Responding to Central Texas Floods – A Call to Prayer & Generosity

July 17, 2026

Dear Rio Texas Pastors and Church Leaders,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Once again, our hearts ache as we watch the devastating news of flooding across Central Texas. Almost one year ago, many of these same communities endured unimaginable loss, and now they face yet another season of grief and uncertainty.

Please continue to hold all who are affected in your prayers—those who fear, those who have been displaced, first responders, relief workers, and the churches that will become places of refuge and hope. I also invite you to respond generously as you are able so that together we can meet the greatest and most immediate needs.

This Sunday, I invite you to set aside a special time during worship to pray for all who have been affected by these floods. Pray for grieving families, those who have lost homes and livelihoods, emergency personnel, volunteers, and the congregations that will be serving their communities in the days and weeks ahead.

If your congregation is able, I also encourage you to receive a special offering for Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response, Advance #2050. Your generosity will help support immediate response and the long work of recovery.

Online giving is also available by visiting riotexas.org/disaster-give.

As opportunities arise for Early Response Teams and other volunteers to serve, we will communicate those needs as quickly as possible. Until then, the most faithful response is to pray, to give, and to trust that God will continue to work through the people called United Methodist to bring hope, healing, and the assurance that no one walks this difficult road alone.

Thank you for being a people who respond with compassion, generosity, and prayer. We are one body in Christ, and when one part suffers, we all suffer together.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey