This year's theme was "Finding Home." If you look up "home" in a dictionary, you will see just how wide-ranging this word is. It is not just a physical place. But assuredly, home is where God is and where God's people are; it is a place where God welcomes all.  

Our church was very well represented by youth, laity, staff, and clergy (pictured above). You should be proud of the work our people do throughout the Annual Conference and beyond. 

For the first time in many years, there was no divisiveness or rancor. After a painful year in Methodism of churches disaffiliating, there was palpable positive and unifying energy reflected in the message from Bishop Merrill, the reports from the various UMC committees and agencies, and the worship services. A panel of delegates to General Conference provided information so that everyone would have a clear understanding of the historic conference this spring.

One notable event was a vote on a Reaffiliation Agreement which provides a framework for churches that disaffiliated to rejoin the UMC. Laity and clergy from several churches that went through the disaffiliation process shared that the people that remained United Methodists are doing amazing work, even with fewer numbers of people. They are growing by baptizing and taking in new members, doing new ministries, and overcoming the hurt and anguish of broken relationships. God's work has not stopped, even during trial and tribulation. 

We were also made aware that disaffiliation has had a dramatic impact on the finances of the UMC and the Arkansas Conference. With fewer churches and fewer people, there is less money to do God's work. Jobs and salaries in the Arkansas Conference have been cut, leaving fewer clergy and staff to continue the ministries and missions we all cherish and want to see continued. There is still much to do, and it is up to us to do it.  

Friends, United Methodists are not gone, not finished, and not going away. There is still much to do to heal the wounds of disaffiliation, but based on what I saw and heard, I believe the scars are already fading and new growth and vitality are evident. For more information about the Arkansas Annual Conference, you can visit arumc.org. This is a wonderful resource to get information about what the Church outside of PHUMC is doing. "Finding Home," where all can worship, serve, and be the people God would have us be, is what we as United Methodists must do.  

Thank you for allowing me to serve as a lay member to the Arkansas Annual Conference. 

On Thursday, July 4th, PHUMC will again be the proud co-sponsor of the Quapaw Brass Quintet for the annual Hillcrest Merchants Association’s Ice Cream Social Plus!  The concert is from 6:00-7:15 pm at the Crest Park (the wooded area in front of Kroger). Kavanaugh will be closed from Beechwood to Palm. All drinks, ice cream and other treats will be free. Covered seating will be available on the street, or you can bring a chair. There will also be children’s activities. Other businesses along Kavanaugh will be offering sales, music, and snacks throughout the evening.

For those who wish to park at the church, the PHUMC van will be available at the Woodlawn entrance for transportation. The van will leave at 5:30 pm and return for pickup at Palm and Kavanaugh at 7:30 pm. We hope to see you all there!

Youth Worship Camp is a day camp on August 6th-8th for incoming 8th-12th grade students who have a heart and a gift for music, audio/visual technology, and/or worship leading. Students will spend three days growing in their discipleship, bonding in community, and receiving hands-on training in music, A/V, and worship leadership. No experience required! Go to phumc.com/worship-camp to sign up! Questions? Contact Brooke Sanchez-Hobbs at bhobbs@phumc.com or 501-664-3600!

Young and Young-ish adults, join us for our next Young Adult Ministry gathering of the summer! We'll meet at the church for a pickleball party! You can see the full Summer schedule and sign up for text and email updates at phumc.com/yam. Questions? Contact Brooke Sanchez-Hobbs at bhobbs@phumc.com or 501-664-3600!

Donuts are taking a break this summer, but don't worry! You can take Dale the Donut with you on your summer adventures! Pick up a Dale the Donut cutout outside of Wesley Hall or at the Welcome Desk, bring him with you on your adventures, take some photos with him, and tag the church on social media. You can also email your photos to Emily Stotts at estotts@phumc.com!

Summer Book Club with Pastor Kathleen will continue July 2 with I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. Read or listen on your own, and we will discuss it at our first book club on July 2nd. Don't have time to read and still want some fellowship? You are also welcome to join! Questions? Contact Rev. McMurray at kmcmurray@phumc.com or 501-664-3600.

This summer we are ministry partners with Project Transformation at St. Luke UMC-Pine Bluff. We are reading with students on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer. We still need adults for July 16.

If you are interested in signing up go to phumc.com/pt! Questions? Contact Rev. Ellen Rowland at erowland@phumc.com or Rev. Katye Chambers at kchambers@phumc.com.