Making Meaning Together: Announcing Our 2026 Church Partners

/

Making Meaning Together (MMT) is a grant-funded initiative that supports congregations more fully including children ages 0–12 in worship and prayer. Rooted in a shared commitment to welcoming and listening to children, MMT partners with congregations to create worship spaces

where children are fully engaged and heard. Through a collaboration between the Michigan Conference and the Rio Texas Conference, MMT is building a learning community where churches across both regions listen deeply, experiment faithfully, and shape intergenerational worship with care and intention.

This fall, congregations across both conferences participated in the MMT application process, including a key step called Listening with Children. As part of this process, churches gathered children from their congregations—with parent and child permission—to wonder together about worship in their church. These conversations helped inform each congregation’s project focus and direction as they discerned their work with MMT. Many churches named thoughtful commitments to support children and their families, including attention to sensory elements, acoustics, opportunities for movement, and language that is accessible to all ages. These practices reflect the heart of Making Meaning Together, and we are grateful for the ways churches are responding to what children are teaching them.

2026 MMT Churches

Michigan Conference

  • First Kalamazoo

  • Battle Creek: Chapel Hill

  • Dearborn First

  • Lansing Grace

  • Chelsea First

  • Goodrich

  • Nardin Park

  • University Church (East Lansing)

  • Central Detroit

  • Okemos Community Church

  • Wesley Park

Rio Texas Conference

  • Manchaca

  • Saint John’s

  • Northwest Hills

  • Bee Creek

  • Fredericksburg

  • Leander

  • La Trinidad - San Antonio

  • Schertz

Looking Back: 2025 Highlights

In 2025, Making Meaning Together reached several important milestones. We launched our first application process, inviting congregations to listen to children and discern their next faithful steps toward more intergenerational worship. We also formed an Advisory Board that meets quarterly to ensure the executive team is staying faithful to the grant.

Throughout the year, the MMT team connected with leaders in change management, leadership development, and children’s spiritual development to shape learning opportunities for partner churches. We also hosted office hours for congregations in both conferences, offering space for questions, reflection, and encouragement throughout the discernment process.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Beginning in January 2026, each partner church will live into its project plan with support from the MMT team. Churches will gather for monthly cohort meetings, creating space to share stories from worship, reflect on what they are noticing, and exchange ideas and resources that support child-inclusive practices. Additional learning opportunities throughout the year will strengthen this shared work and allow churches to learn from one another across conferences. Congregations interested in participating in the initiative in 2027 are invited to join our interest list. We look forward to continuing this journey alongside churches as they listen deeply to their youngest community members and reimagine worship for all ages.

Stay Connected

Website

Email: info@makingmeaningtogether.org

Instagram: @makingmeaningtogether

Facebook

The New UMC Guiding Vision Statement: Resources for Your Church

/

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

In May 2025, the Council of Bishops unveiled a new guiding vision statement for The United Methodist Church — a vision that strengthens our mission, clarifies our identity, and calls us into a hope-filled future. This page gathers official resources, videos, guides, and tools to help your church introduce and live into this vision in your local context.

Whether you’re a pastor, church staff member, or lay leader, we invite you to explore, learn, and share these materials as we continue to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously across the Rio Texas Conference.

The UMC Vision & Mission Statements

Vision Statement

“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”

Mission Statement

“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Local Church Reference Guide

This guide provides the full theology, scriptures, and strategic steps for aligning your ministry with the new vision.

[Download the Local Church Reference Guide]

Start Here: Introducing the Vision to Your Congregation

Where Do I Start? (Pastoral How-To)

This ResourceUMC article walks through three simple steps for introducing the Vision:

PRAY — reflect on the scriptures & vision

TEACH — preach, lead studies, introduce the language

ALIGN — help your church reflect on where they already love, serve, and lead

[Read the full article from ResourceUMC]

Leadership Questions for Church Councils / Retreats

Use the strategic alignment questions from pages 2–4 of the Local Church Reference Guide to help your leaders discern where to celebrate and where to grow.

Vision Branding & Communication Tools

UMCom’s Vision Branding Toolkit

Includes:

  • Official color palette & fonts

  • Logos & graphics

  • “Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.” artwork

  • Downloadable print + digital elements

  • Usage guidelines for sermon slides, banners, and more

[Download Creative Guidelines]
[Download Logos & Graphics]

Order Promotional Products

Build awareness in your congregation with Vision-themed magnets, stickers, banners, shirts, and more.

[Order Vision Promotional Products]

Canva Templates for Social Media

UMCom has created easy-to-edit Canva templates for:

  • Vision graphics (Love Boldly / Serve Joyfully / Lead Courageously)

  • Quote & scripture posts

  • Event templates

  • Vertical story/reel templates

[Access the UMC Vision Social Media Canva Templates*]

*Click the visual examples in the resource pack to open each Canva file.

Video Resources

Use these official videos in worship, meetings, small groups, or social media:

  1. Bishops’ Message (4 minutes) — Vision Overview

  2. Local Church Reference Guide Companion Video (2 min)

  3. Social Media Explainer Video (1 min) — horizontal & vertical formats available

Resources for Preaching, Teaching & Discipleship

Explore sermons, devotionals, and commentaries from across the UMC that help unpack “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.”

Highlighted resourceds include:

Tools for Local Churches

Quick Ways to Introduce the Vision

  • Add the Vision Statement to your worship slides

  • Include it in your newsletter or bulletin footer

  • Use the social media templates weekly

  • Preach a Vision-focused sermon or series

  • Discuss alignment questions at leadership retreats

  • Invite youth to create #LoveServeLeadUMC content

Share Your Story

If your church is living the Vision in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 communications@riotx.org

Hashtags & Social Media

Choose authentic photos and short, meaningful quotes to help your congregation engage.

Use these hashtags to join the wider UMC conversation:

  • #LoveServeLeadUMC (official)

  • #LoveBoldly

  • #ServeJoyfully

  • #LeadCourageously

  • #BeUMC

  • #RioTexasUMC

Closing Blessing

As we step into this new season together, may we continue to embody the Spirit-filled calling to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. We are grateful for the faithful ministry happening every day across Rio Texas — and we pray these resources support you in living the UMC Vision in your local context.

Call for Proposed Changes to the Standing Rules (English & Español)

/

The Standing Rules Committee of the Rio Texas Conference invites clergy and lay members to submit proposed modifications or additions to the Conference Standing Rules.

The Standing Rules serve as our governing framework for how the Annual Conference conducts its work, organizes leadership, and carries out ministry in alignment with The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Regular review and revision ensure that our practices remain clear, transparent, and responsive to the evolving mission of the Conference.

If you have recommendations to improve clarity, streamline procedures, or address new needs within our conference structure, we welcome your input.

Submission deadline: January 9, 2026
How to submit: Please send all proposals by email to azermeno@riotx.org.
Submissions should include your name, church, and a clear description of the proposed change, including any relevant rationale or reference to the current Standing Rule.

Your participation helps us strengthen our shared work of doing all the good we can as we seek to clarify, collaborate, and connect through our governing structures.

For reference, the current Standing Rules are available on the Rio Texas Conference website or is attached. 

— Rev. Adrienne Zermeño, Chair
Standing Rules Committee

Current standing rules pdf


Llamado a proponer cambios a las Reglas Permanentes

El Comité de Reglas Permanentes de la Conferencia Río Texas invita al clero y a los miembros laicos a presentar propuestas de modificaciones o adiciones a las Reglas Permanentes de la Conferencia.

Las Reglas Permanentes sirven como nuestro marco rector para la forma en que la Conferencia Anual lleva a cabo su trabajo, organiza el liderazgo y realiza el ministerio de acuerdo con el Libro de Disciplina de la Iglesia Metodista Unida. La revisión y modificación periódicas garantizan que nuestras prácticas sigan siendo claras, transparentes y receptivas a la misión en evolución de la Conferencia.

Si tiene recomendaciones para mejorar la claridad, agilizar los procedimientos o abordar nuevas necesidades dentro de la estructura de nuestra conferencia, agradecemos sus aportaciones.

Fecha límite de sumisión: 9 de enero de 2026.

Cómo enviar las propuestas: Envíe todas las propuestas por correo electrónico a azermeno@riotx.org. Las propuestas deben incluir su nombre, iglesia y una descripción clara del cambio propuesto, incluyendo cualquier justificación relevante o referencia al Reglamento vigente.

Su participación nos ayuda a fortalecer nuestro trabajo compartido de hacer todo el bien que podamos mientras buscamos aclarar, colaborar y conectar a través de nuestras estructuras de gobierno.

A modo de referencia, las Reglas Permanentes actuales están disponibles en el sitio web de la Conferencia Río Texas o se adjuntan. 

— Rev. Adrienne Zermeño, Presidenta

Comité de Reglas Permanentes

Pdf de las Reglas permanentes vigentes




Rio Texas – 2026 Midwinter Retreat Information

/

Midwinter is a powerful weekend retreat where youth from across the Rio Texas Conference gather for worship, teaching, fun, and spiritual growth.

Students are encouraged to attend any Midwinter retreat that fits their schedule and location — you do not have to attend the one in your district.

Choose your weekend below and get ready for a life-changing retreat!

Dates:
Friday, February 13, 2026 — 5:00 PM to
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — 6:00 PM

Location:
Camp Zephyr
151 Farm to Market 3162
Sandia, TX 78383

Registration Deadline:
Sunday, February 1, 2026

👉 Register for South District Midwinter HERE

Questions? Email: Rev. Phillip Higginbotham

Dates:
Friday, January 9, 2026 — 7:00 PM to
Sunday, January 11, 2026 — 10:15 AM

Location:
T Bar M Camp
2549 TX-46
New Braunfels, TX 78132

Cost: $175 per person
Registration Deadline: December 5, 2025

Registration is full.

Questions?
Contact: Ryan Jenson — ryan@oakhillumc.org

Central District Midwinter

WHERE'S JESUS?

Can you see him? Do you spot him in the crowd?  Is Jesus in the games? Food? Ropes course? Students? Worship? Cabins? Come to Winter Camp 2026 and help us look for Jesus?

Winter Camp is for current 6th-12th graders and their youth leaders

Dates: February 13th-15th, 2026
Location: Camp Chrysalis - Kerrville, TX
Cost: Early Bird Registration (by Jan 18) $175 per person 
Late Registration (after Jan 18) $215 and we cannot guarantee a t-shirt

Registration Link:  https://forms.gle/n34AK7U49EF14DKM7

Need More Info? 

General Questions:  Kathey Adams kadams@ahumc.org | (210)826-3215

Registration: Katie Myers katie@mylhumc.org | (210)587-5498

RISE Camp 2026

  • Friday, February 13, 20264:30 PM
    Sunday, February 15, 202612:00 PM

  • Rio Texas Annual Confer64ence United Methodist Church16400 Huebner RoadSan Antonio, TX, 78248United States (map)

Get ready for RISE, the church camp where 3rd-5th graders discover their faith through epic adventures, crazy games, and unforgettable memories! Your child will build lasting friendships while learning biblical truths through hands-on activities that bring God's word to life in exciting new ways. Join us as we RISE together in faith, fun, and friendship during the most incredible weekend!

When: February 13th-15th, 2026
Where: John Knox Ranch
Who: 3rd-5th graders


Interested? Register Here!

Source:: https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2840919

Rio Texas: A Matthew 25 Conference

/

Equipping Rio Texas churches to feed and care for our neighbors in Christ’s name. This page will be updated as additional information and resources become available.

A Pastoral Call from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Emergency Food Ministry Grants — Apply Now

Global Ministries is offering up to $2,000 in emergency funding for UMC congregations supporting feeding ministries during the government shutdown.

• Supports food pantries & community meal programs

• Fast turnaround for funding.

• Application deadline: December 15, 2025

Learn More + Apply for the Feeding Our Neighbors Grant

Community Feeding Resources

Find Food Support in Your Community

  1. Feeding America - Find your Local Food Bank

  2. Rio Texas Food Pantries & Community Meal Resources. This includes resources from our local churches and community partners within the Rio Texas Conference.

  3. Meals on Wheels (Elder Nutrition Support)

  4. 211 Helpline (Find Food Near You): Call 2-1-1. After choosing a language, select option 1 to find resources in your community. You can also visit 211.org.

Rio Texas Food Pantries + Community Meal Resources

A New Blessing for Retired Clergy & Spouses: The Shepherd’s Fund Comes to Rio Texas

/

Attention Rio Texas Retired Clergy & Spouses!

A wonderful blessing is available for retired clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses of the Rio Texas Conference: The Shepherd’s Fund.

The Shepherd’s Fund helps with medical-related bills and unexpected expenses and can provide up to $10,000 every 12 months, with no financial means test required. This support is available whether you are fully retired or serving a church as retired supply.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Ordained and licensed clergy who retired from the Rio Texas Annual Conference, including clergy from the former Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences.

  • Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible retired clergy.

What Kinds of Expenses Are Covered?

The Shepherd’s Fund can assist with:

  • Hearing aids

  • Dental care

  • Prescription medications and co-pays

  • Mobility equipment

  • Home modifications for accessibility

  • In-home care and other medically-related needs

How It Works

  • Simple, confidential online application process

  • Grants of up to $10,000 every 12 months for qualifying expenses

  • Designed to bless and support those who have given their lives in ministry

Learn More & Apply

The Shepherd’s Fund periodically offers informational sessions for retired clergy, spouses, family members, and caregivers. Watch for announcements from the Rio Texas Conference, or reach out directly with questions.

For more information, contact:
Lissette Guillen
Email: lguillen@riotexas.org | Phone: (210) 408-4548

Informational Flyers, Brochures & Launch Materials:

What is the Shepherds Fund (Spanish)

What is the Shepherds Fund (English)

Rio Texas Conference Welcomes Tony LoBasso as Incoming Director of Financial Services

/

By: Rev. Amanda Banda, Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Tony lobasso – Incoming Director of Financial Services for Rio Texas, effective April 1, 2026. Photo courtesy of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

The Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that Tony LoBasso will join the Conference staff on April 1, 2026, as the next Director of Financial Services.

After exploring several candidates, the Conference is confident that Tony is the best choice to lead our Financial Services into the future. He brings more than 40 years of extensive financial and accounting leadership to this role. Since 2014, he has served as Chief Financial Officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), where he was responsible for the organization's overall financial health. Under his leadership, MHM's budget grew from $58.2 million to $213.6 million, with zero external audit findings. 

He also guided the organization through milestones such as property acquisitions, federal grant partnerships, and upcoming system upgrades.

Tony's career began in public accounting, serving large financial institutions and health care/health insurance clients. Over the years, his work has spanned health insurance, specialty medical care, and hospital systems, giving him a broad foundation for financial stewardship. He also brings extensive experience in investments, real estate, and general business law, an expertise that will serve the Conference well. 

A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Tony is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has also faithfully served the Rio Texas Conference, including on the Pensions and Benefits Committee since 2016 and as its President/Chairman since 2019.

Tony and his wife, Carrie, are active members of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, where they serve on the Foundation Investment Committee and Finance Committee. They have two grown children and one grandchild.

Reflecting on this transition, Tony shared:

"I have enjoyed the last 12 years serving MHM clients and our Board of Directors, and look forward to serving the Rio Texas Conference and developing further partnerships between MHM and the Conference."

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey welcomed Tony with these words:

"Tony brings a wealth of experience in accounting, insurance, property, and investments—expertise that is especially needed in this season of the church. Even more, he brings a deep heart for ministry and a call rooted in faith. I am excited to welcome him into this role and look forward to the impact of his leadership."

Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, reflected on Tony's legacy at MHM:

"He is an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend to all of us. His commitment to MHM is evident in his excellent work ethic and tremendous contributions to furthering our mission. Tony will leave a legacy of leadership and wisdom for many years to come."

As the Conference prepares for this transition, we also pause to honor Rev. Kendall Waller, who has served faithfully for the past nine years as Director of Financial and Administrative Ministries. His steady leadership and pastoral presence have guided the Conference through some of the most challenging seasons in our denomination's history.

Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez, Chief of Staff, noted:

"We are deeply grateful for Rev. Waller's years of service and look forward with hope to Tony's leadership as we move into the future together."

This moment marks both gratitude for the steady guidance of Rev. Kendall Waller and anticipation for the leadership Tony will bring. Together, these seasons of service strengthen the Conference's mission to steward faithfully and serve boldly in the years to come.

Tony Lobasso will join the rio texas conference staff as director of financial services, effective april 1, 2026.

Rio Texas Conference Undergoes Staff Realignment

/

The Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church has begun implementing a staff realignment in response to significant financial realities and a desire to align resources with mission priorities strategically. This realignment reflects both present challenges and a hopeful vision for the future of ministry across the Conference.

"These decisions are not easy," said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, "but they are necessary. This is about faithful stewardship—making decisions that allow us to continue serving our churches well in a changing landscape. We remain focused on our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

A Realignment Already in Motion

In August, the Conference began taking concrete steps toward restructuring, including the difficult decision to release three staff members. Additional departmental structure, role responsibilities, and position funding changes will continue to unfold in the coming months.

Leadership has emphasized that the goal is not merely to reduce expenses, but to strengthen alignment between staffing, ministry priorities, and current financial capacity.

Financial Context and Shifting Realities

In just seven years, the Rio Texas Conference budget has declined from $9.5 million in 2019 to a projected $5.5 million in 2026. Staffing costs have similarly decreased, from $2.8 million to $1.58 million in that same timeframe.

The number of churches within the Conference has also dropped significantly—from 351 in 2019 to 206 in 2024, following widespread disaffiliations and ongoing litigation. In 2024, churches contributed $4.6 million toward conference apportionments—about 69.4% of the approved budget.

This gap in funding has further strained cash reserves and emphasized the need for long-term adjustments. 

"We are not making cuts for the sake of cutting," said Director of Finance and Administrative Ministries, Kendall Waller. "This is a strategic reorganization driven by the realities of our current and projected finances. We aim to ensure the Conference remains sustainable and responsive, so we can continue to serve and equip local churches for years to come." 

Compassion in the Midst of Change

Out of respect for the privacy of those affected, individual names will not be released. However, all impacted staff have been personally notified and are being supported through this transition with:

• Continued health insurance

• Severance packages

• Counseling or pastoral care upon request

In a message to staff, Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez, Assistant to the Bishop and Chief of Staff, shared these words:

"I know this moment carries sadness, but I also believe it holds hope. Our mission remains as important as ever, and I believe in our ability to support one another, adapt, and continue serving with excellence. Together, we will honor the past, stand strong in the present, and move forward with courage and unity into the future we are building side by side."

A Vision for What's Next

The Conference will restructure departments and consolidate or outsource certain services as needed to support emerging areas of ministry better.

Conference leadership remains committed to aligning staffing and organizational decisions with ministry priorities and financial realities as part of this work. This commitment ensures faithful stewardship and sustainable growth while continuing to serve our churches with clarity and care.

Rooted in the Conference's core values of clarity, connection, and collaboration, this realignment is part of a broader strategy to build a more sustainable and responsive structure for the future.

On a related note, we give thanks for the continued service of Rev. Kendall Waller, who, even in retirement, faithfully serves as our Director of Financial Services and Treasurer. His steady leadership and deep knowledge have been a gift during this season of transition. Looking ahead, we are planning intentionally for the next chapter of this role, as Rev. Waller will enter into full retirement on July 1, 2026. The process of discerning and preparing for the next Director of Financial Services and Treasurer is underway to ensure a smooth transition.

Moving Forward in Hope

"This is painful, yes," said Bishop Harvey, "but it is also an opportunity. An opportunity to be honest, faithful, and bold in reshaping the Rio Texas Conference to meet the needs of this moment. I believe God is with us in this work."

While this realignment marks a difficult chapter, Conference leadership focuses on walking with congregations and staff through this transition with honesty, compassion, and faith in what lies ahead–with the assurance that God is with us.

Author: Rev. Amanda Banda, Director of Communication for the Rio Texas Conference