Letter from Bishop Laura Merrill
August 29, 2024 Greetings! When I began serving as bishop for the Arkansas Conference in January of last year, I never would have guessed that I would also be assigned the bishop of the Oklahoma Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference just 20 months later. This change comes as we seek to provide episcopal […]
Obituary – William “Jimmy” James Williams
William James Williams died Monday, August 26, one day short of his 78th birthday, from complications after surgery and a culmination of several health issues in recent years. “Jim” or “Jimmy” to those who knew him best, was born in Florence, Alabama on August 27, 1946, to William Ervin and Cora Lee Williams. Preceding him […]
J.J. Whitney Appointed Executive Director for Alumni & Constituent Engagement at Hendrix College
Office relocation to Dawkins Welcome Center marks new leadership era Hendrix College is pleased to announce that Judith J. “J.J.” Whitney, a dedicated staff member and 1996 alumna, will lead the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, effective Sept. 1. Her first official day as Executive Director for Alumni and Constituent Engagement will be Tuesday, […]
Oak Forest United Methodist Church’s Matthew 25 Food Pantry Receives $1,000 Grant from Entergy Charitable Trust
Funds will purchase toilet paper to distribute to neighbors accessing food pantry LITTLE ROCK, AR (Aug. 20, 2024) – Oak Forest United Methodist Church’s Matthew 25 Food Pantry recently received a $1,000 grant from Entergy Charitable Foundation to purchase toilet paper to distribute to citizens in Pulaski County in need. In 2022, the food pantry […]
Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness during the 2024 Election Season
How do you want to be treated? Jesus’ words, known as The Golden Rule, simply state: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Do Unto Others is a grassroots movement launched by Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, to encourage Christians and others to be intentional about treating one another with kindness, even those with […]
Obituary – Marie Lynn (Riley) Poarch
Marie Lynn (Riley) Poarch, of Ft. Smith, AR, overcame her battle with cancer and entered into eternal rest on August 14, 2024. She was born August 16, 1966 in Garland, Texas to Harold Macklin Riley and Barbara Ann (Gregory) Riley. Growing up, Marie made lifelong friends and had countless adventures with her Campfire group, also […]
Healthy Church Academy
Dear Lay Leaders and SPPR Chairs of the Arkansas Conference, According to a recent survey from the United Methodist pension board, over the past decade, the number of clergy reporting “very good” or “excellent” health has seen a steady decline. This is significant, as self-reported health is an important indicator of overall health status. Insights on […]
Traumatic Events for Pets webinar will be held on September 4
The Arkansas Conference is partnering with Melissa McMath Hatfield, a leading canine behavioral expert, to help pet owners understand how to comfort, rehabilitate, and protect pets following natural disasters and traumatic events. This virtual webinar will be held via Zoom on September 4 at 3 p.m. and is sponsored by ARUMC Disaster Response and the Pinnacle […]
Hendrix College Unveils Exciting New Homecoming and Family Weekend Events Sept. 27-29
Celebrate with performances, sports, and community fun CONWAY, Ark. (August 12, 2024) — Hendrix College is thrilled to announce an exciting evolution of its annual Fall Family Weekend, transforming it into a grand Homecoming/Fall Family Weekend celebration. Scheduled from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29, this year’s event will warmly welcome not only families […]
Rev. Dr. Todd Seelau Named Keynote Speaker for Fall 2024 Summit
Little Rock, AR, July 31, 2024: Rev. Dr. Todd Seelau of the New Mexico Conference of the UMC will be the keynote speaker at the Arkansas Conference 2024 Vital Church Summit for Clergy on November 13, 2024. Most recently, Seelau was a “LED Talk” presenter at the 2024 South Central Jurisdiction Conference where he spoke […]