Argenta UMC

Move to Facebook

2011-05-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

From this time forward, we will only be using Facebook. Join us here.

The Compassion Center

2011-04-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Today we volunteered to paint the women's shelter of The Compassion Center. We also donated around100 bags of items for the homeless that we collected over the past month. Special thanks to Shannon Shadman for organizing.

Broadway Bridge Project

2011-04-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight we served dinner to our local homeless population under the Broadway Bridge. Special thanks to Mike McGowan, Susan Kincannon, and Mason Griffin for preparing the meal.

CARTI Ragin' Cajun

2011-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight we volunteered to serve tables at this wonderful event. Good times, good cause.

Avery's Aviators

2011-04-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Our very own Avery Sanders, who was born prematurely, sponsors a March of Dimes team. In support of that team Chic-fil-a donated 10% of tonight's proceeds. Thanks to everyone who enjoyed good food for this cause.

Tithe

2011-03-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial contributions to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we shared $950 with the Arkansas Conference of the UMC to support our United Methodist universities.

Broadway Bridge Project

2011-03-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight we partnered with the Broadway Bridge Project to serve dinner to our local homeless population. Special thanks to all of those who helped organize, prepare, and serve.

Book Discussion

2011-03-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight we concluded our book discussion of Christopher Jencks, "The Homeless." Special thanks to Cregeen's Irish Pub for hosting our conversations.

Tithe

2011-02-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Each month we tithe our financial contributions to an organization outside of our selves. This month we shared $500 with the Rice Depot Food for Kids program at Indian Hills Elementary in North Little Rock.

Norah Page Choate

2011-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had the privilege of celebrating the baptism of Norah Page Choate, the daughter of Audra & Will Choate.

Hudson Blake Wilson

2011-02-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had the privilege of celebrating the baptism of Hudson Wilson, the son of Courtney & Matt Wilson.

Basketball Highlights (week 5)

2011-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Basketball Highlights (Week 5) from Will Choate on Vimeo.

Opening Night @ ACT

2011-02-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight we held our first worship gathering at Argenta Community Theater. It was a tremendous success, and gave us a wonderful glimpse into our future.

Resolution to Bless: Homelessness

2011-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Today we prepared & served lunch at the Canvas Community Warming Center. Special thanks to Dianne Hocut, Mike McGowan, Dennis Green, Sara Benfer, and Barrett Rogers for organizing, preparing, and serving.

Basketball Highlights (Week 4)

2011-02-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Basketball Highlights (Week 4) from Will Choate on Vimeo.

Gardner Memorial UMC's Food Pantry

2011-02-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

As a way to help alleviate hunger in NLR, today we contributed around 100 boxes of cereal & crackers to this wonderful ministry down the street. Thanks to all of those who donated at our bowling event.

Super Bowling

2011-02-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

Today we gathered at Millennium Bowl in Maumelle for lunch, bowling, and to collect cereal & crackers for Gardner Memorial UMC's food pantry. All three were a success.

Basketball Highlights (Week 3)

2011-01-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

Basketball Highlights (Week 3) from Will Choate on Vimeo.

Tithe

2011-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Each month we tithe our financial contributions to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we shared $900 with the Central District of the Arkansas United Methodist Church. Even though we're not required to pay our district apportionments (supports cooperative ministries with other UMC's in the area) because we're a new church, this donation would have paid them in full.

Thy Creatures Bless

2011-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Hebrews 8:6-13

This Sunday we are continuing our exploration of what it means to both be, and become, blessing. In particular we will be focusing on how God exemplified this understanding of blessing through Jesus Christ.

Basketball Highlights (Week 2)

2011-01-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Appreciation Dinner

2011-01-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight we gathered at American Pie Pizza to show our appreciation for James Wilson & Kenda Garrett's military service. They both safely returned home this weekend from the Middle East.

Basketball Highlights (Week 1)

2011-01-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Week 1 Highlights from Will Choate on Vimeo.

Serving Lunch

2011-01-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Today we served lunch to those gathered at the homeless warming station. Special thanks to Susan & Jim Kincannon for preparing chili & cornbread, and Barrett Rogers for helping serve.

Homeless

2011-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight we collected winter items for our local homeless population and distributed them at fellow UMC new church Canvas Community, which has transformed their facility into a homeless warming station.

Thy Creatures Bless

2011-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-11

This Sunday we continue our sermon series that is focusing on the ways we might be a blessing to the world around us, rather than just focusing on our desire to be blessed. In particular, this week we will be looking at the importance of committing to this calling rather than waiting until we have enough to share.

Our Very Own

2011-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ben Davis on the cover of Sync Weekly. Here is a link to the story.

Tithe

2010-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we used this gift to assist the ASU Wesley Foundation in it's upcoming building campaign. Many in our congregation have connections to ASU, and this was a wonderful opportunity for us to support a fellow United Methodist organization.

Thy Creatures Bless

2010-12-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-14

As we begin the new year we are also beginning a new sermon series. The focus of this series is going to be how we understand blessing. This week we will particularly be looking at our calling to bless those who we don't always believe deserve to be blessed.

Adopted Family

2010-12-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

Tonight we helped a local family of nine enjoy this Christmas season in a way that wouldn't have been available to them otherwise. We collected over $2,000 in food, clothing, and toys, delivered it to their home, and sang them a few Christmas carols. It was a wonder way for us to share the spirit of Christmas.

John Willis & Cody Belew

2010-12-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

John & Cody singing "Merry Christmas to You" on KARK's morning show. Link here.

Argenta Community Theater

2010-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

Advent: New Expectations

2010-12-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Luke 2:6-12, 16

This Sunday we will continue our Advent sermon series where we're focusing on the places we need to allow our expectations to be shattered, and replaced by those of the coming Messiah. This week our focus will be on the places we expect God to show up, and paralleling that to the place where Christ first showed up.

Advent: New Expectations

2010-12-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Story of King Ahaz (2 Kings Ch. 16 & Isaiah Ch. 7)

This Sunday we will continue our "New Expectations" sermon series. Our focus will be on the idea of being rescued. We tend to have certain expectations about how we are rescued, and we will be using the Old Testament story of King Ahaz to challenge those expectations while listening for God's expectations.

Advent: New Expectations

2010-12-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Luke 3:7-14

This Sunday we continue our Advent sermon series called "New Expectations" where we are focusing on the places we need to allow our expectations to be shattered, and replaced, by the coming Messiah. Our primary focus this week will be on the ways we prepare for Christmas.

Tithe

2010-11-30T22:55:00.001-08:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we used this gift to sponsor the Arkansas Rice Depot's booth at Holiday House. Our sponsorship enabled Rice Depot to raise around $8,000 at the event.

Advent: New Expectations

2010-11-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4

This Sunday we will begin the season of Advent by beginning a new sermon series geared to have us focus on the places where we need to allow our expectations to be shattered, and replaced by the coming Messiah. This week we will be looking at the particularly difficult expectation of perfection.

Stewardship Campaign

2010-11-21T14:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight we completed our first Stewardship Campaign. Special thanks to Will Slabaugh, Wendy Bass, and Andy Sexton for organizing, promoting, and orchestrating this very important night in our development. We began by laying our 2011 pledges on the altar.

Continued by taking Holy Communion in our future worship space, the Argenta Community Theater. Then receiving a tour of our new space from its director, Vincent Insalaco, whom we thank for allowing us a sneak preview.

And concluded the night with a Starving Artist Cafe catered meal at the Thea Foundation. Special thanks to Chef Jason Morell, and the director of Thea, Paul Leopoulos, for hosting such a wonderful celebration.

Cody Live @ Wildwood

2010-11-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

Tonight, our very own Cody Belew hosted a benefit concert, at Wildwood, for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. Special thanks to Chris Marsh, Jason Pedigo, Barrett Rogers, Christel Cater, Brian Bass, Brad Speer, and Scott Young for volunteering.

Cake Mixes

2010-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

As of tonight we have collected over 100 cake mixes to be donated to the Amboy UMC food pantry for their Thanksgiving baskets. Thank you to everyone who participated.

New Covenant Members

2010-11-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight we welcomed Ryan, Lauren, and Avery Sanders as our newest Covenant Members.

Speaking of God

2010-11-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Psalms 73

This Sunday we will conclude our Speaking of God sermon series. We have discussed the ways we speak of God when the world makes sense, when the world doesn't make sense, and this week we will focus on the joys of finding new ways of making sense of the world.

New Covenant Member

2010-10-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight we welcomed Anna Serpente as our newest Covenant Member.

Speaking of God

2010-10-20T08:46:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Psalms 88

This week we will be focusing on the ways we speak of God when God isn't behaving in the ways we expect. While the words "Praise God...God has been faithful" may roll off our tongues when the world makes sense, what language do we have for God when they don't?

Psalms 88 gives us permission to be honest about those emotions.

Breakfast for Dinner

2010-10-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight we gathered at Will & Audra Choate's for a breakfast potluck. Highlight below-Summer Young's cinnamon rolls.

Our Very Own

2010-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ben Davis was just interviewed on the Today Show.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here is the reason.

Race for the Cure

2010-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Bradley Kate Chester

2010-10-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Bradley Kate is home, healthy, and beautiful.

Speaking of God

2010-10-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Psalms 145

The Psalms are filled with a variety of ways to speak of God. This Sunday we will be using Psalms 145 as a guide for how to speak of God when the world makes sense. What language do we have for when things go as anticipated?

Tithe

2010-10-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we used this gift to purchase a Pet Waste Station for the community of Argenta. We made the presentation during our blessing of the animals.

Speaking of God

2010-10-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we are beginning a new sermon series based on the Psalms. Each week we will discuss how people of faith have traditionally spoken of God, and how we might faithfully do so today.

Blessing of the Animals

2010-10-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Tithe

2010-09-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we shared $500 with the Big Dam Bridge Finale Party hosted in Argenta.

Norah Page Choate

2010-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Norah has arrived. She is healthy, and some say beautiful.

RazorRock

2010-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight we volunteered at RazorRock, which was an Argenta event that focused on two things: 1. Preparing for the LR Razorback game this weekend 2. Celebrating Arkansas wines, coffees, beer, & art. Thanks to everyone who helped.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-09-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-18

The finale. On Sunday we will conclude our three month study of Colossians. Throughout these months we have searched for what made the church at Colossae a faithful church, and in turn, how we might follow suit.

This week our focus will be on Paul's final words of thanksgiving, and how centered those words were on the people around him. The primary question we will be addressing is, "Who are the people with whom you journey; for whom you give thank?"

Tithe

2010-09-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside of ourselves. This month we shared $560 with the Thea Foundation, which is an Argenta organization that advocates the importance of the arts throughout Arkansas schools.

Ice Cream Social

2010-09-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Camille Wilson for organizing and Jason Pedigo for hosting.

Ironman

2010-08-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our very own Ben Davis is now an Ironman. Here is a great account of his journey.

Chester Baby Shower

2010-08-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight we began preparing for Bradley Kate Chester's arrival.

New Covenant Member

2010-08-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight we welcomed Cody Belew as our newest Covenant Member.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-08-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

This Sunday we enter the final chapter of Colossians. Paul has spent a great deal of his time encouraging them to develop the characteristics of a healthy congregation, and this week he challenges them to manifest those characteristics to the people around them.

We will be discussing how we might do the same.

Baptism Video

2010-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tithe

2010-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside ourselves. This month we shared $500 with Butterfly Community Ministries, which is an organization that is currently addressing the needs of the growing Spanish speaking population of North Little Rock. It is also an organization that was originally founded by NLR FUMC.

Penelope James Bass Baptism

2010-08-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Choate Baby Shower

2010-08-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-08-18T10:15:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 3:18-4:1

This Sunday we're continuing our Colossians sermon series. Throughout the first half of the letter Paul spoke to the broad narratives of the Colossian culture. As we've moved into the second half Paul has gotten very specific and practical about what it looks like for them to live out their faith.

In this week's text he speaks about household relationships. How wives/husbands, parents/children, masters/slaves should interact with one another as children of God.

Kenda & James Deploy

2010-08-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Kenda Garrett and James Wilson as they deploy to Iraq. Our prayers are with them and their families.

Video from Retreat

2010-08-11T22:17:00.001-07:00

For best quality: Hit play, change 360p to 720p (bottom right).

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

The last time we were in Paul's letter to the Colossians he was warning them about the things that destroy community. In this week's passage he describes the kind of things that flow from a healthy community of faith.

As we engage this text we will be asking what the descriptors of our own community might be.

Summer Retreat 2010

2010-08-08T23:55:00.001-07:00

For better quality: Hit play, then change 360p to 1080pHD (bottom right)

2010-08-04T20:02:00.001-07:00

Tonight we painted tables for the Children's Home at Methodist Family Health. Props to Wendy Bass, Dennis Green, and Jessica McSpadden for sharing their talents.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-07-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Scripture: 3:1-11

This week we will begin a new section of Colossians. During the next several passages Paul writes about ways the Colossians could practically respond to the Gospel.

The question becomes, what difference does your faith make in your life? If it is only a set of beliefs we have missed its power & beauty.

New Covenant Members

2010-07-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight we welcomed our newest Covenant Members...Lauren Slabaugh, Meredith Looney, and Will Slabaugh.

Hair

2010-07-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today we attended the musical Hair at The Weekend Theater. Our very own Cody Belew played the lead and did wonderfully.

Our Very Own Ben Davis

2010-07-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

Our very own Ben Davis is featured in this month's Sync Weekly (Pg. 13).

Tithe

2010-07-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Each month we tithe our financial collections to an organization outside ourselves. This month we shared $671 with the Arkansas UMC's Catch the Vision program, which offers grants to those starting new churches in Arkansas. This is particularly appropriate because these were the grants we received to start Argenta UMC.

Here is a video further describing this program...

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-07-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Scripture: 2:13-23

This Sunday we will be focusing on Paul's attempt to shift the Colossian's world-view from that of the Roman Empire/Jewish law to one of faith.

Do we go through life trying to conquer what is around us? Following strict strict codes & regulations so to please?

Paul invites us to surrender ourselves in order to live in faith. Where might we learn to do this?

Mom's Group

2010-07-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

Our Mom's group recently finished their book discussion of The Myth of the Perfect Mother: Rethinking the Spirituality of Women. Thanks to Holly Brumbelow for organizing and hosting.

New Covenant Member

2010-07-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight we welcomed our newest Covenant Member, Dennis Green.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-07-14T13:29:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-12

What prompts us to follow Christ? What causes us to behave in ways that reflect Christ?

When we think about our choices & behaviors, are they results of inner motivation or external controls and expectations?

This Sunday we will discuss Paul's plea to the Colossians about where they find their motivation, and will particularly look at what his words might have to say to us.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-07-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-2:5

After stepping away for a couple of weeks, we will jump back into Colossians this Sunday. In this week's text Paul is telling this new church that he feels their pain.

The Colossians were suffering as a result of their beliefs, and Paul wanted to encourage them to continue moving forward. Just as he was doing from his prison cell, and just as their Messiah had done from the cross.

Sunday's conversation will center around where we suffer, and where we continue to move forward?

New Covenant Members

2010-06-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight we welcomed our newest Covenant Members...Lindsay Clinton, and James & Camille Wilson

Father's Day

2010-06-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan Sanders, who is currently serving in Iraq, received this Father's Day gift from his wife (Lauren) and daughter (Avery). Thought I would share.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-06-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

This week we will look at the third passage in Paul's letter to the church at Colossae. While the first passage was full of affirmation, and the second a prayer, this Sunday's is a poem. It is a poem that seeks to give the church an alternative narrative in which to live, rather than the predominant storyline of power, dominance, and prosperity the Roman empire was telling.

I believe our question becomes...what story lines are we listening to & telling in our American, 21st century context?

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

This week we continue our sermon series that is taking us through the entire book of Colossians. Where last week we looked at Paul's affirmation of the church at Colossae, this Sunday we will look at his prayer for this church.

As I mentioned Sunday, I encourage us all to find a time to read these four short chapters.

Night @ The Park

2010-06-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

The original plan was to enjoy the night watching the Traveler's. Since it was raining, we left these seats and went to Reno's.

P.S. We did manage to come back after the rain delay and have a really good time.

Will Choate's Ordination

2010-06-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, June 8th Will Choate was ordained an elder in the UMC by Bishop Charles Crutchfield. Thanks to everyone for their support, letters, and presence.

Colossians: The Epistle

2010-06-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8

This Sunday we are going to begin a new sermon series that will lead us through the 4 chapters of Paul's letter to the Colossians. We will essentially spend the entire summer going through this letter. I encourage you to read it as a whole as we go through it passage by passage.

This week our focus will be on Paul's affirmation of the Colossians new church, and their embodiment of the Gospel. We will be discussing this in relation to our new church and our attempts to embody this timeless Gospel.

Riverfest

2010-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

We had a great Sunday night volunteering at the Riverfest admissions booth.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is going to be a little different. We will be joining NLR FUMC for worship at 10:45. I will be preaching & Cody will be singing.

We will not meet @ 5:30pm, but will instead be volunteering at Riverfest from 4:15-8pm.

It should be a fun, change of pace, weekend.

Dino Dash 5k

2010-05-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Argenta UMC running club was well represented at this year's Dino Dash. Congratulations runners.

Pentecost Sunday

2010-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

This Sunday we will be celebrating Pentecost, we will be celebrating the birth of Christ's church. In doing so we will be focusing on our openness to the Holy Spirit's ability to fill our lives, and asking how this filling might manifest itself.

Jesus Appears: Peter

2010-05-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Scripture: John 21:15-19

This Sunday we will conclude our Jesus Appears sermon series by looking at Jesus' appearance to Peter. In doing so we will highlight Jesus redeeming Peter's past denials of Jesus. We will also be focusing on where God may be working to transform our past failures into his service.

Violet Jean Ward's Baptism

2010-05-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated the baptism of Violet Ward at Allsopp Park. Congratulations to Tasha & Wes on this very important day.

Jesus Appears: Seaside

2010-05-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Scripture: John 21:1-14

This Sunday we will continue our Jesus Appears sermon series as a way of continuing to wrestle with the implications of Easter. This week, our discussion will revolve around Jesus' appearance to the Disciples while they were fishing.

CARTI's Ragin' Cajun

2010-04-29T20:04:00.001-07:00

Jessica McSpadden helps organize this annual event, and this year she recruited us to help. It was a great night.

Jesus Appears: Thomas

2010-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Scripture: John 20: 24-29

This Sunday we continue to look at the different times the resurrected Jesus appeared by looking at his encounter with Thomas. While often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," we will question this title by discussing his overwhelming statements of faith.

How do we understand doubt? How do we understand belief?

March of Dimes

2010-04-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our very own Avery Sanders was prematurely born on October 15, 2008. In support of premature babies everywhere her March of Dimes team, "Avery's Aviators," raised more than any other team in Arkansas.

While the rain kept us from walking (you can see the disappointment on Avery's face), it was a great cause to rally around. Thanks to Avery for being our inspiration.

Jesus Appears: Mary Magdalene

2010-04-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Scripture: John 20: 11-18

This Sunday we will begin a new sermon series called Jesus Appears. Over the next 4 weeks, while going through this series, we will look at the appearances the resurrected Christ made to Mary Magdalene, Thomas, the Disciples from seaside, and Peter.

This week we will be focusing on Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, her reaction, his proclamation, and the implications of her obedience.

Through all of this we will be continuing our celebration of Easter while preparing for Pentecost.