Guadalupe Flood Relief (July 2025):
As we continue to assess the impact of the flooding along the Guadalupe River and surrounding communities, one of the most effective ways you can help right now is through financial gifts.
Bishop Harvey and our Disaster Response Team encourage churches and individuals to contribute to our Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response Advance #2050, noting “Guadalupe River Flood” on your gift.
How to give:
Churches: If taking an offering, please send collected gifts to the Rio Texas Conference office, designated to Advance #2050 — Guadalupe River Flood.
Individuals: You may give through your local church, or mail contributions directly to the conference office at: Rio Texas Conference, 16400 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248
Your generosity will support immediate needs in the affected areas. We are also working with UMCOR on securing an initial grant to aid our response.
For live updates visit our facebook page
Litanies, prayers, and worship resources from the community
Family Resources
In the midst of any disaster, persons of all ages will experience a multitude of emotions. Fear, anxiety, shock, anger, confusion, and sadness are some of the normal reactions to this type of crisis. It is important to listen, reflect, pray and work together. For we know -- God is with us.
Listed below, you will find a guide for Holy Conversation in your family followed by prayers, family devotionals, and resources. The hope is that they will help your family and the families in your community live knowing that God is with you. You are not alone! Thanks be to God!
Guide for Holy Conversation in your Family
In times of uncertainty, it is important to be open and honest regarding current events. This resource provides guidance for hosting a holy conversation in your home. Family members will be invited to: gather, connect, wonder, pray, respond, and bless together as they process their feelings and thoughts in response to their experiences.
Prayers
Dear God, As we learn about [name experience, disaster, tragedy] we feel [insert emotion]. Thank you for listening to us. We pray for [name prayer requests- help, healing, assistance]. We give thanks for the helpers and ask that you protect and guide them in their work. Give us wisdom as we continue to take care of each other. In the midst of this tragedy we hold tight to you. Thank-you for staying with us. Amen.
Devotionals
Practice the Daily Examen (invite persons in your family to reflect on these questions together)
"I experienced God today..."
"I am thankful for..."
"I need God's help with..."
Pray together: "The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Amen" (Psalm 27, CEB)