First United Methodist Church of Hope Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

HOPE, AR — July 9, 2025 — In a heartfelt gathering marked by gratitude, resilience, and community spirit, the First United Methodist Church of Hope celebrated its second anniversary on Wednesday evening. The milestone was commemorated during the church’s weekly Wednesday night fellowship, hosted in the warm and welcoming home of parishioners Deb and Mike Malek. The evening was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Just two years ago, on July 9, 2023, a small but determined group of believers began meeting for Sunday worship at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Their mission: to reestablish a United Methodist presence in Hope following the disaffiliation of the city’s former United Methodist congregations. That mission took root quickly. By November 20, 2024, the congregation was officially chartered as part of the Arkansas United Methodist Annual Conference. In August 2024, the church received its first official pastoral appointment, Pastor Tom Mullins, following a formative interim period under the leadership of local laity, district, and annual conference leaders. Pastor Mullins, who was recently reappointed to another year of service by Bishop Merrill at the Arkansas Annual Conference in Hot Springs, reflected on the journey with deep admiration for the congregation’s spirit. “I cannot think of a greater or more dedicated group of believers in Jesus Christ,” he said. “Their passion for mission and ministry has included multiple donations, volunteer efforts, and hands-on missions like delivering flood buckets, financial gifts, and physical presence of nurture, outreach, and witness.” The church’s revival comes amid a broader movement within the United Methodist Church to rebuild and reimagine its mission in communities affected by denominational shifts. In Hope, that movement has been marked by inclusivity, service, and a renewed sense of purpose. At the recent Annual Conference, representatives from Hope—including lay members Catherine Cook and Kim Mullins—joined clergy and laity from across the state to celebrate ministries and reaffirm commitments to justice, compassion, and community engagement. As the First United Methodist Church of Hope enters its third year, its members remain focused on growth, not just in numbers, but in faith and outreach. With a foundation built on love for God and neighbor, the congregation continues to embody the Methodist ethos of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”