Appointment Season begins in the Rio Texas Conference

/

Amanda Banda

Directof of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Appointment season has begun in the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. As pastors and congregations prepare for transitions in the coming year, we invite our conference to pray for clergy, congregations, and their families during this season of change.

Each year, bishops in The United Methodist Church work with district superintendents and local church leaders through a prayerful and consultative process to discern pastoral appointments that best support the mission and ministry of congregations across the conference.

Pastoral appointment updates will be posted on the Rio Texas Conference website each Thursday at 12:00 p.m.. Updates will be added weekly throughout the spring as appointments are announced.

View 2026 Pastoral Appointments
 
 

A Prayer for Appointment Season

Itinerancy

Learn more about how the United Methodist appointment system works:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/to-be-united-methodist-what-is-itineracy

The prayer in the image to the right, created by The United Methodist Church, comes from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, a historic prayer used in Methodist tradition that reflects our willingness to follow where God calls.

These transitions often bring both excitement and challenge as congregations welcome new pastoral leadership and give thanks for the ministry they have shared with their current pastors.

“What Is My Job?” – Webinar Recording Now Available

/

Missed the “What Is My Job?” Lay Leadership webinar?

The recording is now available for anyone serving — or feeling called to serve — in a leadership role within their local church. This session explores the purpose, expectations, and spiritual impact of key lay leadership roles, including Lay Leader, Trustees, Finance, SPRC, and Administrative Board.

Whether you’re brand-new to leadership or have served for years, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to strengthen your ministry and better understand how your role connects to your church’s larger mission.

🎥 Watch the recording here: https://www.txcumc.org/event/19562561

UMCOR Sunday | March 15, 2026

/

When disaster strikes, The United Methodist Church does not respond as isolated congregations — we respond as one body.

UMCOR Sunday strengthens the life-saving work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the global humanitarian arm of The United Methodist Church. Gifts received on this special Sunday cover UMCOR’s administrative costs, allowing every dollar given to specific disasters, recovery efforts, and international crises throughout the year to go directly to communities in need.

Because of UMCOR Sunday, the Church is ready before the storm forms, before the waters rise, before the headlines break.

From local flooding across Texas to global humanitarian crises, UMCOR’s presence is a reminder that compassion is not reactive — it is prepared.

🔗 Explore official Pastor & Leader resources here:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resources/umcgiving/special-sundays/umcor-sunday-pastor-and-leader-kit

🎥 Archived Video Resource

We are also sharing an archived UMCOR Sunday video.

Please note: This video was produced in a previous year and is shared as an archival resource. The message still remains powerfully relevant today.

The mission has not changed. The call to respond has not changed. And through UMCOR Sunday, our commitment to stand with those who suffer continues.

Update on Blueprint for Wellness Screening at Annual Conference

/

Update on Blueprint for Wellness Screening at Annual Conference

Beginning in 2026, the Rio Texas Conference will no longer host on-site Blueprint for Wellness biometric screenings during Annual Conference.

After reviewing participation and feedback about the time constraints of completing the screening during Annual Conference, conference leadership determined that hosting the screening on-site was no longer the most effective approach—particularly given that the Blueprint for Wellness screening can be completed at Quest Diagnostics locations between January 1 and August 31 each year.

What Is Not Changing

The Blueprint for Wellness screening remains fully available to all eligible HealthFlex participants and covered spouses.

The screening:

  • Is available January 1 – August 31

  • Must be completed during that timeframe to qualify for the $100 Rewards Cash incentive

  • Is completed at a local Quest Diagnostics lab, via Self-Collection Kit, or through a Physician Results Form

  • Automatically uploads results into Personify Health

  • Supports eligibility for Wellness Credits and overall well-being tracking

The screening is one component of the broader HealthFlex Well-Being Program offered through Wespath, which also includes:

  • Health Check (to avoid a higher deductible)

  • Wellness Credits (earn up to $150)

  • Health Coaching

  • Chronic Disease Prevention & Diabetes Management Programs

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Behavioral health resources

  • WeightWatchers partnership

  • And more

All of these programs remain available.

Why the Change?

The Blueprint for Wellness screening is available January 1 through August 31 each year, giving HealthFlex participants the flexibility to schedule their screening at a time that works best for them.

Offering the screening during Annual Conference sometimes created time constraints and scheduling pressure. After reviewing participation and the structure of the HealthFlex program, leadership determined that the screening can be more effectively accessed directly through Quest Diagnostics locations during the January 1 – August 31 screening period.

This shift supports greater flexibility while keeping the full HealthFlex Well-Being Program available.

annual conference 2025 - check in table

How to Schedule Your Screening

Eligible HealthFlex participants can:

  1. Log in to their Personify Health account

2. Navigate to the Benefits tab

3. Locate “Quest Blueprint for Wellness Screening.”

Or call Quest directly at 1-855-623-9355
Employer group: Wespath2026

To find a Quest Diagnostics location near you:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/locations/search

If you have questions about eligibility or program details, please contact the Wespath Benefits Team at activeteam@wespath.org.

Learn More About the Full HealthFlex Well-Being Program

The Blueprint for Wellness screening is one component of the broader HealthFlex Well-Being Program offered through Wespath. Participants and covered spouses may also engage in Health Check, Wellness Credits, Health Coaching, Chronic Disease Prevention programs, WeightWatchers, EAP services, and more.

For a complete overview of available programs, incentives, deadlines, and contact information, review the official:

HealthFlex Well-Being Programs FAQ (PDF)   

Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen Named Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation

/

Effective January 1, 2026, Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen has transitioned from her role as Director of Intergenerational Ministries to Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation.

Building on the strong foundation of her previous work, this role offers a broader, more intentional focus on equipping, supporting, and connecting clergy and laity to lead with courage, creativity, and compassion in service of our shared mission.

In this role, Rev. Dr. Campen provides strategic oversight and direction for leadership development and faith formation across the conference. Her work strengthens systems that identify, equip, and sustain leaders at every stage of ministry; supports discipleship pathways and the development of practical resources; and enhances onboarding and ongoing formation for clergy and lay leaders. She also provides leadership for youth, young adult, and campus ministries, coordinates safe ministry efforts, and leads collaborative processes that strengthen learning, accountability, and connection across our connection.

Rev. Dr. tanya campen presenting at 4 every generation conference (4 eg), louis, missouri. Nov. 2025. photo courtesy of rev. miguel padilla.

As a member of the Cabinet, Rev. Dr. Campen helps ensure that leadership development and faith formation across the Rio Texas Conference are grounded in clarity, connection, and collaboration, and aligned with the conference’s shared mission and priorities.

This role strengthens the partnership with Rev. Ray Altman, Director of Congregational Vitality and New Faith Communities. Together, their work supports an integrated approach to cultivating healthy leaders, vital congregations, and emerging faith communities, helping churches thrive in their unique contexts while remaining deeply connected across our conference.

We give thanks for Rev. Dr. Campen’s leadership and invite the conference to join us in prayer as she continues this work with wisdom, creativity, and deep faithfulness.


South Central Jurisdiction Leaders Gather in El Paso for “All Things in Common”

/

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Leaders from across the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church recently gathered in El Paso, Texas, for a time of conversation, collaboration, and holy conferencing centered on a shared future for the church. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey joined bishops and conference leaders from across the region for the gathering, called All Things in Common—a name drawn from the early church’s shared life and witness in Acts 2.

Ten Conferences make up the south central jurisdiction of the united methodist church. map courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.

Rather than serving as a legislative meeting, the gathering was intentionally designed as a space for listening, relationship-building, and discernment.

“This was a gathering where no decisions were made and that was intentional,” Bishop Harvey shared in closing reflections. “What mattered most was the depth of conversation and the willingness to sit together, listen to one another, and imagine what faithfulness looks like in this season.”

A Shared Space for Collaboration and Connection, 

Held January 19-21, 2026, the El Paso gathering brought together bishops, the South Central Jurisdiction’s Futuring Taskforce, and conference leaders, including directors of connectional ministries, treasurers, and communications staff. The event aligned with the Committee on Episcopacy’s mid-quadrennial meeting and emphasized collaboration across conference and jurisdictional lines.

Leaders of the south central Jurisdiction gathered at lydia patterson institute in el paso, tx in january 2026. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.

Bishop Delores J. Williamston gave the opening messsage for day one. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.

lydia patterson INSTITUTE students led worship during chapel. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.

 Organizers framed the gathering around Acts 2:42-47 and a series of shared practices rooted in the call to live “all things in common.” These themes included calling leaders together, recalling shared mission, supporting ministries such as Lydia Patterson Institute on the U.S.-Mexico border, reconnecting with Wesleyan heritage, and strengthening mutual accountability for the next generation of disciples.

 Throughout the gathering, leaders reflected on how shared ministry and deeper relationships can help the church respond faithfully in a changing world.

Participants took part in a “Walk in Their Shoes” experience, crossing the border into Juárez, Mexico, to glimpse part of the journey students make to attend Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, Great Plains Conference.

 Encouraging Signs of Growth and Opportunity

In her reflections, Bishop Harvey also lifted up hopeful signs shared, particularly demographic and missional insights across the jurisdiction. Every annual conference in the South Central Jurisdiction is experiencing population growth, with especially strong growth projected in Texas.

 Data shared during the meeting highlighted significant growth potential in regions such as the Rio Grande Valley, where population increases over the next decade are expected to be substantial.

attendees gathered for dinner with students and parents on the final night. photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.

“These realities remind us that we are not a church without a future,” Bishop Harvey noted. “There is strength in this jurisdiction, and there is real opportunity for ministry if we remain connected and attentive to where God is already at work.”

 Looking Ahead with Prayer and Trust

The All Things in Common gathering is also connected to broader, ongoing discernment across the denomination, including preparations for the upcoming Leadership Gathering later this year. While only a limited number of delegates will participate in person, United Methodists across the connection will be invited to engage through surveys, webinars, and shared reflection. Updates and more information about the Leadership Gathering are available at resourceumc.org/LeadershipGathering.

Bishop Harvey encouraged the Rio Texas Conference to remain grounded in prayer as these conversations continue. 

“We move forward trusting that God will provide once again,” she shared. “This is a season for listening deeply, strengthening relationships, and following the Spirit’s lead together.”

Additional opportunities for engagement will be shared as they become available.

The South Central Jurisdiction includes the Great Plains, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Louisiana, Texas, Horizon Texas, Rio Texas, and New Mexico Annual Conferences.

gated entrance of lydia patterson institute. photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.

stairway at lydia patterson featuring names of umc churches. Photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.

border crossing from Juarez, MX to El Paso, tX. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.

bishops of the South central jurisdiction with Dr. Carla cardoza, lydia patterson institute president. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.

students gather for weekly chapel at the lydia patterson institute. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.

featured artwork of the lydia patterson institute students. Photo courtesy of amanda banda, rio texas conference.

students of the Lydia patterson institute lead opening worship. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.

Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously. Miracle Sunday Initiative

/

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

A world-wide United Methodist movement—and a moment for the Rio Texas Conference to join together.

This spring, congregations across the Rio Texas Conference are invited to join United Methodists around the world in a shared six-week emphasis rooted in our common mission and shared future.

The Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously & Miracle Sunday Initiative brings together more than 30,000 congregations worldwide to strengthen theological education beyond the United States—equipping pastors, forming disciples, and renewing our connection as the United Methodist Church.

Why This Matters

Across the United Methodist Church, the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is alive and growing—especially outside the United States. Yet access to theological education is not equal across the global church.

In the United States, clergy are typically supported by established seminaries and systems of formation. In many parts of Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, pastors faithfully serve growing congregations with limited access to theological education and scholarships.

Miracle Sunday strengthens The Endowment for Theological Education Outside the U.S., helping prepare 500 additional pastors each year.

For the Rio Texas Conference, this shared season of prayer and generosity comes at a meaningful time. It is an opportunity to live into our connectional identity once again—joining congregations around the world in faithful participation.

What Churches Are Being Asked to Do

There is no single required format for participating in this initiative. Congregations are encouraged to engage in ways that fit their worship life, capacity, and context.

What matters most is that churches:

  • Name the initiative

  • Share the why behind it

  • Join the global church in prayer and generosity

All Rio Texas congregations are invited to:

  • Set aside the six weeks following Easter 2026 (April 12–May 17)

  • Share the story of the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously initiative during that season

  • Receive a special offering on Miracle Sunday (May 17, 2026) in support of theological education outside the United States

How you do that is intentionally flexible.

Flexible Ways to Participate

There is no single required format for participating in this initiative. Congregations are encouraged to engage in ways that fit their worship life, capacity, and context.

To help with planning, we’ve prepared a short guide outlining several faithful ways churches of all sizes can participate.

Download: Flexible Ways to Participate (PDF)

Giving & Miracle Sunday

The six-week emphasis culminates on Miracle Sunday (May 17, 2026), when congregations across the United Methodist Church will receive a special offering in support of theological education outside the United States.

Miracle Sunday offerings will be submitted to the Rio Texas Conference office, which will then forward funds to the Miracle Sunday Endowment Fund in support of global theological education.

Detailed instructions for how offerings will be collected and submitted to the conference office will be shared once they are available.

The following is a giving card that can be used for fundraising efforts to support this miracle initiative.

Miracle Sunday Giving Card PDF

Planning + Congregation Resources

Everything you need to plan and participate.

Materials are designed to support congregations of all sizes and to offer flexibility in how this initiative is shared and lived out locally.

Please use what is helpful for your context.

Bishop Harvey’s Video to Churches (Video)
An invitation to congregations across the Rio Texas Conference to participate in this global initiative. Click image below to view video on Youtube.

 

Click image to view video on youtube.

 

Quick Start Guide (PDF)
A one-page overview to help pastors and leaders understand the initiative, key dates, and how to begin.

Six-Week Worship Framework (PDF)
Weekly themes and scripture suggestions to support worship planning during the Miracle Sunday season.

Small Group Leader Guide (PDF)
A facilitator-style guide designed to help lay leaders lead small groups, Bible studies, or ministry teams through reflection, conversation, and prayer during the Miracle Sunday season.

Flexible Ways to Participate (PDF)
A guide outlining several faithful ways churches can engage with the initiative, based on worship rhythms, capacity, and context.

Campaign Announcement Sample Scripts (PDF)
Sample spoken announcements to help pastors and leaders introduce and reinforce the Miracle Sunday initiative throughout the six-week journey.

Announcement Slides


New Worship, Small Group, and Communication Resources

  • Press Releases for Conference Communication
    A brand-new announcement plus two previously released communications to support your conference’s media efforts:
    https://www.endowftecc.org/news

Need help?

If you have questions or would like support as you plan, please reach out to your District Coordinator or Conference Coordinator below. They are available to help you think through next steps, access resources, and adapt this initiative to your congregation’s context.

Conference & District Coordinators

Conference Coordinator

Byrd L. Bonner - byrdbonner@gmail.com

District Coordinators

South District: Jamey Mobley - jmobley413@gmail.com

Central District: Mark Nerio - markanerio@gmail.com

North District: Rachel Wright - rachel@fumcaustin.org

Immigration & Know Your Rights Resources

/

Dear Rio Texas Conference,

In times of uncertainty, the Church is called to respond with wisdom, care, and faithful presence.

In response to questions and concerns we have been hearing across the Rio Texas Conference, the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition has worked with conference staff to gather trusted immigration and Know Your Rights resources in one place. These resources are offered to support individuals, families, and church leaders as they seek clarity, prepare thoughtfully, and remain grounded in faith.

In moments like this, fear and uncertainty can spread quickly. As people of faith, we are called to respond not with panic, but with wisdom, care, and solidarity. Being informed is one way we offer dignity, protection, and hope to those who are most vulnerable.

We encourage churches and leaders to engage these resources prayerfully and to share them thoughtfully, with attention to their local context and community needs. I am grateful to the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition for their bold and courageous leadership, and I stand with them as we seek to respond faithfully and compassionately in this moment.

Above all, we invite you to remain grounded in prayer and faithful to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to compassion, mercy, and love for all people. May our witness reflect God’s justice, grace, and abiding presence in every circumstance.

Grace and peace,

 
 

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Visit the Immigration & Know your rights resource hub

Zoom Gathering for Reflection & Conversation

What is Accompaniment?

Jan 31, 2026, 10 AM - 11:30 AM (ZOOM)

A guided conversation, exploring accompaniment as a faithful way of walking alongside our neighbors with care, humility, and hope.

REGISTER FOR ZOOM HERE

A Prayer From Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Gracious and merciful God,

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the pain, fear, and unrest following the recent events in Minnesota. We grieve the loss of life, the trauma carried by families and communities, and the deep divisions that continue to wound our common life. We ask for your comforting presence to surround all who are suffering and for your healing to move powerfully among them.

As followers of Jesus Christ and as United Methodists, we affirm the sacred worth of every person. Our Social Principles call us to uphold human dignity, pursue justice, and work for peace in our communities and in the world. Shape us into people who resist violence, who seek understanding, and who choose compassion over anger. Teach us again what it means to love our neighbor, especially when that love requires courage, humility, and sacrifice.

Guide leaders toward wisdom and accountability. Stir your church to be a faithful witness for reconciliation and hope. Empower us to speak truth with grace, to listen deeply to one another, and to become instruments of your peace. May your Spirit lead us toward a future marked not by fear, but by justice, mercy, and steadfast love.

In the name of Christ, we pray.

Amen.

Local Church Report to the Annual Conference (End-of-Year Report)

/

Local Church Report to the Annual Conference (End-of-Year Report)

Every January, each local church submits its Local Church Report to the Annual Conference.

🔹 UMCData is now open for Rio Texas churches
🔹 Open: January 2, 2026
🔹 Deadline: January 26, 2026

Your District Office has emailed your church’s username and password for UMCData.

Update your church information on UMCData – Mission Connect:

https://umcdata.net/MissionConnect/Public/ChRpt/index.html?version=1.0.224

Instructions for completing the 2025 Local Church Report are available on the conference website, under the “Local Church Reports” tab
👉 https://riotexas.org/forms-and-reports

Need help or have questions?
📧 Nan Pyle – npyle@riotexas.org
📞 210-408-4549

********************************************

Informe de la Iglesia Local a la Conferencia Anual (Informe de fin de año)

En Enero, cada iglesia local envía su Informe de la Iglesia Local a la Conferencia Anual.

🔹 UMCData ya está abierto para las iglesias de Río Texas
🔹 Abrió: 2 de Enero de 2026
🔹 Fecha límite: 26 de Enero de 2026

Su oficina distrital ha enviado por correo electrónico el nombre de usuario y la contraseña para acceder a UMCData.

Actualice la información de su iglesia en UMCData – Mission Connect aquí:

https://umcdata.net/MissionConnect/Public/ChRpt/index.html?version=1.0.224

Las instrucciones para completar el Informe de la Iglesia Local 2025 están disponibles en el sitio web de la conferencia, en la pestaña “Informes de la Iglesia Local”.
👉 https://riotexas.org/forms-and-reports

¿Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas? Contacte a
📧 Nan Pyle – npyle@riotexas.org
📞 210-408-4549

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