April 29, 2020
Suspension of In-Person Worship Through May
Bishop McAlilly announces worship is suspended through May due to COVID-19. Click HERE to read Bishop McAlilly's message on his blog.
Questions to Consider to Re-Open Church
District Superintendent Dr. Rob Martin shared with pastors at the April 28 preacher's meeting questions to consider to re-open church to in-person worship.

2020 Fund Balance Reports for 2019
Finance Chairs and Pastors: Fund Balance Reports are due May 1.

Facing Financial Challenges
Join a free webinar to explore some practical and positive ways pastors and lay leaders can turn the pandemic crisis into a hopeful opportunity for spiritual growth in financial stewardship.

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
Memphis Conference Youth Council Application
To be eligible to serve on Conference Youth Council (CYC), each candidate must complete an application in its entirety by the given deadline. 

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

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

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.

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 updated plan is for the office to remain closed at least until Monday, June 1. 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
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)
Conference Newsletter
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What's Happening in our Local Churches?
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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.
Purchase District of the United Methodist Church
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