Volume 82/November 16, 2023

The Presbyark Update

Connecting & Informing the Presbytery of Arkansas

November 16, 2023

Website


The Presbytery office

will be closed at noon

Wednesday, 11/22

& will reopen

Monday, 11/27


Update from Stewart

As many of you know, the Presbytery of Arkansas voted at the October meeting to engage with Ministry Architects (www.ministryarchitects.com) out of Nashville, TN to lead the presbytery in a yearlong visioning/discernment process to help us reflect on what we need to be and do as a presbytery in this ever changing context of ministry. 


This is important work that I hope all of you will participate in as we prayerfully discern where God is leading us. Read more...

Insurance Rate Hikes

We are hearing from churches that Church Mutual is substantially raising rates or making demands to make improvements to property before writing a policy or in some cases dropping churches as clients. Rate increases are going to be a reality with any insurance provider due to the number of storms and fires and affecting all parts of the country. But dropped coverage is putting some congregations in a bind. 

 

If your congregation is struggling to find insurance coverage, we suggest you contact James Greene and Associates in North Little Rock (800-422-3384) They are the local provider for Insurance Board which is one of three insurance providers recommended by the PC(USA) along with Church Mutual and GuideOne. The Presbytery is in conversation with them to provide a bid for our coverage when our policy expires in April of 2024.  

Presbytery of Arkansas Stories

"I did not grow up PC(USA) nor did I know the Presbytery of Arkansas would become my sea of people and places that would guide me home to who God calls me to be. Through Ferncliff Camp, I discovered a deep love for my faith, my relationship with God, and myself. I was welcomed, empowered, and loved by the people there. I could not be a minister and hospital chaplain without the way God worked through these entities and people to walk my path with me. I am forever grateful to the Presbytery of Arkansas because it taught me to welcome the whole stranger, lovingly and courageously, as they navigate their way through their human experience and spirituality." -Rev. Julianna Whitson


Want to support the work and offset the costs for events of current youth in the Presbytery? Click here and donate to "Montreat," "Jr. High Summer Trip," or "Youth Retreat-Quake, YAP, A-Team, etc."


Throwback photo: Julianna during her second year at Ferncliff, second from the right.

Annual Statistical Reports

As the end of the year approaches, so does the request for Annual Statistical Reports. Churches will be able to submit the Church Statistics on Dec 1st, 2023. The last day for churches to submit Statistical reports will be Feb 8th, 2024. If you do not remember your username or your password, you may contact Kim Palmer or Blake Brinegar who can assist you with the needed information. When you are ready to submit your statistics, you can do so by going to Church Statistics Login.

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot to attend A Ferncliff Christmas!

Ben Kane Installed At Second

Rev. Ben Kane was installed as pastor at Second in Little Rock on October 8. Pictured from left to right are: Mike Szabo 1st Searcy,

Beth Sigler 2nd Little Rock, Andy James MWS Greater Atlanta Presbytery, Jennifer Rigsby 2nd Little Rock,

Lindy Vogado MWS 2nd Little Rock, Jeff Kane MWS Middle Tennessee Presbytery,

Ben Kane MWS 2nd Little Rock, Alisa Secrest MWS 2nd Little Rock, Robert Lowry MWS Westover Hills Little Rock, Liz Branch Westover Hills Little Rock, Stewart Smith MWS General Presbyter, Jon Stevenson 2nd Little Rock.


The Presbytery of Arkansas welcomes Ben and prays blessings on his ministry.

Grant Wildwright Installed At First, Benton

On Saturday, November 11, Rev. Grant Wildwright was ordained and installed at First in Benton. Grant is also the husband of MWS Jocelyn Wildwright. Pictured clockwise from front left are Somerset Sea Second Little Rock, Grant Wildwright MWS First Benton, Joel Gill Ferncliff Director, Sara Anne Berger MWS Grace Little Rock, Stewart Smith MWS General Presbyter, Mike Szabo First Searcy, Jeff Price MWS Trinity Little Rock. Not pictured: Henry Griswold First Benton.


Congratulations from the Presbytery of Arkansas to Grant on his ordination and blessings on his ministry.

APCE Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

November 30 will be the last day to get the early bird registration price to attend the 2024 APCE Annual Event in St. Louis, MO from January 24 through 27.


Click here more more information and to register.

Monetize Your Assets

Are you looking for creative ways to fund your ministry and impact? Here is a free series specifically designed for church and faith-based nonprofit leaders who want to evaluate if they can generate more funds for their organizations by leveraging their organizational assets. Click here to learn more.


Wednesday, 11/22, 12:00 noon Office closes for Thanksgiving

Monday, 11/27, Office open


Click here to see the entire Presbytery calendar.

The next Update will be published November 16. Send information for that publication to Julie Price by Tuesday afternoon, November 14.

Click here for previous Updates
Join Our Facebook Group
LinkedIn Share This Email


Presbytery of Arkansas
9221 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
501-663-2424