The Rev. Dede Roberts, director of the Arkansas Conference Center for Clergy and Laity Excellence in Leadership (CCLEL), has announced a new name for the Center she leads. It will now be known as the Arkansas Conference Center for Vitality.

“With our Conference emphasis on creating vital congregations, we felt it was time to bring the

Center’s name into alignment with our overall trajectory,” Roberts said. “Between now and Annual Conference, we will be rolling out a new ministry plan with a focus on Next Steps 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the Bishop’s Mission Plan.”

The Next Steps related to the Center for Vitality’s new ministry plan are 1) Experience Spiritual Revival, 5) Look Like the Neighborhood, 6) Grow by “1” (at least one new adult profession of faith, at least one more person in worship, at least one additional small group and at least one more ministry that reaches into the mission field), 7) Unleash Lay Leadership in Ministry and 8) Grow Excellent and Passionate Clergy. For additional information on the Bishop’s Mission Plan, visit www.arumc.org/missionplan.

The Center for Vitality shift will include staffing changes as well.

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Volume 39 - Issue 4 April 2015

onnectionST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

onnectiononnectiononnectionCThe

Center for Vitality: new name, new staffing for CCLEL

St. James UMC is excited to announce that Rev. Randy Ludwig, will join us on July 1 as our new Executive Pastor. Ludwig, a Full Elder in the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is a native of the Mountain Home area and has served as Associate/Executive Pastor of First United Methodist Church since 2003.

After graduating from Mountain Home High School in 1981, Randy went on to earn two agricultural degrees from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, a B. S. in Agricultural Engineering in 1986, followed by a Masters Degree in Agricultural Education in 1990. Before experiencing a Call to Ministry, Randy taught Agri Mechanics at Arkansas Tech University’s Ozark campus, and was a small business owner, founding a residential construction company in 1996.

After entering ministry, Randy (a lifelong Methodist who grew up in First United Methodist Church of Bull Shoals, Arkansas) worked toward and earned his M. Div. from Memphis Theological Seminary in 2006.

During his 13 year appointment to FUMC Mountain Home Randy launched a contemporary worship service in 2005, which has grown to an average of 350 in weekly worship under his leadership, making it one of the largest contemporary services among Arkansas

United Methodist churches. Another of Rev. Ludwig’s passions is local missions. In 2004

he and his wife Michelle were instrumental in establishing a non-profit organization, “Christian Family Home Builders,” a company that builds or remodels homes for deserving families living through extraordinary circumstances, and in the past year helped oversee the building of a 2400 square foot warehouse and distribution center to house FUMC’s growing backpack and summer feeding programs.

In 2010 Randy was instrumental during the capital campaign phase and all building phases of an 18,000 square foot multipurpose facility, the UMAC (United Methodist Activities Center).

Rev. Ludwig values the Wesleyan understanding of grace and is passionate about both the revitalization of the mainline church and engaging the community and the world through Christian mission.

Randy is married to Michelle, who teaches Chemistry and Physics at Mountain Home High School. Together they have six children, of whom one, Bradley (14) is still home. Bradley is becoming an accomplished Junior Golfer, and Randy and Michelle have enjoyed watching him play golf tournaments throughout the southeast United States. Randy’s hobbies include golfing, fishing, and organic farming, and he and Michelle enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren.

Rev. Randy Ludwig appointed as St. James’ Executive Pastor

NEWS FROM THE ARKANSAS CONFERENCE

(continued on page 2)

Page 2 April 2015 Connection

St. James NewsCENTER OF VITALITY(continued from front page)Bishop Gary Mueller has appointed the Rev. Dr. Blake Bradford the Center’s assistant director for clergy development, effective July 1, 2015. The new position is focused specifically on Next Step 8 of the Bishop’s Mission Plan—honing the basic competencies clergy need to help churches become more vital and engage their mission fields in meaningful ways.

“Blake’s experience in pastoral leadership and administration, as well as his work on the Board of Ordained Ministry, make him uniquely qualified for this new position,” Roberts said.

Bradford’s work will focus on nurturing spiritual leaders in the areas of personal discipleship, preaching, evangelism, mission-field engagement, stewardship and equipping laity for ministry—all hallmarks of vital congregations as laid forth in the Mission Plan.

A Little Rock native, Bradford entered the life of the church as a young adult, and was baptized at Highland Valley UMC Little Rock while a college student. After graduating from Hendrix College in Conway, he studied in England at Oxford University’s Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. For his first Master’s degree, he studied Medieval and Reformation theology with a focus on sacramental theology at Vanderbilt University. He then earned his Master of Divinity degree at Iliff School of Theology in Denver.

He also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in parish leadership from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, where his doctoral project, “Passing the Mantle,” studied the use of peer group learning and continuing education in pastoral formation.

Bradford has served in churches and mission field contexts of different sizes. His most recent appointment has been as executive pastor of St. James UMC Little Rock, where he works with clergy, staff and lay leadership to align and coordinate the congregation’s ministries. He has spent several years on the executive committee of the Arkansas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, organizing the new Residency Program for those seeking ordination, and on the faculty for the Arkansas Course of Study School. He and his wife, Kerri, have two children, Gabi and Micah.

~ Reprinted with permission of the Arkansas United Methodist, where this article originally appeared. To subscribe in print or online, visit www.arumc.org/aum.

66 dresses! The Esther Circle delivered 66 dresses plus shoes, purses and jewelry to Central High School on Friday, March 13 as part of their first annual Queen Esther’s Closet project. The dresses were donated by members and friends of St. James. Tide Cleaners of Little Rock and Oak Forest Cleaners of Little Rock generously donated cleaning services. Pam Langston, counselor at Central HS and member of the Esther Circle is spearheading the project from within Central to identify girls in need that will be matched with a free dress for their upcoming prom. Nancy Rousseau, LR Central HS principal was thrilled with the project and thankful to everyone for all their efforts on behalf of Central HS students. The Esther Circle is hoping to expand this ministry by this time next year to include Parkview HS. A big thank you to everyone who participated!

Pictured left to right: Lesley Cooper, Pam Langston, Kathy Curtis, Nancy Rousseau and DeVonda Byrd

Esther UMW Circle collects

prom dresses for high school

Community of Hope Chaplain CommissioningOn March 28th, twelve people were commissioned as Community of Hope Lay Chaplains.St James UMC is proud to be a regional training center for Community of Hope and will

begin a new class in September.The class size is limited to twelve people, if interested in attending please contact Jenny

Smith, Director of Congregational Care, at 217-6756 or jenny@stjames-umc.org.

BACK ROW: Charlie Owen, Betsy McClendon, Richard Poole, Susan Pack, Craig WilliamsFRONT ROW: Sandra Perkins, June Owens, Daphne Terry, Cindy Gunther, Deborah Woods, Diana Ragsdale, Tracy DePue and Jenny Smith-facilitator

Wear red Pentecost Sunday - May 24!

April 2015 Connection Page 3

MissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissionsMissions

April 2015 is a special month at St. James! This year our church celebrates 30 years of service through the Stone Soup Ministry. Stone Soup began under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John Miles who helped to foster a partnership with Quapaw United Methodist Church. There was a need to feed the working poor and homeless people in that area, and Quapaw had the space in their facility to make this program work.

St. James has been the sole financial supporter of this ministry since its inception. Our servant leaders work with volunteers from other United Methodist churches in the Little Rock area. Every Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm, there is a meal served to approximately 130 people. St. James participates largely on the 4th Sunday of the month, however other groups from our church participate on different weeks.

On Tuesday, April 7, Quapaw UMC hosted an anniversary celebration for fellowship, inviting all the volunteers to a delicious meal. DK and Rosemary Robinson have been involved in Stone Soup for over 10 years and attended the celebration. During their tenure, they helped to organize and lead our St. James group. Recently, Tina Nichols along with the Paiirs Sunday School class has taken over leadership for the week that St. James hosts.

If you would like more information regarding this local mission opportunity or others at St. James, please contact Brenda Weeks, Director of Missions & Outreach, at 217-6722 or brenda@stjames-umc.org.

Stone Soup celebrates 30 years of service

Pictured left to right: DK Robinson, Rosemary Robinson, Jan Fairman, Becky Owens, Emily Richesin, and Rooney Chu.

This spring St. James Middle School has teamed up with the Arkansas Hunger Alliance and the Society of St. Andrews to help in one of their community gardens. We have spent time during spring break and Sunday night youth planting potatoes. This has been a wonderful experience for our young people, allowing them the opportunity to reconnect with the earth and be reminded where our food really comes from.

St. James youth has worked with these organizations on gleaning projects since 2008 and we look forward to gleaning again in the coming months! Gleaning is the biblical practice of hand-gathering crops left after harvest. The Alliance and SoSA volunteers glean fields and orchards donated by growers. The produce is then given to food banks, local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that feed or distribute food to their neighbors in need. The Alliance and its members serve over 900 hunger relief organizations in all 75 Arkansas counties. The cost of operating the Arkansas Gleaning Project averages less than 3 cents per pound of produce, and there is never a charge to the feeding agency or relief organization.

Since the project began in May 2008, the Arkansas Gleaning project has gathered almost 5 million pounds of fresh produce. Because of the generosity of farmers and volunteers, Arkansans in need have healthy, nutritious items like fresh corn, cabbage, squash, sweet potatoes, watermelon and tomatoes that might otherwise not be available to them. And thanks to a grant from the Arkansas Agricultural Department, the Alliance is now providing printed nutrition information sheets with storage requirements, cooking recommendations and recipes to those who receive gleaned produce.

~ Liz Robinson, Associate Director of Youth Ministries

Middle School helps with community gardens

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Holy Week

April 2015 Connection Page 5

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Announcements

Annual Ministry Fund February 2015

Giving $219,785 $447,813 Expenses $227,406 $479,417

financial footnote

www.StJamesLR.org/giving

CUSTODIAL POSITION AVAILABLE: Part-time employment opportunity available for a trustworthy and diligent individual to work days, evenings and/or some weekends. Responsibilities include cleaning duties, maintenance, repairs, and room set-ups for events and activities. Resume and references should be sent to Gayle Bohannon, Church Administrator, at 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212 or emailed to gayle@stjames-umc.org.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN INVITE YOU TO A SPECIAL EVENING: Join the UMW in a special night for the women of St. James and their friends. On Tuesday, April 28 we welcome Dianne Wilkinson to St. James. Dianne is a Christian teacher and speaker from Benton, Louisiana. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. in Jones Hall. In addition to learning about “Spring Cleaning” we will have refreshments and lots of laughter. Childcare will be provided. This event is sponsored by the United Methodist Women. For more information contact Bennie Fambrough at benn21@comcast.net.

ST. JAMES GOLF CLASSIC: Save the date of Saturday, June 20, for the annual St. James Golf Classic at the Burns Park golf course. Registration is now available at St. James Online.

April 2015 Connection Page 7

AnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncements “From early childhood my favorite

form of entertainment was drawing. Paper, pencils and subject matter were always available. My grandfather had canaries, parakeets and a small parrot that were entertaining; that was the beginning of my love affair with birds. The gardens of my memories are filled with the aroma of spring blooms. Mama’s time-worn hands carefully tending her flowers, and asking me if I wanted to “pick a few.” She knew I had already stashed more than a few but after all, what are flowers for. My appreciation of nature has greatly influenced my paintings. The simple things in life are the gifts we so often take for granted. Through art, I hope to evoke the vision of a world in harmony with nature.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Judy has long been one of Arkansas’ leading artists. Her paintings have won numerous awards in national and regional juried shows. She is a signature member of Mid-Southern Watercolor Society and was elected as a member of New York’s Catharine Lorillard

Wolfe Art Club. She has exhibited in several other states where she has won awards. She has been represented by major galleries in Arkansas, Texas, and several other states and has paintings in international collections.

She has taught art classes at Life Quest several times.Her work has been selected for many private and corporate collections

including restored antebellum homes of the National Historical Society.Judy and her husband, Woody, have been members of St. James since

2013 and now live in Little Rock. Visit Judy’s website at www.judylynchsmithey.com or contact her at

501-868-8083.If any church member would like to display their artwork in the St.

James Art Gallery, you may submit photos of your artwork for review to Bill Burgin, Visual Art Coordinator, at burgistew@att.net.

Artist Judy Lynch Smithey displays her artwork this month

PERIODICALS

4/20/2015 Volume 39 - Issue 4 The Connection (USPS 015-584) is published monthly by

St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212-3199.

Editor: Debbie Kelly (501) 217-6700. Periodicals Postage is PAID at Little Rock, AR. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Connection,

321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212-3199.

Join Us...

321 Pleasant Valley DriveLittle Rock, AR 72212

(501) 217-6700

Saturday 5:30 Casual Worship (Cokesbury) in Sanctuary

Sunday 8:30 Traditional Worship (Weekly Communion) in Sanctuary 9:30 The Journey (Contemporary) in Worship Center10:55 Traditional Worship in Sanctuary10:55 Vertical Event (Contemporary) in Worship Center

321 Pleasant Valley Drive

Join us by supporting the St. James Endowment Fund by gifting $1 for each year of your age on the first Sunday of your birthday month!

The mission of the St. James UMC Endowment Fund is to endow and support in the maintenance, welfare, and improvement of the buildings, property, and ministries of the church with the interest earned from a protected capital fund. Your gift will help grow the principal in the Fund. For more information on the Endowment Fund or if you would like to consider naming the St. James Endowment Fund in your will or trust, please contact the Endowment Committee at endowment@stjames-umc.org.

to the following people:

The St. James Endowment Committeewishes Happy Birthday!

Commemorative Gifts,March 2015

Ida Joy Jones

February belated Birthdays

• In memory of Ada Albright by Sally & Keith Riggs, Jean & Stanley McNulty.• In memory of M’Lou Giese by Ann Patterson.• In memory of Michael Holtoff by Ann Holtoff.To the Alter Guild for Kneeler Maintenance:• In honor of Judy Rhodes by James & Joyce Faulkner. To the Guatemala Mission Fund:• In honor of Rev. Claire Caldwell by Sarah Owens.To the Music Ministry:• In honor of Emily & Raydodd Hester by Sharon & Joe Hester.To Our House Ministry:• In honor of Patterson Rae Hester by Sharon & Joe Hester.To the Endowment Fund:• In memory of Stephen Hall by Donna & John Wyrick & New Challenges Sunday School Class.• In memory of Carl Mueller by Joyce Peck.• In honor of Mac & Liz Faulkner’s 50th Wedding Anniversary by Margaret Garrett.To the Thompson Scholarship Fund:• In memory of Barbara Denton, Stephen Hall & Jim & Sarah “Poodles” Gannaway by Martha Lynn & Felix Thompson.

A complete list of all 2015 Commemoratives can be found on the St. James website at

stjames-umc.org/memorials

Helena AkersMargaret Garrett

Susan HealdAnne Martin

Jane SherrodChris Stratton

March Birthdays