Due to the recent pause in SNAP benefits, families across our communities face difficult choices about food, utilities, and rent. Local agencies report increased requests for help with basic needs as people adapt to reduced access to resources. TWK Food Ministries are responding with grace and creativity to meet these growing needs.

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 Food Security Grants Now Available

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.

The Council of Bishops has certified that all four constitutional amendments proposed at the 2024 General Conference have been ratified by annual conferences. The amendments address regionalization, church inclusiveness, racial justice, and clergy educational requirements. Each amendment received over 91% approval from voting annual conferences and is now effective immediately across The United Methodist Church. | Learn more

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

Clergy (on the conference health plan), the annual election for 2026 health benefits is open through November 13. There are resources available to assist you in determining which plan best meets your needs. Log into Wespath Benefits Access. and look for the link to "Select Your 2026 HealthFlex Benefits Now."

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

Advent Lantern Prayer Walk

Friday, December 5, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

As Advent begins, join us for a peaceful lantern-lit prayer 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.

Communications & Annual Conference Internship, TWK UMC | more info

On Tuesday morning, an email with a link to a confidential survey was sent to clergy who are currently appointed. If you do not recall seeing it, please check your Spam or Updates folders for a message from member @surveymonkeyuser. The TWK Mental Health & Well-Being Guide Team appreciates your participation in this study!

Don't forget to apply for a Clergy Well-Being Grant > Learn more and apply before December 1!

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.