In observance of Thanksgiving, the Purchase District Office will be closed Thursday and the TWK Conference Office will be closed Thursday and Friday. We pray you enjoy a joyful and peaceful holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 1

United Methodist congregations throughout the Purchase District open their doors to all for meaningful Advent and Christmas services. Come experience hope, joy, and community this season. | Flyer

As SNAP uncertainty continues, families are trying to gather food for Thanksgiving in addition to everyday meals. Please continue to support our community food ministries with your time and donations.

Global Ministries is offering "Feeding Our Neighbors" emergency grants up to $2,000 for United Methodist congregations and ministry partners addressing food insecurity in their communities. Please continue supporting the food ministries listed on our website through donations, volunteer shifts, and sharing their stories. Together, we extend care and hope where it's most needed. Read more here.

ENCORE Ministry Foundation offers one-time $5,000 grants to up to 10 TWK churches with operational food ministries. Funds support food pantries, feeding programs, and activities addressing food security for church and community members, particularly older adults. Complete the digital application by Monday, December 1, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by Friday, December 12, 2025. Click here to apply.

In the latest Table Talk podcast episode, pastors Rev. Susan Spieth and Rev. Sharlet Panhalkar explore radical hospitality in United Methodist congregations.

From Susan's journey visiting 50 churches to Sharlet's four-phase model of mutual hospitality, they share how intentional welcome breaks down barriers and builds authentic community.

Learn practical ways to embody Christ's welcome both inside and beyond church walls. Listen here.

Many of us are discerning how we can respond more faithfully to God’s call to justice, equity, and beloved community. Antiracism is lifelong work that’s spiritual, relational, and systemic. The TWK Anti-Racism Coalition (ARC) encourages you to take advantage of GCORR's end-of-year discount on courses like Anti Racism 101 and Implicit Bias. In addition, your church can apply for a grant from TWK ARC to help fund these classes for your church or small group!

Advent Lantern Walk

Friday, December 5, 2025 • 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

As Advent begins, join us for a peaceful lantern walk through the fields and orchards of Green Hill Farm. There will be time to reflect, pray, and mark the Advent journey together followed by a bonfire and light dinner in the orchard. All are welcome to come. Please RSVP to John.Varden@twkumc.org, 270-883-1985. | Flyer

For Rural Churches

United Methodist rural churches may apply for $750 grants for new or emerging social justice ministries. United Methodist Rural Advocates will approve six of the grant applications submitted by Jan. 20. Churches can enter justice-oriented ministries developed within the last six months or those they would like to develop in response to needs in the community. Learn more.

For Clergy

Currently appointed Clergy, including Local Pastors, Certified Lay Ministers, and Supply Pastors, are eligible to receive funds from the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference to support their ongoing well-being practice. The deadline to apply for a TWK Well-Being Mini-Grant is December 1. We encourage all clergy to apply and use these available funds to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Learn more here and apply today. We are grateful for your ministry.

For several years, the TWK has partnered with LeaderWise to offer Reflective Supervision, a form of pastoral support from trained peer colleagues. Pioneered by the Methodist Church of Britain, Reflective Supervision provides accompaniment for clergy well-being, strengthens boundary awareness, and creates sacred space for discerning God's voice. Because of support from the Board of Pensions & Health Benefits and Mental Health/Well-Being Team, this resource is currently free for TWK clergy; however, space is limited. Learn more here.

This Christmas, you can help a foster child feel seen and loved. Give to WKUMFS by November 30 to provide meaningful gifts for children in foster care and their foster families: tinyurl.com/WKUMFS. | Read more

Enjoy dinner at Freddy’s on Monday, December 8, from 5–9 p.m., for a delicious way to give back! Freddy’s will donate 15% of event sales to Kairos Prison Ministry International, an organization that shares Christ’s love and hope with incarcerated individuals and their families. Come enjoy a meal while supporting this life-changing ministry. | Flyer

• Organist, Murray First UMC | more info

Reelfoot Rural Ministries (RRM) is ready to begin receiving gifts for their annual Christmas Toy Store! In 2023, 300 families participated, and nearly 750 children received new gifts to brighten their Christmas morning.

In December, families will visit RRM to select new, unwrapped gifts for their children. Families apply in advance and are assigned a day and time to shop. Thanks to generous donations, each child receives at least three new gifts, with families contributing $5 per child as they are able.

You can help make this Christmas special! Click the link for the Toy Store flyer with donation ideas, or contribute financially to support their mission. | Flyer

Help keep our conference informed and connected! Submit your upcoming events to the conference calendar, share news stories of your ministries, and submit resources to the Resource Hub. They're always looking for content from around the conference. Visit the website to submit, and check out the new content submission guidelines page for details on how to contribute.