The Arkansas United Methodist is the twice-monthly newsletter of the Arkansas Conference that reaches more than 5,000 Arkansas Methodists across our state. Every other week, you’ll receive a newsletter in your inbox packed full of stories from around the Conference, and commentaries from the Bishop, the AUM Editor, clergy, laity and more!
Our goal is to bring hope and inspiration through stories of discipleship. Join us as we share the Good News!
The Church Has Left the Building
England First UMC Serves Its Community With Heart, Dedication
For many small towns, the church is the centerpiece of a thriving and connected community. That’s especially true for the small farming community of England, Arkansas. England, population approximately 2,750, is located about 30 miles southeast of Little Rock. It’s a...
Beyond 2021 Moves Online
Conference Will Focus on Dismantling Racism
Next year's Beyond Conference will take place entirely online, Jan. 22 - 23, 2021. The two-day event will focus on the Arkansas Conference's mission of dismantling racism in our church and society, with the Bible verse Micah 6:8 as the main biblical focus. The Beyond...
Provide Not Only Food, but Dignity This Thanksgiving Season
Food Choice Is a Great Option for Pantries
You might be familiar with the Food Network show Chopped. In each episode, four chefs compete against one another attempting to incorporate unusual combinations of ingredients into dishes that are later judged by a panel. The contestants might be given pork belly,...
Everything Counts
“The truth is... everything counts. Everything. Everything we do and everything we say. Everything helps or hurts; everything adds to or takes away from someone else.”As we begin the arduous process of navigating the issues that have consumed the landscape of this...
St. Paul Pastor Publishes Humorous Advent Play, Magi in Advent
The Rev. Mark Waynick, a deacon at St. Paul UMC in Fort Smith who has served his church for more than 30 years, can now add another accomplishment to his list: published author. Waynick’s new skit series has been published by Christian Publishers, a publishing company...
Nurturing Growth
I’ve recently gotten into gardening and taking care of indoor plants. It was sort of something that happened by accident -- as I’m sure every person who develops this hobby can relate -- where my wife and I were given plants by friends and family or casually shopped...
Q&A w/ Rev. Todd Lovell
Pastor at The Vine of Northwest Arkansas
What is the mission of The Vine of NWA? The mission of The Vine of NWA is “to live lives of holy purpose by loving God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.” This mission has gone through several iterations and is continually being refined as I meet...
A Thanksgiving Pivot
2020 has been such a train wreck that any words I write will fail to communicate what it’s been like. The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions, killed hundreds of thousands, and is surging. Life has been turned upside down, the economy is in freefall, and families...
Methodist Family Health Seeks Secret Santas
The holidays are upon us, and even in the midst of the restrictions that come with the pandemic, Methodist Family Health is still committed to our mission of providing the best possible care to those who need our help. For us this season of giving, this means making...
Faith and Donation: The Time is Now
National Donor Sabbath is Nov. 13 - 15
Most churches teach regularly on financial stewardship and giving--it’s an essential spiritual discipline, as well as the lifeblood of any congregation. For three days in mid-November, faith communities throughout the United States will join to focus awareness and...