Central District of the UMC - AR Conf

06/19/2026

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas heard the words that changed everything — *you are free.* Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed more than two years before, freedom had been withheld. That day, it could no longer be denied.

As we mark Juneteenth, we are reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
— Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)

The Central District of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church is a community of people called to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously by following Christ, loving others, and sharing grace. That means we celebrate this day with full hearts — honoring the resilience and strength of Black Americans and acknowledging that the work of justice, equity, and belonging is still ours to carry.

Today we remember and celebrate. Every day, we commit to being the Church that helps make freedom *real* for all people.

From all of us in the Central District — Happy Juneteenth. May God continue to guide us toward the justice and love that reflect the Kin-dom God is building among us.

✊🏾🕊️❤️

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06/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our own Melanie Churchill on receiving the 2026 Jim Beal Barnabas Laity Award! 🎉

06/16/2026

Just a few pics of some the amazing events and amazing people around

We are grateful for the hardworking laity and clergy not only in the Central District, but also throughout the connection.

06/15/2026

Central District Admins passing the baton at Annual Conference

Christen Stanley
Melanie Deaton Churchill

06/02/2026

Congratulations and thank you for this ministry!

Friends, help us celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of the Lil' Rock 'n Roll Wash Van! Over the past year, we've completed more than 400 loads of laundry, and we could not have touched so many lives without your support, encouragement, and generosity. A special shout-out goes to our incredible Laundry Van volunteers. Without their helping hands and smiling faces, those loads of laundry would be just that—loads of laundry. Instead, they turn each load into an act of kindness & dignity. Thank you for making this ministry possible and for helping us share a little love, one load at a time.

05/29/2026

Bethlehem United Methodist Church is preparing to restart Vacation Bible School after several years and is in need of VBS supplies and materials. Unfortunately, many of the church’s previous supplies were lost in a church fire. If your church has extra decorations, craft supplies, curriculum materials, games, or other VBS resources you would be willing to donate or share, it would be greatly appreciated. Bethlehem UMC is working with a very limited budget and would be grateful for any assistance from our church community. If you can help, contact Danny @ 501-941-9277.

05/28/2026

It was a great day to celebrate our District Administrator, Melanie Churchill, who will be retiring at the end of this conference year.

Thank you to our laity and clergy who came out to support Melanie and wish her well in her retirement.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas scholars. We are especially proud of our Central District scholars, Kelly Blome, Nathan Fryar, Christopher Jackson, and Peaches Smith. Blessings to you all!

Congratulations to this year’s Methodist Foundation for Arkansas Seminary Scholars! These seven scholarship recipients are headed to four United Methodist-affiliated seminaries — Duke, Gammon, Iliff, and Perkins — in the fall semester. The Foundation is grateful to be able to assist them on this journey toward seeking ordination. Learn more about Kelly, Nathan, Christopher, Darnell, Randy, Peaches, and Kay at https://methodistfoundationar.org/news-and-events/seven-selected-as-2026-seminary-scholars-by-the-methodist-foundation-for-arkansas.
Image description: A blue background with white lettering bears the headline, “The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas congratulates the 2026 MFA Seminary Scholars.” Beneath that lettering are labeled photos of Kelly Blome, Nathan Fryar, Christopher E. Jackson, Darnell Rice, Randy A. Seale, Peaches Smith, and Kay Strahan.

05/10/2026

05/06/2026