News from The Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church Eco-Friendly July 5, 2013 Volume 160 Issue 07 Recycled Paper | Soy Ink IN THIS ISSUE Annual Conference 2013 discerns, disciples, dares

Excerpts from the Laity-Episcopal Address 3

Bishop Gary Mueller on June 11 preaches to those being ordained and commissioned for ministry in the United Methodist Church. AUM PHOTO BY AMY FORBUS

Imagine No Malaria BY AMY FORBUS and learning during the gathering, own mission fi elds. Bishop Mueller “We should embrace our gains ground at Editor and also spent signifi cant time and Conference Lay Leader Karon opportunity to help shape the future focusing on the Imagine No Malaria Mann decided on presenting together of the United Methodist Church.” Annual Conference LITTLE ROCK—Th e initiative, which resulted in gift s that to emphasize the importance of Th e pair painted a picture of the next Statehouse Convention Center in surpassed the task force’s goal. (See partnership in ministry. steps in the Imagine Ministry downtown Little Rock served as the page 6 for details.) “To reach all the people we need process, which was approved by the 6 site of the 11th session of the to reach in the mission fi eld and 2011 Annual Conference gathering Arkansas Annual Conference, held ‘3D Faith’ make disciples of Jesus Christ, we and has continued to shape the June 9-12, 2013. It marked the fi rst have to join together,” Mueller said. conference’s priorities for ministry. time to preside over an annual Th e conference theme, “3D “Partnership in mission and Guest preachers included the conference for Bishop Gary E. Faith: Discerning, Discipling, Daring,” ministry is a privilege—one that I Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie; the Rev. Mueller, who was elected to the came to the forefront in the joint hope you don’t take for granted,” said Dr. Billy Abraham; Bishop Th omas episcopacy last July. laity-episcopal address, which was Mann, who was raised in a Bickerton; and the Rev. Dr. Grace Th e Arkansas Conference structured around how local churches denomination that wouldn’t permit Imathiu. From within Arkansas, the increased its emphasis on worship can discern, disciple and dare in their her to lead because she is female. [See AC2013, page 7] Following Baptist resolution, Scouts find steady support in Arkansas UMCs Pastoral BY JEANNIE SMITH 2014, states, “No youth may be primarily on making sure troops “We have had support from a Special Contributor denied membership in the Boy Scouts have a home. number of denominations,” he said. appointments for of America on the basis of sexual “Th e immediate response from the 2013-2014 Following a June 12 resolution orientation or preference alone.” Strong backing Methodist Church when the news by the Southern Baptist Convention Since the new policy was made hit the press was, ‘What can we do? that voiced strong opposition to the public, the issue of Boy Scout According to Terry Sharp, How can we help? Do any of the 11 the Boy Scouts of America’s policy charters may have been a topic of assistant Scout executive of the troops need us?’” allowing gay scouts, United discussion or contemplation in Quapaw Council, which serves Sharp said that to date, not one Methodist churches across Arkansas United Methodist congregations central Arkansas, United Methodist church from the 39 counties the have responded by opening church across Arkansas, but by and large, churches reacted swift ly to the news Quapaw Area Council serves has doors to troops in need of a home. reaction to troop displacement from by contacting the offi ce to off er dropped its charter. He went on to Th e policy, which takes eff ect in other churches has focused assistance. [See SCOUTS, page 5] 2 July 5, 2013 PRACTICAL DIVINITY EDITOR’S CORNER

BY ANDREW C. THOMPSON BY AMY FORBUS The church of Eeyore? Revival? We can expect it Th is year’s Annual Conference and so I’m working to reform my featured impressive preachers, both negative ways. from within Arkansas and from I’ve noticed that people usually John Wesley had a long career the belief that God’s work will and if we devote ourselves fully to other parts of our United Methodist speak positively about their own local in ministry—stretching from the proceed and will expand the calling God has given us—then connection. I still can recall pieces of churches. But bring the ministry of mid-1720s to his death in 1791. continuously—in other words, that we have every bit as much reason to each sermon—which some would the Conference into the conversation, During that time, he personally revival will happen! expect revival as John Wesley did at say simply proves what a serious and talk can turn negative in an experienced many ups and downs. But we should note also that Tewkesbury. church nerd I am, but which I instant. It’s oft en diffi cult to stay with Th e movement he led also waxed Wesley is suggesting that there is a Th e sheer sense of expectation contend points to the relevance and helpful critique and avoid moving and waned during that time. But particular way the Spirit works for was one of the things that struck me impact of the preaching. into pointless complaining. there is one thing that always strikes revival. Th e Spirit doesn’t work about the vision Bishop Mueller and Th e most convicting moment of One clergy friend of mine has me about Wesley’s attitude: He without people, and the Spirit Karon Mann gave us a few weeks ago Annual Conference for me came backed out of most social media always expected revival to occur. doesn’t work with people against in Little Rock. As they closed their when Bishop Tom Bickerton called groups that discuss the UMC because, Take this example from their will. Instead, the Spirit works address to the members of the out United Methodists on our as he puts it, “It’s bad for my soul.” He Wesley’s Journal, where he describes in and through people as they Annual Conference, Bishop Mueller negative mentality. He said that he found that topics relating to fruitful a visit to Tewkesbury in March of experience the salvation of Jesus said, “It’s time for us to experience thinks some of our churches should ministry seldom get the high number 1775: Christ. Th at should say something to spiritual revival.” His comments take down the UMC cross and fl ame of responses as those that bring up “Many here have been lately the people called Methodists today, relating to this point appear on page logo and replace it with a picture of theological divides or complain about convinced of sin, and many who are hungering for revival. 3 of this issue, but I believe they bear Eeyore, the dejected donkey from administrative structure. converted to God. Some have been Our recent Annual Conference repeating here, as well: A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Recognizing those things that made partakers of the great in Little Rock emphasized a We can only share what we have His words remain with me do harm, and refraining from doing salvation, and their love and zeal three-part theme: Discerning, experienced, been transformed by weeks later because too oft en, I’m an them, keeps us in compliance with have stirred up others. So that the Discipling, Daring. In their joint and committed ourselves to. We need Eeyore. If I haven’t outright said the fi rst General Rule that John fl ame now spreads wider and wider. laity-episcopal address, Bishop Gary to experience Jesus’ love that is so these things in relation to either a Wesley set for the Methodist O let none be able to quench it!” Mueller and Conference lay leader powerful it accepts us just the way we local church or Conference-level movement. It’s a simple, yet oft en Reading that passage, you can’t Karon Mann provided wonderful are. Experience Jesus’ love that is so ministry, I’ve certainly thought them: more diffi cult, route to choose. escape the great sense of both context for what such an approach to powerful it is unwilling to leave us “I don’t think it’ll work.” “Nobody As a step on the path of hope, optimism and expectation that is ministry ought to look like. just the way we are. Experience Jesus’ will want to dedicate the time it I’ll look to another friend’s response bound up in Wesley’s report. It is an We have in many ways already love that is so powerful it gives us would take.” “It doesn’t matter. to Bishop Bickerton’s sermon, which attitude that is tied to Wesley’s great discerned our path forward through what we absolutely need but can Th ere’s no money for it, anyway.” she posted on Twitter. confi dence in the Holy Spirit— Imagine Ministry, although what never get on our own—reconciliation Th ese responses do not come @RevMurrayNorman: “Stand which is not named in this Journal Imagine Ministry will look like must with God, healing, wholeness, second from a place of hope and faith in the against the Eeyores of the world. I entry but is certainly in the continually be discerned as it evolves. chances, the Jesus way of living, joy, living God. Bishop Bickerton is choose to be a Tigger.” background. We must now get serious about generosity, compassion, and hope that right—it’s easy for us to get mired in disciplining, that all-encompassing is eternal in every sense of the word. negativity. Yet as Christ’s people, we To reach me, send an email to Work of the Spirit process of forming men and women Th ose are hopeful and hope- have every reason to do otherwise, [email protected]. into mature disciples. And we need fi lled words. eTh hope bound up When Wesley speaks of the to be willing to take risks— within them is a hope well founded. conviction of sin and conversion to approaching our ministry and It is grounded in the scriptural God, he is alluding to the Spirit’s mission with a certain amount of promise that we will receive the Holy work in drawing us toward God. daring, based on the confi dence that Spirit, who will teach us and guide And when he refers to the possibility the Holy Spirit will guide us. us in every way. of partaking in “the great salvation,” Because God’s promises can it is a hopeful statement of the great ‘In this together’ always be trusted, the gift of the possibility we all have for life in the Holy Spirit also means that revival is Spirit, even in this present life. I also think one very important coming. We can downright expect it! Wesley’s words about the love and component to this work of the zeal of believers stirring up others Annual Conference is its Th e Rev. Th ompson, Wesley scholar Volume 160 • No. 07 July 5, 2013 Arkansas Conference Amy Forbus • Editor 800 Daisy Bates Drive and the fl ame of revival spreading connectional nature. We are all in for the Arkansas Conference, teaches Melissa Sanders • Circulation Little Rock, AR 72202-3770 outward are his way of describing this together. And only by sticking at Memphis Th eological Seminary www.arumc.org www.arumc.org 501-324-8000 how the Holy Spirit works within a together can we faithfully work to and serves as associate pastor of Th e Arkansas United Methodist is the newspaper of Subscriptions record for the Arkansas Conference of Th e United - Annual and biannual subscriptions are available for local community. renew the church in our day. Marion UMC. He may be reached at Methodist Church. It is printed monthly, on the fi rst the print edition of this newspaper. Friday of every month, with four special issues during - Th e online edition is free. In all of this, there is in Wesley But if we do stick together— [email protected]. the year for a total of 16 issues per year. For more information on subscribing to either edition, visit www.arumc.org/aum or call 501-324-8002. Send correspondence & subscription updates to: Arkansas United Methodist, 800 Daisy Bates Drive, Advertising is welcomed. For a rate sheet or more Little Rock, AR 72202; or email Melissa Sanders at information, contact Amy Forbus at 501-324-8037 or [email protected]. [email protected]. While all advertising is reviewed Be sure to recycle your copy of before acceptance, it should not be considered POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: endorsed by this newspaper or the Church. the Arkansas United Methodist Arkansas United Methodist, 800 Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202. Submission Deadlines Issue Date Submission Deadline when you’re fi nished reading it Th e Arkansas United Methodist (USPS periodicals Aug. 2 July 18 permit pending) is published 16 times per year by the Sept. 6 Aug. 21 Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, (or share it with a friend). 800 Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202. Postage Oct. 4 Sept. 18 paid at Gainesville, TX.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 3 Excerpts from the Laity-Episcopal Address delivered Imagining in 3D at the Arkansas Annual Conference, June 10, 2013 BY CONFERENCE LAY LEADER KARON MANN congregations. We desperately need strong African American that 20 percent of adults in America (one-third of those AND BISHOP GARY MUELLER churches if we are going to reach the mission fi eld for which God under age 30) who identify themselves as religiously has given us responsibility. unaffi liated. Many “nones” consider themselves religious or 6. We should expect every new pastor to demonstrate spiritual in some way, and they believe the church strengthens Th ere is only one way we can share Jesus’ love with the competency in preaching, spiritual leadership, mission-fi eld community bonds and plays an important role in helping the world, reach people in the mission fi eld, and make disciples of engagement and evangelism. You have heard it said many poor and needy. Th ey are concerned about others in the world, Jesus Christ who truly are equipped to transform lives, times that insanity is expecting diff erent results while doing the sometimes passionate about justice, and look for ways they can communities and the world with excellence and passion. We same old thing. It’s time to prepare new clergy with these basic meaningfully help. Laity can issue invitations to service and have to join together—not just talk about it, but really do it—as tools to provide the leadership churches need to be vital and mission that can build relationships and show the love of God laity and clergy in partnership. Each doing what we uniquely can ready to face the mission fi eld. through the Church in a meaningful way. do. Each fully respecting the work of the other. Each knowing we 7. We must equip every new disciple to demonstrate need the other. And each giving thanks for the opportunity to be competency in servant ministry, faith-sharing, employing his It is an understatement to say that this is an ambitious list. in ministry in the name, spirit and power of Jesus Christ. or her spiritual gift s and stewardship. Disciples will be So, how are we going to do it? We think the answer is clear. We are going to talk about what’s next so we keep moving equipped to live out Jesus’ great commandment to love the Lord Th ere’s too much at stake in our world not to be daring. from Imagining Ministry to Doing Ministry, to being the church with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Th ere’s too much hope Jesus provides not to be daring. Th ere’s Jesus is calling us to be: discerning, discipling and daring. Th at’s 8. We want to see every church grow every year by at too much the Holy Spirit has given us through our Wesleyan why we are going to talk about things that we think are the next least one new adult profession of faith, at least one more heritage not to be daring. steps in Imagine Ministry as we focus on the primary place that person in worship, at least one additional small group and at And that’s exactly why we need some passion. Serious can make disciples of Jesus Christ: local churches. least one additional outreach into the mission fi eld. Only 310 passion. And we need it right now. Because it’s passion that fuels We are just beginning to paint a picture. It’s going to take a of our 683 churches had a profession of faith last year. Th at us to be daring, go where we’ve never gone and take risks even signifi cant amount of work to get it done. It’s going to take a long means 373 did not. Every single church can be part of reaching when we’re scared to death. time, but we are in this for the long haul. And here’s the most out to the mission fi eld—regardless of size. Th ink what will And that’s why the very last thing we’re going to talk about important thing of all: You’re the ones who will have to get it happen when “at least one” becomes a reality in Arkansas. is actually the most important thing we could ever talk about. done. 9. We must make an eff ort to connect with the “nones,” 1. We need to tell the Imagine Ministry story so clearly 10. It’s time for us to experience spiritual revival. We can people understand what’s at stake and embrace what we’re only share what we have experienced, been transformed by and doing. When we join the United Methodist Church we are asked ‘We want to see every church committed ourselves to. We need to experience Jesus’ love that is to support it with our prayers, our presence, our gift s, our so powerful it accepts us just the way we are. Experience Jesus’ service and our witness. Our witness is our story. It’s the story of grow every year by at least one love that is so powerful it is unwilling to leave us just the way we our personal relationship with Christ, but it’s also the corporate are. Experience Jesus’ love that is so powerful it gives us what we story of how our church is making disciples and transforming new adult profession of faith, at absolutely need but can never get on our own—reconciliation the world. Th e Imagine Ministry story defi nes the mission fi eld with God, healing, wholeness, second chances, the Jesus way of as our primary focus, and tells the world how we, as United least one more person in worship, living, joy, generosity, compassion, and hope that is eternal in Methodists, want to live out our calling to mission and ministry every sense of the word. in our community and the world. at least one additional small It’s time to be passionate. It’s time to be bold. It’s time to be 2. It’s time for us to get serious about having every daring. My sisters and brothers, the time is here. Th e time is church look like its neighborhood. A church that looks like its now. We can wait no longer. And we are ready to join hands with neighborhood has taken the time to develop a presence there. group and at least one additional you to do it. Th is means we have developed relationships with people in our Are you ready? Will you join hands with us? Will you work surrounding community and are in ministry with our neighbors, outreach into the mission field.’ with us? Together, we can be the living, breathing, and serving not just looking for mission projects that provide services. Body of Christ, sharing Jesus’ love. 3. We have to become experts at developing District Mission Plans that increase the number of vital congregations reaching out into the mission fi eld, aided by support, resources and training from the Center for Clergy and Lay Excellence, the Center for Technology and the Network for Holiness of Heart and Life. Th is is a major new role for the district superintendent. Sometimes it will involve existing churches and ministries. Sometimes it will mean creating new ways of reaching people. But it will enable churches to impact the mission fi eld with maximum faithfulness and eff ectiveness. 4. We can’t back away from making mission-fi eld appointments. Th is may be one of the hardest things we are trying to do, because it’s so new and because we have spent a lot of energy over a lot of years keeping—or at least trying to keep—churches and pastors happy. We will work harder, smarter and more faithfully in getting the right pastor with the right gift s in the right mission fi eld. And we will pay special attention to those pastors and churches that are ready to boldly face the mission fi eld. 5. We must get serious about creating vital, self- sustaining and growing African-American churches. It’s not pleasant to talk about, but the Arkansas Annual Conference has not done a good job with African-American churches. Th ere are nearly 450,000 African-Americans in our state and only a handful of vital, self-sustaining and growing United Methodist AUM PHOTO BY AMY FORBUS www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 4 July 5, 2013 I am human, you are human: an Arkansan’s notes from an Ubuntu Journey

BY DOTTIE NOYCE in which women could Special Contributor learn new craft s and have them for sale. One of the “Ubuntu” is an African word meaning, “I am human craft s is intricate ribbon because you are human.” embroidery. Each church Ubuntu Journeys, presented by United Methodist Women, has two weaving looms, provide opportunities to make friendships around the world and and the women make learn through mission experiences with other countries and beautiful woven garments. cultures. In April, I was one of eight women who left the United Other craft s include States and joined fi ve women in Chile for an Ubuntu Journey. knitting and crocheting. Six of us met at the Dallas airport and the rest joined us in We purchased pieces of Santiago. In addition to fi ve Chilean women, our group members their beautiful handiwork. came from California, New York, Washington, various parts of Th e women keep half of the Texas—and Subiaco, Ark. proceeds, and the other Aft er ten hours in the plane, we got our fi rst look at the half goes to buy more majestic Andes Mountains. Th e Chilean members of our team supplies. met us at the airport and took us by van to a cozy little hotel, We had prepared United Methodist Women from the United States and Chile share in discussion as part of an Ubuntu Posada El Salvador. Aft er a short rest, we had our fi rst team discussion sessions on Journey held this spring. meeting and fi nalized our itinerary. Our theme was “Weaving topics such as overcoming PHOTO COURTESY DOTTIE NOYCE our Lives Together in Love.” It is customary in Chile to greet each a natural disaster; domestic violence; sexism and sexual and the southern region is covered in beautiful lakes, volcanoes other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and we soon grew discrimination; and widowhood. All of the women were eager and forests. Fishing and agriculture are the main commerce. Th e comfortable with this custom. participants, and we had a translator in each group to help width of Chile does not exceed 160 miles, and there are 50 active We spent 10 days there touring programs, visiting craft everyone share in the discussion. Th e Chilean women were volcanoes. workshops, sharing craft s, conducting dialogs, planting a fl ower encouraged to have more meetings with dialogues in the future. Th e journey included an extra layer of signifi cance for me, garden and sightseeing. While in Santiago, we learned what the Th e atmosphere was much like United Methodist Women as I was born in Chile. My mother was a missionary and married United Methodist Church is doing in Chile. We toured the Sweet meetings in the United States, right down to refreshments aft er my father there. We immigrated to the United States when I was Compound, which fi lls a block in a poor neighborhood. It the meeting. 13 years old, and I have 30 cousins in Chile. Th ey and their contains the episcopal offi ces, Second Methodist Church, a One of our stops in Lota was at a home for abused girls. families had a reunion for me while I was there—a memorable preschool, and a twelve-grade public school. While there, we planted a fl ower garden to beautify the yard, and experience! We saw the humanitarian programs of the church, such as had a “beauty day” for the girls. Members of our team had An Ubuntu journey is a marvelous opportunity. Th ere are EMAH Chile: Equipo Metodista de Ayuda Humanitaria, which brought a variety of cosmetic products. It was a joy to work with two more Ubuntu trips this year: South Korea in September and works closely with UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee the girls. We also took pleasure in making greeting cards and Zimbabwe in October. on Relief). Chile has many geographic faults and much frilly scarves using yarn that I had brought. A lasting impression I brought back from this Ubuntu geothermal activity, which means disasters are common. Part of the trip consisted of visiting typical Chilean sights. Journey is that the problems Chile has are similar to problems On Sunday, we traveled seven hours to southern Chile, to We visited La Moneda Palace, the seat of the government of we have here in the United States—and the churches in both the town of Coronel. Here we spent three nights as guests in Chile; a new museum remembering the Disappeared under the countries provide programs to alleviate the same issues. We are people’s homes. Our home hosts were delightful, and women of regime of General Pinochet; took a walk up San Cristobal Hill to more similar than we are diff erent. I am human; you are human. the church in Coronel prepared our meals. Several of us counted see the statue of the Immaculate Concepcion; saw the Bellavista these stays as a highlight of the trip. neighborhood where lapis lazuli jewelry is made (lapis, a blue Noyce is a member of First UMC Paris, Ark. To learn more about On the second day, we traveled by public bus to the town of semi-precious stone, is found only in a few parts of the world, her Ubuntu Journey, including the application process, contact Lota. Both Coronel and Lota experienced a recent earthquake such as Chile and Afghanistan); and several street fairs. her at [email protected]. In addition to the 2013 journeys and tsunami. To help families with their fi nancial recovery from Chile is a land of extremes. Th e northern desert has never Noyce mentions above, next year’s Ubuntu Journeys will take these disasters, the churches in each town sponsored workshops had any rainfall. Th e central valley produces food of all kinds, participants to Zimbabwe, Liberia and Lithuania. Videos share stories of new Arkansas churches Th e Catch the Vision initiative supports the launch of new churches in Arkansas through a special off ering taken at Annual Conference, other gift s, and the willingness of established churches to be “mother churches.” Catch the Vision makes it possible for new churches to reach into underserved and diverse mission fi elds. A new series of short videos shows the transforming eff ects new churches can have on lives and communities. Th e videos feature interviews of pastors and laypersons at fi ve Arkansas churches: Argenta UMC, North Little Rock; Grace UMC, East End; Canvas Community, Little Rock; Christ Way UMC, Jonesboro; and Journey Hispanic Mission, Fort Smith. Th e videos may be viewed or downloaded at arumc.org/catchthevision. In addition, congregations interested in helping launch a new church may contact the Rev. Dr. Bob Crossman at [email protected] or 501-908-8177. At left, musicians help lead worship at Christ Way UMC Jonesboro, one of the churches that exists because Catch the Vision funds helped start a new congregation. Visit arumc.org/catchthevision to view this video and more.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 5 VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION & DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATES For information on any Volunteers In Mission (VIM) project below, contact the individual listed or Byron Mann, Conference VIM coordinator, at [email protected] or 870-703-8361. For Disaster Response (DR) projects, contact Byron or Janice Mann, DR co-coordinators, at [email protected]. To connect with these ministries on Facebook, search for “Volunteers in Mission & Disaster Response - Serving Arkansas & Beyond,” and join the group for updates. VIM, ERT training in Little Rock July 13; tornado in Van Buren County, in addition to funds and labor provide information on putting together mission journeys in register by July 8 to repair a third mobile home. Donations to replenish the Arkansas, the U.S. and internationally. Two separate mission-related training sessions are Disaster Response fund are appreciated. Send gift s to the scheduled for Saturday, July 13 at Pulaski Heights UMC Little Arkansas Conference, P.O. Box 3611, Little Rock, AR 72203- Parks UMC becomes community hub Rock. Th ere will be a Disaster Early Response Team (ERT) 3611; or visit arumc.org/donate and click on the link under following Scott County disasters training and a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader “Arkansas Conference Disaster Fund.” training. With an average worship attendance of 20, not everyone Gather at 8:30 a.m. for registration and to have your Update on stock of relief supplies would expect Parks UMC to become a primary source of help badge photo made. Classes begin promptly at 9 a.m. For more in a time of disaster. But the small, 176-year-old church, along information or to register for either session, contact Janice Th e Conference Disaster Response Team wishes to thank with extended family and friends, logged over 2,800 volunteer Mann at [email protected] or 870-703-8359. Th e everyone for contributing tornado tubs and other relief hours in the aft ermath of June storms and fl ooding in Scott registration deadline is Monday, July 8. supplies in the wake of this spring’s storms. Additional County. Th ey provided meals to between 50 and 100 people cleaning buckets are needed to replenish the stock that was per day, including delivering meals to those who couldn’t come Disaster Response training retreat in Little used in the May 30 fl ooding in Scott County. For a list of relief to the church building; coordinated volunteer labor from the supply kits, visit umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies. Email community and other churches; and delivered relief and repair Rock Sept. 21 [email protected] to coordinate delivery of cleaning buckets. supplies to homes. In the immediate aft ermath of the storms, Arkansas Conference Disaster Response will sponsor a some church members worked more than 12 hours a day. day-long training in the Kendall Center on the campus of Jurisdiction’s Disaster Response Academy “It has been truly satisfying, if exhausting, for all involved Philander Smith College (downstairs from the Arkansas Oct. 7-10 to do something for no other reason except that it meets a real Conference offi ce) on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. need of our neighbors,” said the Rev. Peggy Catron, the Byron and Janice Mann, Conference disaster response Th e South Central Jurisdiction’s Disaster Response church’s pastor. coordinators, will provide training on the Incident Academy will be held Oct. 7-10 at Mount Sequoyah Retreat Coordination System (ICS) functions, along with briefi ngs on and Conference Center in Fayetteville. Courses are $30, and the roles of district and conference operations/coordination range from basic to advanced—including Connecting teams in preparedness and response. District-based small Neighbors training, which helps local churches prepare before groups will spend time together to develop procedures and a disaster strikes. Housing and meals are available at Mount structures for District Disaster Operations Teams, and the Sequoyah for an additional fee. For details or to register, visit schedule will allow time for questions and discussion. Th is http://scjacademy2013.eventbrite.com. training is geared toward those who wish to serve on a disaster operations team during a disaster response on a district or Making a mission journey in 2013? Conference level. To register or for more information, contact Let VIM know! Janice Mann at [email protected] or 870-703-8359. VIM wants to know if your church has made a mission journey this year, or is planning one for the future. Please send Help replenish Disaster Response Fund Parks UMC members and friends work to prepare meals for information on 1) your destination site, 2) the number of flood victims and relief workers following early June storms Th e Arkansas Conference UMC Disaster Response fund volunteers participating and 3) the estimated cost of the and flooding. has replaced two mobile homes destroyed by the April 10 journey to Byron Mann at [email protected]. Mann also can COURTESY PHOTO

(continued values-based organization that Nestled in the Ozarks, First new troop, he met with council “We take to heart that God is Scouts from page 1) builds character in youths through UMC Omaha is a small congregation members and they chose to charter working all around us, and this outdoor service and community in a town that boasts a population of with little opposition. opportunity to be a part of a young praise North Pulaski United service projects.” 176. Th e Rev. Patricia Bodenhamer “I believe each congregation person’s life is beyond our wildest Methodist Church for giving a Scout Th e General Commission on says the call to charter a troop has needs to make their own choice; for dreams. New life is being breathed troop a new home just two weeks United Methodist Men oversees Boy brought new life to the congregation. our congregation, that meant making into our church and our community, aft er it lost its charter as a result of Scout troops within UMCs, and in a “We truly believe that God is at the choice to support these Scouts,” and we want to be a part of the opposition to the new policy. June 12 statement, the commission work all around us, and he invited us he said. “We feel that the Boy Scouts redeeming power of God.” “We’re glad to have them,” the encouraged United Methodist to be a part of this wonderful are a positive organization that She also fi nds joy in knowing Rev. Carol Goddard, pastor of North congregations to welcome any Scout ministry to help boys grow into men teaches not only practical knowledge, many congregations are stepping up Pulaski United Methodist Church, unit dropped by a Southern Baptist with morals, servant attitudes and but also discipline, respect and eff orts to charter with the Boy Scouts told a reporter from the Arkansas Church. Th e UMC’s Book of Discipline integrity,” she said. “Excitement reverence. We simply welcome the in light of the controversy. Leader, a Jacksonville-area newspaper. declares the practice of homosexuality about serving God swept over our opportunity to reach out in the “In anything we do, we need to “Th e Methodist church is a very open “incompatible with Christian tiny congregation like a wildfi re.” community and have some infl uence step up our eff orts for the Kingdom. church, open hearts, open doors. It teaching,” but also calls all people As of 2012, United Methodist in these boys’ lives.” Young boys learning to be responsible, was a very normal thing [to do].” “individuals of sacred worth, created congregations served 363,876 young Potts, who attained the rank of learning how to be men of integrity, Sharp notes that Scout values in the image of God,” and affi rms the people through 10,868 Cub Scout Eagle Scout and whose father was a learning how to build a campfi re is oft en align with those of churches, rights and liberties of all persons. packs, Boy Scout troops and Scout leader, hopes that in light of not a political issue…. We are the and chartering a troop can present a Venturing crews—second only to the controversy, the experience is church. If we shy away from an issue, great outreach opportunity. New charter the Church of Jesus Christ of only positive for the new troop and shame on us. How are we supposed to “Churches hold 70 percent of the Latter-day Saints (Mormons). that they can do their part to make make disciples of Jesus Christ if we Boy Scouts’ charters, and 12 percent First UMC Omaha got the news So when Omaha UMC church sure no young man is denied the slam the door on a lost soul?” of all Scouts walk through the door its charter was approved just as the council chair Ted Potts was opportunity to participate. of a church for the fi rst time because Southern Baptist Convention’s contacted May by the Ozark District “We want to be there for our Smith is a member of First UMC they chose to participate in the resolution passed. of the Boy Scouts about chartering a community,” Bodenhamer agreed. Springdale. www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 6 July 5, 2013 Annual Conference 2013 nets more than $77k to fight malaria

Runners and walkers leave the starting line of the Skeeter Beater fun run/walk at 6 a.m. on June 12, the final morning of the 2013 Arkansas Annual Conference. The race gets its name from the need to protect residents of sub-Saharan Africa from mosquitoes that spread malaria.

he Arkansas Conference David Freeman announced that churches and groups about Imagine continues to make Arkansas churches had surpassed No Malaria, highlighting the impact Tprogress toward its goal that goal, saving 3,878 lives—a total individuals and churches can make of raising $1 million to fi ght malaria of $38,780. in the fi ght to eliminate deaths from in sub-Saharan Africa through the What’s more, the funds raised at this preventable and treatable denomination-wide Imagine No Annual Conference will be doubled disease. To schedule a presentation, The Rev. David Freeman, left, and Bishop Gary Mueller celebrate the announcement of the $38,780 raised for Imagine No Malaria during the Malaria initiative. by a dollar-for-dollar matching grant contact her at 501-324-8035 or course of the 2013 Annual Conference. Before Annual Conference from the United Methodist [email protected]. AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS began, the Imagine No Malaria task Foundation of Arkansas. So, in just force challenged United Methodists four days’ time, Arkansans gave in Arkansas to save a life for each $77,560 toward one of the four focus PEOPLE OF FAITH minute Annual Conference was in areas of the United Methodist session. With a life represented by Church: combating the diseases of Waddell honored for commitment to justice for the poor the $10 cost of an insecticide-treated poverty by improving health globally. anti-malarial bed net, and an To learn more about Imagine Bill Waddell has been named the 2013 recipient of Bishops. He has further served his church as chancellor to estimated 3,000 minutes in session No Malaria in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Bar Foundation’s Equal Justice the Arkansas Conference of UMC and as the Volunteers June 9-12, the goal came to $30,000. arumc.org/inm. In addition to Distinguished Service Award. Th e award, which was in Mission Coordinator, and currently As Annual Conference drew to information on the website, the Rev. presented to Waddell at a June 12, 2013 banquet, is given teaches a young adults class at St. a close, task force chair the Rev. Martha Taylor is available to speak to each year in recognition of commitment to and James UMC Little Rock. participation in equal justice programs for the poor, Since his appointment to the including pro bono eff orts through legal services Arkansas Access to Justice programs. Commission in 2008, Waddell has led CLASSIFIEDS Waddell is a partner with Friday, Eldredge & Clark, a number of statewide eff orts to where he leads the fi rm’s Commercial Litigation and expand access to justice. He took a PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED in the Arkansas United Methodist for 60 cents Regulation Practice Group. Drawing from his leadership leadership role in developing and Bill Waddell per word, no limit. Call 501-324-8037, email [email protected] or mail to: and experience with the practice group and his dedication implementing the fi rst statewide Arkansas United Methodist, 800 Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202. to pro bono service, he has committed to providing two campaign to raise signifi cant private attorneys from his practice group to lend their legal funds for legal aid. His devoted work on this project made For Sale, “AS IS,” older 1938 sq. ft . home and 17 wooded acres, located expertise twice monthly in the town of Clarendon, where it a major success—including, for the fi rst time, major in Dallas county (20 miles south of Malvern). House has 2 Bedrooms, 2 the Mid-Delta Medical-Legal Partnership holds a free corporate gift s of over $100,000 to legal aid. Baths, Living/Dining great room, Kitchen, and Laundry/Utility room. Land legal clinic for area residents seeking legal assistance. Waddell’s eff orts to aid the administration of justice is covered with mostly oak trees and is in the middle of deer country. If He is also a member of the Volunteer Organization did not stop with the fund development campaign alone. interested, contact me and I will email or text you photos. $60,000. 501- for the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (VOCALS) and He recognized the need to have an organization which 317-6619 or email aft [email protected]. the Equal Access to Justice Panel (EAJP). In the past year could accept and distribute the funds raised to the two alone, he has performed over 120 hours of pro bono legal aid organizations in Arkansas, as the commission YOUTH DIRECTORS ~ Need help planning a summer trip or already service for individual clients—in addition to the outreach itself, being a creature of the Arkansas Supreme Court, thinking about Spring Break 2014? We’ve been sending groups packing work he has put into the Clarendon MLP. could not function in that capacity. He set about for 31 years and we’re still going strong, thanks in large part to United Over the course of his career, Waddell has handled preparing organizational documents to create the Methodist youth groups! If all you need is transportation, we’ve got that more than 300 pro bono adoption cases for Bethany nonprofi t Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation, Inc. He covered, too. Kimberling Kids Travel ~ [email protected] ~ 501- Christian Services of Arkansas, which last year honored and other members of his fi rm donated many hours pro 227-8447. him with a service award during the 10th Annual Bethany bono to this eff ort, with the end result of positively Golf Classic. He has also assisted with several private pro impacting the access to justice for all Arkansans. Swamp Angel Ministries is traveling Arkansas! Donations go to the bono adoptions, charging only court costs. In February Waddell is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Annual Arkansas Retired Ministers Day. For info: contact David Bush at 2013, he received the Living Legend Award from Lawyers, and has served as chair of the Financial Services [email protected]. Philander Smith College for his social justice work. Committee and the Legal Services Committee of the Deeply committed to his faith and his church, Arkansas Bar Association. He is currently a commissioner Home Study: Save $$$ Christian Bible College, P.O. Box 8968 Rocky Mt., Waddell serves as legal counsel to the Arkansas United of the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, chairing NC 27804 Phone (252) 451-1031; www.christianbiblecollege.org. Methodist Church’s clergy and is presently the national its Pro Bono Committee. He is also the president of the legal advisor to the United Methodist Church’s Council of Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 7

at 22,948 for 2012, down 0.65 percent AC2013 (continued from page 1) from 2011, when it stood at 23,098. Attendance in other spiritual Rev. Phil Hathcock preached at the seven persons were ordained, all as formation groups is on the rise, service memorializing deceased elders; and 14 commissioned, three though, with an average attendance clergy and clergy spouses, and as provisional deacons and 11 as of 49,966—a 1.98 percent increase Bishop Mueller preached the service provisional elders. Th e average age from the previous year—as is of ordination and commissioning. of those ordained this year is 44; the apportionment payout, which is up McKenzie, in her sermon during average age of those commissioned 1.6 percent. opening worship, suggested adding is 37.6. “dogged determination” to the list of Th e Conference accomplished Impressions Survey says… d’s in the Annual Conference theme. necessary business related to John Wesley, she said, practiced pensions and other fi nancial “I really think the United Answers affirm need for greater diversity dogged determination. matters, as well as several other Methodist Church is headed for “What we have to do before us actions, including: revival,” said lay member Lea Brown among laypersons at Annual Conference calls for digging deeper than human • Approving a resolution of Junction City UMC, on the fi nal duty, and standing on a strength that addressing gun violence, morning of Annual Conference. She Of the 675 laity who registered for the 2013 Annual Conference, 215 is more stable than human stamina,” sponsored by the Arkansas sees growth happening in her own responded to the brief survey distributed at the Sunday aft ernoon Laity she said. “We are called to be chapters of Black Methodists congregation and others, as well. “It’s Session. While the results may not give a completely accurate picture of doggedly determined agents of a for Church Renewal and fun to be a Methodist again. It hadn’t the demographics of the Conference’s laity, they do provide some insight doggedly determined God, who go Methodist Federation for Social been that way for a while.” into what many believe to be true: that the Annual Conference has work into situations where only the power Action. High school student Brown particularly enjoyed to do regarding diversity in age and ethnicity. of God can heal, only the power of Kyle Forehand presented the Monday aft ernoon’s breakout God can comfort.” resolution, sharing the story of sessions that centered on the Core Of the respondents: In addition to those invited to a schoolmate who was killed in Measures of the Imagine Ministry 72 percent were over age 55; preach, the conference featured a drive-by shooting. process. 40 percent were over 65; guest leaders of Tuesday aft ernoon • Approving changes to its “A lot of people didn’t stay, but 61 percent were female; breakout sessions: the Rev. Dr. Craig structure and standing rules, as that fi rst day, when we sat together 96 percent were Caucasian. Finnestad covering small group well as adding procedures for and just talked about things, that ministry; Kay Kotan speaking on lay dealing with salary arrearage to was wonderful,” she said. Her table Once people begin attending Annual Conference, they tend to return: leadership; the Rev. David Hyatt on its equitable compensation included people from churches of all 22 percent were fi rst-timers; clergy leadership development; and policy. sizes, bringing diff erent perspectives 40 percent had attended between two and fi ve times; a team of Arkansas-based worship • Voting overwhelmingly in favor to the conversation. 19 percent had attended Annual Conference six to 10 times; planners presenting on approaches of ratifying the amendments Charleen Nordsell Glasgow, a 19 percent have attended 11 times or more. to worship design. Monday sent by the 2012 General lay member from Grace UMC aft ernoon breakout sessions Conference. Rogers, left Annual Conference with Th e survey may not have captured a representative sample for provided time for Conference • Voting to elect delegates to “many, many wonderful lessons several reasons, including low attendance at the Laity Session, which members to discuss how well their General and Jurisdictional learned and applicable to our home typically lasts about 30 minutes. Attendance typically rises in election congregations are living up to four Conferences at the same time as churches.” years, when delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences are “core measures” of ministry adopted it has done in previous “I can’t thank you enough for selected; there was no election this year. at the 2011 Annual Conference. quadrennia. Legislation approved the host of excellent speakers,” she Next year’s Annual Conference will take place in Rogers on a Friday Bishop Th omas Bickerton of the at the 2012 General Conference wrote in an email message to the through Sunday, June 20-22. Th e Annual Conference Planning Western Pennsylvania Conference gave annual conferences the Conference staff . “We must be bold, Committee made this change in an eff ort to encourage greater diversity preached Tuesday, challenging the option to elect delegates either and we must get on our knees and in the age of its lay members. In many cases, the new schedule will church in Arkansas to “lighten up, the year before or two years pray for our church. We must ask require those who work 40-hour weeks to take only one vacation day to loosen up and have a little fun.” before General Conference. Some ourselves, ‘Is the Holy Spirit alive in attend Annual Conference, rather than three. In previous years, retirees “We’ve got to unleash this conferences have moved our Church?’” have had an advantage because they oft en have more fl exible schedules, church of ours,” he said. “We’ve got delegation elections to two years “Th is is a whole diff erent fl avor and no need to tap into limited vacation time. to throw it in motion forcefully and before to allow more time for for Annual Conference this year,” Another factor aff ecting diversity is income. Registration, travel and oppose the opposition that causes us preparation, but aft er outlining said the Rev. Hawk Coleman, pastor lodging expenses may prevent some from even considering serving as a to want to hold back, because we are the pros and cons of each option, of Springfi eld and Mallettown lay member of Annual Conference. Among survey respondents, only half in a denomination, friends, that is the Arkansas Conference UMCs, as he looked around the had their expenses reimbursed by their local churches; 21 percent tempted with being leashed. Too delegation recommended against convention hall on the morning of received partial reimbursement; and 29 percent received no many hold back, and they’re not free the change. June 12. “It’s not a business meeting reimbursement. Encouraging more diverse people to attend must include enough.” anymore; it’s Holy Conferencing.” greater sensitivity to the need to cover attendee expenses. As the head of the Imagine No Statistics Th e Annual Conference Planning Committee invites churches to Malaria campaign, he also shared of For photos from Annual Conference, consider these factors when nominating lay members of the 2014 Annual the church’s world-transforming Membership in the Arkansas see pages 8 and 9. Conference. work through the fi ght to end deaths Conference stands at 134,863 for from malaria, a preventable and 2012, down 0.53 percent from the treatable disease that currently kills previous year’s fi gure of 135,579. BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY one child every minute. Th e special Worship attendance stands at off ering that followed yielded 51,986 for 2012, down 1.28 percent STAINED GLASS COUNSELINGCOUNSELING $14,300 for the cause. from the previous year, when it stood at 52,658. Daily Bread Counseling Other actions Sunday school attendance stands Benton, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Dardanelle, Hazen, & Conway Th e Conference on Monday Kitchen Equip. & Supplies Rev. Garry D. Teeter, MS, LPC, NCC, CBIST honored 28 retiring clergy, Buy at our prices and $ave Call for confidential appointment representing a combined total of 1-800-482-9026 or 228-0808 501.847.2229 | 1.877.847.2229 www.dailybreadcounseling.com more than 606 years of service. AIMCO EQUIPMENT CO. During Tuesday night worship, www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 8 July 5, 2013

ABOVE: Bishop Gary Mueller ordains the Rev. Clergy ordained as elders in full connection at the 2013 The Rev. Tony Holifield, left, who retired at Annual Lee Myane as Annual Conference. Front row, from left: Robert Cloninger II, Conference, carries out the symbolic Passing of the an elder in full Terry Chapman, Robert Lyons. Back row, from left: Natasha Mantle to a newly ordained clergyperson, the Rev. connection with Murray-Norman, Mike Smith, Bishop Gary Mueller, Ben Natasha Murray-Norman, as Bishop Gary Mueller the Arkansas Crismon, Lee Myane. looks on. Conference. Scenes from Annual Conference 2013

The Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie of SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, upper right, and the Rev. Dr. Grace Imathiu of Community United Methodist Church in Naperville, Ill., lower right, were among the guest preachers for the 2013 Arkansas Annual Conference.

AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS

Provisional clergy commissioned at the 2013 Annual Conference. Front row, from left: Naomi Rogers, Soniyyah “Sonna” Blue, Michelle Morris, Samantha Meadors, Nan Nelson, Jessie Waddell. Back row, from left: Mark Cloninger, Michael Utley, Wayne Baldwin, Chase Green, Bishop Gary Mueller, Andrew Kjorlaug, Daniel Thueson, Jacob Lynn, Paul Atkins.

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Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 9

Dressed for the mission, Janice Mann delivers a report on Disaster Response ministries.

AUM PHOTOS BY AMY FORBUS The Rev. John Wilcher, left, congratulates Kathy and the Rev. Danita Waller-Paige sings Duke Ellington’s “Come James Fort as James moves to retired clergy status with the Sunday” as part of the worship service “John and Jazz: Arkansas Conference. Celebrating the People Called Methodists.”

The Rev. Phil Hathcock speaks at the memorial service for clergy and clergy spouses who have died in the past The Revs. Naomi Rogers and Ben Crismon serve Holy Communion following year. the reading of the appointments.

www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 10 July 5, 2013 COMING UP

VIM, ERT Disaster Response training at Pulaski Heights UMC Generations,” will look at how members of emerging generations Walkers set for July 13; register by July 8 make decisions about generosity, how they share their ideas set their own Two separate mission-related training sessions are scheduled for about generosity with each other and explore whether God has pace and walk Saturday, July 13 at Pulaski Heights UMC Little Rock. Th ere will anything to do with it. Ken Sloane, GBOD’s director of any distance be a Disaster Early Response Team (ERT) training and a stewardship, will lead the session. they choose; Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader training. Both webinars begin at 6:30 Central time. To sign up for most go over Gather at 8:30 a.m. for registration and to have your badge these and other free learning opportunities, visit www.gbod.org/ the bridge to photo made. Classes begin promptly at 9 a.m. For more lead-your-church/webinars. the Little Rock information or to register for either session, contact Janice Mann Questions about either webinar? Contact Ken Sloane, side and back. at [email protected] or 870-703-8359. Th e registration [email protected] or 615-340-7165. Th ere will be deadline is Monday, July 8. free ice cream Camp Aldersgate announces openings for Camp Hope, July and pizza, live Ebenezer Camp Ground’s 191st annual encampment; services 28-Aug. 2 music by the held July 19-25 Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock has a few openings remaining Gable Bradley Ebenezer Camp Ground, near Center Point in Howard County, for Camp Hope, the ultimate summer camp experience for kids Band and will begin its 191st annual encampment with an 8 p.m. service ages 6-16 having a cancer diagnosis, as well as their sibling(s). water games. on Friday, July 19. Daily services will be held at 11 a.m. and 8 Camp Hope is set for Sunday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 2, Everyone p.m., with an aft ernoon service at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday and 2013. During camp, the campers’ medical needs are well receives a Walk Wednesday. supervised by licensed nurses and doctors. Th ere is no charge to T-shirt. Th e Rev. Carlton Cross of Salem UMC Benton will be the the families of campers attending. Camp Aldersgate, the Special evangelist. Young campers will be under the direction of Jeremy American Cancer Society and Med Camps of Arkansas, Inc. guests will be Carter, children’s minister at First UMC Magnolia. Brent Goff provide all funding. former with Wycliff e Bible Translators of Berkley, Calif., will be the song If someone you know is interested in applying for Camp Arkansas leader, and Carolyn Carter of Junction City will return as pianist. Hope, visit www.campaldersgate.net and download an Razorback Walk for Children and Families Th omas Lee of Butterfi eld will speak at the lay service on Sunday application for each camper and camper’s sibling(s). Th e athletes, aft ernoon. Rusty Jones of Gurdon will serve as host pastor. application deadline is Wednesday, July 17 at 5 p.m. including Clint Stoerner, Pat Bradley and others. Th e Harmony Band will begin singing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds from the 2013 Walk will be used for recreational Th e Testimonies will return for a musical service on Monday Register now for Mission U: July 31-Aug. 3 activities and items that will improve the health and fi tness of night. Gallons of camp-made ice cream will be served aft er the Mission U is set for July 31–Aug. 3, 2013, at Hendrix College in the children and youth in the care of Methodist Family Health. service. Conway. Past Walks have raised funds for a security fence, playground Th e camp ground is located off Highway 278, three miles Sponsored by the Arkansas Conference Board of Global equipment and an “extreme makeover” of buildings at the north of Center Point. Services will end Th ursday, July 25. Ministries, Arkansas Conference United Methodist Women and Methodist Children’s Home Fillmore campus in Little Rock, plus Ebenezer was fi rst mentioned in available church records in the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, the annual event, an outdoor therapeutic play area and new beds and dresser sets 1822. In 1837, the Rev. John H. Propps donated land for the formerly known as the Arkansas Conference School of Christian for children’s rooms at Methodist Behavioral Hospital in camp ground near the Center Point Cemetery. John Henry, one Mission, provides mission education for all ages—including Maumelle. of the founders of the original camp ground near Old special activities for children and youth—in a spiritually Cost is $20 per individual or $50 per family. Register online Washington, sent his son John Henry Jr. to handle moving enriching setting. at www.methodistfamily.org, or contact Annie Davis at 501-661- arrangements. John Henry is buried in the Center Point Th e spiritual growth study, Th e Call: Living Sacramentally 0720 ext. 7301 or [email protected]. Participants also Cemetery. Aft er moving two more times, seeking more space and Walking Justly, will off er tools to deepen spiritual identity, as may register at the event. and spring water, Ebenezer trustees in 1857 purchased the well as encourage engagement in community and involvement present 40-acre site. in mission. Th e geographic study will examine the culture, Human Relations Day grant application deadline Aug. 10 For more information, contact Bob Lee at 501-922-3958 or lifestyle and spirituality of the Roma, with Th e Roma of Europe Aug. 10 is the deadline to apply for a 2014 Human Relations Day [email protected]. as its curriculum. Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Th e social issue study on poverty will examine the Society (GBCS). Th e grants are to support ministries that Free webinars include ‘Spiritual, But Not Religious - Adult connections between Scripture, church tradition, compassion for respond to non-violent young off enders through education, Faith in a Post-Christendom World’ July 23 the poor, social outreach and social justice. In keeping with this advocacy or leadership training and development. Th e United Methodist General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) is study’s theme, Mission U will collect child-friendly, ready-to-eat To qualify for a Human Relations Day grant, the applicant off ering a series of free webinars for both lay and clergy foods to benefi t the Arkansas Rice Depot’s Food For Kids must be either: participants. In one of the upcoming sessions, “Spiritual, But Not program. • a United Methodist local church, district, annual conference Religious,” participants will explore characteristics of our current Mission U is open to children pre-kindergarten through or other affi liated group/organization; or social context, its impact on the church, and implications for senior high school, as well as adults. Meals and housing are • an ecumenical group/organization working with and adult faith formation in the emerging religious paradigm. Th is included in the registration fee, and commuters are welcome to through at least one United Methodist agency or one-hour exploration will include ideas for helping adults grow attend. organization, whose program aff ects at least one United in faith and live as disciples of Jesus Christ. It begins at 6:30 p.m. For a detailed brochure, registration form and scholarship Methodist local church. Central time. application, visit www.arumc.org/2013_mission_u.php. To be considered for funding, a project must be initiated by To sign up for this and other webinars, visit www.gbod.org/ or developed in partnership with a United Methodist church. lead-your-church/webinars. Methodist Family Health ‘Walk for Children and Families’ set Th e project must focus on needs of non-violent juvenile youth Questions? Contact Carol Krau at 615-340-7171. for Aug. 2 off enders as they address one or more chronic social problems or For a family-friendly fun event that is keenly mission oriented, concerns, such as housing, employment, health care, human Stewardship: Free webinar opportunities July 25, Aug. 22 don’t miss Methodist Family Health’s 7th Annual Walk for rights, education, the environment and racism. Applicants must Two upcoming free webinars from the United Methodist General Children and Families. Th e Walk will be held Friday, Aug. 2, at have a supervisory board consisting of a majority of members of Board of Discipleship (GBOD) focus on diff erent aspects of the Big Dam Bridge over the Arkansas River. Headquartered at the UMC that shall make all policy decisions. fi nancial stewardship: Cooks Landing Park on the North Little Rock side of the bridge, All funding from GBCS must be used for programmatic Th e July 25 webinar, “Is Your Church Ready for a Capital registration opens at 6 p.m., with the Walk at 7. components. Th e intent of the grant is to provide start-up money. Funds Campaign?” will be led by GBOD’s executive director of All ages, groups and individuals are invited to participate. For a grant application, contact Marvlyn Scott in the offi ce fund development, Scott Gilpin. It off ers key indicators for Traditionally, many church youth groups from around the state of Education & Leadership Formation, 202-488-5643 or mscott@ churches to determine whether they are ready to conduct a have participated in the MFH Walk as a precursor to the lock-in umc-gbcs.org. For more information, contact the Rev. Neal campaign for funds beyond the regular operating income. later that same evening at Wild River Country water park, hosted Christie, assistant general secretary, Education & Leadership Th e Aug. 22 webinar, “Generosity in Emerging by the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (ACCYM). Formation, at [email protected] or 202-488-5611.

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 11 2013-14 Conference Appointments

Persons changing appointments in 2013 are listed in bold type. LITTLE ROCK FIRST ...... William Christopher Cooper WYE MOUNTAIN ...... Wayne Allen Bell Associate ...... Donna Hankins-Hull LONOKE FIRST ...... Aubrietta Lynn Jones Extension ministries Central District MABELVALE ...... Robert K. Marble MARKS CHAPEL ...... Clyde Hughley CENTRAL TEXAS CONFERENCE ...... Lawson Leonard Delony District Superintendent ...... Deidre Jo Roberts MAUMELLE FIRST ...... Luke Conway NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE ...... Robert Hunt ADONA ...... Frankie Reynolds Associates ...... Zeke Allen OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE ...... James H. Lenderman AMBOY ...... Roger Armstrong ...... Wayne Jarvis TENNESSEE CONFERENCE ...... Heath R. Bradley ARGENTA ...... James W. Choate MAYFLOWER ...... Richard Wilkins BAPTIST HEALTH SCHOOLS OF LITTLE ROCK ASBURY - LITTLE ROCK ...... Mary Hilliard MCCABE CHAPEL ...... Johnnie Davis ...... Melissa Th omas Associates ...... Charles Green MORRILTON FIRST ...... Todd-Paul R. Taulbee CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL ...... Adam Kirby ...... David M. Moore MOUNT CARMEL - BENTON ...... Bob Warford DAILY BREAD COUNSELING - BRYANT AR BENTON FIRST ...... Robert David Jones MOUNT CARMEL - VILONIA ...... Th omas E. Lukas ...... Garry Dean Teeter Associate ...... Daniel Th ueson MOUNT PLEASANT - LITTLE ROCK ...... Mary N. Jones HORIZONS STEWARDSHIP COMPANY ...... James Clift on Christopher Deacon ...... Garry Dean Teeter MOUNT ZION - LONOKE ...... Wesley Howard Jr. SEIS PUENTES HISPANIC OUTREACH CENTER BETHEL - JACKSONVILLE ...... Th omas Babington NAYLOR ...... Luke Parker ...... Jenni L. Duncan BETHLEHEM - LONOKE / PROVIDENCE .....Debbie Robbins NEW HAVEN - LITTLE ROCK...... Norma Gillerson ARKANSAS CONFERENCE BRYANT FIRST ...... Hammett Nichols Evans NEW ZION / MOUNT ZION - CENTER RIDGE Executive Director of Mission & Ministry ...... George Mackey Yokem Deacons ...... Rebecca Boggan ...... James Lee Scruggs Minister of New Church Starts ...... Robert Owen Crossman ...... Peter Weber NORTH LITTLE ROCK FIRST ...... Davis E. Th ompson Director of Communications ...... Martha S. Taylor CABOT ...... Beth Ann Waldrup Associates ...... James W. Choate ARKANSAS CONFERENCE CENTER FOR CLERGY AND Associate ...... Andrew C. Kjorlaug ...... Brent Higdem LAITY EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP CANVAS COMMUNITY ...... Carter Ferguson Deacon ...... Donna Hendricks ...... William Kurt Boggan Associate (Deacon) ...... Edward Paul Atkins NORTH PULASKI ...... Carol S. Goddard ...... Candace Barron CARLISLE FIRST ...... Kirk Doering OAK FOREST ...... Russell D. Breshears METHODIST FAMILY HEALTH ...... James Scott Moore CENTERVILLE ...... Lana Gartner OLD AUSTIN ...... Von Dell Mooney DEACONESS - Appt Non-UM Agency ...... Colleen Caldwell CHRIST - CABOT / MOUNT TABOR - CABOT PARKVIEW / NEW HOPE - BENTON ...... Walter J. Garrett DIACONAL MINISTRY ...... David W. Clemmons ...... Jeff ery Trent Warrick PERRYVILLE ...... Terrie Lynn Bunnell ...... David L. French CLEVELAND / OVERCUP ...... Mitch Burgess PLEASANT HILL - ALEXANDER ...... Vince Crawford ...... Jim Walsmith CONCORD – LONOKE ...... Larry D. Hughes PLUMERVILLE ...... Keith Duane Coker ...... John C. Yarrington CONGO ...... Polly Burton PRIMROSE ...... Clayton Bulice HENDRIX COLLEGE ...... J. Wayne Clark CONWAY FIRST ...... Michael Roberts PULASKI HEIGHTS ...... Britt Skarda ...... Judith J. Whitney Associate ...... Elizabeth Lynn Kilbourne Associates ...... Philip Jayphen Clark JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS ...... Stephen Jean Copley DES ARC FIRST ...... Charles Dee Harper ...... Jeff ery Bernard Hampton OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ...... Rockwell F. Jones EBENEZER - CONWAY ...... Luther Glenn Williams ...... Jacob S. Lynn PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ...... Rebekah Linn Miles EBENEZER - TULL ...... Randy Dale Reed ...... Belinda Price PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE CHAPLAIN ENGLAND ...... LaNita Anne Daniels Deacons ...... Lynn W. Lindsey ...... Ronnie L. Miller-Yow FAITH - LITTLE ROCK...... Harriett Akins-Banman ...... James Scott Moore UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION ...... Martha D. CashBurless Deacon ...... Martha S. Taylor QUAPAW QUARTER ...... Th ompson Murray WESLEY FOUNDATION - UALR / CONFERENCE STAFF FAITHSPRING ...... Brock Patterson Associate ...... Elizabeth Anne Holcomb ...... Maxine Allen Deacon ...... Jenni L. Duncan SAINT ANDREW - LITTLE ROCK ...... To be supplied WESLEY FOUNDATION - UCA ...... John David Palmer GARDNER MEMORIAL ...... Richard S. Mitchell SAINT JAMES - LITTLE ROCK ...... Siegfried Johnson ARKANSAS HOSPICE ...... Helen J. Burton GRACE - CONWAY ...... David Ray Hawkins Associates ...... Gary Clark Atkins DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, STATE OF TEXAS Associate ...... Reginald Russell ...... Soniyyah Blue ...... Catherine Estes GRACE - EAST END ...... George Th omas Jones ...... Blake Russell Bradford EVANGELICAL SERVICES FOR AGING, HATBORO, PA GRAHAM CHAPEL/OAKLAND ...... Tammy Garrison ...... Gregory Schick ...... Joe Michael Campbell GREENBRIER FIRST ...... Kevin Lyon SAINT JAMES - LONOKE ...... David Scruggs U.S. ARMY RESERVE ...... Leonard Higgins Associate ...... Donna Bennett SAINT LUKE / GEYER SPRINGS ...... Ronald Jeremy Pressgrove HONORABLE LOCATION ...... William S. Briant Jr. HAMILTON / HUMNOKE ...... Roger E. Glover SAINT PAUL - LITTLE ROCK ...... Gerald Collins ...... Marcia Crossman HAZEN / DEVALLS BLUFF ...... Carolyn Doering SAINT PAUL - MAUMELLE ...... Nathaniel Th omas Grady Sr...... Susan Elizabeth Gladin HEBRON - CARLISLE ...... Roger Crouch SALEM - CONWAY ...... R. Leon Gray ...... Jon Mac Taylor HENDERSON ...... Th omas Frase SALEM - BENTON ...... Carlton N. Cross FAMILY LEAVE ...... Regina Holtman Gideon HICKORY PLAINS ...... Deborah D. Harrison SARDIS ...... Stephen P. Dickinson INCAPACITY LEAVE ...... Marcia Dodd HIGHLAND VALLEY ...... Wade Shownes Associate ...... Judy Baker ...... Leslee Lynn Phillips Associate ...... Brittany Richardson Watson SOUTHBEND ...... Garren Earle Hagemeier ...... Lewis See HOOVER / SWEET HOME ...... Felton May SPRINGFIELD / MALLETTOWN ...... Austin W. Coleman ...... William N. Steele Associate ...... Ismail M. A. Saafi r SYLVAN HILLS ...... Jim Alex Workman Jr. TRANSITIONAL LEAVE ...... Mary Jane Cole HOPE KOREAN ...... Isaac Choh TRASKWOOD ...... Danny Dunlap ...... Samantha Meadors HUNTER - LITTLE ROCK ...... Melvin Moss TRINITY - LITTLE ROCK ...... Betsy Singleton Snyder ...... Jessica Waddell JACKSONVILLE FIRST ...... John Mark McDonald TRINITY - NORTH LITTLE ROCK ...... Gerald Meeks Associate ...... Bradley Keith Moore VILONIA ...... Nathan Kilbourne KEO ...... Chanda Adams WARD / SIXTEENTH SECTION...... Richmond P. Meadows Northeast District LAKEWOOD ...... Richard Lancaster WESLEY - CONWAY ...... David E. Baker Associates ...... Andrea E. Allen WESLEY CHAPEL - LITTLE ROCK / DUNCAN District Superintendent ...... Susan Ledbetter ...... Carol Jean Grace ...... Ronnie L. Miller-Yow ANTIOCH / HARMONY - SEARCY ...... Jim Foster Gilliam Deacon ...... Cynthia Shaw Henry WESTERN HILLS ...... Sylvia Nosic ASH FLAT / EVENING SHADE ...... Larry Morris LEVY - WHITE MEMORIAL ...... Jimmy J. Mosby WINFIELD ...... David D. Hoff man AUGUSTA / TUPELO ...... Robert Garfi eld DeBaun www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 12 July 5, 2013

BALD KNOB / RUSSELL ...... Treva Mills Associates ...... Randall D. Ludwig ALPENA / BERGMAN...... H. Franklin Cook BATESVILLE FIRST ...... Justin Ledbetter ...... James F. Snow ALTUS / GRENADES CHAPEL ...... Patricia Butler BAY ...... Donald Lewert MOUNTAIN VIEW FIRST / SAINT JAMES - MOUNTAIN VIEW ARKANSAS KOREAN MISSION ...... Kwangmin Shin BEEBE ...... Russell Edward Hull ...... Robert Burton ATKINS / BELL’S CHAPEL ...... Rebecca Searcy Wiseman BETHESDA CAMPGROUND ...... Carl Hudson NEWPORT FIRST ...... John Bradley Elrod BARLING ...... Steve Holyfi eld BLACK ROCK / LYNN / POWHATAN ...... Jim West OAK GROVE - SEARCY ...... To be supplied BELLA VISTA FIRST ...... Jaimie Jack Alexander BLYTHEVILLE FIRST ...... N. Robin Moore OSCEOLA ...... Tyrone Hill Associate ...... Lee Benjamin Myane BONO ...... Th omas Dellinger OXFORD ...... Bobby Coleman BENTONVILLE FIRST ...... Rex Dickey BRADFORD / PLEASANT PLAINS...... William P. Mills PANGBURN / MOUNT PISGAH – SEARCY ...Donna Harvey Associates ...... Benjamin Gee Hines BROOKLAND / UNION GROVE ...... Naomi P. Rogers PARAGOULD FIRST ...... John Andrew Fleming ...... David Andrew Ruehr CALICO ROCK / SPRING CREEK ...... William J. Sardin Associate ...... Heath Williams BERRYVILLE ...... Kenneth R. Lee CAMPGROUND ...... George Edward Harris PIGGOTT / WRIGHT’S CHAPEL ...... Andy Newbill BETEL ...... Ramiro Lizcano CAVE CITY / BEAR CREEK ...... Roger B. Hook PLEASANT GROVE - JONESBORO ...... Rex G. Darling BLAND CHAPEL ...... David E. Mack CEDAR GROVE - FLORAL ...... Nikki Suzanne Pierce PLEASANT HILL / PINE LOG ...... James McElhannon BOONEVILLE / WASHBURN ...... Geral Lynn Holloway CENTRAL AVENUE - BATESVILLE ...... Paul E. Seay Sr. POCAHONTAS ...... Rockey Earl Starnes BULL SHOALS / YELLVILLE ...... Donnie Hudson CHEROKEE VILLAGE ...... Angela Gage PRUETT’S CHAPEL / BEECH GROVE ...... Michael Blanchard CAVANAUGH / HACKETT ...... Michael Wayne Topham Associate ...... Jimmy W. Anderson QUITMAN ...... David Caswell CECIL ...... Jerry L. Eubanks CHRIST UNITED ...... John Snyder RAVENDEN /RAVENDEN SPRINGS ...... Danny Roark CEDAR GROVE - YELLVILLE / PLEASANT RIDGE CHRIST WAY ...... Herschel Lee Richardson Jr. RECTOR ...... Mace P. Straubel ...... Donald M. Cremer CLINTON ...... George Edwin Odell ROCK SPRINGS - LAFE / RAMER’S CHAPEL CENTRAL - FAYETTEVILLE ...... John C. Robbins CORINTH / POWELL’S CHAPEL ...... Robert Kegerize ...... Howard Mark Trout Associates ...... Carl D. Palmer CORNERSTONE - JONESBORO ...... Chris Hemund ROSE BUD ...... Kathy N. DeBusk ...... Steven K. Pulliam Associate ...... Mark Cloninger SAINT PAUL - JONESBORO ...... Charles Sigman CENTRAL - LINCOLN / CINCINNATI ...... Gary B. Lunsford CORNING...... Pauleen Ann Ferris SAINT PAUL - SEARCY ...... Donald L. Hall Jr. CENTRAL - ROGERS ...... Carness Vaughan DAMASCUS ...... Vaughn Marsden SALEM - SALEM / VIOLA ...... Cheryl Jean Cook Baker Associate ...... James Dell Keith DELL ...... Marilyn Webb SEARCY FIRST ...... David Paul Orr Deacons ...... J. Lester Oliver DESHA / CONCORD / CORNERSTONE / JAMESTOWN Associate ...... Ruben Anthony Griffi n ...... Dawn Spragg Co-pastors ...... Steve Long SHARP ...... Jerry Lumpkin CHARLESTON ...... Charles Coff elt ...... James D. Wheeler SHILOH - JONESBORO ...... Patrick Gillespie CHERRY HILL ...... Daryl E. Hines ELI LINDSEY / FRIENDSHIP - RAVENDEN SHILOH - PARAGOULD / MARMADUKE...... David A. Moore CHICKALAH ...... Bud Choate ...... John Stoll Associate ...... Bonnie Carol Moore CITY HEIGHTS ...... Randy L. Miller FAIRFIELD BAY...... Paul Strang Deacon ...... Sarah Mullins CLARKSVILLE...... David R. Hanshaw FAIRVIEW - MOUNTAIN HOME ...... Th omas Yoder SHIRLEY ...... John Hiegel COLES CHAPEL / BRANCH ...... Jim Brooks FARM HILL ...... Kevin Barron SIDNEY ...... To be supplied DANVILLE / TRINITY - DANVILLE ...... Th omas Sullinger FISHER STREET / SEDGWICK ...... Nancy M. Rainwater SOUTHSIDE ...... James T. Pierce DARDANELLE FIRST / LIBERTY HALL ...... James A. Benfer FORREST CHAPEL - BROCKWELL ...... Loye Vern Mason STONEY POINT / FLOYD ...... Robert Mark Quick DECATUR ...... Russ Hall GARNER...... Paul Hill TRUMANN / LEPANTO...... Jeff Weaver DIAMOND CITY / OMAHA ...... Patricia Bodenhamer GRIFFIN MEMORIAL ...... Jason Sutfi n TUCKERMAN / SWIFTON ...... Diane Wimberley DOVER ...... Roy Beth Kelley GRIFFITHVILLE / DOGWOOD ...... Terry Kai Haley UMSTED MEMORIAL / EMORY CHAPEL .....Gilliam Sills DYER ...... Philip Costner GUION ...... John Adams WALNUT RIDGE ...... Jeanne Williams ...... Cheryle Costner GUM SPRINGS - SEARCY ...... Jim Bradberry WARREN’S CHAPEL / WOOD’S CHAPEL ...... Everett Isom ELKINS ...... Charles Gary Ashcraft HARDY ...... To be supplied WEINER / FISHER ...... Dan L. Walker ELM SPRINGS ...... Karl Dixon Platt HARRISBURG FIRST / PLEASANT VALLEY WESLEY - COTTER / NORFORK ...... Terrance A. Moser EUREKA SPRINGS ...... Stanley Wade Adams ...... J. Beth Perdue WHITEHALL / FAKES CHAPEL ...... Stephen Anderson EVERTON ...... David M. Smith HAZEL EDWARDS MEMORIAL / OIL TROUGH WILD CHERRY ...... Marty Sanders FAITH - FORT SMITH ...... Charles W. Armour ...... James T. Rowland WILSON / KEISER ...... Gary Yarbrough FARMINGTON ...... Phillip Troy Conrad HEBER SPRINGS ...... Th omas Toombs FORT SMITH FIRST ...... Charles F. Murry Associate ...... Kathy N. DeBusk Extension ministries Associates ...... Claire M. Caldwell HOLIDAY HILLS ...... C. Daniel Brand ...... Robert Blackwell Cloninger HORSESHOE BEND / WISEMAN ...... Kenneth R. Anderson ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, COMMUNITY LIFE GENTRY ...... George Adkins HOXIE ...... Bonda Deere Moyer ...... Robert Holifi eld GODDARD ...... James Steve Wingo HUNTER ...... Cory Pfeifer INDIANA CONFERENCE ...... David Carl Eaton Associate ...... Kim Cloninger IMBODEN / SMITHVILLE ...... Joe Kaiser MOUNT EAGLE RETREAT CENTER ...... Louise Th urman Harding GOSHEN ...... Denise E. Palmer JONESBORO FIRST ...... John P. Miles II WESLEY FOUNDATION - ASU ...... William Eric Van Meter GRACE - ROGERS ...... William Zachary Underwood Associates ...... Lloyd Blake Langston FLO AND PHIL JONES HOSPICE HOUSE, JONESBORO GRACE COMMUNITY ...... John Jeff rey Jones ...... John R. Soward ...... Clarence Edward Pruett GRAVELLY / BLUFFTON ...... Joy Carmean ...... Patty Sue Soward METHODIST HEALTHCARE ...... John A. Wilcher GRAVETTE / SULPHUR SPRINGS - SULPHUR SPRINGS JUDSONIA / KENSETT ...... James Robert Wilson U.S. ARMY ...... William Clint Black ...... Phil Sturdy LEACHVILLE / CARAWAY ...... Douglas Criss HONORABLE LOCATION ...... Charles Marcus Cooper GREEN FOREST ...... Steve Cook MAMMOTH SPRING / CAMP ...... John Franklin Michael ...... Donald W. Lanier GREENWOOD ...... Robert Craig Russell MANILA / COMMUNITY ...... Jerry Pentecost ...... Norman C. Moyer HARMON ...... J. Michael Callahan MARKED TREE / JOINER ...... Edward Wyers INCAPACITY LEAVE ...... Floyd Ervin HARRISON FIRST ...... David S. Williams MARS HILL ...... Milburn Teasley ...... Larry Hunt HARTFORD / MIDLAND ...... Chris Rink MAYNARD ...... Alma Rita Hastings ...... Gregory A. Webb HARTMAN / SPADRA ...... Regina Turner MCCRORY / COTTON PLANT ...... Carla Ray Th ompson LEAVE OF ABSENCE ...... Th omas Rhoades HATFIELD...... Sidney Simpson MCRAE ...... Keith Goza ...... Stephen Ellis Waggoner HAVANA ...... Paul Ed Seay Jr. MELBOURNE / CUSHMAN ...... William Grothe HAYS CHAPEL ...... Beth Latham MONETTE / LAKE CITY ...... Jerry W. Reed HERITAGE ...... James Wesley Hilliard MOOREFIELD / OAK RIDGE ...... Lavon Bloodworth Northwest District Associate ...... Mark Sullivan MOUNT CARMEL - JONESBORO ...... Clarence Edward Pruett HIGHFILL ...... Russ Hall MOUNT PLEASANT – QUITMAN ...... Harold Moore District Superintendent ...... William O. Reeves HIGHLANDS ...... Bryan Fink MOUNTAIN HOME ...... Rodney G. Steele ALMA / KIBLER ...... Larry W. Martineau Associate ...... J. Michael Callahan

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 13

HUNTINGTON ...... Frank L. Grubbs PEA RIDGE SCHOOL DISTIRCT - COUNSELOR Associate ...... Andrew C. Th ompson HUNTSVILLE / PRESLEY CHAPEL ...... Robert Stanley Ernest ...... Helena Cathy Caudle MARTIN’S CHAPEL / TRINITY-WARREN .....William Paul Woolley JASPER ...... Larry M. Acton DEACONESS APPT NON-UM AGENCY ...... Kandi L. Mount MARVELL / LEXA ...... Robert Daniel Partlow JOURNEY HISPANIC MISSION ...... Julio Ibarra GBGM METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTIGO CHILE MCELROY / ELLIS CHAPEL / CENTRAL-WYNNE LAMAR / MOUNT OLIVE - CLARKSVILLE ...... Jacob F. Schaible ...... Stephen Wayne Baldwin ...... Tammy Jo Teltow METHODIST NURSING HOME & VILLAGE . MCGEHEE FIRST / ARKANSAS CITY ...... William Joe Head LAVACA / MOUNTAIN VIEW - ALMA ...... Lynn David Strang ...... J. M. Rogers MONTICELLO FIRST...... Dennis Spence LESLIE / MARSHALL ...... Michael L. Proctor WESLEY FOUNDATION - ATU ...... Jason A. Molitor MOUNT OLIVET / PROSPERITY / UNION ....Garry E. Wiles LIVING WATERS AT CENTERTON ...... Blake A. Lasater WESLEY FOUNDATION - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS NEW HOPE – SHERIDAN ...... Jim Harris MAGAZINE / MOORE’S CHAPEL - HAVANA / WAVELAND / PIONEER ...... Omar H. Al-Rikabi PARKDALE / EUDORA / MONTROSE ...... Debbie L. Head MEMORIAL ...... Judy Hall CIRCLE OF LIFE HOSPICE, SPRINGDALE, AR PARKIN ...... Melvin Dwight Mann MANSFIELD ...... John J. Noggle ...... Audie D. Long PINE BLUFF FIRST ...... David Fleming MENA FIRST ...... Gary Frank Harrison HONORABLE LOCATION ...... Cynthia Lee Davis PLEASANT GROVE - DEWITT ...... Gene White MIDLAND HEIGHTS / MOUNT OLIVE - VAN BUREN ...... Peter H. Kimball PORTLAND / DERMOTT / WILMOT ...... Gilbert Philmore Worley ...... Daniel Lane Williams ...... Rhonda K. Crow Monroe RISON / MOUNT CARMEL – RISON ...... Richard P. Rogers MILLTOWN ...... Louise Finney INCAPACITY LEAVE ...... Robert Bell ROCK SPRINGS / WILMAR / MOUNT PLEASANT - MONTICELLO / MISSION ...... Ulysses C. Washington ...... Stephen Brizzi ANDREWS CHAPEL ...... Hardy P. Peacock MULBERRY ...... Charles B. Beevers ...... Louann Averitt Murphy ROE ...... Joe E. Glover NEW HOPE - VAN BUREN / NEWBERRY ...... Robert M. Jeff ery ...... Cloyd Stephen Wiseman SAINT FRANCIS ...... Jonah Wayne Smith OAKLEY CHAPEL ...... Shane D. Pair PERSONAL LEAVE...... Th omas Mark Ashcraft SAINT JAMES - PINE BLUFF ...... Henry Wilkins OLA / PLAINVIEW ...... Rollie Th omas Mullins ...... Larry D. Ott SAINT LUKE - PINE BLUFF ...... Barbara A. Douglas OZARK ...... Paul B. Coy ...... Mary Jane Pearce SAINT MARK - PINE BLUFF ...... David Morgan PARIS ...... James Michael Smith SCRUGGS CHAPEL ...... John W. Love PARKS...... Peggy Catron SHERIDAN ...... John Embrey PEA RIDGE / BRIGHTWATER ...... Brian Timmons Southeast District SHERRILL ...... William Ferguson POTTSVILLE ...... Mildred Faith Bryant STAR CITY FIRST ...... Bryan R. Diff ee PRAIRIE GROVE FIRST ...... Matthew H. Johnson District Superintendent ...... Mark K. Norman STUTTGART FIRST ...... David W. Bush PRAIRIE VIEW ...... Jeff ery L. Blassingame ALMYRA / HUNTER’S CHAPEL - ROE ...... Ted Edmondson SULPHUR SPRINGS - PINE BLUFF...... Willis Winn Findley ROGERS FIRST ...... David Bruce Bentley ALTHEIMER / WABBASEKA ...... George R. Mitchell VICTORY - FORREST CITY ...... Moses Eliot Green Deacon ...... Sandra Wanasek BAILEY CHAPEL ...... Travis Earl Jackson WARREN FIRST ...... Gary Lawrence Maskell RUSSELLVILLE FIRST ...... Roy Patterson Smith BAYOU METO / LODGES CORNER ...... Mary F. Welch WATSON / MOUNT TABOR – MONTICELLO Associate ...... Gail Cole Brooks BETHEL – SHERIDAN ...... Albert Marlar ...... Walt Lowe SAINT JAMES - FAYETTEVILLE ...... Rashim Merriwether BRINKLEY / BRASFIELD ...... Michael Andrew Smith WESLEY CHAPEL -BRINKLEY / TAYLOR CHAPEL SAINT PAUL - FORT SMITH ...... Steven M. Poarch CENTER GROVE - SHERIDAN ...... James Edward Conn ...... William J. Th ompson Associate ...... William Todd Vick CHERRY VALLEY / VANNDALE ...... Ron C. Williams WESLEY - MCGEHEE ...... Barton Alan Bynum Deacon ...... Mark L. Waynick Associate ...... Janice Williams WEST MEMPHIS FIRST ...... David F. Moseley SAINT PAUL - GRAVEL HILL / BRIGGSVILLE CLARENDON / HOLLY GROVE ...... Nan Nelson Associate ...... Michelle Morris ...... Steve Lawrence COLT / FORREST CHAPEL - FORREST CITY WHEATLEY / SALEM – WHEATLEY ...... Michael Bolin SAINT PAUL’S - HARRISON / BELLEFONTE / VALLEY VIEW ...... Everett Blakely WHITE HALL ...... Benjamin William Crismon ...... Mark Donald CROSSETT ...... Russell R. Moore WYNNE ...... Lester Glenn Pettus SEQUOYAH ...... Sara Cole Pair DEWITT / ST. CHARLES ...... Daniel R. Kirkpatrick ZION / WALLER’S CHAPEL ...... Toby Austin SHILOH - BERRYVILLE ...... Lon N. Hudson III DUMAS / TILLAR ...... Tandy Curtis Hanson SILOAM SPRINGS FIRST ...... Randy H. Rowlan EARLE / CRAWFORDSVILLE ...... Ryan Spurlock Extension ministries SPRINGDALE FIRST ...... Stephen Coburn EXTRA ...... Jesse James Associates ...... David C. Freeman FORREST CITY FIRST ...... William V. Buchanan CASA de DIOS ...... Mary Olson ...... Ramiro Lizcano FOUNTAIN HILL ...... Chyrl Savage Slocum CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCACY, PINE BLUFF, AR ...... Judith S. Van Hoose GILLETT / DELUCE ...... Janet T. Edwards ...... David Morgan ...... Rob Williams GOOD FAITH CARR / REDFIELD ...... Ryan Allen Rush MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ...... Andrew C. Th ompson SQUARE ROCK / MT. PLEASANT-WALDRON GOOD HOPE / NEW EDINBURG ...... John H. Kidwell Attend School ...... Edna Mae Morgan ...... Suzanne Wilson GRADY / TRINITY - STAR CITY ...... Timothy Edward Rushing SE DISTRICT REGIONAL MISSION COORDINATOR TRINITY - FAYETTEVILLE ...... Terry M. Gosnell GRAND AVENUE - STUTTGART ...... Cleft on Samuel Vaughan ...... Natasha J. Murray-Norman TUCKS CHAPEL ...... Brian Youngs GREENHILL / LACEY ...... J. Donald Johnson WESLEY FOUNDATION - PINE BLUFF ...... Henry Wilkins VALLEY SPRINGS ...... Sandra Garrett HAMBURG FIRST ...... Cletus Gregory Comer WESLEY FOUNDATION - UAM ...... Edward Kavan Dodson VESTA ...... William Todd Vick HAWLEY MEMORIAL / WESLEY - PINE BLUFF U.S. AIR FORCE ...... Ronald Lewis Feeser, Jr. VIETNAMESE - FORT SMITH ...... Terry Gallamore ...... Jackie Ann Gregory U.S. NAVY ...... Scott Jackson Shafer VIETNAMESE - VAN BUREN ...... Th ang Nguyen HEBRON - NEW EDINBURG ...... Boyd F. Savage Jr. HONORABLE LOCATION ...... Charles Berlon Davis VINEY GROVE ...... G. Randall Nix HELENA / WEST HELENA / ELAINE (EAST PHILLIPS COUNTY PARISH) ...... Constance Steele WALDRON / BIRDSVIEW ...... Patricia Diane Miller ...... Walter Michael Wilkie INCAPACITY LEAVE ...... Rufus Robert Burnham Jr. WALTREAK ...... Larry Pat Millard Associate ...... Michael C. Dodson ...... Douglas Edwards WEDINGTON ...... Joseph W. Hall HERMITAGE / WAGNON ...... Marty Reep ...... John Clift on Sandine WESLEY - FORT SMITH ...... Matthew I. Daniels HICKORY RIDGE / TILTON ...... Michael Darryl Utley LEAVE OF ABSENCE ...... Polly C. Shafer WESLEY - RUSSELLVILLE ...... Davida Autry HUGHES / MADISON ...... Mark B. Massey WICKES / MOUNTAIN VIEW - MENA ...... Bryan Richardson HUMPHREY ...... George Edward Crumbly Jr. WIGGINS ...... Lyn Poplin KINGSLAND / CHAMBERSVILLE ...... Melissa Maskell Southwest District WINSLOW / MORROW ...... John M. Moore KYNETTE ...... Kennis Key WOODLANDS ...... Ben Hampton Anderson LAKESIDE - LAKE VILLAGE ...... Th omas DeWeese District Superintendent ...... Michael Cunning Morey LAKESIDE - PINE BLUFF ...... Pamela Jean Estes AMITY...... Glen Dale Harris Extension ministries Associate ...... Alicia Bobo Frye ARKADELPHIA FIRST ...... James P. Polk LEOLA / MOORE’S CHAPEL - SHERIDAN ....Lindsey Saenz ASBURY - MAGNOLIA / McNEIL ...... Michael P. Daniel PROVIDENT MINISTRY SERVICE ...... Molly Davis Scott LIVINGSTON CHAPEL ...... Lawrence O. Taylor ASHDOWN FIRST / RICHMOND...... James H. Cross ATTEND SCHOOL ...... Janice Sudbrink MARIANNA / BEAR CREEK CAMP ...... Gordon Mohr AVERY’S CHAPEL / BRUCE MEMORIAL / MIDWAY HIGHLANDS ONCOLOGY GROUP...... Pamela Cicioni MARION ...... Tom M. Letchworth ...... Pamela K. Brule www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 14 July 5, 2013

BEARDEN / THORNTON ...... Andrew Wayne Hughes MOUNT MORIAH ...... Tommy Howard Vilonia breaks ground to BELL CHAPEL / RED HILL ...... Larry E. Goza MOUNT OLIVE - FORDYCE / BETHEL - NEW EDINBURG / WILSON BISMARCK ...... Katherine G. Pearce CHAPEL ...... L.T. Marks expand children’s ministry, BRADLEY ...... John Braden MOUNT ZION - ARKADELPHIA / CENTER GROVE - GURDON / TRINITY BUENA VISTA / STEPHENS ...... Cedric R. Walters – GURDON ...... Travis Langley hospitality capabilities CAMDEN FIRST ...... Henry Andrew Ratliff MOUNTAINSIDE ...... Johnna J. Galloway CARTHAGE / HUNTER’S CHAPEL - LEOLA / TULIP / WAVERLY MURFREESBORO ...... James Wainscott ...... Tammy Harrell NASHVILLE FIRST / BINGEN ...... James E. Harris CENTER / CENTER POINT ...... Robert B. McCoy NEW ERA ...... Charles Payne CHRIST - TEXARKANA ...... J. David Kassos NEW SALEM ...... Dennis E. Horvath CHRIST OF THE HILLS - HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE NORMAN / LANGLEY ...... William Charles Bradford ...... Walter L. Smith NORPHLET / CENTENNIAL ...... Heather Spencer Clawitter Associates ...... Patrick O. Henry OAKLAWN ...... Fred W. Hunter ...... Sheila M. Jones OKOLONA ...... Kathryn Burchfi eld ...... Helen Stegall PARKER’S CHAPEL / PLEASANT GROVE .....To be supplied DELIGHT / ANTOINE / SMYRNA ...... James Taylor Henderson PINEY GROVE ...... R. Scott Gallimore DEQUEEN FIRST / GILLHAM ...... Ronnie Newberry Associate ...... Rose A. Poag DIERKS / GREEN’S CHAPEL ...... Robert L. Lyons PRESCOTT FIRST ...... Bill Lindsey Fish DODDRIDGE / OLIVE BRANCH ...... Walter L. Burnett PULLMAN HEIGHTS ...... Ronald G. Grigsby DUMAS MEMORIAL / MARYSVILLE...... Patricia Daugherty RHODES CHAPEL ...... James Carroll Rawls Vilonia UMC on Sunday, June 16 broke ground for a new EBENEZER – NASHVILLE ...... Shirley F. White-Souder ROCKPORT ...... Troy Lee Cate addition to their facility. Th e new construction will include a EL DORADO FIRST ...... Royal Keith Dodson RONDO / PLEASANT HILL – TEXARKANA .Harry J. Hamner nursery and children’s rooms, as well as an expansion of the EMERSON - MT. PISGAH...... Barbara Grimes Lewis RUSHING MEMORIAL ...... Benny Morgan kitchen. Th e children of the church participated in the EMMET / HARMONY - HOPE / WILLISVILLE SAINT ANDREW - ARKADELPHIA ...... Bobby W. Sanders groundbreaking ceremony, using child-sized shovels turn the ...... Jerry G. Westmoreland SAINT JOHN ...... Willie Joe Miller dirt. FAIRVIEW - CAMDEN ...... Roger Allen Crum SAINT MARK - EL DORADO ...... Winston D. Roden “Th is expansion is part of an overall building program that FAIRVIEW - TEXARKANA / OGDEN ...... Barbara B. Gilbert SAINT PAUL - EL DORADO ...... Robert Henry Walker will eventually culminate with the building of a new sanctuary,” FAITH - HOT SPRINGS / MORNING STAR SAINT PAUL - MALVERN / ADKINS MEMORIAL said the Rev. Belinda Price, who presided over the Co-pastors ...... Wanda L. Murray ...... Clarence Fowler groundbreaking even as she prepared to move to her new ...... John Franklin Walker SCOTT’S MEMORIAL ...... Ella Harris appointment at Pulaski Heights UMC Little Rock. “Vilonia is a FORDYCE FIRST ...... William F. Cato SHOREWOOD HILLS / MAGNET COVE ...... Donald H. Robinson growing mission fi eld, and the church welcomes Rev. Nathan FOREMAN / WADE’S CHAPEL ...... Lynn Ann Lewis McClure SILVER SPRINGS ...... Wayne Chambers Kilbourne to continue what has been started here today.” FRIENDSHIP – FRIENDSHIP ...... Jeff Ladd SMACKOVER / SILVER HILL ...... Leon Th omas Dixon Jr. COURTESY PHOTO FRIENDSHIP - PRESCOTT / SWEET HOME UNION SPARKMAN / DALARK / BETHLEHEM ...... Elizabeth Stegall ...... Gene M. Ross SPRING HILL / OAK GROVE ...... Revel Kidd Shopping online? Use UMCmarket GARDNER / DIAMONDHEAD ...... Mark R. Williams STAMPS ...... Mark Rivers to support your congregation! GLENWOOD / DAISY ...... Lonnie M. Landers SUGAR HILL ...... Gregory A. Burks GRAND AVENUE - HOT SPRINGS ...... George Edward Rook SWEET HOME – MURFREESBORO ...... Al Terrell Th e UMC’s General Council Associate ...... Deborah Perry TAYLOR ...... Spencer Glendas Plumley on Finance and Administration GREER’S CHAPEL / LYDESDALE ...... James Mark Lasater TEXARKANA FIRST ...... Bruce Wayne Bennett (GCFA) Offi ce of Corporate GUM SPRINGS - MOUNTAIN PINE ...... TBS by Christ of the Hills - Associate ...... Vida R. Williams Partnership has launched Hot Springs Village TIMOTHY / SAINT MARK-CAMDEN ...... Deanna L. McCormack UMCmarket, a new program GURDON / HOLLYWOOD ...... Carl A. Ownbey VALLEY GROVE ...... Ivory Joe Williams that gives parishioners the HALL’S MEMORIAL ...... Joyce Watson VILLAGE / EBENEZER - MAGNOLIA...... Kenneth Hipp opportunity to generate a HAMPTON / HARRELL / FAUSTINA ...... Charles A. Perry VILLAGE - HOT SPRINGS ...... George W. McCoy donation to their local church as they shop online. HARMONY - COLUMBIA / PHILADELPHIA / UNITY Associate ...... Alfred C. Loya UMCmarket provides a portal to access popular retailers...... John Wayne Edwards WASHINGTON ...... Keenan C. Williams With each purchase, a percentage of the sale can go to the church HARMONY GROVE - CAMDEN / HOLLY SPRINGS / LAKESIDE WESTSIDE / MISSOURI ...... Donald R. Nicholson the shopper chooses. Membership is free. To learn how a church ...... Velda Bell WILEY CHAPEL ...... Dwight Burks can add the link to its website, email [email protected]. HAVEN ...... Harold Eichelberger Members can immediately begin supporting their church HINTON / DE ANN ...... Ralph Gary Riley Extension ministries ministries by signing up at www.umcmarket.org. HOLLY SPRINGS - TEXARKANA ...... Doug Rhodes For details about UMCmarket or other programs, contact HOPE FIRST...... Steven Johnson MT. CARMEL COMMUNITY OF HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Bobby Lee Smith at 615-369-2407 or [email protected]. HORATIO / WINTHROP ...... Phil Smith ...... Carol Stewart HOT SPRINGS FIRST ...... Michael Mattox INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ...... Christopher T. Bounds Associates ...... Teresa L. Holt WESLEY FOUNDATION - HSU/OBU ...... Jessica Lee Durand ...... John P. Miles WESLEY FOUNDATION - SAU ...... James Mark Lasater ...... John S. Polk U.S. ARMY ...... John Charles Fimple ...... William Zachary Roberts HONORABLE LOCATION ...... Carey Don Womack HUTTIG ...... Robert Earl Ballard INCAPACITY LEAVE ...... Cornelia DeLee JUNCTION CITY ...... Mary Depper KEITH MEMORIAL / L’EAU FRAIZ ...... Dale L. Diff ee Associate ...... Sidney Carol Clark LEWISVILLE ...... Ronnie K. Eldridge SHARING GOD’S LOVE WITH TORNADO VICTIMS: Students LISBON ...... Darrell W. Donaldson Jr. in pre-school at First UMC Jonesboro made cards and crosses LOCKESBURG ...... Teresa Egan Chapman to send to people recovering from the EF5 tornado that hit MAGNOLIA FIRST ...... Larry Eugene Kelso Moore, Okla., on May 20. “They’re aware that children like MALVERN FIRST ...... Lavon Post them were involved in this tragedy, and they wanted to show MANCHESTER ...... George T. Whitney they care,” said Connie Thomas, Northeast District administra- MINERAL SPRINGS / WAKEFIELD ...... Frankie Glenn Hicks tor. “They were just trying to show their love and support. Since they’re too young to participate in the recovery effort, this is MOUNT CARMEL - LOCKESBURG ...... Tommy Halsell their way to help.” MOUNT IDA / JOPLIN ...... David Randle Steele COURTESY PHOTO

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org July 5, 2013 15 OBITUARIES

FAYETTEVILLE William “Bill” Whitfi eld Hebrew Israelites, Andrea Fournet’s Arkansas Yoga Center Blanche Elizabeth Holifi eld William “Bill” Henry Whitfi eld, 71, passed away Monday, Community and all who called, wrote, visited, smiled, Blanche Elizabeth Holifi eld, 97, of Fayetteville, Ark., June 17, 2013. laughed, prayed and encouraged him. passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Katherine’s Place in Th e youngest child of William H. Whitfi eld and Rose A celebration of his life was held Saturday, June 22, in Fayetteville. Strong Whitfi eld, he was born Nov. 14, 1941 in Little Rock. Bill Fayetteville, in the Bailey Center at Mount Sequoyah. She was born July 2, 1915, in Elk Garden, W.Va., to the gave his life to Christ at Union A.M.E. Memorial gift s may be made to St. James United Methodist late William and Grace Schwinabart. She was a registered Church in Little Rock, and aft er retiring Church, 5 North Willow Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701 in nurse and received her training at Memorial Hospital School from his mission works in Africa, he joined honor of Bill Whitfi eld for the Musoma, Tanzania Fund. of Nursing in Cumberland, Md. She worked at her profession St. James UMC Fayetteville. primarily in the area of labor and delivery. Bill graduated from Townsend Park FOREMAN Over the years she assisted in numerous High School in Pine Bluff in 1959, having Irene Shaddox births, and at times did the actual delivery transferred from Horace Mann High Willie “Irene” Shaddox, 95, of Foreman, passed away when the doctor could not get to the School in Little Rock as a result of Sunday, June 2, 2013, in a Texarkana hospital. hospital in time. Her most memorable Governor Orval Faubus closing the Little She was born Jan. 15, 1918, in Tokio, Bill Whitfield delivery came in the middle of an ice storm Rock School District in an eff ort to retain Ark. She was a homemaker and a member in the back seat of a new father and segregated schools. He went on to attend of First United Methodist Church Foreman. mother’s car. Th e doctor was iced in at Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff , where he and his She is survived by her husband of 72 home, but both mother and baby did well. brother Bob were active in the Student Non-Violent years, the Rev. James Shaddox of Foreman, Blanche She graduated from Asbury College in Coordinating Committee. Th ere he joined the Omega Psi Phi a retired elder who served in the Little Holifield Wilmore, Ky., where she met the love of her Fraternity, Inc. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Rock Conference; a brother-in-law, Bill life, Pharis Holifi eld. Th ey were married on University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning a Bachelor of Shaddox and his wife, Judy, of Greenville, Dec. 16, 1944. Pharis was studying at Asbury Th eological Science in Social Economics and a Master’s degree in Texas; two nieces, Patsy Crawford of Seminary to become a Methodist minister, and aft er he Agricultural Economics. Irene Duncanville, Texas, and Angela Shaddox of obtained his degree in 1947, they moved to his home state of While attending the University of Arkansas, Bill met the Shaddox Greenville, Texas; a great-niece, Courtney Arkansas. Here they served Christ in ministry together in love of his life, Jimmye Dean Deff ebaugh. On June 6, 1965, they Crawford of Burbank, Calif.; and two numerous United Methodist churches across the years until committed to love, cherish and honor one another and did so nephews, David Shaddox of San Antonio, Texas, and John his death in 1978. faithfully for 48 years. From their union came two children, Shaddox of Gun Barrel City, Texas. Blanche loved gardening and specialized in growing Timberly Noe and Azandé William. Shortly aft er their Services were held Wednesday, June 5, at First United roses, which were her favorite fl owers. She was a faithful marriage, Bill and Jimmye relocated to Kansas City, Mo., where Methodist Church Foreman, with the Rev. Lavon Post pastor’s wife, a diligent homemaker, a loving mother and they unwaveringly worked with the Free Breakfast for School offi ciating. Burial followed in Dollarhide Cemetery. grandmother, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a Children Program sponsored by the Black Panther Party. committed member of Central UMC Fayetteville. She was In 1971, Bill and his family took a pilgrimage to Tanzania, NORTH LITTLE ROCK beloved by her family and looked up to as a spiritual mentor East Africa. Aft er realizing a higher calling, Bill and Jimmye Owen Talley Sr. and exemplary model of a Christ-like life. were commissioned to serve as missionaries representing the Th e Rev. Owen Talley Sr., 88, passed away Sunday, June Blanche was preceded in death by her beloved husband of United Methodist Church in Africa. While there, they served 16, 2013. 34 years, the Rev. Pharis Jerome Holifi eld; her parents; and in Tanzania, Nigeria, Liberia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. He was born March 12, 1925, in North Little Rock, to two brothers, Albert Lynn and John Howard. Bill’s motto was “anything that might create a permanent Howard and Ethel Talley. She is survived by two sons and a daughter: the Rev. Tony state of dependency should be avoided at all cost.” His A retired elder, Talley served churches Holifi eld and his wife, Sarah, of Fayetteville; Jim Holifi eld and commitment to nurturing self-reliance and love for physical throughout the Little Rock Conference his wife, Th eresa, of Lexington, Ky.; and Carol Ringold and her activity led him to gardening, micro-farming and teaching and from 1976 to 1990, including husband, Scott, of Carmel, Ind.; fi ve grandchildren: Rob training in martial arts. He earned a second-degree black belt Murfreesboro, Macedonia, Hall’s Memorial, Holifi eld and his wife, Julie, of Wilmore, Ky.; Julie Carpenter in Tae Kwon Do from his Master Instructor, Judge Victor Hill. Haven, White Memorial, St. James UMC and her husband, Chris, of Winchester, Ky.; Mary Beth Bomar Survivors include his wife, Jimmye Deff ebaugh Whitfi eld; Lonoke and Th eressa Hoover UMC. and her husband, Austin, of Lexington, Ky.; Stephanie Ringold his children, Timberly (Bobby Allen) Whitfi eld and Azandé He was preceded in death by his of Carmel, Ind.; and Mark Ringold of Carmel, Ind.; fi ve (Denise Hoy) Whitfi eld; grandchildren, Raina Allen, Alise parents; his wife, Bertha Talley; a daughter, great-grandchildren: Wes and Siah Holifi eld of Wilmore, Ky.; Whitfi eld and Gabriel Allen; siblings, George (Shirley) Whitfi eld, Owen Talley Doris Bryant; and a grandson, Marcus Ben and Makayla Carpenter of Winchester, Ky.; and Sean Billie (Ernest) Jacobs, John Whitfi eld, Robert (Constance) White. He is survived by seven sons: Owen Bomar of Lexington, Ky.; and a number of nephews and Whitfi eld and Roberta (Hamlet) Kelley; sisters-in-love, Sharon Talley and his wife, Peggy, of Tucson, Ariz.; Paul Talley, Donnie nieces. Deff ebaugh and Lillie Deff ebaugh; brother-in-love Phil Deff ebaugh; Talley and Kenneth Talley, all of North Little Rock; Darryl A Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, June 5, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and extended family. Talley and his wife, Kimble, of Hagerstown, Md.; Bruce Talley in the sanctuary of Central UMC Fayetteville, with the Rev. Dr. Bill’s journey with Parkinson’s Disease was not taken of Wichita, Kan.; and Fred Jones and his wife, Daisy, of Little Steve Pulliam and the Rev. Carl Palmer offi ciating. Burial alone. He was lift ed by his extended stay in Israel with the Rock; six daughters: Peggy Tate of Memphis, Tenn.; Wanda followed on June 6 in Piggott Cemetery. Black Hebrew Israelites in Dimona. He was surrounded by Key and her husband, Louis, of Pine Bluff ; Lavieta Watkins of In lieu of fl owers, memorials may be given to the earthly angels including his devoted wife, sister in love, Sherwood; Valerie Talley of North Little Rock; and Alicia Arkansas Asbury Scholarship Fund or Central UMC’s Count Sharon, niece Gigi Holder, nephew Henry Lee Holder, smallest Martin and Crystal Talley of Little Rock. Me In! Program, c/o Central United Methodist Church, P.O. angel (in size) his granddaughter, Alise, Amelia Smith and A funeral service was held at Levy United Methodist Box 1106, Fayetteville, AR 72702. family, therapists from Alliance Home Health, the Black Church on Saturday, June 22. Some scholarship assistance available to attend Black Clergy Women Conference, Aug. 5-8

With the theme of “Celebrating our Past…Stepping into Our Future,” the the Arkansas Conference, is seeking women in ministry (local pastors, elders, 25th Anniversary Black Clergy Women Conference will meet Aug. 5-8, 2013, at deacons, seminary students or candidates for ministry) who would like to attend. the Westin Hotel Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Some scholarship funding is available. Visit blackclergywomenumc.com for more Th e Rev. Maxine Allen, Coordinator of Ethnic and Language Ministries for information, then contact Allen at 501-539-0280 or [email protected]. www.arumc.org Arkansas United Methodist 16 July 5, 2013 UMFA matching grant helps update Mount Sequoyah facilities, programs, operations

Th e United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas awarded recently a $300,000 matching grant to Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center in Fayetteville. Th e grant will support repairs, maintenance and upgrades of current facilities, processes and programs. Mount Sequoyah is a nonprofi t spiritual reserve owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, which includes Arkansas and seven other states. It accommodates both secular and faith-based individuals and organizations. Its purpose is to serve as a spiritual environment to support and enable the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. “Th e supporters of Mount Sequoyah will raise $300,000 to be matched one-to-one with our grant,” said Jim Argue Jr., UMFA president. “We are excited to be a part of this revitalization of an essential United Methodist resource.” “Mount Sequoyah has been a pivotal part of the church’s history, but over the past 30 years the facilities have been underutilized and fallen victim to economic pressures that left it in a state of disrepair,” said Abby Foster, CEO of Mount Sequoyah. “With the help of the UMFA grant, Mount Sequoyah can Faith Funds become the nucleus of lay and clergy meeting, training, networking and conference events across the jurisdiction and the larger United Methodist Church, as well as to the secular community.” Legacy of Commitment Th e lodging facilities will be remodeled and amenities updated, including infrastructure, electrical and HVAC repairs and replacement. Th e grant also The late Winfred Polk of Corning believed in the United Methodist Foundation will be used to acquire technologies that improve guest experiences and create operational effi ciencies. Recreational areas, roadways, parking and irrigation in its infancy. He made significant gifts of resources, time and talent with a steadfast will also be enhanced to position Mount Sequoyah for environmental commitment to a Foundation that could eventually support United Methodist sustainability. ministries throughout the state. Peggy Polk of Paragould took up that commitment, In addition to facility upgrades, Mount Sequoyah will implement new and she has continued as a board member since 1989. programs to target all ages and increase the center’s use by the community and the church. Mr. Polk was a Chevrolet dealer and long-time leader in the Corning United Methodist Founded in 1922, Mount Sequoyah sits in the hills just above the city of Church. He had a great interest in Methodist history and traveled to England to Fayetteville. Th e 32-acre campus features historic buildings, lodges, cottages, witness key places in the history of the Church for himself. In fact, he brought Rev. landscaped grounds, walking paths, trails, recreational facilities, pool, John Tudor back from England to preach in many Arkansas pulpits as a gift to pavilions, gazebos, wide open spaces, indoor and outdoor chapels, an United Methodists in the state. auditorium, meeting spaces, a lighted labyrinth and hiking trails. Guests travel to Mount Sequoyah for family reunions, gatherings, overnight stays, getaways, Mrs. Polk has a special place in her heart for causes like the Seminary Scholarship conferences, training, networking, collaborating and game day weekends. UMFA is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in the country, program. She honored her husband through the construction of the Winfred Polk and is responsible for over 650 funds that have combined assets in excess of Conference Room used every day at the United Methodist Foundation office. $119 million. The Polks helped enhance the vision of the Foundation and have been great advocates, according to UMFA President and CEO Jim Argue, Jr. Their ideas, their board service and their creation of endowment funds at the Foundation all contribute to a continuing legacy for the Arkansas Conference.

50 Years of The United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas Faithful Ministry

5300 Evergreen Drive t Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 501-664-8632 t Toll free 877-712-1107 t Fax 501-664-6792 t www.umfa.org The Cokesbury Apartment, which includes a kitchenette, is one of the recently renovated lodging options at Mount Sequoyah. Thanks to the grant from UMFA, more improvements to the campus will follow. COURTESY PHOTO

Arkansas United Methodist www.arumc.org