During this season, when some find themselves without a church home due to closure or disaffiliation, there are congregations that will be making a special commitment to be a place of hospitality and a haven of hope. You might have heard of the "Lighthouse Network" of churches that the North Carolina Conference has recently developed. That ministry is being adapted to fit the context of the Arkansas conference. At the April 2023 meeting of the Council of Bishops, the following statement was released...“As the larger United Methodist Church, we cannot be a traditional church only or a progressive church only or a centrist [church]. Our churches must be more than echo chambers made in our own image, arguing with one another while neglecting our central purpose. Instead, we must be one people, rooted in scripture, centered in Christ, serving in love, and united in the essentials of our faith.” We are excited about being a Beacon Church. Our desire is to continue being a church where ALL are welcome to experience Christ and to be a part of Christ's church through our Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. Please contact Pastor Brad if you have any questions or would like to learn more about what it means to be a Beacon Church.