Breaking records at this year’s Ingathering
On Saturday, November 15, United Methodists all over Arkansas gathered in Conway for the annual Ingathering event. Churches dropped off 195 completed buckets, and volunteers helped pack more! “We had only four kits on the empty shelves when we started the month of November,” said Shelley Lee, ARUMC co-coordinator for Volunteers in Mission and Disaster […]
Blue Christmas: United Methodist Churches provide Christmas services for hope and healing
While the holidays are meant to be a time of joyous celebration, for many, it’s also a time of grief and heaviness. United Methodist Churches across the state offer services for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, marital problems, financial strains, and other heavy burdens to feel comfort and reassurance during a […]
Bishops prioritize creation care
By Julie DwyerNov. 10, 2025 | UM News The United Methodist Church’s bishops remain committed to caring for God’s world, and they call on fellow United Methodists to join in this urgent work. During its fall meeting on Nov. 4, the Council of Bishops adopted a response to the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement’s open letter asking the bishops […]
Obituary – Cynthia Lynn “Cindy” Parker
Cynthia Lynn “Cindy” Parker, age 73, of Hot Springs Village died on November 12, 2025, following a lengthy illness. Born on March 4, 1952, in Clinton, Iowa. Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Paul L. Shaw, mother, Jacquelyn J. Ament and step-father, Edward J. Ament, husband of 38 years, Jerry Parker, and one […]
Congratulations Social Media Contest Winners!
We are so excited to announce the winners of our #FollowingLovingSharing Social Media Contest winners! St. Paul UMC Fort Smith and Hays Chapel UMC had the most hashtags and shares on their Facebook pages for their categories – a town population 2,500 and above, and a town population 2,499 and below. Thanks to the generous […]
Commission on the General Conference The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release November 12, 2025 Delegate Counts for 2028 General Conference Announced Minneapolis, MN – The Secretary of the General Conference, the Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, has announced that the calculation and review process for the delegate count of the 2028 General Conference meeting has been completed. 708 delegates will represent their respective regional conferences at the […]
Arkansas Churches and Pastors Benefit from Methodist Foundation for Arkansas New On-Boarding Process
“Amazing process; I wish our previous pastors could have been on-boarded.” “Incredibly helpful.” Remarks such as these have been shared by Arkansas laity and pastors who have participated in On-Boarding by certified facilitators. Since June, five churches and their newly appointed pastors have been On-Boarded in Arkansas. Church members have observed that the On-Boarding process […]
One Church, Two Campuses: Resurrection Hope in Fort Smith
written by James Sawyer, Pinnacle View UMC communications director When the members of Fort Smith First United Methodist Church (FSFUMC) and Faith United Methodist Church began talking earlier this year, they weren’t just planning an administrative merger. They were listening for the Spirit’s whisper of resurrection. Today, that whisper has become a song of new […]
Obituary – Edwin “Top” Wayne Kerr
Edwin Wayne Kerr, 83, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family members. Born on February 5, 1942, in Quitman, Arkansas, to William Vernon and Martha Leona Clay Kerr, Ed lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love. He faithfully […]
UMC Bishops Finish Canvassing of Amendments: All Four Ratified
By Amy Ezell “I rejoice this day at the news that the Holy Spirit has moved, and United Methodists have voted! In our worldwide connectional relationships, we have agreed to move away from an old story and into the horizon of a new day. I pray that the Reign of God will be reflected in […]