Neighbors Feeding Neighbors

In March, Poteet First United Methodist Church launched the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors program. Wesley Nurse Wendy Hilburn came up with the tagline "neighbors feeding neighbors”. The feeding neighbors concept is generating amazing, positive feedback from those who've seen it.

Community restaurant partners, Backyard Kitchen, Farm to Familia, La Mesa, and Biggs Pizza prepare, serve and box up each meal on site with help from church and community volunteers. Our volunteer group then serves those dining in fellowship hall or become meal runners to the cars at curbside wishing to take meals home to their family.

In March, 200 meals were distributed within an hour. In April, 480 meals were distributed. The next Neighbors Feeding Neighbors meal distribution date is Monday, May 15, serving from 5 to 7 pm.

Self-sufficiency of this program is vitally important. There is invitation for church and community like-minded neighbors who can assist with providing meals for hungry neighbors. Average cost per plate is $3.

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is one of the many ways that Poteet FUMC organizes the community to connect to identified needs. The metal building shell in the background will be built out in the future to serve as a health & wellness center to offer resources and connection for community residents.

Poteet community residents drive by the church to pick up a hot meal as needed for themselves or to share with a neighbor.

Members of the local youth sports league serving as volunteers distribute meals to their Poteet neighbors.

Church and community volunteers pack meals for distribution outside to passing by neighbors

Las Misiones District Creation Care Festival April 23

Rio Texas Conference Creation Care Connection, led by First UMC-Sonora senior pastor Mark Brechin and facilitated by RTC Director of Mission, Service & Justice Ministries Abel Vega, in 2023 began observing an emphasis on Creation Care as enhancement of Native American Ministries Sunday. The inaugural RTC Creation Care event brought together faith and community groups to provide information congregations need to move forward with their own projects.

UM Pastora Liliana Padilla offered Centro Comunitario Impacto in San Antonio as the venue of Celebración de la Tierra on Sunday, April 23. 

During the Sunday morning weekly gathering of community members, Pastora Padilla shared a fiery exhortation to honor the Creator, and asked the weekly Sunday morning community participants what actions they would pledge. Araceli Herrera, proprietor of Domesticas Unidas, explained how she uses vinegar, baking soda and non-toxic natural substances to clean houses; then provided demonstration throughout the afternoon.

A large artwork created at the center served as photo backdrop, as also did a decorated San Antonio Water System Conservation Department electric vehicle during its first public appearance.

Children learned about trees, watersheds, plastic pollution prevention and gravity from community organizations. Esmeralda Mendoza and Sandra Losoya-Fuentes of the Missions Committee of Iglesia Metodista Unida La Trinidad provided children art opportunities. Annabella Vega and Ann Vega of Chapel Hill UMC provided face-painting and decals for children and adults.

Spring Creek UMC shared the design of its nature trail and member-built labyrinth. Northern Hills UMC utilized the San Antonio River Basin demonstration model borrowed from San Antonio River Authority.

Wesley Nurse Marta Ek and Methodist Healthcare Educator Ana Ramirez, RN, provided information.

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio shared their journey to forever protect the headwaters of the San Antonio River through acquisition and conservation easement. Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas, Native Plant Society of Texas-San Antonio chapter, Alamo Group of the Sierra Club, Bexar Branches Alliance, Pax Christi Texas, and San Antonio Water System provided consultation to support faith groups throughout the afternoon.

Our hope for this inaugural event is not to make this event larger, but to build confidence among our congregations to celebrate and lead in their own neighborhoods in future.

Article contributed by Rachel Cywinski, United Methodist Global Ministries EarthKeeper volunteer

Pastora Liliana Padilla exhorted Sunday morning participants of Centro Comunitario Impacto to care for Earth, next to a sign they created in early April. Photo by Rachel Cywinski 

Donna Roeder of Northern Hills UMC assisted Debbie Harral to demonstrate the San Antonio River Basin. Photo by Rachel Cywinski 

Domesticas Unidas proprietor Araceli Herrera responded to Pastora Padilla's challenge by proclaiming she will only use non-toxic chemicals to clean houses. Photo by Rachel Cywinski 

La Trinidad Missions Committee member Esmeralda Mendoza inspected electric vehicle displayed by San Antonio Water System Conservation Department. Photo by Sandra Losoya-Fuentes 

Texas Wesley Students Take Civil Rights Pilgrimage

This spring break, six students and three of our staff members went on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage visiting Jackson, MS, Selma, AL, and Montgomery, AL. Our trip began with a long-haul drive to Jackson, where Saturday morning we went to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The museum explores the history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi, as well as giving crucial background information to the history of slavery in the United States.

Then we traveled to Selma, where we got to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to learn more about the activists that lived in Selma. The trip continued with dinner in Montgomery, where three women who are active advocates within the community encouraged our students to harness the passion and power they feel for the betterment of society.

Sunday morning began with worship at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church and concluded with trips to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (also known as the Lynching Memorial). A formative (and transformative) long weekend, we wanted to give our students an opportunity to share their experience(s) as well as thank you for your contribution and support of the Texas Wesley. Here are some testimonials from students.

“This trip changed my perspective on all things history and social justice. I came into the trip nervous and unsure of what to expect– I left feeling both informed and empowered! I learned about the urgency of the issues at hand, had meaningful conversations, and– most of all– saw how I could make a difference”  
-Amy Manning, sophomore
 

“This trip was pivotal for the journey I am on right now. As someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about the role I play in the world around me, this trip helped me see the ways that I can change my community for the better and use my gifts to help those around me. As well, this trip and the Sunday worship service at Dexter Ave King Memorial was potentially the most pivotal moment in my relationship with God. After this trip, I feel like I have a new lease on life and a new determination to be an active participant in the forward momentum of societal change, and I am incredibly fortunate that I got to share this time with Pastor Ray Jordan and my friends here at the Texas Wesley.”
-Michael Payton, senior


“I had such a good time on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage! I was able to get closer to the people that went, which I am so grateful for. I also learned so much about the Civil Rights Movement and how it impacted people. I now have a better understanding of how people were treated, and just how horrible it was. I know I can help to make a difference with my generation by loving others and treating others with the same respect I would want to be treated. Overall, I am so glad I went on this trip and would love to do it again someday! I definitely recommend that if you get the chance to go, please do!”
-Kennedy Funk, sophomore


“As my time at the Wesley comes to an end, I am incredibly grateful I got to take this last trip with the students, David, Austin, and Pastor Ray. This trip not only reinforced my passion for social justice, but equipped me with the tools to educate and inform people in my life about experiences that, while we may not have had firsthand, shape how we interact with our country and community.”
-Katie Payne, ministry intern

Connecting with Native American Ministries and Communities

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and your clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me. - Matthew 25:31-40

On March 8 thru 12, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Emersion Experience provided insights into its conference proudly sharing traditions, cultures, many languages, and their way of having church. The Rio Texas Conference and the General Conference of the United Methodist Church affirms the sacredness of the Native American people looking to affirm leadership with and within their culture.

Within the Rio Texas Conference exists a small community named Brackettville, population 1,688, located in Kinney County. This is home to Fort Clark Springs where since 1872, Seminole Indian Scouts have remained there. During this time, descendants of other tribes have called this town their own, including the Chief of the Lipan Apaches and his group.

The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference model integrates traditions and cultures within its churches such as reunions, weddings, burials, medical and social services, outreach, etc. One of the main issues that was brought out at this event was a high degree of distrust fostered historically as the church tried to eliminate their language and culture, which is dehumanizing.

I personally would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Rio Texas Conference and the office of Abel Vega, Director of Mission, Service, and Justice Ministries, for the opportunity to attend the event.

Written by: Rev. Jose Rene Martinez - He has served as the district Volunteer In Missions Coordinator of the Eastern Conference of the Methodist Church of Mexico and Central America. Martinez currently serves as pastor of Iglesia Metodista Unida La Divina Trinidad in Uvalde, Texas.

Celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday April 23. Native American Ministries Sunday serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. A gap in knowledge exists in The United Methodist Church, in congregations and other United Methodist entities, relative to comprehending concepts of Native American life, cultures, languages, spirit, values, contemporary issues, and such. We affirm the sacredness of American Indian people, their languages, cultures, and gifts to the church and the world.

The Creation Care Connection

Earth Day is April 22 and is annually observed since 1970. It was a day that drew attention to the increasing amounts of air pollution in the U.S. due to the inefficiency of leaded gas-using automobiles. In 1990, Earth Day propelled to be observed globally, which led to the convening of the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Today, Earth Day is a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national, and local policy changes to combat climate change.

Akin to Earth Day, the United Methodist Church celebrates the Festival of God’s Creation, generally the first Sunday to April 22. The Festival of God’s Creation is celebrating God's gracious work in creating the earth and all living things. Over the years, congregations have celebrated God’s creation through worship and various ways of connecting to God’s creation. The UMC provides worship and learning resources that enhances our discipleship as stewards of God’s creation. 

Examples of upcoming events to connect to:

• Saturday, April 22 –EARTH DAY AT THE PRAYER WALK - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Northern Hills United Methodist Church (NHUMC) is proud to invite the community to celebrate Earth Day and explore the Beatitudes Prayer Walk. NHUMC, the first church in the state of Texas to be designated a Sacred Grounds site with the National Wildlife Federation, is partnering with the San Antonio River Authority, Native Plant Society SATX, The Nature Conservancy Texas, and others to host a day of workshops, tours, & presentations including an interactive watershed demo; seed bombs; birdhouses; giveaways; and other events. To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, come join in for a time of fun and learning. For additional information you can also call NHUMC at (210) 654-0881. 3703 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio.

• Sunday, April 23 – Las Misiones District Creation Care Festival – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Las Misiones District Creation Care Festival features environmental films, children’s activities, health screenings and a fair where various faith groups will share their own projects (using solar power, creating a prayer walk, preserving natural area, using Low Impact Development and outdoor meeting spaces, and more) and be available to mentor others who are ready to responsibly Care for Earth. Event Schedule 11:00 am Community Devotional & Creation Care Film Showing 12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Children’s Activities & Film Showing 2:00 pm Creation Care Information Tables & Display Activities 4:00 pm Closing Film This event, including lunch, is free and open to the public. Location: Impacto Community Center - 211 N. Park Blvd. San Antonio Texas 78204. Event Coordinator: Rachel Cywinski United Methodist Global Ministries EarthKeeper & Rio Texas Conference Creation Care Ministries volunteer worldvisitor@rocketmail.com. Sponsor: Río Texas Conference Mission, Service, & Justice Ministries - avega@riotexas.org  / 2104084512.

With a handful of participants to begin the conversation, the Rio Texas Conference Creation Care ministry formally began through monthly cohort learning gatherings September 2022 thru January 2023. Now the conversation continues as a network, gathering monthly online, seeking to grow and learn about the various congregations are caretakers of God’s creation. Since 2019, several Rio Texas Conference disciples have become EarthKeepers having gone through the General Board of Global Ministries creation care and justice training program.   

God declares all creation good and as Christians we are called to be its caretakers. United Methodists are committed keeping our planet green, clean and sustainable for all. The Rio Texas Conference Creation Care ministry seeks to understand how congregations and communities served are being harmed by extreme weather events. When our congregations were threatened by COVID-19, we did whatever was needed to keep our people safe.

How are we responding to the rapidly changing climate? While politicians, activists, economists, and scientist debate the climate crisis, the church remains remarkably silent.  And yet we know according to Paul in Romans that “creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-23). Our first commandment before the fall was to care for creation.  Like the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Luke 20:9-16), we were given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26) to “till it and keep it” (Gen. 2:16).  And like the parable, our sin warped that original call to one of exploitation, greed, and gluttony.

The climate has become an outward and visible sign of our sin which creation can no longer bare.  The climate crisis is a spiritual crisis, and we will be judged (Revelations 11:18). While in this fractured world we may not agree on the same response, we are called as faithful disciples to respond to the spiritual crisis at the root of the climate crisis. 

Our mission field has experienced significant weather challenges and disasters over the years due to various floods, tornadoes, fires, hailstorms, and hurricanes. We have the blessings of a well-organized conference disaster response committee and the continued support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). As climate change and humanity’s challenge to collectively respond persists, we will continue to experience weather challenges and disasters in our region. So what might be our understanding of the work of caring for God’s creation and responding to weather disasters?                                                                                                         

We are seeing the impact of climate change on global migration [a] [b] and community health. This has relevance and bearing on our mission field, 74 counties of south and west Texas and 450 miles of borderlands with Mexico. Certainly, these realities are presented to us through our local church ministry responses to welcome arriving asylum seekers and to the concerns of health and the seeking of wellbeing in the communities we serve.   

The Creation Care Connection is manifesting within the Rio Texas Conference through continued networking to discover the various ways congregations and disciples are responding climate change and being caretakers of God’s creation. These congregations and disciples become key voices and artists painting a mosaic of creation care and justice through actions and story.

Rio Texas Conference hosts the South-Central Jurisdiction Mission Academy 2023

The South-Central Jurisdiction Mission Academy gathered at Laurel Heights UMC San Antonio, February 26 – 28, 2023. Bishop Robert Schnase was the featured speaker offering three border crossing story / conversation moments – The Baptism, The Airport, and The Wedding. The stories reflected experiences and insights garnered from Schnase’s active ministry along the border region of deep south Texas. His reflections provided all listening much to think about and consider.  

About 100 participants attended the academy, reflecting participation from about 15 annual conferences within the jurisdiction and beyond. The desire of the jurisdiction was to see this academy be held in the Rio Texas Conference to hear and learn about border realities. This was the first in person gathering for the academy since the pandemic.  

A panel presentation on migration provided participants insights on the ministry of welcoming arriving migrant asylum-seekers as they heard from the experiences leading border response ministries from Del Rio to Brownsville. The panelists were Tiffany Burrow of the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition in Del Rio, Valeria Wheeler of Mission Border Hope in Eagle Pass, Rev. Mike Smith of the Holding Institute in Laredo, Susan Hellums of El Valle District Immigration Response Ministries, Deaconess Cindy Johnson of La Posada Providencia in San Benito, and Katie Myers of the Interfaith Welcome Coalition in San Antonio.  

There were various workshops offered on the topics of outreach, missions, and disaster response ministries. The gathering went well thanks to the wonderful hospitality and welcome provided by Laurel Heights UMC. Special thanks to Eugene Hileman - RTC Disaster Response Coordinator, Ed Hilliard – RTC VIM Coordinator, and Nicole Alabi – Office of Mission, Service, & Justice Ministries for their planning efforts as host planning team.  

The 2024 SCJ Mission Academy looks to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico hosted by the New Mexico Conference.  

Director of Youth Ministries Visits Holy Land

It has been a dream of mine to travel to the Holy Land ever since I chose to follow Christ. As I grew more in my faith and read more of the Bible, I had this desire to see where everything took place, to walk in the same place Christ walked. I had little to no expectation coming to the Holy land, just excitement and a feeling of longing… longing to be in the place where our faith began.  

The beauty of Israel is indescribable. Green rolling hills that exemplify “he makes me lie down in green pastures” and “still waters” like the Sea of Galilee. Seeing the “Valley of the shadow of death” All the places we read in scripture come to life. Not only are we seeing these places in scripture, but we are feeling the holiness of these places. When we entered the church of the annunciation, the place where the Angel Gabriel came to Mary, the presence of the Holy Spirit was overflowing. I could feel and almost see Mary, young and scared in her home listening to the message the Angel was delivering. This was a large church with beautiful stained glass and mosaic all around. In contrast, later in the week we visited the high priest Caiaphas’ home where Jesus was kept prisoner before he would face the Sanhedrin. This was called “the pit,” which was dug out of the stone with a hole in the ceiling that would have been used to lower a prisoner down. I could see and almost feel Jesus praying to his father, knowing what was to come next. Both places are different in appearance, but similar in their presence. My spirit and soul were renewed on this trip, and I am incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to attend. I have a new perspective on the Holy Land. I cannot wait to share my experiences with my students and help them see the land of our faith in a new way!

Written by Isabella Lopez, Director of Youth Ministries at Colonial Hills UMC 

Clergy Convocation 2023 Recap

College Winter Weekend Retreat

More than forty college students gathered for the College Winter Weekend retreat at Glen Lake Camp. Students from United Campus Ministry (Texas State) and Texas Wesley (UT Austin) spent three days together with worship, service, relaxation, and friendship.

College Winter Weekend featured outdoor adventures, including a zipline, climbing wall, archery, morning hike, and more. Students participated in a service opportunity packing nutritious meals for distribution with a nonprofit partner. Worship throughout the weekend offered reflections about how God invites young adults to respond to their calling and build community. Faithful friendships were formed around the campfire and throughout the weekend as students spent time together with each other.

College Winter Weekend is part of an emerging regional college ministry connection called Harvest CoLab (www.harvestcolab.org). Harvest CoLab brings together United Methodist college ministry leaders and students throughout Rio Texas, Central Texas, North Texas, Louisiana and beyond to share best practices regarding young adult ministry and encourage one another in working with the future of the church. 

If you have a college student or young adult looking for a church connection anywhere in Texas or beyond, please email Rev. David McMinn (david@texaswesley.com). If your church wants to support young adults, please contact Rev. Todd Salmi (todd@ucmtxstate.org).

The Holy Spirit is at work among the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more about College Ministry in Rio Texas at https://riotexas.org/campus-ministry

Mid-Winter Recap and Invitation to Summer Camp

This past weekend, I heard the story of “Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody” for the first time. I tried to find out who wrote it, but it is hard to identify. Some people think it is a poem by Charles Osgood, but this story is commonly used by people teaching leadership. I am glad that when it comes to Youth Camp, this story is not the case here in Rio Texas. I had the opportunity to witness this in the last month. A group of Youth Coordinators stepped out in faith and offered their gifts to lead and organize three Mid-Winter retreats across south Texas.

The First Mid-Winter was offered by the Capital District, January 13 – 15, at T Bar M Camp. Rev. Ryan Jenson, Associate Pastor at Austin Oak Hill UMC was the leader of this group effort. He shared that multiple youth coordinators from the Austin-area offered to lead a part of the three-day weekend retreat. The theme was “Made for More.”

Each local church youth coordinator led an activity. We heard from two different worship groups: Texas State Musicians, and a father-daughter duo from Gruene UMC. The speakers were students from Texas State University and UT Wesley.

All the speakers spoke with passion about God’s call, God’s grace, and their personal experience and faith journey. The weather was a little cold, but the energy shared by facilitators, adults and students kept us warm throughout the weekend.

The second Mid-Winter was offered by The Coastal Bend and El Valle District on February 3-5, at Camp Zephyr. FUMC Palacios Rev. Phillip Higginbotham and Campus Minister/District Youth Coordinator Rev. Todd Johns led the camp. Superintendent Rev. Laura Brewster gathered many youth pastors and fundraised to keep the camp affordable for every child.

The theme was “Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T)”. Senior Pastor at Corpus Christi Kelsey Memorial Rev. John Fletcher shared how God is the greatest of all time; how through Christ, we are made great to serve others. Students had the opportunity to play, learn and create new relationships. Recreational activities kept students and adults involved and engaged with many activities. If you see a video where Pastor Phillip and I are intensely playing Tic Tac Toe with a ping pong ball, I let him win, do not let him tell you otherwise, LOL.

Last, but not least, Las Misiones hosted the third Mid-Winter, February 10-12, at Twin Oaks Camp in Buda. Isabella Lopez, Youth Coordinator at San Antonio Colonial Hills UMC, was the retreat leader. She recruited the District Lay Leader Mark Mitchell, people from her church, and other small churches to volunteer and offer their gifts for an awesome weekend for the youth.  

San Antonio St. Matthew UMC Rev. Kelly Conkelton taught the kids and teens to connect scripture with their daily lives and reminded them that they are loved by God–Jesus chose to incarnate and be with us. Students and adults had the opportunity to set up and serve meals as well as lead some activities at the camp. It was an interactive camp, and everyone contributed to make it a success.

I love that somebody stepped up and everyone helped to create a space for the youth to explore their faith, share their experiences and make new connections with youth from across the Rio Texas Conference. I am glad that the story of the four “Body’s” mentioned at the beginning is not what I saw in any of the Mid-Winters. Instead, I witnessed Acts 6:1-7, where disciples and people prayed over leaders, and they were filled of the Holy Spirit to serve and helped increase their witness around the region. I witnessed many pastors and lay leaders embodying and modeling discipleship to a new generation of leaders that we had the privilege to serve and mentor.

Some of the constants in all three camps were: the cooperation and collaboration from many leaders whose main objective was not to be in the spotlight, but to offer their best so others could have time with Jesus and growth in their discipleship. Pastors, youth leaders and parents worked together to create a welcoming space for youth, many of them experiencing camp for the first time.

Each Mid-Winter was led and offered to a particular district. However, churches from outside districts were also welcomed to join. I think this was a huge success because all were willing to share their resources and leadership to host groups from around the connection. I hope this will be the vision for youth ministry across Rio Texas, to share resources and leadership so together we could witness our faith to each other. I am grateful for all the pastors and youth leaders who offered their time, money, and gifts so that our youth had space to explore and express their faith. I cannot say I had a favorite camp because all three had a distinctive leadership, opportunities and experience that made each unique.

I cannot wait to see all the youth from across the Conference during summer camp. We will have two camps this year: one in Palacios July 2-7 and another in Buda July 9-13. Pre-Registration will be $275 before May 15. $300 between May 15 – June 12. Registration due date is June 12. If you have an adult or youth who feels called to serve in the planning team, please do not hesitate to contact me at mpadilla@riotexas.org. I would love to continue offering the best to our youth and our youth coordinators. Please keep all youth ministers and youth in prayer.

How Do We Recruit More Young Clergy?

It’s a call, yes. It comes from God, yes. And we all can participate in that journey. Is there a young adult that you have seen gifts for ministry in? Is there someone you know asking big life questions about what God’s purpose is for them?

Project Transformation creates intentional space every summer for young adults to hear and answer the call to ministry. We recruit on the internet, through colleges and direct appeals. It’s not enough. One of the goals of PT Rio Texas was for at least half of the young adults hired each summer to come from Rio Texas’ churches. That goal has yet to be met. Why not? (Thanks for asking.) We need help from you to encourage them to apply! College summers are not what they used to be. They are not time off just waiting to be filled. There is no more space for “you should.”

If you are concerned about the lack of young adults being ordained as United Methodists pastors, help us, help the church.

To the young adult you see the gifts in ask,

“What can we as your faith family do to make it possible for you to be a PT intern this summer?”

Then listen to their answers

“I need to work to have money for tuition.”

Project Transformation Summer interns are paid a summer stipend of between $3200-$3700 for the summer as well as they are provided with housing, most meals, and marketable training.

“I need to take summer classes to graduate on time.”

Project Transformation qualifies for most college student’s internship requirement for graduation. We are experts at meeting the requirements of almost all discipline internships.

“I’ve never lived away from home.”

Project Transformation is a great short term away from home experience and dinner volunteers bring food but more importantly they bring encouragement and support and love. And interns have time off on the weekends to visit home.

Please be a recruiter for PT interns for summer 2023. Every young adult hired enable us to serve 8 more children at summer camp.

Project Transformation’s faith-based summer program for young adults offers hands-on opportunities to build mutually enriching relationships with children at summer camp, live in intentional community, and explore various careers in ministry and service.

Applicants must have completed one year of college or be at least 19 years old and must have the legal right to work in the U.S.

Are you up for this? PT is for you if:

·      You are a highly motivated self-starter

·      You believe in the power of diversity and open-mindedness

·      You love God and neighbor above all else

·      You believe in hearing others’ stories, owning your own story, and living beyond comfort zones

·      You believe in the silliness of childhood, creativity, smiles, and that “they are all our children”

There is much more information as well as the application at

https://projecttransformation.org/rio-texas/get-involved/summer-of-service

Written by Kercida McClain, CEO at Project Tranformation Rio Texas

EDI Conference in Chicago

Written by Miguel Padilla

CHICAGO — One of my frequent Bible verses I use to open Sunday worship, or a church gathering, is Matthew 18:20. For me it is a reminder that it is a holy time when two or three gather to pray, to holy conference, or worship. However, I think it is an appropriate verse for the time I spent in Chicago October 23-26.

I was appointed this past July to be the EDI Conference Staff of the Rio Texas Conference. Soon after I was appointed, Bishop Laura Merrill and Rev. Ronald Henderson (from North Texas Conference) connected me to a monthly Zoom gathering with other conference coordinators. They were planning to meet in Chicago to share what they were doing and what roadblocks they had encountered. This group is made of recently appointed, like me, and few with more experience in their positions. I was invited to be part of a National gathering for Conference coordinators who deal with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in their respective Conferences. It was the first time for me, first time for the group, and the first time of a meeting of this type.

One day before my flight to Chicago I received an email from the organizer Amania Drane, a lay person from Northern Illinois Conference, asking that if we arrive early in the morning to participate in an event happening in the historic St. Paul AME Church at Glencoe, Ill. The North Illinois Conference anti-racism team had a series of training sessions with North Shore UMC (NSUMC), a predominant Anglo congregation, early in the year.

The closing remark of Dr. Richard Guzman, leader and facilitator from the Anti-racism team, at the last session was “Now that you have done some work, please do not do anything. Please reflect, listen, seek relationships with minority groups, support and advocate.”

As a result of this training and following Dr. Richard’s advice, the members from NSUMC started conversations and fellowship with St. Paul AME. After both congregations worshiped, ate, and got to know each other, both churches led a local campaign to include the history of the church and the African American community’s presence and contribution to Glencoe community in the local museum.

The day I arrived at Chicago, they gathered at St. Paul. The leaders from both congregations and city authorities participated. St. Paul’s members shared personal stories about their experience growing up in the church and in the community. They expressed how the St. Paul community helped them find their identity and equipped them to thrive because St. Paul leaders exposed community members to faith, arts, education and mentors.

They also raised the question about the reduction of people of color in the neighborhood. They challenged the church and government to find a way to make Glencoe more welcoming for people of color, to create a support system for small business owners who are people of color, and recruit and offer good salaries to people of color in education and public service.

The mayor’s secretary and a few council members present at the event set dates to come up with an action plan on the demands from the members of these two churches and invited them to be part of those conversations.

For me personally, it was a holy moment to witness how people of faith working together can bring new possibilities and create access to those who otherwise are put aside or ignored. I am pretty sure the journey that led to this point wasn’t easy or pleasant. They probably had to confront their prejudices and misconceptions. There were probably some uncomfortable stories. But because they gathered and allowed their faith become their common ground, we were—at this moment at St. Paul church—witnessing the work of God and his disciples in action.

The next two days, the conference coordinators spent time visiting FUMC in Chicago, where we had conversations with some members of the Anti-Racism Task force of the conference. They shared their work and experiences. We visited Garret Evangelical Seminary and learned about the University as well as the efforts they were making to offer more flexible and inclusive classes. The Dean and staff shared their desire to close the gap between Academy and local church. They were planning record videos that local leaders could easily access.

They were also contemplating the possibility of bringing voices from Central America, Africa, or other parts of the world to enrich the theological conversation. We gathered via Zoom with the leadership from GCORR and people doing EDI working around the country. We talked about Youth ministry and EDI. We learned from each other and shared experiences. It helps to know that there are others who are willing to cooperate in order to expand God’s kingdom.

That is why I said the verse from Matthew has more relevance for me. It reminds me that when two or three gather to pray, to have conversation, to work and cooperate in God’s presence, His Kingdom is proclaimed to everyone. While I enjoy having partners in ministry and a wealth of wisdom, the most impactful moment was when I witnessed in St. Paul AME Church the possibility of God’s disciples working on their faith while they impact the lives of many families. May we be willing to do the hard work—not because it is good or feels good but because it is our call. We welcome God’s presence in our communities.

2022 Harvest Sunday Special Offering - Sunday, November 6, 2022

Used by Permission Buda United Methodist Church Food Pantry

“In 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table.” https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america.

Since 2011, Feeding America has conducted an annual Map the Meal Gap study to improve our understanding of food insecurity and food costs at the local level. To learn more about hunger in areas of the Rio Texas conference and your own community visit: https://map.feedingamerica.org/.

Support the work in our Districts and through global ministry advance projects by participating in the 2022 Harvest Sunday Offering on Sunday November 6, 2022, however, participation may occur at any time throughout the month of November. Offerings should be sent directly to your local church through online giving, or by check. Remember to designate that your gift is for “Harvest Sunday” and all remittances returned to the Conference office by the end of the first week of December.

Your Harvest Sunday Gift in 2022 will be allocated as follows:

1. 1/3 of proceeds shall be allocated for hunger initiative projects along the Texas-Mexico border areas that are 2 situated, and served within the El Valle, Hill Country, Las Misiones, and West Districts.

2. 1/3 of proceeds shall be returned to participating districts. Funds shall be distributed, in consultation with district 5 mission committees, and the District Superintendent, focusing on projects that promote nourishment and well-being of 6 our brothers and sisters.

3. 1/3 of proceeds shall be equally allocated among the following 5 Global Ministry Advance Projects also focusing 8 on nourishment, well-being, and economic empowerment.

   1. Advance #3021566 Indigenous Women Vegetable Gardening and Leadership Project Guatemala

   2. Advance #07629A Give Ye Them To Eat - Mexico

   3. Advance #2016 Rio Texas Methodist Border Friendship Commission

   4. Advance #1428 El Valle District Border Refugee Ministries

   5. Advance #1530 Mission Border Hope

I thank all of you in our conference who work so hard and those who give. You make the difference.

Diana Woods, Harvest Sunday Coordinator

Deaconess, Rio Texas Conference

Rio Texas Creation Care Cohort Begins September 2022

Fire and Freeze

Floods and Droughts

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Our congregations are being increasingly harmed by extreme weather events. When our congregations were threatened by COVID-19, we did whatever was needed to keep our people safe. How are we responding to the rapidly changing climate?

While politicians, activists, economists, and scientist debate the climate crisis, the church remains remarkably silent. And yet we know according to Paul in Romans that “creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-23).

Our first commandment before the fall was to care for creation. Like the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Luke 20:9-16), we were given dominion over creation (Gen. 1:26) to “till it and keep it” (Gen. 2:16). And like the parable, our sin warped that original call to one of exploitation, greed, and gluttony. The climate has become an outward and visible sign of our sin which creation can no longer bare. The climate crisis is a spiritual crisis, and we will be judged (Rev. 11:18).

While in this fractured world we may not agree on the same response, we are called as faithful disciples to respond to the spiritual crisis at the root of the climate crisis. You are invited to join with others in the Rio Texas Conference to explore ways to respond that are appropriate for you and your congregation. A series of virtual meetings every other month beginning in September will explore the following topics:

1) Using the General Rules, what is the correct response in my context?

2) What is the scriptural basis for a spiritual response to climate change?

3) What resources are available for preaching and teaching a spiritual response?

4) What traditional spiritual practices can be used for a faith response?

5) What opportunities are available to engage my church and my community in a response?

If you are interested in joining a cohort that will meet virtually from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the second Thursday of the month (September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8, 2022 and January 12, 2023)  to explore these questions, please email Rev. Mark Brechin at revbrechin@gmail.com.

Participants will be invited to join the Rio Texas Creation Care Team as together we spiritually respond to this climate crisis threatening all of us.

Register via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/343232958017

Bulverde UMC Blesses Classrooms

Bulverde UMC was invited to "anoint classrooms " in the Comal Independent School District. Teachers were allowed to have their room blessed by church members.

Here's is a description of the experience by Rev Hannah Hedgepeth:

"We were able to deliver 11 blessing baskets to our local schools and go into 7 schools where we were given a list of classrooms to pray over and anoint. It is truly a blessing to be able to love on our community. The Holy Spirit took over and gave us the words that the teachers needed to hear, many had tears from the blessing and were given peace, and desks were anointed that later the teacher mentioned - that’s the exact student that needs prayers. We prayed for protection for each and every school and that God’s love would be felt. I’m not sure our total number of classrooms and offices anointed, but it would be well over 250."

Written by Las Misiones District Superintendent Rev. Greg Hackett

Word of Gratitude Regarding Annual Conference 2022

I want to compliment all of you on our recent session of Annual Conference. I have to admit that I had reservations about going to McAllen. I did not enjoy the drive, but the facilities were excellent. The accommodations were actually more convenient than other places we have used. The staffing at the Convention Center, as well as the hotels, were top notch and highly appreciated. The Learn & Serve Mission experiences on Friday morning received high marks from my delegates. Several of them found those experiences very eye-opening. We had some really good conversations around those and I won’t be surprised to hear that continuing…

Worship was great and I enjoyed it. Valley Praise – what can I say? – they were outstanding. Can we get them back? Having the full band there really rounded out the sound. I enjoyed them every time. Then, there was the choir from Edinburg FUMC. Simply amazing. They, literally, had people tearing up when they sang “I Will Rise.” Rev. Paul Escamilla’s ordination sermon was outstanding. He touched all our hearts. For the first time in a number of years, it seemed like the technical aspects all worked well. There may have been a few slips, but nowhere near what I have seen in past years. Kudos to whomever was running with that…

This was my 41st Annual Conference. The thought that we might be dividing brings a great sadness to my heart. But if we have to do that, doing so in love and appreciation—instead of acrimony—will ease a lot of the pain that many of us are feeling. Please hear my deep appreciation and love for each of you. This is what true leadership, under duress, should look like.

Be Blessed,
Tom Deviney
Lead Pastor
Bethany UMC
Austin, TX

Annual Conference is More than a Business Meeting

In a recent conversation with a lay person from another denomination, I asked the question, “So, how would you compare your church today to what it was a year ago?” After a short pause, her answer was, “Oh, about the same.”

I must admit that I was not particularly surprised about her response, as I hear it time and time again. Being established members of established churches, it is easy for us to fall into the “routine” of doing church that we slowly drift away from joy of being the Church. Especially when we are consumed with everything from the order of worship to meetings and ministries being on strict schedules, our world view can become constrained to tunnel vision by all of the “tasks” of doing church.

So, I asked, “Have you lost members during the past year?” “Yes,” she replied. “Have you gained any members?” “Yes.” “Has anything significant changed in the community surrounding your church?” “A new housing complex opened,” she said. I continued with several other questions, until she said, “I think you are about to make a point, aren’t you?”

“It seems that your mission field, your resources, and your possibilities may have constantly changed without you even realizing it.”

For many of us, the Church is in suspended animation, as we wait for some form of legislation to tell us where we should go next. Micah 6:8 informs us about next steps, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

The current fragility of a great number of our congregations, when combined with the hindrances of the pandemic and the stagnation of ministries while awaiting GC2024, just might leave congregations ineffective beyond 2024. What can congregations do to prepare for whatever the future of the United Methodist Church holds?

I am excited about the opportunities that our upcoming Annual Conference gathering will give us to realize the urgencies that persist in our mission fields TODAY. I pray that clergy and lay attendees will return to their congregations with renewed energy and the desire to revitalize, create, and expand their missional footprints and be the Church where and when it is needed…here and now!

I ask all who attend Annual Conference to participate in the excursions, take photos, ask questions, and make notes. Look and see if you are inspired to seek out opportunities for justice and mercy ministries while at McAllen. Exchange ideas and form alliances with others as you seek and offer resources for the greater good.

Annual Conference is not merely a business meeting. It is an opportunity to build up the Body of Christ in this mission field we call the Rio Texas Annual Conference. I hope to see you there!

Ralph Thompson
Conference Lay Leader

Edna First UMC Hosts Mid-Winter Retreat for Community

God placed an idea into one faithful servant about Edna First UMC hosting our own Mid-Winter retreat around 2018. We have youth active in athletics. With Friday night basketball games, especially away games, it would be too late when they returned to Edna. The families drove four hours before Mid-Winter church staff received the youth members for the retreat. As an experiment, we hosted our first Mid-Winter retreat in January 2019 with God’s help and the help of the congregation. We invited youth from the community and nearby towns to participate. We have had approximately 30 youth register each year. 

Brackenridge Park is 12 minutes south of Edna. It includes a historic church to worship, cabins to sleep in, facilities to cook and eat, as well as gathering spaces. It has plenty of space to run around, basketball and volleyball courts, space for "capture the flag" or scavenger hunts, and more. The Brackenridge Park staff have been great over the years.  

The church was able to keep the registration fee low-cost by hosting nearby; donating snacks; members providing meals; grants from Formosa Plastics Religious Trust; and church members donating time, talent, and treasure (prayer, plan, preparation, t-shirt design, set up, decorate, registration, worship prep & practice, small group leaders, games leader, cook, clean up, undecorate, pack up, lay speaker to preach on Sunday so the pastor could be at Mid-Winter, etc.). Brackenridge Park is far enough away to feel like we are away making it easier to connect with God, and close enough to send someone to retrieve items from the church campus or purchase items from H-E-B in town. 

We have been blessed for God to be at work through our labor, discipline, and generosity that youth and adults have grown closer to God. Dr. Tanya Campen asked me to write a summary about this experience these last four years that it may inspire or encourage other churches to dream, follow through on God’s prompting, and increase awareness of possibilities that may be closer than you realize. 

Grace & Peace, 

Rev. Kelli Williamson 

First UMC Edna