Arkansas Episcopal Area

Amboy United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Ark., is one of three Arkansas Conference churches badly damaged by tornado-spawning storms that hit March 31. Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Conference.

Churches hard hit by latest storms

Twister-spawning storms moved across the U.S., causing death and widespread destruction, including to three United Methodist churches in the Arkansas Conference.

Annual Conferences

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.

Mission and Ministry

Over 30,000 pounds of food provided by Feed America First is distributed to those in need in Wilson County, Tenn. Lebanon First United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Tenn. was able to restock its food pantry as well as help provide a week’s worth of food to over 350 families. Pictured are John Stephens and Laura Headley, members of Lebanon First United Methodist Church. Photo by the Rev. Ryan Bennett.

Prayers, donations help in aftermath of storms

March storms left behind lots of damage, but because of COVID-19, church leaders are urging safety first, cleanup later.

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