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.

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
Small Group Guide (Coming March)
Endowment Fund for Theological Education Website
Other Resources

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.