Financially Support Texas Flooding Disaster Response & Long-Term Recovery Efforts

As we continue to walk alongside our neighbors impacted by the recent flooding, we hold in prayer the heartbreaking stories we are hearing — of lives lost, of loved ones grieving, and of families still waiting for news. Our hearts break for every community and family affected. Your generosity is already making a difference—every gift will go directly toward helping families recover and rebuild.

ONLINE: • Debit/Credit Card • ACH Bank Transfer • PayPal • Google Pay • Apple Pay • Venmo
CLICK HERE TO GIVE ONLINE

TEXT: Text GIVE to 210-762-4200

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 online, through your local church, or mail contributions directly to the conference office at:
Rio Texas Conference, 16400 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248

“We cannot stop. We have to keep helping, we have to keep working.”
– Rev. Rachel Lattimer, First UMC Burnet

Rev. Rachel expresses deep gratitude for the support and coordination already shown across the Rio Texas Conference—and reminds us that the work isn’t over. Recovery will take time, and the Church’s witness will be measured by our willingness to keep showing up.

Let’s stay connected, stay committed, and continue the work.

“Because God loves me, I love you.”
–Rev. David Payne, First UMC Kerrville

In the wake of deep sorrow, Rev. David shares a powerful hope: that love, unity, and service will rise from tragedy. The need for recovery will continue in the months ahead—and the church is already preparing to respond.

Continue praying for the families impacted. ERT training and preparation are key for the road ahead

“Our primary mission is to be a Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster.”
– Richard Mergen, Rio Texas Disaster Response Committee

Richard has helped train countless Early Response Team members, but for him, the heart of the work is about more than mucking out homes—it’s about showing up with love, presence, and hope when it’s needed most.

“We are a church willing to get our hands dirty… to do whatever we need to do to be here for the community.”
– Rev. Rachel Lattimer, Associate Pastor, First United Methodist Church Boerne Texas

Rachel renewed her Early Response Team certification to be part of the hands-on recovery in the flood-affected areas. Her story is one of hope, connection, and a living witness of the United Methodist Church in action.

The UMC is alive, connected, and responding.

After retiring from a career in law, Michael wanted to do something more hands-on—something that made a real difference. He found purpose through disaster relief work, showing how faith, service, and community can change lives.

“The best way to introduce people to Christ is to engage in Christ-like behaviors by helping your neighbor.”
– Michael Laffey, North Shore United Methodist Church - Canyon Lake, Texas

Everyone has gifts to offer.

“Sometimes, you don’t do anything but just sit beside someone.”

At Kerrville First UMC and Light on the Hill, love looks like a warm meal, a quiet space to grieve, and the power of prayer to guide what comes next.

Beth Palmer and Chef Marquett Pitts share how their team has been caring for evacuees, families still waiting for news, and first responders—offering comfort in both body and spirit.

“We are at our best when we come together for one another.”
– Rev. Kim Burke, Boerne UMC

In the midst of heartbreak, Pastor Kim shares how faith in action—through prayer, presence, and service—brings hope and healing to communities affected by the flooding.

Early Response Team (ERT) Training Opportunities

Early Response Team (ERT) training equips volunteers to offer safe, effective, and compassionate help during disasters.
It equips us to help safely, effectively, and faithfully, so that we become the hands and feet of Christ for neighbors who are hurting.

We invite you to prayerfully consider taking part in one of these upcoming training opportunities:

OPTION I: BASIC ERT TRAINING (HYBRID)
Part I (Online - Zoom):

Thursday, August 14 - 6pm-9pm via Zoom

Part II (Hands-On):

  • Saturday, August 16 - 9 am - FUMC Weslaco

  • Saturday, August 16 - 9 am - FUMC Boerne

  • Saturday, August 23 - 9 am - San Antonio St. Matthew UMC

  • Saturday, August 23 - 10 am - FUMC Gruene

Register: https://riotexasresponse.org/ert-basic-1-1 and follow the training tab for Hybrid.

OPTION II: RECERTIFICATION TRAINING (ONLINE)
Date: Thursday, August 14 via Zoom
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm

Location: Zoom
Purpose: For individuals whose ERT badge expired within the last six months.

Register: https://riotexasresponse.org/ertrecert

OPTION III: CHAINSAW TRAINING
Part I (Online - Zoom):

Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm

OPTION IV: SKIDSTEER TRAINING (ONLINE)
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 9 am - 3 pm

Registration required for all options.

Visit riotexasresponse.org for more information and to sign up. Questions? Email training@riotexasresponse.org.

Why this matters:
Flood survivors need more than supplies — they need compassionate, prepared helpers who can be trusted with their homes and their hope. This is how we carry one another’s burdens. This is how we show the love of Christ when it matters most.

The Mission of the Rio Texas Early Response team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster.

Worship Resources & Special Offering Materials

We have curated a collection of prayers, litanies, and blessings to support your worship services during this time.

These resources include:

  • Litany of Lament, Hope, and Strength – Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez

  • Communal Prayer – Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez

  • Call to a Special Offering (Advance #2050) – Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

  • Blessing of a Special Offering (Advance #2050) – Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

  • A Prayer for the Guadalupe River Communities – Rev. Adam Knapp

  • A Prayer of Lament from the Hill Country – Rev. Thomas Hankins

  • Family Conversation Resources - Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

Canva Template & Resources for Special Offering

We’ve also created a Canva template to help you promote the Guadalupe Flood Relief Special Offering during worship:

The template includes:

  • A script to use during offering time

  • Two graphic options (one for Canva premium users, one with a royalty-free image for free accounts)

  • A link to our worship resources