Bishop Calls Special Session

In accordance with ¶ 603.5 of the 2020–2024 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, and with the concurrence of three-fourths of the district superintendents, Bishop David Graves calls a Special Session of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference to convene virtually on November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The business before this Special Session shall be limited to the following:

To elect the District Lay Leaders of the Northwestern, Southwestern, and Eastern districts, in accordance with ¶ 660.2.
To elect the clergy and lay members of the District Committees on Ordained Ministry for the Northwestern, Southwestern, and Eastern districts, in accordance with ¶ 666.1.
To elect the District Boards of Church Location and Building for the Northwestern, Southwestern, and Eastern districts, in accordance with ¶ 2519.
To elect the Committees on District Superintendency for the Northwestern, Southwestern, and Eastern districts, in accordance with ¶ 669.2.
To elect the members of the Conference Committee on Strengthening the Black Church, as authorized by action of the 2026 Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference.
To elect members of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Board of Laity, in accordance with ¶630.
To consider a proposed change to the wording of standing rule 5.1 of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Standing Rules, to add the words “or the Bishop’s designee” immediately after the word “Bishop.”

¶ 602.5 of the 2020–2024 Book of Discipline reminds us that the lay member or alternate, last seated in the regular session of the 2026 Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference, shall be seated in the special session of the annual conference. In case of death, serious illness, or cessation of membership, another lay member may be elected by the charge conference.*

No business other than that stated above shall be considered, except such procedural matters as are necessary to accomplish the purposes for which this Special Session has been called.

* If the alternate or newly elected lay member will take the place of the elected lay member of the annual conference, please contact your district office to ensure that the proper person receives a voting code and future communications.

Learn more here

Making Space for Everyone at Munford

When Munford High School Theatre lost its performance space less than two weeks before their winter musical, Munford First United Methodist Church opened its doors. Rev. Will Clark and the congregation welcomed students, props, and audiences into an unused worship space. Members with no prior connection to the program began stopping by to help, to cheer, and to attend.

What began as an emergency solution has since grown into a standing agreement, with Munford FUMC committing to host performances in the year ahead. It is a living witness to what it means to offer the love of Christ to the community.

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Crievewood UMC Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Seventy years ago, seventy-five people gathered in a Nashville home, pooled $54, and began what would become Crievewood United Methodist Church. On September 27, the congregation marked that milestone with a Homecoming and Seventieth Anniversary Celebration—worshiping together, sharing a meal, and honoring the people and ministries that have shaped the community across seven decades.

Both of the congregation's remaining charter members were in attendance alongside current and former pastors. Looking to the future, the congregation shared a vision that includes facility improvements and the construction of a library in Ghana.

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Tennessee Ridge Charge Churches Participate in County-Wide "Back to School Bash"

Tennessee Ridge Charge Churches - Long Branch UMC, McKinnon UMC, Stewart UMC, and Tennessee Ridge UMC - participated in a county-wide "Back to School Bash" mission outreach project. Together, they distributed 250 hand sanitizers and 250 hard-surface disinfecting wipes for children in their community. This effort provided a helping hand for those in need within Houston County.

Webinar: Voting, Voice, and Democracy

Join the General Board of Church and Society on October 1 and 2 for a timely two-part webinar series exploring what is at stake for voting rights, representation, and the future of American democracy. Learn more here.

Duke Divinity Study Leave for Ministry Professionals | Spring 2027 Sessions

Registration Opens October 1st

Find time to read, reflect, research, or just relax with Study Leave for Ministry Professionals. Over the span of five to seven days, participants immerse themselves in learning and renewal through self-directed study, worship, and prayer on the campus of Duke University.

Designed for Christian institutional leaders, pastors, program staff, or laity. We Invite you to come to Duke Divinity School to take advantage of all this unique program has to offer.| 407 Chapel Drive Durham North Carolina 27708 US

For more information on pricing, registration, and accommodations visit the Study Leave website https://divinity.duke.edu/programs/study-leave or contact us at events@div.duke.edu.

2026 Reelfoot Rural Ministries Christmas Toy Store

Reelfoot Rural Ministries is bringing joy and hope to children in our community by organizing a toy drive. They will be accepting toys now through December 4th. Suggested toy donations include; infant toys, bicycles, sports equipment, arts and crafts, hair and beauty care, gaming chairs, gift cards for Walmart and Amazon, musical instruments, RC cars and Hot Wheel tracks, and Electronics (headphones, tablets, phones, speakers). Toy donations can be dropped off at the Reelfoot Rural Ministries main office at 6923 Minnick Elbridge Rd. Obion, TN 38240.

For more information, call (731) 538-9970

Gather Together at the Green Hill Farm

Join us on Saturday October 17 for our annual Green Hill Farm event at the Varden organic farm. It will feature farm walks, a devotional service, crafts and more. The event is scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm at 257 Taylor Road, Fulton, KY. A $10 donation is suggested to help cover lunch costs. Please RSVP to daniel.joranko@twkumc.org

TWK COSROW provides free access to Do No Harm virtual gathering

This November 12-14, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women invites the whole connection to Do No Harm -- a virtual conference equipping individuals and the Church to prevent sexual harm and foster trauma-informed care.

Thanks to the generous support of the TWK Commission on the Status and Role of Women, ALL TWK clergy and laity attending the Do No Harm gathering for professional development may attend at no cost. Email cosrow@twkumc.org for more information on attending as part of TWK's group access.

From Diversity to Belonging: A Conversation on Multiethnic Ministry

Woodbine UMC invites clergy and lay leaders from across the TWK Conference to join us for a special conversation on multiethnic ministry. Our guest, Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz, will share from his experience planting and leading The Nett, including the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned in developing a multiethnic congregation. This gathering will include storytelling, practical learning, interactive conversation, and opportunities for participants to reflect on their own ministry contexts. Register here

Grant Opportunities

UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program

Through a new pilot program led by Global Ministries Environmental Sustainability and UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response, churches who offer community-based services can now learn how to implement solar and/or battery storage so they can stay open when a disaster or power outage disrupts their normal operations. Accepted churches will receive comprehensive guidance in using these technologies, and some may be eligible for grants to purchase solar and battery systems. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Churches Can “Welcome the Stranger” with an UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant
Local churches can help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their communities through UMCOR’s Mustard Seed Migration Grant program. Awarded grants fund up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project. Apply by Nov. 15. Learn more and apply.

Scholarships Available for The Wonder Summit | November 4-6

The TWK Children's Ministry Team has a limited number of scholarships available, up to the amount of $438, to help pastors, children's ministers or lay people attend The Wonder Summit to explore new ways to engage children in congregational worship and prayer. Fill out this form to request scholarship assistance. Questions? Contact children@twkumc.org

The Wonder Summit is a joy-filled, thoughtfully United Methodist gathering for pastors, worship leaders, children’s ministry leaders, lay leaders, parents, and anyone who cares about the faith formation of children in our congregations. This conference is hosted in partnership with United Methodists from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction to make space to come together to imagine, practice, and reflect on meaningful ways to engage children as active participants in congregational worship and prayer. For more details and to register go to https://www.thewondersummit.org.

The deadline to register for The Wonder Summit is October 15, 2026.

Lakeshore Jr/Sr High Retreat | November 6-8

This November retreat is designed to get junior and senior high youth out of the typical routine and into God’s creation. We hope to challenge not only every student, but the youth group as a whole. Our goal is for each person in attendance to deepen their relationships with God, learn more about others in their youth group, and build bridges to other faith communities across the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference. Learn more here.

Discern Your Call at Exploration 2026

EXPLORATION 2026, November 6-8 in Orlando

Are you exploring a call to ministry, service, or leadership? EXPLORATION 2026 is a transformative weekend for adults ages 18 and older to discern God's call in community. Through worship, workshops, and conversations with clergy, missionaries, chaplains, and lay leaders, participants will explore a variety of ministry pathways while building meaningful connections with peers on a similar journey. Click here to register.