An Update from Bishop Harvey

May 8, 2025

Dear Friends,

Eastertide blessings to you as we continue journeying through this sacred season of resurrection and renewal.

Recently, the Judicial Council issued Decision 1516, addressing the use of church property. Understandably, this decision has raised questions and, for some, concerns. In response, the Council of Bishops has provided thoughtful interpretation and reflection, which I encourage you to read.

As with many matters of polity and practice, what we read in official language may feel quite different in the lived experience of ministry. It’s in this spirit of pastoral care and clarity that I offer my own reflection.

Although Decision 1516 may initially appear to revise previous rulings, a closer reading shows that it largely upholds existing language and understanding from earlier versions of the Book of Discipline. Specifically, the decision:

• Upholds Paragraph ¶341.3, which clearly states:
  “No clergy at any time may be required or compelled to perform, or prohibited from performing, any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple, including same-sex couples. All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple.”

In short, clergy continue to be entrusted with making faithful, contextual decisions—guided by conscience, pastoral wisdom, and deep knowledge of their congregations and communities.

As your bishop, I trust and expect that the pastors under appointment will continue to exercise this responsibility with grace, courage, and pastoral sensitivity. You are called to know your people and the communities you serve with care, insight, and integrity. Let that relationship guide your discernment and leadership.

Thank you for your ministry and for the ways you embody Christ’s love in the lives you touch.

Grace and Peace,

Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Bishop Appoints Director of Congregational Vitality and New Faith Communities

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announces the appointment of Rev. Ray Altman as the Director of Congregational Vitality and New Faith Communities for the Rio Texas Conference, effective July 1, 2025. In this role, Ray will lead efforts to identify, mobilize, and connect the faithful ministry that already exists within our conference and to help ignite and release new ministries that are emerging. He will work to expand our definitions of vitality, our models for new faith communities, and our metrics of fruitfulness. Ray will join the Director’s Table and relate to the work of the cabinet.

“Ray brings a unique set of skills and giftings to this work. He will help us engage new communities with the gospel message and help strengthen our local congregations. I am excited that Rev. Altman has said yes to joining this team of conference leadership and look forward to his wise and innovative counsel,” shares Bishop Harvey.

After 11 years in traditional church settings, Ray has spent the last 6 years appointed to The New Wineskin Initiative. In this appointment, he has planted two faith communities, one online and another based in his neighborhood. He also developed a cohort model training ministry for clergy and church teams focused on missional leadership, neighboring, and beyond-the-walls engagement. Ray will continue his ministry supporting the New Wineskin Initiative.

“I’m humbled to be invited into leadership among a conference of congregations, lay people, and clergy colleagues that I know God is working with and through. I’m convinced God has called us to share our unique witness by word and deed, through innovation and tradition, to current and future generations. We are called to do this in ways that are ancient and new and that bring about our own transformation and the transformation of our communities.” 

Ray was ordained as an Elder in full connection in 2011 after graduating from Union Theological Seminary in 2008 and Southwestern University in 2005. He served as Associate Pastor at Kerrville First UMC from 2008-2014 and was appointed to Leander UMC from 2014-2019. He has been a regular innovator of church models that explore alternative ways of engaging discipleship, evangelism, and community building. In the last two years, through New Wineskins’ training cohorts and recent work with Rio Texas Transforming Communities Network, Ray has learned from and accompanied over 50 churches in missional work.

Ray has been married to Megan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for 18 years. They have three children, Asher (13), Levi (11), and Katherine (9) who are each active in school and extracurricular activities and play important roles in their neighborhood ministry. They love family, travel adventures, sharing wonderful food, and playing with their dog, Duncan. Ray enjoys the San Antonio Spurs, funk, jazz, house music, sci-fi movies, playing ultimate frisbee, and meeting his Camp Gladiator friends early in the morning to exercise.

Bishop Harvey Makes New Appointments

The cabinet remains focused on the appointment process as they prayerfully discern the future leadership of the Rio Texas Conference and honor those who have dedicated their lives to the kingdom of God.

“As Dr. Austin Frederick prepares for his well-earned retirement after 45 years of ministry, we celebrate his unwavering faithfulness and exceptional service at every level of the church,” said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. “In his role as Vice President of Pastoral Care Services for the Methodist Healthcare System (MHS), Dr. Frederick has exemplified the excellence that has defined his entire ministry.”

Dan Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Healthcare System, expressed gratitude for Dr. Frederick’s contributions adding that information regarding Dr. Frederick’s retirement will be forthcoming. 

“We are deeply grateful for Rev. Austin Frederick’s years of compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to our mission,” shared Miller. “His guidance has provided comfort, strength, and support to so many within Methodist Healthcare and the communities we serve. We look forward to celebrating his legacy and know Austin’s impact will continue to inspire and uplift others.”

The position of Vice President of Pastoral Care Services at MHS is an appointment reserved for the bishop. Effective July 1, 2025, Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez will step into this role. Bishop Harvey affirmed, “Dr. Lopez will bring the same level of dedication, compassion, and excellence to this position as he has in every appointment he has faithfully served in The United Methodist Church.”

"I am so grateful to God for this opportunity to serve in this capacity and be a part of an excellent pastoral care team. I am deeply thankful to Bishop Harvey for her support and care during this time of discernment. I look forward to this season of serving humanity to honor God,” says Dr. Lopez.

Additionally, effective July 1, Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez will begin his appointment as Assistant to the Bishop/Chief of Staff and Director of Financial Services for the Rio Texas Conference. His extensive experience including serving as Director of Spiritual Care and Church Connections at Methodist Healthcare Ministries, his professional expertise while holding multiple leadership roles at USAA for 12 years, and his active leadership within the Rio Texas Conference as chair of the Finance Table, positions him well for this vital role. His ongoing commitment to pulpit ministry across the Conference further enriches his leadership.

"Pastor Aaron has been an extraordinary spiritual leader, colleague, and friend to all of us at Methodist Healthcare Ministries—and by extension—to those we serve across our service area. His commitment to Christ is evident in his daily walk and he’ll be leaving a legacy of faith and hope that we’ll hold close to our hearts for years to come,” shared Jaime Wesolowski.    

Bishop Harvey is working closely with Jaime Wesolowski to name the appointment to the Director of Spiritual Care and Church Connections position.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Gonzalez has said YES! to serving in this crucial role,” said Bishop Harvey. “His combination of administrative excellence and deep calling to serve the kingdom of God makes him the perfect fit for this season in The United Methodist Church.”

Dr. Gonzalez stated, “I am deeply humbled to serve our Bishop and the Rio Texas Conference in this capacity. When I responded to my call into ministry 15 years ago, I placed my life in God’s hands, asking that I be sent where I could be of greatest service.  I look forward with great anticipation to what we will accomplish as the we move forward in responding to our call together. I am grateful to Bishop Harvey for this opportunity.”

As the Rio Texas Conference prepares for leadership transitions, Rev. Kendall Waller will retire on June 30, 2025, after 38 years of dedicated service. To ensure a smooth transition, he will remain on staff in a part-time capacity through December 31, 2025, providing guidance and support.

“Rev. Waller has led with care, compassion, and unwavering love, especially through the challenges of disaffiliation and other transitions,” said Bishop Harvey. “His leadership has paved the way for Dr. Gonzalez to step into this new role with confidence and vision.”

Looking ahead, Bishop Harvey reflected on the evolving landscape of the Conference: “We are stepping into a season of creative possibilities as we embrace new realities. What may seem like challenges are, in fact, opportunities made possible by the dedication of extraordinary clergy and lay leaders across the Rio Texas Conference.”

Bishop Announces Superintendent Appointment

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announces the appointment of the Rev. Tracey Beadle as the district superintendent of the new North District. Details of new districts are available online at riotexas.org/new-districts. Tracey is currently serving as the senior pastor at Austin Westlake UMC and has served there since 2017. This appointment will become effective July 1, 2025.

"I am so thankful for the steady leadership of Rev. Beadle. Her outstanding leadership in the church, district, and conference levels has prepared her for this season of supervisory ministry. We welcome her with excitement to the work of the cabinet!” said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. 

Rev. Beadle walks alongside those seeking to follow God’s call to serve and love God’s people. It is one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of her ministry. Her new role as district superintendent will allow her to continue to challenge herself and others to grow. She will learn alongside the clergy and laity of the newly formed North District by discerning together God’s dreams for the beloved communities of the district and conference.

Rev. Dr. Marcus Freeman, the current superintendent says, “Rev. Beadle is already an excellent leader of this district and I am so grateful someone of her gifts will lead this amazing district here in the Austin area!”

Dr. Freeman will be rolling off the cabinet after eight years of distinguished service to the conference and episcopal office. “Marcus has a deep level of commitment to God and the church. His wisdom and integrity enhanced the workings of the cabinet,” shared Bishop Harvey.

Tracey is a 1991 graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Theatre and Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures. Before discerning a call to ministry, Tracey worked in business and finance. In 2008, she discerned a call to ministry and graduated in 2011 from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. 

Tracey’s husband James works in logistics for the Lower Colorado River Authority. He loves golf, ice hockey, and being a girl-dad. James plays guitar (and several other stringed instruments) and sings in the church’s praise band.

James and Tracey have two adult daughters. Michaela graduated from Texas A&M last year with a degree in Communications and Business. She works in Austin in Public Relations. Zaye is a sophomore at Texas A&M pursuing a degree in education and aspires to be an elementary school teacher. They also love rescuing animals and currently parent two fat and happy orange cats, a sweet black lab mix, and a miniature poodle with an adorable underbite.

Tracey loves to travel. She also enjoys gardening, jogging, playing Spades with her family, and recently ran her first trail race. She experiences God in nature, especially meditating on the sky’s many transitions and mood—seeing the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights is at the top of her bucket list!    

Bishop Harvey Appoints Director of Communications for the Rio Texas Conference

San Antonio, TX — March 2, 2025 — Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announces the appointment of Rev. Amanda Banda as the Director of Communications for the Rio Texas Conference, effective July 1, 2025. In this role, Amanda will lead strategic communication initiatives, expand digital engagement, and enhance storytelling efforts to better connect clergy, laity, and local churches across the conference. Rev. Banda will be apart of the extended Cabinet and will join the Director’s table of the conference.

“As Amanda steps into this role, she will help us tell the stories of how God is moving in our congregations,” said Bishop Harvey. “Her expertise in communications, digital strategy, and ministry leadership will be invaluable in equipping our churches with the tools they need to engage their communities with clarity and purpose.”

Amanda brings significant experience in communications, public relations, and digital ministry, having worked in church, corporate, and educational settings to develop high-impact messaging, branding, and media production.

“I am honored to step into this role and passionate about strengthening communication across the Rio Texas Conference,” Amanda shared. “I believe storytelling is at the heart of our mission, and my goal is to help churches share their unique stories in compelling ways—through digital platforms, creative media, and strategic messaging. I am excited to work with our Rio Texas clergy and laity, and the team at the conference office.”

Amanda’s background includes serving as a Communication Specialist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Brownsville, where she managed media production and social media content, created graphic designs for print and digital platforms, and facilitated team-building sessions on collaboration and self-awareness. She also worked in public relations and marketing for Harlingen CISD, serving as an editor, videographer, social media manager, and studio director for district-wide communication efforts. In addition, she has taught audio/video production, graphic design, and digital storytelling, equipping students, staff, and organizations with the skills to craft compelling narratives and enhance communication strategies.

Amanda is a licensed local pastor pursuing her Master of Divinity at SMU Perkins School of Theology (Class of 2027) and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She currently serves on the Rio Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Nominations Committee, Finance Table, and the Crossroads District Strategy Team.

Her husband, George, is a Network Engineer for the City of Victoria and plays a key role at FUMC Victoria, overseeing the AV production and sound team for the contemporary service. Their teenage children are actively involved in church ministry, serving in AV production, worship leadership, the praise band, and children’s ministry, as well as volunteering at and attending midwinter retreats, various camps, and mission trips. As a family, they are deeply committed to using their gifts and talents to serve the church and share Christ’s love with others.

Conference Partnership Hires Schwarcz for Making Meaning Together Initiative

The Making Meaning Together initiative — a collaborative effort between the Michigan and Rio Texas Conferences of The United Methodist Church to nurture children in worship and prayer — is excited to welcome Laura Schwarcz as its new Project Coordinator!

Laura will oversee Making Meaning Together’s daily operations, foster relationships with church leaders, and support leadership development opportunities.

This new joint initiative is funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Click to learn more about this partnership. More information about the project will be available this spring and at the 2025 Michigan Annual Conference.

Laura was invited to share her background, passion for ministry, and vision for Making Meaning Together. Here’s what she had to say.

Share a little about your background and ministry experience.

I have served in Children and Family Ministries for nearly 20 years. A California native with deep Texas roots, I earned my Bachelor of Liberal Arts from California State University, Fullerton, with a certification in Multi-Subject Teaching. I also hold a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. I am the co-creator of Bread for Our Journey, an online curated weekly collection of resources that uses the lectionary and seasonal texts. Bread for Our Journey brings in different voices, especially marginalized ones, to deepen faith and expand understanding. I live in Austin, Texas, with my husband and two daughters.

What do you enjoy most about serving in ministry with children?

I love both the quiet moments of listening and the deep conversations where I get to witness how God is moving in and through children. Their faith is authentic, unfiltered, and full of wonder, offering a beautiful glimpse into God’s presence. Seeing children engage in their faith with genuine love and eagerness is a true gift. I find great joy in partnering with children and their families as they experience the Kin-dom of God in their everyday lives through community, service, and worship.

What excites you most about being on the Making Meaning Together Team?

I am grateful to join a team of faith-driven leaders dedicated to equipping churches and ministry leaders across both conferences, fostering collaboration, strengthening worship, and ensuring children are prioritized within their communities.

How do you hope to support churches and leaders in creating meaningful worship experiences for children?

I hope to walk alongside churches and leaders, equipping and inspiring them with the tools and resources they need to cultivate meaningful worship experiences for children. I want to help create space for this sacred work — as well as remind churches that even in a world that is constantly shifting, we are called to faithfully engage and listen to children in ways that bring transformation, hope, and God’s love into their own communities.

What’s a fun fact about you?

During COVID-19, I discovered a passion for smoking meats on a grill — yes, you read that right. I love smoking the Thanksgiving turkey, slow-smoking ribs, and preparing perfectly smoked salmon. The process and patience it requires came into my life at just the right time. In addition to mastering a killer burger on the Traeger, I enjoy family road trips, Texas Longhorns football, and watching my kids uncover their own passions of swimming and dance.

Team members invite the churches and members of the Rio Texas Conference to welcome Laura to the team.

Bishop Announces Superintendent Appointment

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announces the appointment of Rev. Pamela Dykehouse as the superintendent of the district that will likely include much of the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley. Details of new district boundaries will be released March 16. This appointment is effective July 1, 2025. Pamela is currently serving as the senior pastor at Corpus Christi First United Methodist Church.

"It is exciting to welcome Rev. Dykehouse to the Cabinet. She brings with her a wealth of experience as well as a servant’s heart and a willing spirit,” said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. 

After her undergraduate education at Southwestern University, Pamela served as a US-2 missionary before completing her M.Div. at Duke Divinity School. Since 2000, Pamela has served churches in Waco, Portland, and Corpus Christi. Pamela says she has “the best job in the world.” Leading the church, preaching, caring for congregations, helping people know Christ’s love and grow in faith is what she would want to do whether it was her “day job” or not. She sees the role of District Superintendent as a natural extension of her life of service to Christ and his Church by coaching, supporting, guiding, and equipping pastors and laity across the region she calls home. Pamela thrives in creating new ways of ministry and enjoys imagining what is possible with God!

Rev. Laura Brewster, the current superintendent who will be seeking an appointment in another annual conference for personal reasons, says, “Pamela Dykehouse is a proven leader who has valuable experience, a creative mindset, and passion for helping pastors and churches grow and excel. I have tremendous respect for her, and I am excited about her appointment as a District Superintendent!”

Pamela’s husband Jason teaches theatre arts in Corpus Christi ISD. He has published several fiction and academic works. Jason teaches and preaches in churches on occasion using his training and gifts as an Old Testament scholar. Jason and Pamela have two young adult children and will soon welcome a son-in-law. Pamela enjoys walking, jogging, biking, and kayaking out in God’s good creation, practicing yoga, baking, playing games with her family, trying not to kill potted plants, and relaxing with a cup of tea.

Bishop Harvey Announces Senior Staff Realignment and Taskforce Updates for Rio Texas

Effective January 15, 2025, the Rio Texas Conference will begin realigning responsibilities as part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and establish task groups to address key ministry priorities. These changes are designed to enhance collaboration and provide a more intentional focus on areas that will strengthen the Conference's mission and impact.

Since her assignment on September 1, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey has engaged in a listening tour with clergy and laity from across the Rio Texas Conference. This process of learning and listening has been instrumental in identifying the Conference's unique and pressing needs, providing the foundation for the upcoming realignment.
 
The redistribution of responsibilities aims to balance workloads and create space for more focused attention in critical ministry areas. By strategically aligning resources and leadership, the Conference seeks to maximize effectiveness and better support its ministries.
 
Dr. Robert Lopez will continue in his role as assistant to the bishop, serving as chief of staff and supporting the bishop in overseeing Conference operations. Working alongside the bishop, Dr. Lopez will ensure that all aspects of the Conference function at their highest capacity. “This will help me as I keep a foot in the Rio Texas Conference and the Texas Conference,” Bishop Harvey explained. In addition to his current responsibilities as liaison to the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Uniting Table, and Annual Conference planning, Dr. Lopez will also convene the newly formed Directors Table, fostering coordination and collaboration across all ministry areas. Robert will continue his work on the bishop’s cabinet.
 
The Directors Table will include Rev. Kendall Waller, who will maintain his oversight of finance and administration while expanding his role to include leadership development for clergy, laity, and congregational growth, including developing new faith communities. He will continue to serve on the bishop’s cabinet.
 
Dr. Tanya Campen will bring her leadership in intergenerational ministry to the Directors Table, overseeing ministry efforts for children, youth, and young adults, including campus ministries and adult faith formation. In collaboration with Rev. Miguel Padilla, they will focus on faith formation for young people, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and spiritual growth. Dr. Campen will continue her service on the cabinet.
 
Abel Vega’s dedication to mission, service, and justice will now encompass his role as Director of Connectional Ministry (DCM). In this capacity, Abel will work closely with leaders across the Conference’s programmatic ministries, fostering alignment and shared vision. His addition to the bishop’s cabinet and Directors Table reflects the importance of this critical work.
 
Bishop Harvey said, “The work of Dr. Lopez and Rev. Waller, Dr. Campen, and Mr. Vega will align the ministries of the Conference, providing better coordination and collaboration. There will understandably be overlap in the areas of responsibility, and the formation of the Directors Table will be better equipped to avoid duplication of effort. They will also bring synergy to our shared ministry as a cabinet.”
 
In addition to the Directors Table, Bishop Harvey has established four task groups to address specific ministry priorities. These groups will provide collective focus and strategic direction in areas critical to the Conference’s mission and operations.
 
One task group, formed in collaboration with Jaime Wesolowski, CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, will address processes and protocols for the shared ministry partnership between MHM and the Rio Texas Conference. This group, comprising six members from each organization, held its first meeting in November. It will continue working toward a preliminary report to be presented at Annual Conference 2025.
 
Hispanic and African American ministries remain key areas of focus for the Conference. Separate task groups dedicated to these vital ministries will convene in January to discern next steps, ensuring these efforts receive the attention and strategic planning they deserve.

Additionally, a task group has been formed to assess the future use of the Conference Building on Huebner Road. This group will approach the evaluation carefully and strategically, reflecting on how the building can best serve the Conference’s mission moving forward.
 
All task groups will present preliminary informational progress reports at the 2025 Annual Conference. Their role is to assess and provide recommendations to the appropriate committees, as decision-making will rest with those committees to ensure informed and collaborative outcomes.
 
“These are initial steps toward realignment and establishing priorities for the Conference. I am grateful to all who have enthusiastically said ‘yes’ to providing leadership to these important ministries of the Conference,” added Harvey. She also expressed gratitude for the commitment of the laity and clergy and highlighted the significant participation in onboarding meetings and gatherings, which have sparked excitement about the future of the Rio Texas Conference.
 

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Statement from SCJ Mission Council

Austin, TX – Today, the Texas Supreme Court held oral argument concerning the 2019 lawsuit filed by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference (SCJ) against Southern Methodist University (SMU). The underlying lawsuit involved claims brought by the SCJ concerning SMU’s amendment to its articles of incorporation that were made without the required approval of the SCJ. SMU requested review by the Texas Supreme Court following an unfavorable opinion by the Dallas Court of Appeals.

“One of the significant issues in this lawsuit is a breach of contract claim because, as the SCJ claims, SMU ignored its governing documents and a century-long course of performance by amending its articles of incorporation without the SCJ’s approval,” said Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, chairperson of the SCJ Mission Council.

SMU, located in Dallas, is the home to Perkins School of Theology, one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries approved by the denomination, which receives Ministerial Education Funds from apportionments paid by local churches throughout the SCJ.

In addition, the Bridwell Library at SMU now houses the entire collection of the World Methodist Museum, formerly located at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.

“As you can see, maintaining the historical relationship between SCJ and SMU is important because of SMU’s Methodist heritage while integrating its educational mission with the church’s teachings and fostering a unique environment that nurtures academic excellence and moral development,” said Belase.

The desire of SCJ’s Mission Council and the College of Bishops is to maintain a strong, healthy relationship with SMU.

“Our hope is that we can be partners in ministry, just as we have since SMU was founded by our foremothers and forefathers in faith in 1911,” said Bishop Delores Williamston, resident bishop of the Louisiana Conference and president of the SCJ College of Bishops.

A ruling by the Supreme Court is not expected for several months.

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Beyond Borders: A Christian Response to Immigration Complexities

The use of these materials and resources does not in any manner constitute an attorney-client relationship between the Rio Texas Annual Conference and the user. While the information on this site/document pertains to legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice of your own counsel. It is for informational purposes only.

Dear United Methodists,

As your South Central Jurisdictional bishops, we write to you with burdened hearts regarding our nation's complex immigration issue. We recognize the diverse perspectives within our congregations and the deep concerns many of you have expressed about this challenging reality.

Our nation stands at a crossroads, with significant proposed changes to immigration policies. These proposals include plans for sweeping large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants, which could potentially separate families, including those with U.S. citizen children. Proposed expedited removal procedures have raised concerns about due process and access to legal representation. Additionally, proposed changes regarding the issuance of visas will likely impact many in our nation.

These and other potential actions have created fear and uncertainty among many in our communities, particularly those who are undocumented or have loved ones in vulnerable situations. As Christ followers and United Methodists, we are called to prayerfully reflect on these developments and the lives and communities these policy changes will impact.

Scripture and our Wesleyan tradition affirm the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of legal status. Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and love our neighbors as ourselves, expressing God's care and love for the vulnerable and displaced through compassion and hospitality.

We recognize that immigration policy is multifaceted, involving questions of national security, economic impact, and social integration. There are valid concerns about these aspects, and we hear your voices on these matters.

While policy solutions may differ, we can unite around our core Christian principles:

•    Welcoming the stranger
•    Treating all people with dignity and respect
•    Showing compassion for those in vulnerable situations

We invite all United Methodists in the South Central Jurisdiction to engage in respectful, empathetic conversations about immigration. Let us create spaces where diverse viewpoints can be shared without judgment, seeking understanding and common ground.

In light of this, we are pleased to invite you to participate in an important upcoming webinar event:

A UMC Conversation: The Journey with Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities

This webinar will provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue about these pressing issues. During this session, panelists will share their experiences welcoming and offering hospitality to migrant, immigrant, and refugee communities. They will reflect on past efforts, current changes, and future expectations, helping us to better comprehend the complexities of this journey.

We encourage you to join us on Tuesday, January 28 at noon Central via ZOOM. To participate, please register in advance using the following link: A UMC Conversation: The Journey with Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Communities.

This webinar aligns with our call to engage in respectful, empathetic conversations about immigration, offering a unique opportunity to learn from those directly involved in ministering with and supporting these vulnerable communities.

Also, this webinar will be recorded and made available for use in our churches. This recording will serve as a valuable resource for congregations seeking to engage with these important issues, foster meaningful discussions, and deepen our understanding of our shared journey with migrant, immigrant, and refugee communities. We encourage you to utilize this recording in your small groups, Bible studies, or other church gatherings to continue the conversation and inspire action within your local communities.

The United Methodist Church has a unique opportunity to model Christ's love while engaging with complex societal issues. We encourage United Methodists to:

•    Pray for wisdom, compassion, and just solutions for all involved in this complex situation.
•    Study scripture and our United Methodist Social Principles to inform our understanding of this issue.
•    Seek accurate information from reliable sources to inform your views.
•    Support ministries and organizations that provide care and legal assistance to vulnerable or fearful immigrants in our communities.
•    Engage with local and national leaders to express your thoughtful perspectives on immigration policy that reflect our Christian values of compassion, justice, and human dignity.

While we may not all agree on specific policy solutions, we can remain united in our commitment to love God and our neighbor. May our actions and words reflect the grace and compassion of Christ as we face this trying circumstance as one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world.


In Christ's love,

Active SCJ Bishops
Bishop Robert Farr, Missouri Episcopal Area
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Texas and Rio Texas Episcopal Area
Bishop Laura Merrill, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Episcopal Area
Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, Desert Southwest and New Mexico Episcopal Area
Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., Horizon Texas Episcopal Area
Bishop Delores J. Williamston, Louisiana Episcopal Area

Retired SCJ Bishops
Bishop Charles Crutchfield
Bishop Janice Huie
Bishop William Hutchinson
Bishop Joel Martinez
Bishop Michael McKee
Bishop Gary Mueller
Bishop Fritz Mutti
Bishop Robert Schnase
Bishop Ann Sherer
Bishop Dan Solomon
Bishop Max Whitfield
Bishop Joe Wilson

U.S. Department of Labor Ruling - New Overtime Salary Threshold - Urgent Updates for Your Ministry!

Nov. 21, 2024 Update

A federal court recently struck down a new federal regulation that increases the salary threshold for overtime exemptions, which could have affected ministry employers and employees alike. The United Methodist Church’s General Council on Finance and Administration looks at what that means for churches and other denominational employers. The finance agency is hosting a Dec. 3 webinar that will discuss these developments.
View resource
Register for webinar  

WHAT IS CHANGING?    

The U.S. Department of Labor released a new rule regarding overtime wage payments in the U.S. that increases the salary threshold for exempt employees in two phases.

JULY 1, 2024
From $35,568 to $43,888 annually

JANUARY 1, 2025
The salary level is expected to increase to $58,656

WHAT DOES THIS CHANGE MEAN?

The adjustment in salary thresholds means employees earning less than the new thresholds would no longer qualify for the overtime exemption and therefore become eligible for overtime pay.

Employers are to provide overtime pay to employees at one and one-half times an employee’s regular pay for every hour the employee works beyond 40 hours in a workweek, unless the employee falls within an exemption.

REQUIRED CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION

Employees MUST meet the Job Duties Test! Each category of exemptions has its own criteria relating to the primary job duties the employee performs.

AND

Currently employees MUST be paid on a salary or fee basis at no less than $684 per week ($35,568 annually).

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT EXEMPTIONS

Employees are exempt from the FLSA minimum wage and overtime protections if they are employed in a bona fide executive, administration, or professional EAP capacity, as those terms are defined in the Department’s regulations here.

WHO DOES THIS CHANGE IMPACT?

• Any employee paid on a salary basis.

• Clergy serving in a ministerial role may be exempt from this requirement under the ministerial exception.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Identify affected employees and assess how to handle changes to employee statuses such as:

• Payroll adjustments

• Redefining job descriptions

• Modifying work hours to manage labor cost 

Reclassify employees whose duties might not meet the requirements to be exempt

Plan for how to roll out reclassification decisions

• Train reclassified employees on timekeeping requirements

Budget for increases in salary and overtime expenses

Decide, given the interim and 2025 salary thresholds, if you will make the changes in two steps or jump to the 2025 threshold

HOW TO COMPLY?

Employers have a range of options for responding to the updated thresholds established in this rule.

Some examples include:

• Increase the salary of the employee to at least the new salary level to retain their exempt status

• Pay an overtime premium of one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for any overtime hours worked

• Reduce or eliminate overtime hours

• Consider nondiscretionary bonuses up to 10% of the salary threshold

• Reduce the amount of pay allocated to the employee’s base salary (provided that the employee still earns at least the applicable hourly minimum wage) to offset new overtime pay

• Convert a position to hourly wages (tracking hours and providing meal/rest breaks would be required)

FIRST INCREMENTAL SALARY INCREASE DEADLINE: JULY 1, 2024

FAQ’s
Download PDF
Download PowerPoint “EFFECTING YOUR MINISTRY STARTING JULY 1, 2024”

UMCOR US Disaster Relief for Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Friends,

During the first week of October, Hurricane Helene spread devastation in six United Methodist Conferences in southeastern states. Then, on October 9, Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida for a second time. Among the worst areas hit, the FEMA designated disaster areas in North Carolina includes more than 20 counties in the western part of the state and now parts of central Florida. Please join us in our efforts to offer assistance, and keep those in affected communities in your prayers.

The purpose of this letter is to ask your church to consider having a special offering to assist UMCOR as they reach out to the impacted conferences. 100 percent of your gifts to UMCOR’s US Disaster Relief will go to the affected communities.

Please consider sending monetary donations through the links below. Money is what they need most and is the more efficient use of donations when they can be purchased locally. This has a more positive impact both on the cost of recovery efforts and benefits the local economy. 

Your church may consider having a special offering one Sunday just for Disaster support -additional information and materials here: Resources - Global Ministries (umcmission.org)

Donate funds to help:

• Give to the Rio Texas Annual Conference Disaster Fund #2050 – which will go under Conference Advance

• Give to: UMC Advance# 901670 – which will go under UMCOR Advance

• You may also give by writing a check to the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

  • Write “Disaster Fund” in the memo line of your check. Place the check in the offering plate of any United Methodist Church OR send the check to the conference office at:
    C/O Treasurer’s Office
    Rio Texas Annual Conference
    16400 Huebner
    San Antonio, TX  78248

Please note that donations do go toward the church’s five-star rating. I want to remind everyone that relief is just the first step toward recovery. The ultimate goal is to make homes whole, and it is always a long, expensive, and laborious process. Thank you for all you do. Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions.

Eugene Hileman
Disaster Response Coordinator
Rio Texas Conference

Rio Texas Receives $1.25 Million from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Nurturing Children Through Prayer and Worship Initiative

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Rio Texas Receives $1.25 Million from Lilly Endowment Inc. for
Nurturing Children Through Prayer and Worship Initiative

The Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church has received a $1,250,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish Making Meaning Together, an initiative to nurture children in worship and prayer in partnership and collaboration with the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.

Through this initiative, Rio Texas and Michigan Conferences will partner with their churches and leaders to foster inclusive worship and prayer practices within intergenerational communities. Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen and Rev. Kathy Pittenger will lead this initiative. We are eager to see children participating in worship more fully alongside adults as we all worship and pray together. This initiative will provide tools, strategies, and seed money for designing and implementing worship with a high view of children. The objectives of this initiative are to listen to children, develop leaders through intentional training and cohorts, and design intergenerational worship and prayer experiences that honor children and invite them to participate fully.

We are excited about the collaboration between the Rio Texas and Michigan Conferences of The United Methodist Church in implementing this initiative. We are eager to see its impact on working towards a culture shift in corporate worship that values inclusivity and participation of all individuals, where children feel welcome, respected, and encouraged to engage in worship to deepen their connection to God and their faith community.

The Rio Texas Conference is one of 91 organizations funded through the latest round of the initiative. They represent and serve congregations in a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, including Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical, Orthodox, Anabaptist and Pentecostal faith communities. Several organizations are rooted in Black Church and Hispanic and Asian American Christian traditions.

“Congregational worship and prayer play a critical role in the spiritual growth of children and offer settings for children to acquire the language of faith, learn their faith traditions and experience the love of God as part of a supportive community,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “These programs will help congregations give greater attention to children and how they can more intentionally nurture the faith of children, as well as adults, through worship and prayer.”

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About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. The principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

About Rio Texas Conference:

The Mission of United Methodists of The Rio Texas Conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation about the world. We seek to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach out, in the name of God, to the people of Texas and beyond. Some of our churches are in some of the fastest-growing areas of the country, others are in areas where people struggle with poverty, lack of affordable housing, and a loss of hope. We are committed to providing vital missions, vital congregations, and strong leaders to connect our churches to all people. 

The Rio Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is made up of 215+ worshipping communities in South, Central, and West Texas. The conference is divided into seven districts: Las Misiones, with its office in San Antonio; Hill Country, located in Kerrville; Capital, in Austin; West, in San Angelo; Coastal Bend, in Corpus Christi; El Valle in Harlingen; and Crossroads in Victoria. There are roughly 600 clergy under appointment by the bishop.

The Rio Texas Annual Conference is a part of the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church has approximately 24,000 congregations in the US and abroad. For more information on the history and governance of the denomination, visit umc.org.

Representatives from each church in The Rio Texas Annual Conference meet annually usually in Corpus Christi to conduct the business of the conference, celebrate the ministry of the church and commission and ordain clergy.     

PRESS CONTACT:
Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace Campen, PhD.
Intergenerational Discipleship
Rio Texas Annual Conference
United Methodist Church 
210-408-4500
tcampen@riotexas.org

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Welcome Bishop Harvey!

Leer en español

ROGERS, ARK.— Cynthia Fierro Harvey was assigned to the Rio Texas Annual Conference during the 15th Session of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference held in Rogers, Arkansas on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Harvey will also continue to serve as episcopal leader of the Texas Annual Conference—where she has served for the past two years. She previously served the Louisiana Annual Conference for ten years beginning in 2012. She was consecrated as bishop after leading UMCOR as Deputy General Secretary from 2010-2012.

She previously served as the President of the Council of Bishops 2020-2022, President-designate 2018-2020 and as the Secretary of the Council of Bishops 2014-2018. She serves on the board of directors at various organizations, including the Board of Trustees for Southwestern University and the Lydia Patterson Institute. She currently serves as President of The General Commission of Archives and History of The United Methodist Church.

As bishop, Harvey challenged congregations to look beyond themselves and to keep an eye focused on the edge where God is at work. She also has a passion for young people as they lead the church into a future filled with possibilities.

“Bishop Harvey has many gifts and strengths to share with Rio Texas. Among them, a strong commitment to building a church for future generations,” said Rachel Wright, member of the Rio Texas Episcopacy Committee. “I look forward to the ways that our daughters and granddaughters will newly see their present and future selves reflected in Bishop Harvey’s leadership.”

After the announcement, Bishop Harvey shared: “I am looking forward to getting to know the people of the Rio Texas Conference. It is a time to build a church for the future.”

Prior to her 2012 consecration as bishop, Harvey was the Director of Missional Excellence for the Texas Annual Conference. She served as executive pastor for Houston Memorial Drive UMC (1996-2008) and an associate pastor of Houston The Foundry United Methodist Church (1992-1996). She previously spent 12 years in the corporate world as a regional director of marketing for The Rouse Company before her ordination in 1992.

Harvey is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology, and University of Texas at Austin. She was born in Big Spring, Texas in a “typical Hispanic neighborhood surrounded by family.” She married her husband Dean Alan in 1981. They have one adult daughter.

Bishop Robert Schnase, who recently announced his retirement from episcopacy effective September 1, said: “I am grateful to God for the leadership and service of Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. Bishop Harvey is an experienced bishop with a careful and fruitful eye toward the future. Rio Texas is blessed to have her as our episcopal leader.” 

PRINTABLE PDF

SCJ Press Release - New Episcopal Coverage Areas Announced at South Central Jurisdictional Conference

Reflections with Robert Schnase, Bishop - Easter 2024

Open Letter Regarding Ministries of Mercy and Compassion along the Texas Border

March 2024
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recently, there has been an intensity of dehumanizing language and a militarizing of border areas over the complex and demanding situation along the border in Texas. We recognize the efforts of many of our first responders, migrant shelters, and advocacy centers as noble and express our deep appreciation for engaging in this important and sacred work. Yet, we offer this open letter to stress the need for religious institutions of all faiths to freely continue in ministries that encompass acts of mercy and compassion to the most vulnerable in our communities, including migrants, without the risk of retribution by authorities.

It is our sacred duty as Christians and United Methodists to follow the teachings of Jesus when it comes to ministries of mercy and compassion. Jesus said in gospel of Matthew, “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 you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” We seek to honor this teaching in the best traditions of the Church Universal. We seek to serve all humanity to honor God.

We support migrant shelters and ministries offering food and shelter and dignity in many places from the Annunciation House in El Paso, TX to the Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville, TX. We support our Catholic friends and other leaders of faith. We stand in solidarity with the statement from the Conference of Catholic Bishops: “We must especially preserve the freedom of Catholics and other people of faith to assist their communities and meet migrants’ basic human needs.” The United Methodist Church has a long history of supporting and funding migrant refugee centers on the border. Some of these Christian migrant refugee centers are well over 100 years old and have been providing humanitarian assistance long before the divisive politics of our modern times.

We call on Christians and United Methodists to continue in the sacred work of providing food and shelter and dignity to the most vulnerable in our midst.

We call on government institutions to work in harmony with us towards ending this crisis along the border in a way that reflects the best traditions of our country.

We call upon leaders to cease dehumanizing rhetoric that fans the flames of prejudice and racism.

Respectfully,

Robert Schnase
Bishop
Rio Texas Conference
New Mexico Conference

Reflections with Robert Schnase, Bishop - "Welcome Home"

Reflections with Robert Schnase, Bishop - Merry Christmas 2023