The Rio Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

You’ve probably have heard of mall walking—now Rio Texas is going to be “conference walking”! In the interest of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, the new Rio Texas Wellness Team is inviting Annual Conference attendees to track the number of steps they walk during our gathering this year in Corpus Christi, June 6-9.

El Valle District Ministry Center is a vision of the district which involved repurposing a closed church and building ministry partners. The building was redesigned to support its new purposes. We envision partnering with other groups to educate and promote healthy eating and healthy choices. We aim to help lower childhood obesity rates in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, announced the appointment of Rev. Andy Smith as the new District Superintendent of the Hill Country District. Smith will replace retiring District Superintendent John Wright. Smith is currently the superintendent of the West District and will continue to serve the West in addition to Hill Country.

While thousands flocked to United Methodists Churches in Rio Texas for the remembrance of Holy Week and celebration of Easter, many were able to worship in new ways and in new places.

The Capital District Youth gathered over 120 youth from 12 churches at Camp Tejas on Feb. 23-25 for the Capital District Midwinter 2018. This year’s speaker was Rev. Hilary Marchbanks. She shared reflections on what it means to be created in the image of God. 

By Fritzi Simon
Co-Lay Leader
Crossroads District

Churches throughout the Crossroads District came together to celebrate on Saturday, April 21. The District was honored to welcome Bishop and Mrs. Schnase and Rev. Diana Phillips and her husband Mark as special guests.

Fifteen college students and supporters from San Antonio Wesley and Texas State United Campus Ministry went on a mission trip to Costa Rica over Spring Break 2018. Students spent the week helping a local Costa Rica Methodist Church in Rio Cuarto as it prepared to expand its reach into the local community.

I just attended the first annual CMN conference in Dallas this past week and I got a word from God! CMN [Church Multiplication Network] is the Assembly of God church planting network. Since 2008, CMN has helped launch 3400 plus churches and trained over 7500 planters. The worship was intense and the speakers were inspirational!

The churches of the Rio Texas Annual Conference are working to create fresh expressions of church, taking the gospel to where the people are. El Divino Redentor, McAllen Pan de Vida ministry is a two-year old effort for residents in Mission who do not belong to a church.