Arkansas Annual Conference

The Rev. David Kassos, pastor of Amity United Methodist Church in Amity, Ark., speaks at the Nov. 19 special session of the Arkansas Conference. Photo by Rodney Steele, courtesy of the Arkansas Conference.

3 church disaffiliations blocked

The Arkansas Conference approved the exit of 35 churches, but not of three others seeking to leave The United Methodist Church.

Annual Conferences

The Rev. Andrew C. Kjorlaug, an Arkansas Conference elder and U.S. Army chaplain, presents a resolution at the Arkansas Annual Conference that calls on the state’s congressional delegation to act on “Responsible Fire-Arm legislation.” In a year that has seen multiple mass shootings, Arkansas was among a number of United Methodist conferences urging elected leaders to do more to regulate guns. Screengrab courtesy of the Arkansas Conference via YouTube by UM News.

Conferences take action on gun violence

Even as United Methodist conferences deal with mounting church exits and disagreements over LGBTQ inclusion, they are bearing a shared witness on gun violence. And they are urging actions beyond thoughts and prayers.

Faith Stories

Betty Hinshaw addresses the crowd at the June 2 dedication of the Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary in Tontitown, Arkansas. The 97-year-old United Methodist gave 25 acres to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust for creation of the sanctuary. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Andrew Thompson.

97-year-old pays forward with bird sanctuary

Betty Hinsaw, a United Methodist, recently donated 25 acres to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, which will restore native grasses and improve habitat for grassland-dependent birds.

Mission and Ministry

People seeking shelter from snow and bitter cold are offered Holy Communion in the gymnasium at First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Ark. The church is operating the warming shelter in cooperation with the local Red Cross. Photo by Cindy English.

Churches serve as warming centers, shelters

With nearly 3 million homes without electricity in subfreezing temperatures, United Methodists come together to provide shelter, food, charging stations and other help.

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