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!
Geyer Springs UMC Honored at 2021 Empty Bowls Event
As the pandemic raged on in 2020, United Methodist Churches across our conference stepped up to fill the gaps in food security that families and individuals were experiencing in Arkansas. Because of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church’s strong commitment to fighting...
They’re Just Words – Or Are They?
It seems that almost every United Methodist meeting I attend these days includes the following words and phrases: liminal, asynchronous, actionable, emotional intelligence, nimble, new normal, transparent, and adaptive. In fact, I even use them myself. And while they can be helpful in describing the world in which the church finds itself, I am increasingly convinced we also need to employ the language of faith. The reason is simple. How we talk about something goes a long way in determining what we actually do about it.
There Is No Planet B
Net-Zero Emissions Is Admirable, but More Can Be Done
In a recent statement, 11 General Agencies of The United Methodist Church pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across ministries, facilities, operations, and investments by the year 2050.
The pledge, “Our Climate Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions,” is signed by General Secretaries for each of the 11 Agencies. Two of the Agencies, The General Commission on Religion & Race and The United Methodist Publishing House, have not yet signed on to the pledge, but a press release stated that other Agencies were actively considering endorsing the statement.
Camp Tanako Is a Blessing to Children’s Ministry
Camp Tanako is a blessing to the Children’s Ministry in Arkansas because they specialize in elementary-age camping ministry most of the summer.
I Am A Man
On February 12, 1968, 1,300 black sanitation workers in Memphis went on strike regarding sub-standard working conditions and higher pay. On March 29 of that same year, thousands of people marched in a protest led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, carrying signs which simply read…” I AM A MAN.”
2021 Arkansas Conference Ordinands and Provisional Members
The 2021 Ordinands and Provisional Members will be ordained and commissioned at this year’s Annual Conference. Read about this year’s candidates below, and make plans to attend this year’s Ordination Service, either in-person or online, at the 2021 Arkansas Annual Conference, June 2-4 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Native American Ministries Sunday Is An Opportunity To Right Past Wrongs
The history of the Indigenous Peoples in our United States began long before the settlers first arrived. In 1988, the United Methodist Church realized the importance of remembering the history and presence of Native Americans, as well as the support that is needed within our Native American congregations and ministries throughout the U.S.
The Finish Line Is In View
Pandemic Easter Round Two
We all remember Easter 2020. Only a month after the first confirmed case of COVID was found in Arkansas, many of our churches were wondering how in the world they were going to be able to safely have their annual Easter celebrations.
Do We Really Need a Savior?
As I’ve been thinking about the event that exists at the very heart of our identity as Christians, I’ve found my mind drifting to the current state of the Body of Christ. There’s no way to gently put it, so I’ll be blunt. I am deeply troubled, my heart is breaking and my soul is distressed. The reason is simple. I don’t see much evidence that we really think we need a Savior.
Answering the Call Answers the Call
Carroll County Churches Come Together To Feed the Community
At the beginning of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, jobs were lost, church ministries were temporarily shuttered, and for many people in rural Carroll County, they were now faced with the dilemma of figuring out how they were going to feed their families and take care...