UMC updates guidelines for churches’ ministries
Bishop Gary Mueller of the Arkansas United Methodist Conference on Wednesday issued updated guidance for all children’s, youth and campus ministries in the denomination.
Arkansas United Methodist Churches will, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines, remain in the faith’s Stage 2 guidelines as outlined in June, Mueller said in a news release.
“With assistance from my task force, it was deemed necessary to update the [conference’s] Stage 2 guidance for [those] three particular ministries,” Mueller said. “Again, due to safety concerns, I want to urge all churches to continue to go slowly with reopening and meeting maximum gathering numbers.”
A comprehensive list of guidelines for those ministries and updates are available at arumc.org/covid19.
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Jewish nonprofit offers need-based scholarships
The Jewish Federation of Arkansas is now offering need-based scholarships directly to Jewish families in Arkansas, the nonprofit announced on Wednesday.
Children up through age 18 can receive financial assistance with: religious-school tuition; Jewish child care and preschool tuition; Yeshiva and Jewish day school tuition; and tutoring for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the nonprofit said.
The federation noted that the amount of aid — which is available on a rolling basis — will diminish as its fiscal year progresses, and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Proof of enrollment is required to receive a scholarship for the first time, and a written letter or contract from the tutor will be required for aid with tutoring.
Applications will be kept confidential, and can be found with guidelines at bit.ly/3femKqP. Questions about eligibility, the application process and completed applications may be emailed to Yahelle Yaccoby, the federation’s executive director, at director@jewisharkansas.org or mailed to the nonprofit’s office at 18 Corporate Hill Drive, Suite 204, Little Rock, AR 72205.