Calling All (Singing) Clergy

/

Everyone knows that Methodists are known as a singing group, and Methodist clergy are particularly fond of singing.  So, do we have a deal for you!  This year at the ordination service on Sunday, June 14, the music will be provided by a choir made up of any clergy who would like to participate.  Plans are still shaping up, but here’s what we can tell you now:

  • Music will be selected and made available ahead of time.
  • Area-wide rehearsals may be available before conference time.
  • At least one rehearsal at conference will be required.  That time is still being determined.

Interested?  Please send an email to Rev. Russell Miller with your name, appointment, and voice part.  You will be contacted as plans develop.

rmiller@fumc-boerne.org

Clergy Mondays at State Capitol Start with SB 185

/
Clergy Mondays at State Capitol Start with SB 185

In response to growing demand from clergy around the state, Texas Impact is launching Clergy Mondays at the Capitol in Austin for clergy and other religious professionals.

This new initiative is designed to give clergy and other religious professionals opportunities for ongoing interaction with legislators and their staffs through the rest of the current legislative session and beyond.

Read More

UMCOR Celebrates Anniversary by Helping, Giving

/

Most congregations in the Rio Texas Conference may not know the extent to which United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) supports disaster response and immigration programs in the conference. During the past six years, UMCOR has made 17 grants through the conferences formerly known as the Southwest Texas Conference and Rio Grande Conference totaling $502,500.  In addition, they have made a grant to the Austin Chapter of Justice for Our Neighbor (JFON) for $100,000, bringing the total to $602,000. 

UMCOR has important international disaster response programs as well as international development programs that work alongside communities to develop water sanitation and hygiene, sustainable agriculture, and community-based primary health care. 

Grants from UMCOR provide many additional services to the Rio Texas Conference at no cost. 

UMCOR has provided expert consultants to work with Disaster Response leadership as well as pastors and congregations in areas devastated by disasters. They send experts to teach courses needed to carry out our disaster relief ministry. 

UMCOR Academy at Sager Brown, LA is held each year and offers advanced training to Disaster Response leadership in the conference. UMCOR provides assistance to the South Central Jurisdiction to offer an annual Disaster Response academy.  Dozens of United Methodists from the Rio Texas Conference have attended these workshops. UMCOR has developed tools to assist local churches as they develop their own disaster response plans, such as coaches to help start these programs. 

UMCOR supplies flood buckets and health kits when the supply in the Conference is insufficient to meet the demand during a disaster. They also help certify Early Response Trainers within the conference so that more than 500 ERT team members have been trained and credentialed under UMCOR guidelines.

During the past six years, UMCOR has offered Spiritual and Emotional Care workshops to people within the conference on four occasions. They have even offered Case Management Training nine times.

The Rio Texas Conference’s relationship with UMCOR is also enhanced by our cooperative relationship through the Martinez Disaster Response Center in Kerrville, TX.  It is one of six warehouses that are part of the UMCOR Relief Supply Network. 

UMCOR is celebrating 75 years of being with those in crises around the world this month. The One Great Hour of Sharing Special will take place on Sunday, Mar. 15. Proceeds will benefit UMCOR’s administrative costs.

For information on UMCOR’s work in the Rio Texas Conference, you can contact  Eugene Hileman, Conference Disaster Coordinator at aehileman@riotexas.org, 210-557-8698.