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Connecting & Informing the Presbytery of Arkansas
July 2, 2026
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Presbytery of Arkansas represented in Milwaukee
As the 227th General Assembly concludes on July 2 in Milwaukee, the Arkansas commissioners gathered for dinner together. Pictured from left are Commissioner Rev. Robert Lowry, Commissioner Janet Benson, Commissioner Rev. Elizabeth Brinegar, Stated Clerk Blake Brinegar, Interim Executive Presbyter Jim Poinsett and Commissioner David Clark.
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What is YouthQuake?
It's a weekend for youth (grades 6-12) that is full of games, worship, camp activities, discussions about faith, songs, and small group time—all at our beloved Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center!
Youthquake kicks off at 7pm on Friday, September 18th (make sure to eat dinner before you arrive!) and ends after breakfast and worship at 10am on Sunday, September 20th. The weekend will be filled with fellowship, faith, and fun as youth engage in small groups with people their age, large group worships and keynotes, and recreational activities, such as energizers and Silent Disco!
Registration is now open! Register using the button below.
| | | The Presbytery of Arkansas sponsored a trip for high school youth to attend Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, North Carolina from June 13th-20th. This year’s theme was “Wonder and Wonder.” The group explored stories of God walking alongside people as they wondered and wandered in their faith. They enjoyed spending time with each other and with nature. They creek walked, rock-hopped, hiked, and encountered exciting wildlife. It is always a joy to walk alongside youth in their faith. However, this group of high schoolers made it even more enjoyable because of how intentionally inclusive they were with each other. We are thankful for another year of this conference and all of the friendships we made along the way. | | |
SCRAPCE Annual Fall Event Video
Kristi Button is your connector to events to support educators in the Presbytery of Arkansas. The annual fall gathering of educators for our Synod region is coming up. Click the button below to see a video about the topic so you can begin to make your plans to attend in person or participate virtually. The event is September 29 and 30 at Austin Presbyterian Seminary (or online).
Our smaller region of the larger organization APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) is called SCRAPCE- South Central Region of APCE. This group provides resources to support the people who volunteer or work in Christian Education in your congregations.
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Arkansas Black Presbyterian Caucus Youth Summit
The Arkansas Black Presbyterian Caucus held its annual Youth Summit on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The event was hosted by Allison Memorial Presbyterian. There were a total of 53 youth and adults from the following churches: Allison Memorial in Little Rock, Holmes Chapel in Monticello, Hopewell in Morrilton, and West End in Arkadelphia. This year’s Youth Summit involved exploring African American history in our capital city. Activities of the day included a bus tour of the Little Rock Historical Black Universities, Dunbar Middle School, and the statues of the Little Rock Nine at the State Capitol. The youth also walked along the grounds of Central High school, which is the site of the 1957 desegregation crisis.
Lunch and praise worship was managed back at Allison Church. The final activity of the day involved time for exploration and creativity at the Museum of Discovery. The youth enjoyed a special presentation about Nikola Tesla, who created the system of electrical transmission, among other inventions. The group also experienced the interactive storytelling of African Folktales with drums, by Zinse Agginie. All in all, this year’s Youth Summit was very informative. The youth not only took away knowledge of their history, but they learned about the importance of being bold and courageous disciples of Jesus in this day and time.
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The Book of Order requires Leadership Training for elders every three years. More important than the requirement, however, is that Leadership Training provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations within sessions about how churches can create safe, welcoming, and transparent communities.
Our presbytery has been recommending the PRC (Practical Resources for Churches) video series of short video modules on a variety of topics. This year's list includes four new videos as well as suggestions for a number of online webinars. Click here to see the list.
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Mission of the Church Committee
These two pictures of a big check symbolize mission work by the committee spanning almost a year of accepting funds from the Gary Gault Trust, and raising donations from many congregations and individuals in the Presbytery of Arkansas. The Gary Gault House (House #10) and the Presby House (House #21) built at Providence Park, a community that supports individuals coming out of chronic homelessness in Arkansas.
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In Memoriam -- Reverend Howard “Flash” Gordon May 16, 1939—June 19, 2026
The Reverend Howard “Flash” Gordon, Pastor Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock, died on June 19, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. A fierce champion for social justice, a progressive theologian, and a deeply compassionate shepherd, Flash lived out a gospel centered on equity, love, and care for the marginalized. A public celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 11, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Presbytery of Arkansas Second Annual Arkansas Women’s Book Retreat
The Arkansas Women’s Second Annual Book Retreat will be held at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center on October 13-15, 2026. The retreat is limited to 30 women – reserve your spot early.
Imagine three days nestled among the tall trees at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center – books in hand – with a circle of women who love to read and share just as much as you do. That’s exactly what awaits you at the Second Annual Arkansas Women’s Book Retreat for a midweek getaway you won’t want to miss.
Organized and led by Presbyterian women, this retreat is a gathering of hearts and minds. Whether you’re returning to renew old friendships or arriving for the very first time, you’ll find yourself at home in a warm, welcoming community of fellow readers and women of faith.
Over the course of our time together, we’ll dive into three books thoughtfully chosen by our book selection committee – one theology, one non-fiction, and one fiction – sparking rich conversations that linger long after the pages are turned. We’ll also make space for worship, quiet reflection, and plenty of fun. Come ready to be refreshed – body, mind, and spirit.
We encourage you to share your excitement about attending this retreat with other book-loving women in your congregation. For everyone, your registration is confirmed when the registrar, Candice, has received your form and check. Some financial assistance is available.
Registration & Pricing
Double occupancy (Recommended)- $180, shared room
Single occupancy- $250
We warmly encourage room sharing – it’s one of the best ways to spark the friendships that make this retreat so special!
Register & Contacts
Contact Candice Misenheimer, registrar, 501-749-1934 canmisen@gmail.com
Questions? Reach out to two of our founding retreat organizers:
Liz Branch, treasurer , 501-944-9743 erbranch@comcast.net
Catherine Lowry, 501-960-7676 colowry@gmail.com
Books for 2026:
Fiction: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Non-fiction/historical fiction: The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
Theology: The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage by Richard Rohr
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Upcoming Regional Stephen Ministries Learning Event Hosted at Dallas Church Offers Insights for Building a More Caring World
On Saturday, August 29, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dallas will be hosting a regional, cross-denominational celebration and learning event by Stephen Ministries, the international Christian educational nonprofit best known for the Stephen Ministry system of lay caregiving.
The event, part of Stephen Ministries’ 50th anniversary tour, is open to the general public and features presentations on topics such as grief, what Jesus teaches us about empathy, caring for full-time caregivers, cancer ministry, expanding congregational care through Stephen Ministry, and how churches can help combat the mental health crisis. Stephen Ministries’ founder, Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, and other members of the organization’s teaching faculty will be speaking at the event.
Stephen Ministries was founded in 1975 by Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist. Over the half-century since, the organization’s resources have been used by tens of thousands of congregations worldwide, representing over 190 Christian denominations. Through Stephen Ministry in particular, more than 600,000 people have been trained as lay caregivers, and they in turn have provided care to millions of hurting people.
To mark fifty years of ministry, Stephen Ministries is conducting a nationwide tour of celebration and learning events. The tour began in St. Louis in August 2025 and will continue throughout 2026 and into 2027, with additional stops planned in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Atlanta, San Diego, and more. The theme of the tour is “Building a More Caring World,” which reflects Stephen Ministries’ vision to help all people care and relate with greater compassion and excellence. In addition, Stephen Ministries is introducing a new initiative for helping congregations combat the mental health crisis.
“We’re so excited to welcome Dr. Haugk and the Stephen Ministries team,” says Micah Miller, senior pastor at Prince of Peace. “Our congregation has used and benefited from their resources for years, and we can’t wait for others in our community and region to learn from their staff’s decades of research and experience.”
The Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event hosted by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will be held on Saturday, August 29, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. On-site check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. The cost is $15 per person, and a box lunch can be purchased for an additional $12. Spots are limited. For additional details or questions, call the Stephen Ministries office at (314) 428-2600.
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“Bridge to Ministry” cohort applications now open
Through a Lilly Endowment grant, Austin Seminary is launching “Bridge to Ministry” cohorts for ministers in their first three years of ordained ministry. Participants build community, deepen spiritual practices, and develop practical leadership skills through monthly virtual gatherings and an annual retreat.
Applications open through July 15, 2026
Cohorts begin with a retreat at Mo-Ranch, Aug. 26–29, 2026.
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2026 Older Adult Ministry Conference sponsored by POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network) will take place September 16-17 in Knoxville, TN. This annual conference will be an inspiring gathering focused on spiritual depth, resilience, and continued fruitfulness—themes that matter deeply for leaders walking alongside older adults through seasons of transition.
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Presbyterian Foundation Church Technology Grants
The Presbyterian Foundation believes it is important to resource pastoral leaders and the congregations they serve to promote vitality and excellence in ministry. The Presbyterian Foundation continues to better equip PC(USA) pastors facing economic challenges with this round of Church Technology Grants.
Applications will be accepted for Church Technology Grants from May 20 to July 13, 2026 and will be awarded up to $5,000. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry in a variety of ways.
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Coming This Fall: World Communion Offering Grant Opportunities
All of God's people gather around the Table to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Part of the atonement that happens around this Table is reconciliation, which is the focus of the World Communion Offering. Through this offering, Presbyterians participate in God's work of reconciling people across cultures, communities, and nations, experiencing the grace that comes from bringing all peoples together around Christ's table.
In addition to supporting ministries of reconciliation, the World Communion Offering provides grant opportunities for congregations, presbyteries, and synods engaged in local mission and ministry related to the causes supported by the offering. Twenty-five percent of World Communion Offering receipts are designated for these grants.
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000, and participation in the World Communion Offering is not required to apply for or receive a grant. Any council of the church that includes congregations, presbyteries, or synods engaged in qualifying local mission and ministry may apply.
Applications are expected to open during the Season of Preparation for World Communion Sunday, beginning the Sunday before Labor Day, and will remain open through December. Grant awards are typically announced the following spring.
As churches begin planning for the fall, congregations, presbyteries, and synods are encouraged to consider how these funds might support local mission and ministry efforts in their communities. Additional information, application details, and deadlines will be shared as they become available from the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Stay tuned to future editions of the Presbyark Update for application information and resources related to the World Communion Offering.
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Mission Initiative Grants - The deadline for this year's next round of the MOC grants is July15. Dream big about the mission work your church/Presbyterian organization might undertake this year and let the MOC help you realize your dream by awarding you a grant of up to $1,500.
Click below for information about registering. Direct questions to committee moderator, Peg Falls-Corbitt and click below to learn more and apply for the grant by the July 15 deadline!
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Faith Formation Resource Grants - The first of two 2026 grants are now available from your Presbytery Resource Team! The purpose of these grants are to provide seed money to support Presbytery of Arkansas congregations and ministries in creatively engaging their faith community in practices of faith formation, Christian education, spiritual growth, and discipleship. These grants of up to $500 are to help you create a new Faith Formational program in your church or community that you otherwise would not have been able to afford to do. Look at the needs around you. Is there a need for a Grief-care or Divorce-care program in your community? Maybe you feel your church would rally around a new men's, women's, or intergenerational program or event. Maybe your church doesn't have children, but it has the man-power to sponsor a community VBS.
Pray, dream, then click below and for a Faith Formation Resource Grant by the September 30th deadline!
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News from Around the Presbytery | | | |
Synod Youth Workshop July 13-18
For over 67 years, Synod Youth Worship has provided a place, a space, and time for God’s work of creating new life-time relationships. Participants in Synod Youth Workshop will experience God’s presence through opportunities for worship, prayer, scripture exploration, and community service in small and large group gatherings.
Small groups provide a ‘safe place’ to explore faith questions, while sharing fun and laughter beyond measure. Many participants throughout the years have described the conference as a life-changing event. We hope you will consider attending Synod Youth Workshop in 2026.
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Choral Director Opportunity – First Presbyterian Church Rogers
First Presbyterian Church of Rogers, Arkansas, is seeking a passionate and collaborative Choral Director to lead and nurture its choral music ministry. Working closely with the Pastor, Accompanist, and Worship and Music Committee, the Choral Director will provide meaningful musical leadership that enhances worship and supports the mission and ministry of the church.
This position offers an opportunity to inspire singers, foster congregational participation in worship, and help shape the future growth of the church's music ministry.
Application materials may be submitted to secretary@fpcrogers.com. Questions can be directed to Reverend John Arnold. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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From the Office of Christian Formation: Updated Resource Page
Have you been looking for resources from the Office of Christian Formation? Click the button below to see the newly updated resource page listed by topic.
| | | | Looking for Podcasts that are Insightful and make you think?
Podcasts are not a passing phase they are a great way to expand your horizons, think about a topic in a different way and best of all, can introduce you to new ideas about God! The PC(USA) offers a number of podcasts for those just sticking a toe into the podcast world. Follow the prompt below for podcasts on everything from "A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast" to "Around the Table".
Interested in a take from other denominations? Check out Luther Seminary's Working Preacher for podcasts and discussions, not sermons, on that week's Revised Common Lectionary Scripture.
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Practical Resources for Churches
The PRC offers practical solutions to real world challenges, help you connect with your church the way you want, cover a broad spectrum of topics from church growth to individual faith formation.Click on the circle to visit their site resources, and register for the listed upcoming webinars below
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July 2 Coordinating Team 5 pm
Happy July 4th! Presbytery office Closed Friday, July 3
July 23 Mission of the Church 10 am
Click here to see the entire Presbytery calendar.
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The next update will be published July 16.
Send information for that publication to update@presbyark.org by Tuesday, July 14.
Article suggestions: The shorter, the better and square graphics work best.
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Presbytery of Arkansas
9221 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
501-663-2424
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