Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Across the Rio Texas Conference, 62 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

SA: Ernest T. Dixon
SA: Jacob’s Chapel
SA: Oak Meadow
SA: Sanford Chapel
SA: St Matthew’s
SA: Travis Park
SA: Trinity
SA: Westlawn
San Angelo: Wesley Trinity
Seguin: La Trinidad

Brackettville
Carrizo Spring
Crystal City – Swindall Memorial
Del Rio: First
Floresville
Kerrville – Barnett Chapel
North Shore
Rankin
SA: Alamo Heights
SA: East St. Paul
SA: Emanuel
SA: Epworth

North District

Fentress
Kempner
Leander
Luling: First
Luling: Wm Taylor
Stevens Chapel
San Marcos: Jackson Chapel
Wimberley

Austin: Emmanuel
Austin: Northwest Hill
Austin: Wesley
Austin: Westlake
Bastrop
Bend
Buda
Cedar Park: First
Columbus: St. Paul

South District

Palacios
Port Lavaca: First
Portland: First
Runge
San Benito: First
Skidmore
Shiner: First
Shiner: Johnson’s Chapel
Telferner
Victoria: First
Victoria: Webster Chapel

Beeville: First
Brownsville: Templo Emmanuel
Bruni
CC: Grace
Edinburg: First
Evan’s Chapel
Goliad: Fannin St.
Kingsville: El Buen Pastor
Laredo: La Trinidad
McAllen: First
McAllen: St. Mark
Odem: First

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.