Bishops' Statement on the 1966 Valley Farm Workers March

In the spring of 1966, farm workers in the melon fields of Starr County walked out to protest wages of 40 cents an hour and inhumane working conditions in the fields, including lack of sanitary facilities. Over four hundred workers organized a local labor unit related to the United Farm Workers of America. 

On July 4, 1966 they begin a March to Austin to demand a minimum wage of 1.25 an hour for farm laborers in the state of Texas. With the support of churches, religious leaders, labor leaders and students, they arrived in Austin on Labor Day, September 5, 1966 at the State Capitol. Nearly two years later, their efforts bore success when the State of Texas passed a minimum wage law covering agricultural workers.

This year, events in Rio Grande City in Starr County, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Austin are celebrating their courageous march for justice. We join with many other religious, civic, and community leaders in endorsing the 50th Anniversary celebrations. The people who marched were persons motivated by their faith, their desire for a new future for their children and grandchildren, and their embrace of the prophet Micah's call to "act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:6-8).

We affirm and celebrate the efforts of our local churches, pastors, and laity, who are joining in the celebrations and acts of remembrance as all of us continue to work for a more just and equitable future for all.

The Episcopal Leadership Team of the Rio Texas Conference

Bishop Janice R. Huie
Bishop J. Michael Lowry
Bishop Joel N. Martínez
Bishop Robert Schnase

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March of the Hopeful

bishop joel n. martínez talks to Rev. Arturo Mariscal, Mary Howard and Rev. Suzanne Isaacs about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the 1966 Texas United Farm Workers March on Labor Day. The planning meeting was held on Thursday, July 28 at St. Paul UMC

A recollection by Bishop Joel N. Martínez

As a child, I picked cotton with my paternal Grandfather, Refugio Martinez, in Seguin. As teenager, I chopped cotton in West Texas one summer. As a college student, I worked with the National Council of Churches in Migrant Ministry in Minnesota and Wisconsin in the summer of 1958. Raquel and I later worked in Migrant Ministry in Indiana the summer of 1961.

So when I was invited to join the efforts of south Texas farm workers in their march for just wages and improved working conditions during my first pastorate in San Antonio in the summer of 1966, my faith, my life experience, and my heritage led me into a ministry of accompaniment of the poorest of workers in our state. As pastor of El Buen Pastor UMC in San Antonio, I helped organize the gathering of food, clothing, and funds for the families of the marchers. I marched in Kenedy, San Antonio, and Austin on that sunny Labor Day of September 1966 with 15,000 others up Congress Avenue to Capitol. 

What I remember about the workers I met was their faith and hope in the future. Many were grandmothers and grandfathers who wanted a new future for their grandchildren and their future great-grandchildren.  It reminded me about those summer days with grandfather Refugio and how he wanted me to succeed in school and how proud and hopeful he was about my future.

I marched in 1966 in honor and remembrance of generations of my family, in faithfulness to the Gospel, and solidarity with humble workers whose faith and hope helped to change me and my generation.

Bishop Joel N. Martinez

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Participate in the Labor Day Celebrations!

To march with your United Methodist brothers and sisters during the San Antonio Labor Day Celebration, please click the link below. The San Antonio Celebration starts with an interfaith mass at 10:00 a.m. at San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio, Texas and ends at Milam Park at 1 p.m. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE SEPT. 5 MARCH IN DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO

Grant Opportunity with Council of Bishops Office of Christian Unity

The Council of Bishops Office of Christian Unity is offering three $1000 to groups that "strengthen ecumenical and/or interreligious relationships." 

Application deadline is Sept. 16. 

To learn more or apply for this grant, please click here. 

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Welcomes Bishop Robert Schnase

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, Interim Bishop of Record for the Rio Texas Conference, welcomes Bishop Robert Schnase back to the Rio Texas Conference. Bishop Robert Schnase will begin his term as Bishop for the Rio Texas Conference on September 1. 

To learn more about Bishop Robert Schnase, please click here. 

Important Announcement Regarding Project Transformation Rio Texas

After two successful inaugural summers in the Rio Texas Conference, Executive Director of Project Transformation Rio Texas Nathaniel O’Dell is returning to Dallas as the Director of Development for Wesley-Rankin Community Center, a Methodist mission providing educational programming and resources to the people of West Dallas.

O’Dell led the birth and advancement of the summer literacy program from 2015-16.

“It has been such a privilege to help launch Project Transformation for the Rio Texas Conference.  Through the dedication and support of hundreds of individuals, the ministry is already changing lives,” said O’Dell. “I am excited to say that over my time with the organization, structures have been put in place to ensure that the ministry will continue to thrive and grow. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things it will do in the future."  

Project Transformation Rio Texas has held two summers transforming lives by building relationships in the Rio Texas Conference thanks to the leadership of O’Dell.

Project Transformation Rio Texas accomplished these milestones for Summer 2016:

• 98 percent of participants entering first grade through sixth grade maintained or improved their reading levels
• Incorporated leadership development training for college-aged interns, on topics such as servant leadership, conflict resolution, personal life management and justice and advocacy.
• Wellness Program Coordinator added to track physical activity of children, coordinate with San Antonio Food Bank and Methodist Health Ministries Wesley Nurses to bring nutritional educators to camp.

Kercida McClain, Chair of the Advisory Board for Project Transformation Rio Texas, ensures a smooth transition and the formation of a search committee for the vacancy.

“As with all ministries, a part of our prayer was for the innovative leadership Project Transformation demands. Nathaniel O’Dell has been that kind of leader,” said McClain. “His willingness to pick up his family and move to San Antonio to help begin this ministry has been instrumental in the setting of the firm foundation we now have.”

May God bless Nathaniel and his family during this time of transition and for their fruitful ministries to the United Methodist Church. 

Read more about Project Transformation here

Click Here to watch a video about Project Transformation Rio Texas! 

Council of Bishops Executive Committee Affirms Unity, Moves Forward

July 25, 2016

Nashville, Tenn.: Meeting in Chicago last week, the Council of Bishops' Executive Committee approved a framework for implementing the Commission on a Way Forward and took a step toward a called session of the General Conference in 2018.

The Council acknowledged that the landscape of the church has changed dramatically since the General Conference approved the Council's proposal in May, but re-affirmed their commitment to lead the church forward.

"The reported declarations of non-compliance from several annual conferences, the intention to convene a Wesleyan Covenant Association and the election of the Rev. Karen Oliveto as a bishop of the church have opened deep wounds and fissures within The United Methodist Church and fanned fears of schism," said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Council president, in a detailed statement outlining the actions taken. "The church finds itself in an extremely fragile, highly contested season."

The statement further reads, "We affirm that, as disciples of Jesus, we are all called to maintain unity in the bond of peace.  As a Council, we re-affirm our commitment to lead the church in discerning and charting a way forward. We intend to do so with prayerful attention to both urgency and thoughtful preparation." 

The Council adopted a purpose statement for the Commission, including its mission, vision and scope, and determined that it will be composed of 20-25 members to be identified by August 31 with a target of October for an initial meeting. Each bishop will nominate up to five persons, and names that have previously been submitted to either the president or executive secretary of the Council will be considered as well.

A search is already underway for a professional facilitator to design and guide the Commission’s discernment process.  Bishops Ken Carter, Sandra Steiner Ball and David Yemba have been selected to serve as a team of moderators to preside, provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Updates on the Commission's actions will be provided through regular press releases every 4-6 weeks. 

An invitation to prayer for the Commission involving the entire church, called "Praying Our Way Forward," will be launched in October. More details regarding that initiative will be forthcoming.

The Executive Committee will bring the matter of a called special session to the full Council for consideration in November. Only the full Council could authorize such a session.

In a related action, the Council further voted to urge the Judicial Council to include the South Central Jurisdictional Conference's request regarding the election of Bishop Karen Oliveto on the docket for their fall meeting on October 25-28.

For additional, more detailed information, read the full statement.

San Antonio Region Justice for Our Neighbors Ministry Begins

The San Antonio Region Justice for Our Neighbors is one of a nation-wide organization operating at 30 different locations throughout the country with the mission of "providing affordable, high-quality immigration services to low-income immigrants." More information is available at their website, sarjfon.org or by calling 210-847-7245.

Click here for more information about SARJFON

Rev. Dr. Ruben Saenz, Jr. Elected to Office of Bishop

Rev. Dr. Ruben Saenz, Jr. has been elected to the office of bishop by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church. Saenz was elected on the third round of balloting at the conference being held in Wichita, Kansas.

Until his election, Saenz served the Rio Texas Director of Connectional Ministries and the Executive Director of the Mission Vitality Center, developing systems and programs that help local churches reach the rapidly changing mission field. Saenz has a passion for creating new places to reach new people with the Gospel. Prior to this, Saenz served as the Director of New Church Development for the Southwest Texas Conference. During his four years, he successfully implemented the Healthy Church Initiative and resourced districts and local churches to start 11 new faith communities. He was also an integral part of the team that created the unification plan that led to the merger of the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande annual conferences.

Prior to his conference level work, Dr. Saenz demonstrated his ability to bring vitality and growth to the local church through reaching out to the community by raising and training lay leadership.  Under his leadership, 345 persons were incorporated into the congregational life of La Trinidad/El Divino Redentor, El Paso (65) and El Buen Pastor, Edinburg (275) by profession of faith and baptism during Saenz’s 14-year tenure at both appointments. During his tenure, he led his congregations to address the issues of generational, social, and systemic poverty that plague the region. The average worship attendance at his La Trinidad / El Divino Redentor two-point charge grew by 200% in four years and at El Buen Pastor, worship attendance grew by 150% over ten years. Giving increased by over 300% in both appointments as well.  

Saenz is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas and received his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry degrees from SMU Perkins School of Theology. He has been married to Maye for 34 years; they have four children, all of which are active in the life of the church with his two sons Aaron and Ruben III serving in the Rio Texas Conference.

Bishop Saenz will receive his first assignment as a bishop later this week when the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee meets.

Texas United Methodist College Association (TUMCA)

Darrell Loyless, Ph.D., introduces the Texas United Methodist College Association to the Rio Texas Conference. 

All Rights Reserved. Rio Texas Annual Conference. United Methodist Church. June 2016. 

I’m fond of saying that two of the oldest institutions in Western Civilization are the church and the university.

Hand in hand they have sought to provide the knowledge and seek the truth that the Scriptures tell us will set us free.

In that regard, the Texas United Methodist College Association or what we fondly call “TUMCA,” has been the organization that has helped facilitate that relationship through scholarships.

Through the generous gifts of our conferences and the churches that make them up, TUMCA has sought to open the doors of our colleges and universities with scholarship grants.

These resources are used to make possible an education for individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a Methodist-related college education.  So we see them going to our universities and in many cases learning leadership skills, a profession, but I think equally important, they are given the opportunity to search their own minds and hearts and discover what their true values are.

Often times, this discovery strengthens them in their spiritual journey.

On behalf of some young man or woman, or maybe yourself, please feel free to contact one of our universities.  Call their financial aid office. They are the ones who set down the guidelines for scholarship awards. 

The only requirement we have is that a candidate for the scholarship be a Methodist in one of our churches.

So, let me thank you for your time, and I look forward possibly to meeting you and talking more about the relationship between the church and our colleges.

Media Advisory: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for San Antonio Region Justice for Our Neighbors Opening at Emanual United Methodist Church featuring State Rep. Diego Bernal and Bishop Joel Martinez

MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Contact: Rev. Suzanne Isaacs
Director, San Antonio Justice for Our Neighbors
revsuzanne4u@gmail.com
 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for San Antonio Region Justice for Our Neighbors Opening at Emanual United Methodist Church featuring State Rep. Diego Bernal and Bishop Joel Martinez

WHAT:
San Antonio Region JFON (Justice for Our Neighbors) Legal Aid Clinic will celebrate its grand opening with special guests. Clinic offers free legal aid. 

WHEN:
Thursday, June 23, 2016, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m

WHERE:
Emanual United Methodist Church
3225 W. Poplar
San Antonio, Texas 78228

WHO:         
Texas State Rep. Diego Bernal, District 123

Bishop Joel Martinez, Bishop (Retired, United Methodist Church) of San Antonio Episcopal Area

Rev. Carl Rohlfs, Las Misiones District of United Methodist Church Superintendent 

Melissa Bowe, National Justice for Our Neighbor

WHY:
Justice for Our Neighbors, a faith-based immigration-assistance legal aid service, will offer its first clinic on Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Emanuel United Methodist Church, 3225 W. Poplar Street, San Antonio. Immigrants who are presently legal residents wanting citizenship must call 210-847-7245 to schedule an appointment with the lawyer on that day. Appointments are required. 

Saturday, June 25 will be just the first of Justice for Our Neighbors clinics planned for this same location and time the last Saturday of every month. 

The San Antonio Region Justice for Our Neighbors is one of a nation-wide organization operating at 30 different locations throughout the country with the mission of “providing affordable, high quality immigration services to low-income immigrants.” More information is available at their website, sarjfon.org or by calling 210-847-7245. 

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June 2 Update: ERT Teams, Small Groups, Individuals Needed

200 Flood buckets were taken to ingleside umc for distribution due to this week's floods. 

June 2 update: We now need ERT-trained individuals and teams in the following counties: Bastrop, Medina, Nueces. Please contact Eugene Hileman for more information. 

Considerable flood damage has occurred during the May 16 flooding in the Coastal Bend district. 

Disaster Response Coordinator Eugene Hileman is asking for the deployment of ERT teams, small groups, and individuals. 

We are only accepting individuals with ERT certification. Contact Eugene Hileman for more information

Click Here to register your individual/small group

Click Here to register your ERT Team

Click Here for ERT certification training

Don't forget to bring your flood buckets to Annual Conference in June or the Conference Office in San Antonio. You can also arrange with Mr. Hileman to bring your flood buckets to the Martinez Disaster Response Warehouse in Kerrville.