Dear Central Family:

On Sunday, September 11, the Church Council voted 18-5 to enter a Discernment Process lasting a minimum of 90 days that could lead to disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church.  The Church Council previously voted to do so in August but due to technical issues with the wording of the approved motion, the Council was asked to re-vote.  On Tuesday, September 13, documentation including meeting minutes was submitted to the NW District Superintendent, Dr. Blake Bradford, requesting certification. Late last week, the church leadership was notified that certification had been approved by the District Superintendent and Appointive Cabinet of the Arkansas Conference. 

The Church Council unanimously approved a Discernment Plan at their meeting on September 11.  This plan, which outlines the full process of discernment for the church, has been submitted to the District Superintendent for consideration and certification. Once approval is received on the Discernment Plan, the church will be sending a letter to all church households that provides details on the process that will be unfolding in the months ahead, including dates for all three listening sessions. We will also be placing additional information on the church website Discernment Process landing page, so please be checking that page regularly.

Late last week, Arkansas Conference UMC Bishop Gary Mueller announced his retirement effective January 1, 2023.  Bishop Mueller has served faithfully as the Arkansas Bishop since his election to the episcopacy in the summer of 2012.  You may read more about his retirement here.  The election of new bishops is slated for early November 2022 at which time the Arkansas Conference will learn who our new bishop will be. Please be in prayer for Bishop Mueller as he begins this new season of life, and continue to be in prayer for our church as we go through this process.  

Together on the Journey,

Rev. Carness Vaughan
Senior Pastor