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October 08, 2026

Welcome to The Connector, TWK's new story-driven monthly publication. With your help, we will highlight stories about church and conference ministries from across TWK each month.

What could other congregations learn from yours? How are the Discipleship Priorities reflected in a ministry or an individual at your church? What stories of transformation would you like to share? Please submit articles, photos, and videos from your church. We want to share your stories!

For items more closely related to your district, such as information and promotions for in-person church events, fundraisers, registrations, etc., district webpages and newsletters are now available.

Churches all across the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference celebrated World Communion Sunday on October 4. Click the link below to read stories about how churches came together to honor the sacraments and celebrate diversity!

Edgehill UMC and Seay-Hubbard UMC

This World Communion Sunday, members of the historically black Seay-Hubbard UMC and historically integrated Edgehill UMC worshiped together in a celebration of the diversity and unity of the Body of Christ in Seay-Hubbard’s sanctuary.

Reflecting on the day, Edgehill member Patrick Camacho said, “As a person of color, there are moments when you become especially aware of whether a space feels inclusive and authentic, and this service at Seay-Hubbard genuinely did.” He added, “It was a beautiful reminder that our differences are not barriers but gifts that enrich the body of Christ.”

Springfield UMC

On World Communion Sunday, as is Springfield UMC's tradition, the congregation combined services to worship as one. And Springfield's youth led in every aspect.

This year, Springfield First UMC has focused in various ways on how to "Be the Church" - employing opportunities to learn, to serve, and to cultivate spiritual gifts which emphasize that we're the hands and feet of Christ. But with recent leadership transitions for children and youth, along with transitions within that segment of the congregation, it became clear that the younger disciples were yearning to demonstrate that they are the Church by leading worship.

See photos and read these World Communion Sunday stories!

Celebrating Neighbors at The Well

With over 5,000 square feet planned to be built, Morton Memorial UMC has broken ground on their new building called The Well, named after the numerous biblical stories and references to life-giving water. The new missions building will be home to Morton Memorial's food ministry, which serves approximately two tons of food to over 200 families in their community every month.

The new facility will provide a safer and more welcoming space where neighbors can select food in a shopping environment.

Read the full story

Creating Spaces of Genuine Belonging in Worship

On September 26, the Conference Committee on LGBTQ+ Inclusion hosted “Widening the Table,” a four-hour online workshop on inclusive and trauma-informed worship.

More than 40 participants from across the United States — and as far away as Canada, Germany, and the Philippines — gathered to explore the difference between welcome and belonging.

Read the full story

Support and Advocacy through Prison Ministries

Churches and clergy across the TWK have been engaged in prison ministry for many years, offering Christ’s love, hope, and support to people who are incarcerated and those returning to their communities. In light of recent news and renewed attention to issues surrounding incarceration and the death penalty, we want to highlight how United Methodists are engaged in prison ministry and share an upcoming national learning opportunity.

Showing God's Love in Action | 25 Years of Prison Ministry

For 25 years, Christ UMC has shared the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with those in and those recently released from prison. Started by two congregation members, this ministry has grown and now partners with West End UMC and other churches within our connection.

Watch the video story, Prison ministry serves, supports for 25 years, to learn more about this ministry.

If you want to start a similar prison ministry at an institution near your church (or become involved with this ministry), please contact Stacey Killian Hagewood at shagewood@gmail.com to learn more about what is involved and the next steps.

Statement from TWK Board of Church and Society

On October 1, the TWK Board of Church and Society released a statement regarding the failed execution of Christa Pike. The statement reflects the witness of The United Methodist Church and its opposition to capital punishment.

Opinion | Tim Holton-Overcast, Death Row Chaplain

Rev. Timothy Holton-Overcast serves as a chaplain to people incarcerated on Tennessee’s death row. He has advocated for change over several decades from a unique personal perspective on the death penalty.

Read his Opinion Editorial from The Tennessean to learn more: Maybe Tennessee doesn't need a better way to execute people

2026 National Summit on Mass Incarceration and Social Justice

#BeTheHOPE: Building Beloved Community is a 2 1/2 day summit designed to equip clergy and community with the tools to restore lives and transform communities. Explore faith-based responses to mass incarceration and reentry, restorative justice and healing communities, advocacy and public witness, ministry models that can be replicated in local churches, economic empowerment and what second chances really look like, interfaith collaborations for justice and transformation, and more.

Learn more and register at National Summit on Mass Incarceration and Social Justice

Conference Job Openings

Apply by

Oct
30

Southwestern District Administrator

The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a District Administrator to provide high-level administrative and operational support for the TWKUMC Southwestern District.

As a member of the District Leadership Team, the District Administrator provides administrative leadership and coordination, working closely with the District Superintendent, Associates to the District Superintendent (A2Ds), clergy, laity, local churches, and Conference staff. Two District Administrators support the district, and this vacancy fills one of those positions. Position location: Southwestern District

Full Job Description

Apply by

Nov
15

Communications-Annual Conference Internship

Spring 2027 opportunity for a college student to be part of the Communications and Annual Conference planning teams in a hybrid working environment, with some hours spent in person at the conference office. Preference for an intern who can also fulfill responsibilities during the annual conference event in Brentwood, TN, June 13-16, 2027. Position location: Nashville

Full Job Description