De Queen First UMC uses One More Question microgrant for Block Party Outreach
De Queen First UMC was awarded a $750 grant through ARUMC’s One More Question initiative. The grant money was for the church’s Block Party Outreach where they plan six block parties by July 2025 with the goal of becoming better neighbors and forming deeper connections in the community. “The original concept began with us adopting […]
A message from Bishop Merrill regarding scams
We are aware of a texting scam pretending to be Bishop Laura Merrill. The scammer may request to meet for coffee, send prayers, share uplifting Bible verses, and request money for a grant opportunity. Bishop Merrill will NOT text, direct message, or reach out to you in any way other than through the verified Arkansas Conference of the UMC communication channels. As […]
Statement from SCJ Mission Council
(Please direct media inquiries to Dr. Derrek Belase – dbelase@okumc.org; 405-714-1554). Austin, TX – Today, the Texas Supreme Court held oral argument concerning the 2019 lawsuit filed by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference (SCJ) against Southern Methodist University (SMU). The underlying lawsuit involved claims brought by the SCJ concerning SMU’s amendment to its articles of incorporation that were made without the […]
Obituary – Mardell Alice McClurkin
Mardell Alice McClurkin, 86, of Alma, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 13, 2025. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas, a retired school teacher, and a preacher’s wife. Mardell was born November 18, 1938, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Tony and Mardell […]
Methodist Foundation for Arkansas to Offer Need-based Scholarships for Campers Attending Camp Tanako and Ozark Mission Project in 2025
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 6, 2025)—The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas will offer young United Methodists from across the state an opportunity for scholarships to attend programs provided by Camp Tanako and Ozark Mission Project on a first-come, first-serve basis for the 2025 calendar year. “So many of our staff members, board members, and other friends of the Foundation share […]
How churches are using their One More Question grants
One More Question, an initiative to support local churches in being better neighbors and partners in their communities, started hosting trainings at local churches last fall. The goal is to teach, train, and resource congregations who want to design outreach ministries WITH their communities. There is specific support for smaller churches (those who worship fewer […]
Prayer Request – Roy & Shelley Lee
Please be in prayer for the family of Shelley & Roy Lee, the Conference’s Volunteers in Mission Coordinator. Roy lost both of his sisters this week – his older sister, Vivian, passed away on Monday and his younger sister, Fran, passed away last night.
The Arkansas Conference Ethnic and Language Committee will be assisting with registration to the 2025 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference to be held in Little Rock, February 18 – 21
The Arkansas Conference Ethnic and Language Committee will be assisting with registration to the 2025 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference to be held in Little Rock, February 18 – 21. The funds are for registrations only and will be paid directly to the Proctor Conference. There will be 8 paid registrations. If you are interested in […]
Beyond Borders: A Christian Response to Immigration Complexities
Dear United Methodists, As your South Central Jurisdictional bishops, we write to you with burdened hearts regarding our nation’s complex immigration issue. We recognize the diverse perspectives within our congregations and the deep concerns many of you have expressed about this challenging reality. Our nation stands at a crossroads, with significant proposed changes to immigration […]
January 2025 California Fires Message
Friends, as folks in Oklahoma and Arkansas have been staying warm in the snow – and helping neighbors in need do so as well–we know that friends in California are in the grip of terrifying, relentless wildfires. Two churches have been burned, with many others evacuated; California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank was evacuated from her […]