
Harold Hughes
Central District
harold.hughes@arumc.org
Rev. Kelly Giese
Northeast District
Creation Care Task Force
KellyGiese29@gmail.com
Brenda Gullett
Northwest District
brendagalegullett@gmail.com
Cindy Jackson
South District
Rev. Josh Bland
Peace With Justice Coordinator
joshua.bland@arumc.org
Rev. Randy Seale
At-Large Member
randy.seale@arumc.org
Rev. Toby Austin
At-Large Member
toby.austin@arumc.org
Deaconess Colleen Caldwell
At-Large Member
DeaconessColleen@gmail.com