April 22, 2020
2020 Memphis Annual Conference Postponed
Bishop McAlilly announces postponement of 2020 Memphis Annual Conference due to COVID-19 health emergency. | Details

UPDATE: revised dates and location  |  Details
Paycheck Protection Program
Conference Treasurer has compiled numerous resources to help churches apply for assistance via Paycheck Protection Program of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Reidland Continues Ramp Ministry
The ramp-building ministry at Reidland United Methodist Church in Paducah, KY, has continued throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

How is your congregation adjusting & adapting to social distancing?
What new ways have you found to worship, share devotions & hold Bible study? How are you continuing to serve & reach out to your community? What new technologies are you learning & embracing to communicate & maintain your connection? Share your stories & pictures! Any word count is acceptable, but 100 to 200 words is ideal. Please include who, what, when, where, why & how. Email [email protected]
UM Group Ruling Website Helps Churches Verify Non-profit Status
Nonprofits with a 501(c)3 status - including churches - are eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program. GCFA has automated the process of obtaining the 501(c)3 documentation for your church or other United Methodist organization.

Clergy Moving Plan & Timeline
Bishop McAlilly has announced May 8 - Aug. 2 dates.

Zoom Web Conferencing
Free to local churches of fewer than 100 members through Aug. 28, provided by UMCOM and GCFA.

Virtual Youth Group
Benton First 412 Youth Group would like to invite any youth to join them for online class discussions, games, and fellowship each Wednesday
starting at 5:45 p.m.

Hymns & Copyright Law
How can you find out if a hymn is safe to include in online worship services? An Ask The UMC article explores copyright law.

How & When to Remit Lenten Hunger Funds
Need to know how to remit Lenten Hunger funds? Find all the information you need on the Memphis Conference website. Deadline to remit funds is April 30.

How to Help With N95 Mask Shortage
Here's how Memphis Conference churches can help supply N95 particulate matter respirator masks

Homemade masks needed
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have been asking how they can help. One way is to make homemade face masks.

Details and instructions:
Late Fees Waived
Memphis Conference waives late fees on direct-bill payments for clergy health and pension benefits

Pray for Healthcare Workers
Daily prayer for healthcare workers (called by Bishop McAlilly)

District Office Closed; Staff Working Remotely
The Purchase District office is closed. The current plan is for the office to remain closed at least until Monday, April 27. Staff are working remotely and are available to conduct business by email and cell phones.

Cancelled and Postponed Events
In light of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines from our church, our state, and federal governments, along with WHO and CDC, the following events are cancelled or postponed.

Postponed:
2020 Memphis Annual Conference | Details
Worship Suspended through April 26 | Details
2020 General Conference | Details
2020 Conf. UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat

Cancelled:
GC 'Call to Prayer' & 'Listening Sessions'
Coronavirus Preparedness
  • GCFA Resources during Covid-19 | Link
  • Memphis Conference Resource Page | Link
  • COVID-19 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services | Link
  • 6 Steps Your Congregation Should Take in Response to the Coronavirus | Link
Scholarship Deadlines
  • May 1 Howard Olds Seminary Scholarship | Details
  • May 10 'Denman Evangelism Awards' 
  • May 31 Mullikin Academic Scholarship | Details
  • Jun. 15 Anita Padgett Memorial Music | Details (deadline extended)
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Online Worship Opportunities | Link
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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.
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