Press Release: UMC Bishops Issue Advent Message
Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church For Immediate Release December 3, 2025 UMC Council of Bishops 2025 Advent Message: Embracing, Living Our Vision As we enter the sacred season of Advent, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, urges all United Methodists to embrace our new Vision as we prepare our hearts for the […]
Obituary – Rev. Lynn Wimberly Lindsey
Lynn Wimberly Lindsey died on November 21, 2025 at the age of 87. She was the daughter of Clay and Carrie Boyd Hansen. In addition to her parents, Lynn is predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Wayne Lindsey; her first husband of 14 years, Ed Wimberly; children, Allison Wimberly and Clay Wimberly; and sister, […]
Laity in Leadership: Mary Lewis Dassinger, Nine Years of Service to the ARUMC
*Writer’s note: On December 31, 2025, Mary Lewis Dassinger will be leaving her position as Outreach Specialist on staff of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Please reach out to her at mdassinger@arumc.org to send her your well wishes on her new journey ahead. And you may send cards to Mary Lewis Dassinger […]
A Christmas List of Books by Arkansas United Methodist Pastors
During the last year(s), several of our ARUMC clergy have written devotions, papers, studies, and stories in book form, each a blessing in its own way. We want to celebrate our clergy who have shared pieces of their spiritual life with us and encourage you to consider adding these books to your Christmas list for […]
Leading from the Pocket: Learning to Create a Culture of Renewal
by Rev. Lyn Poplin We are deeply grateful to the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) for making it possible for five Arkansas United Methodist pastors to participate in Creating a Culture of Renewal® (CCR). Through this generous grant, these pastors have the opportunity to engage in a three-year journey designed to transform congregations from the […]
Obituary – Jim Harlan Tarkington
Jim Harlan Tarkington, 83, of Hot Springs passed away peacefully at home on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on November 7, 1942 to Elizabeth Esque Tarkington and Robert Wilson Tarkington. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet Swafford Tarkington; his son, Scott Tarkington; his daughter-in-law, Christy Tarkington; […]
A New Season of Partnership Among Conway County Churches
written by Rev. Bill Sardin, First UMC Morrilton This year’s Community Thanksgiving Worship Service, held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morrilton, brought together congregations from across Conway County for an evening of shared gratitude and worship. Churches representing several Christian traditions filled the sanctuary—Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic—each offering their voices, prayers, and presence. […]
Bay UMC Young Adult Sunday
Compiled by Amy Ezell and Rev. Pamela Lamb Two years ago, a simple idea turned into a movement. By asking her older adult members of Bay UMC to share the names of their current unchurched family members and friends, Pastor Pamela Lamb wrote letters of invitation to young adults (20–40ish) to attend church for just […]
Obituary – Rev. Jimmy Anderson
Jimmy Wayne Anderson, age 89, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, was received into his heavenly home on November 18, 2025. Born on January 12, 1936, in Dike, Texas, Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, Lois Ann (Crutchfield), and together they shared 69 beautiful years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy D. […]
Hendrix College Choir Candlelight Carol Services Set for Dec. 4-7, 17-18; Tour Stops in Russellville, Little Rock
CONWAY, Ark. – The Hendrix College Choir and the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas present the 2025 Candlelight Carol Service, Dec. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. in Hendrix’s Greene Chapel (building 13 on the current campus map). In addition, two tour services will take place, Dec. 17 in Russellville at First […]