Newsletter | April 30, 2026 | | | | AC Delegate District Gathering THIS SUNDAY | |
Registration for the 2026 TWK Annual Conference is now open! Click this link to visit the Annual Conference 2026 home page, where you can find a preliminary conference schedule, luncheon and ‘lunch & learn’ descriptions, hotel block information, the conference registration link, and more!
Save these dates:
May 3 | District Gatherings (RSVP a.s.a.p.)
May 28 | Clergy Session (deadline to register is May 11)
The 2026 Annual Conference will be on June 7-10 at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN.
Questions? Contact us at TWKAC@twkumc.org
| | | | | Match the Mission - Bring the Offering - Bring the Hope | |
Local congregations are encouraged to collect a special offering to bring to the annual conference in June. Hunger exists in every corner of our conference and many TWK congregations are faithfully feeding their communities through food pantries, meal ministries, and partnerships that reflect Christ’s love. Our 2026 Annual Conference offering will support TWK local church feeding ministries across our area. Thanks to the generosity of Encore Ministries Foundation, every dollar raised through our Annual Conference offering will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
We encourage you to collect an Annual Conference Offering with your local congregation. Funds may be donated online or brought to the annual conference and placed in the offering basket.
| | | | | Join the Choir During the Annual Conference! | |
The Worship Team is seeking people who love to sing and would like to participate in a conference-wide choir during an evening worship service during the annual conference. The opportunities are on Sunday, June 7, and/or on Tuesday, June 9. Click here for more details and to sign up!
| | | | | It’s Shoebox Time Again—Let’s Bless Children Together! | It’s Shoebox Time again! Join United Methodist churches across the Southeast in sharing the love of Christ by filling shoeboxes with Christmas gifts and the story of Jesus for children served by UM missionaries and pastors. Let’s see if the Purchase District can top last year’s incredible generosity—shoeboxes are due June 30, so contact the district office to get started and be part of this joyful ministry! | Instructions | Supplies | | | | | Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course | |
Have you ever sensed God nudging you toward something more — a new way to serve, a deeper engagement with your faith community? The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a wonderful place to begin exploring that call. Through this course, lay people discover their spiritual gifts, grow in confidence for ministry, and learn practical ways to serve both in the church and in the community. On June 13 and 20 at Forest Hills UMC in Brentwood the Harpeth River District will be hosting a basic lay servant course. The course fee is $30, plus the cost of the required book, and lunch is provided. Register now.
| | | | | Festival of Wisdom and Grace 2026 | |
Experience spiritual renewal at the 2026 Festival of Wisdom and Grace, August 17–20 at Lake Junaluska. Centered on the theme “And you will have life, and life abundantly” (John 10:10), this gathering offers inspiring keynote speakers, worship, workshops, and opportunities for connection. Participants can explore older adult ministry tracks, spiritual growth sessions, and community-building experiences, all in a beautiful retreat setting. Scholarships are available this year, if needed to attend. Learn more and register!
| | | | | Redistricting Questions Answered | Thank you for sending questions to the team about the Redistricting Proposal. The annual conference will vote to approve the number of districts in June. The proposed plan and projected staffing are available for review at twkumc.org/districting-proposal. Answers to the questions you have asked are available in the FAQs on that page. If you have further questions, please contact the team at redistricting.questions@twkumc.org. | | | | | TWK Clergy Spouse Luncheon | |
The TWK Clergy Spouses will gather on June 9 at Murfreesboro United Methodist Church for the TWK Spouses’ Luncheon. Lunch will be provided by the church caterer, featuring chicken cordon bleu, roast beef, green beans, roasted potatoes, salad, and rolls, along with drinks and a choice of two desserts for $22. You may submit your payment by sending a check payable to “TWK Clergy Spouses” to Becky Wade or by using the Zelle app. The registration deadline is May 22. Click here to register.
| | | Conference and District Events and Deadlines | | What's Happening in our Local Churches? | | |
Please check back next week.
To find church addresses, click here.
| | What's Happening Beyond the District? | | The mission of the Purchase District is to discover, equip, connect and send lay and clergy leaders to join Christ's transforming, disciple-making work in and for the world. | |
Rev. Nancy Johnston Varden
District Superintendent
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Penny Story
Administrative Assistant
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