Fourteen pastors, chaplains and Commissioned Ruling Elders, either new to the presbytery or now in new positions, were honored at a welcome event on October 29 at the Little Rock office. The emphasis was on hospitality through fellowship/sharing/food, informing through presentations on the unique ministry features in the presbytery and connecting across regions, church size, committee service and more. Members of the Resource Center Advisory Board, led by moderator Rev. Carol Clark, hosted the event which was funded by Mission of the Church ministry area, led by Rev. Gordon Garlington.

Attending the Welcoming/Connecting event hosted by the Resource Center’s Advisory Board at presbytery office on October 29 were: (seated) Commissioned Ruling Elder for Pastoral Care Susie Wright, Westminster, Hot Springs; CRE Mary Shaw, Elkins Federated Church; Rev. Stacey Hammons, Chaplain at Presbyterian Village, Little Rock. (Standing) Rev. Brad Rito, Holiday Island Presbyterian; Rev. Jen Evans, associate pastor, Second, Little Rick; Rev. Ainsley Herrick, First, Morrilton; Rev. Blake Brinegar, First, Yellville; CRE Ed Wilkinson, Good Shepherd, Greenwood; CRE David Clark, First, Heber Springs; Rev. Steven Kurtz, Central, Ft. Smith; Rev. Matt Bussell, First, Jonesboro; Rev. Alisa Secrest, associate, Second, Little Rock. Not pictured are Pulpit Supply Stephen Moody, First, Little Rock and Transitional Pastor-elect Rev. Kris Crawford, Westover Hills, Little Rock.

General Presbyter Stewart Smith welcomed all and started staff introductions with new Administrator Kim Palmer and by video conference, Stated Clerk Leslie Belden and Presbytery Developer of Ministries to, for and with Young People Brianne Christiansen plus his own words of wisdom. Brief talks were given by Rob Owens on Honduras mission, Joel Gill on Ferncliff Camp, Michala Gallup on counseling services through Wellspring Renewal Center, and Julie Price on Presbytery Resource Center. Board members served lunch and homemade desserts before Office Volunteer/Recording Clerk NiAnn Thompson led interactive sharing to identify connections participants could make. Parting gifts closed the four-hour event.