Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Across the Rio Texas Conference, 73 congregations are being recognized as Five Star Churches for 2025—a reflection of their deep commitment to generosity, connection, and mission.

The Five Star designation is given to churches that fully participate in the Advance giving program, a model of designated mission giving where 100% of each gift goes directly to the ministry it supports.

These congregations have:
• Paid 100% of their apportionments
• Supported UMCOR Sunday
• Given across all five mission categories, including local, national, and international projects, as well as missionary support

This kind of giving reflects something deeper than generosity; it reflects a commitment to being part of something bigger than any one church.

Through these gifts, Rio Texas churches are helping respond to disasters, support missionaries, strengthen communities, and extend the reach of the gospel in tangible ways.

Learn more about the Advance Special Information and Five Star Church Program Information here.

Central District

SAnt: Jacob's Chapel
SAnt: La Trinidad
SAnt: Laurel Heights
SAnt: Oak Meadow
SAnt: Sanford Chapel
SAnt: St. Matthew's
SAnt: Travis Park
SAnt: Trinity
SAnt: Westlawn
Brackettville
Del Rio: First
Rankin
SAng: Wesley Trinity
Sonora

Seguin: La Trinidad
Boerne
Canyon Lake
Carrizo Springs
Crystal City: Swindall Memorial
Kerrville: Barnett Chapel
New Braunfels: First
North Shore
Floresville
SAnt: Alamo Heights
SAnt: East St. Paul
SAnt: Emanuel
SAnt: Epworth
SAnt: Ernest T. Dixon

North District

Bastrop
Columbus: St. Paul
Fentress
Luling: First
Luling: Wm Taylor
Stevens Chapel
Buchanan Dam: Highland Lakes
Buda
San Marcos: Jackson Chapel
Wimberley

Austin: Berkeley
Austin: Emmanuel
Austin: Northwest Hills
Austin: Tarrytown
Austin: Wesley
Austin: Westlake
Bend
Cedar Park: First
Kempner
Leander
Manchaca

South District

Shiner: First
Shiner: Johnson's Chapel
Telferner
Victoria: First
Victoria: Webster Chapel
Yoakum: First
Brownsville: Templo Emmanuel
Edinburg: First
McAllen: First
McAllen: St. Mark
San Benito: First
Laredo: La Trinidad

Beeville: First
Bruni
CC: Grace
Goliad: Fannin St.
Kingsville: El Buen Pastor
Odem: First
Palacios
Port Lavaca: First
Portland: First
Skidmore
Evan's Chapel
Runge

A Word of Gratitude

To every Five Star Church: thank you.

Your generosity is fueling ministry across the Rio Texas Conference and beyond. Your faithfulness is a witness. And your commitment is helping move us forward—together.

Looking Ahead

All district and conference Advance projects are renewed each quadrennium, and a new Rio Texas Advance catalog for 2025–2028 will be available soon.

As we look ahead, there is a continued opportunity for every church to participate in this shared mission and be part of the impact God is making through Rio Texas.