Rev. Jim Polk of Benton will be the guest pastor for First United Methodist Church of Hope Sunday, November 12, at 10:30 a.m.  He  is currently in his eighth year as Assistant to the Bishop of the Arkansas United Methodist Conference and serves as Director of Connectional Ministries for the Arkansas Conference. He is also a member of the Bishop’s Appointive Cabinet and chairs the Conference Leadership Table. 

     A native of Magnolia, Rev. Polk graduated from Hendrix College in 1979, earned his Master of Divinity degree at Asbury School of Theology in 1985, and was ordained Elder in 1986.

     In addition to his current appointment, he has served as associate pastor at Camden FUMC, Dermott UMC, Primrose UMC, Nashville FUMC, El Dorado FUMC, and Arkadelphia FUMC.

      Rev. Polk previously chaired the Arkansas Conference Council on Finance and Administration and the Arkansas Board of Ordained Ministry.

     He has been married to Patty Polk for 37 years, and they live in Benton, Arkansas.

     First United Methodist Church of Hope meets at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 301 S. Elm Street in downtown Hope.  All are invited to attend and hear Rev. Polk’s message.