APPLY NOW: Transformational Communities of Praxis program seeking 4 Teams for 2020

Through continued funding support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., The Mission Field Ministries – Mission, Service, & Justice Office and the Transforming Communities Vision Team is requesting applications from church and community resident teams for the Transformational Communities of Praxis [TCOP] 2020 program.

Applications are now being received for the 4th Praxis class. The program is looking for church and community resident teams to participate in this program of learning processes in Asset-Based Community Development [ABCD]. Class size is limited to four teams.

Over a one-year period, participants will gain training, knowledge, and application of asset-based community development ABCD process and methods, facilitation techniques, action planning and application, identifying underlying contradictions and challenges within communities, and the understanding of Missio Dei – the mission or sending of God.  

Learning Session content is based on the biblical basis of SHALOM [Jeremiah 29:7] and the United Methodist Church’s Communities of SHALOM framework that seeks to apply long-term holistic and sustainable change approaches to community development.  

The Transformational Communities of Praxis program is designed for a 5 – person church and community resident ministry team to begin the process or go deeper in the application of community development processes with the end goal in mind of effecting measurable transformation within a given community. It is hoped that through this program, models of ministries applying community development principles and processes will emerge to serve as reference points and even teaching centers of spiritual transformation within the church and community.

The Ministry Team application deadline is January 8, 2020.

Click here to download PROGRAM INFORMATION

Click here to download APPLICATION FORM

For more information or questions, contact the Mission Field Ministries – Mission, Service, & Justice Office at 210.408.4514 or avega@riotexas.org / nicolea@riotexas.org  Teams accepted into the program will receive notice by January 17, 2020.

Learning the Enneagram with Rev. Georjean Blanton

All are welcome to attend one of the three Enneagram workshops offered by Rev. Georjean Blanton at Saint John's UMC in Austin. Georjean is a retired elder with the North Texas Conference and has studied with Suzanne Stabile and serves as a spiritual director and Enneagram coach.

Learning Your Number: Enneagram 101                                            

Saturday, October 12, 8:30-4:30    

This one-day class provides a primer to introduce this ancient tool for understanding individual differences and spiritual growth, and for promoting compassion. It will include an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the types, as well as the interpersonal challenges of each number. This workshop is for those who want to discover their number, are still unsure of their number, want to hear more about their stress and security numbers, or just want a review. It can be a day to simply gather with those who want to learn more about the Enneagram.

Register for Learning Your Number here.

Praying Your Number: Enneagram and Spiritual Practices 

Saturday, November 9, 9:00-3:00

Our ways of praying are as varied as our Enneagram numbers, and each number finds some practices easy and some challenging. This workshop will review each of the stances as well as explore the history of spiritual practice. Georjean Blanton will use her experiences as a spiritual director for 14 years along with more than a decade of work with the Enneagram to provide practical resources for starting and sustaining a practice of regular, disciplined prayer that benefits each Enneagram personality. As we seek to find answers to the challenges that we face every day in our world and in our church, and as we try to reflect Christ in our conversations with others, there is no better preparation than maintaining an active prayer practice.

Register for Praying Your Number by contacting Georjean (see below).

Living Your Number: Enneagram Wings and Stress & Security

Saturday, January 25, 9:00-3:00  

One of the aspects of the Enneagram that makes it different from other personality and work styles profiles is that it is not static. It shows us how we are influenced by the numbers on either side of our number and where we get energy when we are stressed or feeling secure. Enneagram master Suzanne Stabile says that "without the number we go to in stress we cannot take care of ourselves, and without the number we go to in security we cannot experience holistic healing and spiritual growth." At this workshop, Georjean Blanton will lead a deeper dive into the Enneagram, looking at wings and number one accesses in stress and security. Although there will be a quick review of the numbers, this workshop is for those who have some basic understanding of the Enneagram and who know their number.

Register for Living Your Number by contacting Georjean (see below).

The fee for each class is $60, which includes materials, lunch, and snacks. Scholarships are available by contacting Georjean.

Location: Saint John’s United Methodist Church / 2140 Allandale Road / Austin, TX 78756

Register for the November and January classes by contacting Georjean:

            Georjean Blanton
           PathWays: A Ministry of Sacred Journeys
           1716 Kimmerling Ln.
           Austin, TX 78758  

            512-663-9876

            gblantonpathways@gmail.com

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Interested in church planting?

We are excited that Rev. Karen Horan, Director of Creating/Vitializing Congregations and Developing Leaders will be teaching a class this fall on New Church Development (CM255A Special Topics: New Church Development). Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is allowing ANY Pastor of ANY Denomination to come audit the class. The flyer below contains the details for the class.

Download the application HERE. Once completed, submit the application HERE.

Deadline is August 15th, but we hope to get that extended.

Did your church earn a Safe Gatherings window cling?

Every year, Safe Gatherings recognizes their top performing churches. In 2019, Safe Gatherings recognized 87 Rio Texas Congregations for their excellent work in keeping children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe. These congregations (listed below) have 3.5% or more of their average weekly worship attendance approved by safe gatherings, with a minimum of 3 people approved for even the smallest churches. Churches recognized by Safe Gatherings receive window clings for their community to share their commitment to keeping children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe. Please join me in celebrating these churches for their excellent work!

Alamo Heights United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Art United Methodist Church-Art

Asbury United Methodist Church-Corpus Christi

Austin New Church-Austin

Bandera United Methodist Church-Bandera

Barksdale United Methodist Church-Barksdale

Bee Creek United Methodist Church-Spicewood

Bend United Methodist Church-Bend

Berkeley United Methodist Church-Austin

Bethany UMC of Austin-Austin

Blanco United Methodist Church-Blanco

Bracken United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Buda United Methodist Church-Buda

Bulverde United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Canyon Lake United Methodist Church-Canyon Lake

Cedar Creek United Methodist Church-Cedar Creek

Cedar Park First UMC-Cedar Park

Center Point United Methodist Church-Center Point

Chapel Hill UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

Christ Fellowship UMC-San Antonio

Christ UMC of Stockdale-Stockdale

Coker United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Colonial Hills United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Covenant United Methodist Church-Austin

Crestview United Methodist Church-Austin

Cross Tracks UMC of Liberty Hill-Liberty Hill

Cuero First United Methodist Church-Cuero

Divine Grace United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Dripping Springs UMC-Dripping Springs

Eagle Pass United Methodist Church-Eagle Pass

Edinburg First United Methodist Church-Edinburg

El Buen Pastor UMC-Edinburg

El Divine Redentor  UMC-McAllen

El Mesias UMC of Mission-Mission

Ernest T Dixon UMC-San Antonio

First UMC Marble Falls-Marble Falls

First United Methodist Church of Alice-Alice

First United Methodist Church of Austin-Austin

First UMC of Bastrop-Bastrop

First UMC of Bertram-Bertram

First UMC of Boerne-Boerne

First UMC of Brackettville-Brackettville

First United Methodist Church of Brady-Brady

First UMC of Bronte-Bronte

First UMC of Brownsville-Brownsville

First UMC of Burnet-Burnet

First UMC of Carrizo Springs-Carrizo Springs

First UMC of Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi

First UMC of Del Rio-Del Rio

First UMC of Devine-Devine

First United Methodist Church of Edna-Edna

First UMC of Eldorado-Eldorado

First United Methodist Church of Elgin-Elgin

First United Methodist Church of Elsa-Elsa

First UMC of Falfurrias-Falfurrias

First UMC of Ganado-Ganado

First UMC of George West-George West

First UMC of Goldthwaite-Goldthwaite

First United Methodist Church of Goliad-Goliad

First UMC of Gonzales-Gonzales

First UMC of Hallettsville-Hallettsville

First UMC of Harlingen-Harlingen

First UMC of Hondo-Hondo

First UMC of Johnson City-Johnson City

First UMC of Junction-Junction

First UMC of Kerrville-Kerrville

First UMC of Kingsville-Kingsville

First UMC of Lampasas-Lampasas

First UMC of Mason-Mason

First UMC of McAllen-McAllen

First UMC of Menard-Menard

First UMC of Mertzon-Mertzon

First UMC of Mission-Mission

First UMC of New Braunfels-New Braunfels

First UMC of Pflugerville-Pflugerville

First UMC of Portland-Portland

First UMC of Raymondville-Raymondville

First UMC of Rio Grande City-Rio Grande City

First UMC of Robert Lee-Robert Lee

First UMC of  Rockport-Rockport

First UMC of San Angelo-San Angelo

First UMC of San Marcos-San Marcos

First UMC of Seadrift-Seadrift

First UMC of Seguin-Seguin

First United Methodist Church of Sinton-Sinton

First UMC of Smithville-Smithville

First UMC of Sonora-Sonora

First UMC of Sterling City-Sterling City

First UMC of Three Rivers-Three Rivers

First UMC of Victoria-Victoria

First UMC of Weimar-Weimar

Flatonia United Methodist Church-Flatonia

Floresville United Methodist Church-Floresville

Fredericksburg UMC-Fredericksburg

Freer United Methodist Church-Freer

Gaddis Memorial UMC-Comfort

Grace United Methodist Church-Corpus Christi

Gruene United Methodist Church-New Braunfels

Helotes Hills United Methodist Church-Helotes

Hunt United Methodist Church-Hunt

Ingleside United Methodist Church-Ingleside

Jacob's Chapel UMC-San Antonio

Jefferson United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Jourdanton United Methodist Church-Jourdanton

Karnes City United Methodist Church-Karnes City

Kelsey Memorial UMC-Corpus Christi

Kempner United Methodist Church-Kempner

Kyle United Methodist Church-Kyle

La Feria First United Methodist Church-La Feria

La Grange First UMC-La Grange

La Santisima Trinidad UMC-Weslaco

La Trinidad UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

La Trinidad UMC of Seguin-Seguin

La Vernia United Methodist Church-La Vernia

Lakehills United Methodist Church-Lakehills

Laurel Heights UMC-San Antonio

Leakey United Methodist Church-Leakey

Leander United Methodist Church-Leander

Life in the City UMC-Austin

Lockhart First United Methodist Church-Lockhart

Lolita United Methodist Church-Lolita

Lometa United Methodist Church-Lometa

Luling First United Methodist Church-Luling

Lutie Watkins Memorial UMC-Llano

Lyford United Methodist Church-Lyford

Lytle United Methodist Church-Lytle

Manchaca United Methodist Church-Manchaca

Manor United Methodist  Church-Manor

Medina United Methodist Church-Medina

Medina Valley UMC-Castroville

Memorial United Methodist Church-Austin

Miles United Methodist Church-Miles

Monthalia United Methodist Church-Cost

New Fountain United Methodist Church-Hondo

North Shore United Methodist Church-Canyon Lake

Northwest Hills UMC of Austin-Austin

Northwest Hills UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

Oak Hill United Methodist Church-Austin

Oak Island United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Oak Meadow United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Odem First United Methodist Church-Odem

Oxford United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Parker Lane United Methodist Church-Austin

Pearsall United Methodist Church-Pearsall

Pleasanton United Methodist Church-Pleasanton

Point Comfort UMC-Point Comfort

Resurrection United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Rolling Hills Community Church-Lago Vista

Sabinal United Methodist Church-Sabinal

Saint John's UMC of Austin-Austin

Saint Paul UMC of Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi

San Pablo UMC of Alamo-Alamo

San Saba First UMC-San Saba

Schertz United Methodist Church-Schertz

Servant United Methodist Church-Austin

Sierra Vista United Methodist Church-San Angelo

Simpson United Methodist Church-Austin

Somerset United Methodist Church-Somerset

Spring Creek United Methodist Church-Fair Oaks Ranch

St. Luke UMC of Austin-Austin

St. Mark UMC of Austin-Austin

St. Mark UMC of McAllen-McAllen

St. Andrew's UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

St. John's UMC of Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi

St. Luke UMC of San Angelo-San Angelo

St. Luke's UMC of Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi

St. Matthew's UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

St. Paul UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

St. Paul's UMC of Kerrville-Kerrville

St. Peter's by the Sea UMC-Corpus Christi

St. Peter's UMC of Austin-Austin

Staples United Methodist Church-Staples

Tarrytown United Methodist Church-Austin

The Journey United Methodist Church-Buda

Travis Park United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Trinity Church of Austin-Austin

Trinity UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

Universal City United Methodist Church-Universal City

University UMC of Austin-Austin

University UMC of San Antonio-San Antonio

Utopia United Methodist Church-Utopia

Uvalde First United Methodist Church-Uvalde

Wesley UMC of Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi

Westlake United Methodist Church-Austin

Westlawn United Methodist Church-San Antonio

Wimberley United Methodist Church-Wimberley

Windcrest United Methodist Church-San Antonio

United Methodist Bishops of Texas Call for Non-Partisan Solutions to Unfolding Humanitarian Crisis Along U.S. Southern Border

 July 15, 2019 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, 

We greet you in the name of our Lord. Together, we have watched with anguish the unfolding immigration crisis taking place along our southern border. Across our state, United Methodist churches are reaching out with compassion and aid to those who are suffering. We also count border patrol officers and those who work with agencies serving asylum seekers as members of our churches, and we know they are doing their best to respond to an overwhelming situation.  

Those seeking to enter the United States are children of God –- people for whom Christ died. We call upon government officials, regardless of political party, to seek solutions that reflect caring and compassion. Surely, in the midst of this unfolding humanitarian crisis, it is time to lay aside partisan politics and seek solutions of love, justice and mercy, which best reflect our fundamental values as Christians and Americans. As we search for a common response, may we rise above fear and divisiveness, remembering the guidance of Holy Scripture: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

As Bishops of The United Methodist Church in Texas, we call on the people of The United Methodist Church of Texas as well as all people of goodwill to pray for and work toward:    

• Ending cruel policies that separate families;

• Ensuring compassionate care for the health and welfare of children;

• Providing safe and humane care for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in their native countries; 

• A common solution that respects, cares for and offers tangible assistance to those who are hurting and homeless; and

• Working with officials in other countries to address root causes of violence and poverty, which threaten the health and safety of their citizens and force our sisters and brothers to flee their countries of origin.

We ask all who follow Christ as Lord to remember that our Savior was himself a homeless refugee fleeing violence. Jesus taught us, “When you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)  

May the Peace of Christ be with you and with the children and families who are suffering, 

The United Methodist Bishops of Texas  

W. Earl Bledsoe, Northwest Texas & New Mexico Episcopal Areas

Scott Jones, Houston Episcopal Area

J. Michael Lowry, Fort Worth Episcopal Area

Michael McKee, Dallas Episcopal Area

Robert Schnase, San Antonio Episcopal Area

Robert E. Hayes, Jr., Retired

Janice Riggle Huie, Retired

Joel N. Martinez, Retired

John W. Russell, Retired

Ann Sherer-Simpson, Retired

E. Dan Solomon, Retired

D. Max Whitfield, Retired

Joe A. Wilson, Retired

Pedido de los Obispos Metodistas Unidos de Texas de Soluciones No Partidistas para Desplegar La Crisis Humanitaria a lo Largo de la Frontera Sur de los EE. UU.

 15 de julio de 2019 

Queridas hermanas y hermanos en Cristo,

Los saludamos en el nombre de nuestro Señor. Todos nosotros hemos observado con angustia la crisis migratoria que se desarrolla a lo largo de nuestra frontera sur. En todo nuestro estado, las iglesias metodistas unidas están alcanzando con compasión y ayuda a los que sufren. También hay miembros de nuestras iglesias que son oficiales de la patrulla fronteriza y que trabajan con agencias que sirven a solicitantes de asilo y sabemos que ellos están haciendo todo lo posible por responder a una situación abrumadora.

Aquellos que intentan ingresar a los Estados Unidos son hijos de Dios y personas por quienes Cristo murió. Hacemos un llamado a los funcionarios del gobierno, independientemente de cualquier partido político, a buscar soluciones que reflejen cuidado y compasión. Por seguro, en medio de esta crisis humanitaria en desarrollo, es hora de dejar a un lado la política partidista y buscar soluciones de caridad, justicia y misericordia que mejor reflejen nuestros valores fundamentales como cristianos y estadounidenses. Mientras buscamos una respuesta común, que podamos elevarnos por encima del temor y la división, recordando la guía de las Sagradas Escrituras: "Porque no nos ha dado Dios espíritu de cobardía, sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio." (2 Timoteo 1, 7).

Como Obispos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida en Texas, llamamos al pueblo de la Iglesia Metodista Unida de Texas, así como a todas las personas de buena voluntad a orar y obrar para:

• Poner un fin a las políticas crueles que separan a las familias;

• Asegurar un cuidado compasivo que provee salud y el bienestar de los niños;

• Proporcionar atención segura y humanitaria a los refugiados y solicitantes de asilo que huyen de la violencia en sus países de origen;

• Trabajar hacia una solución común que respete, cuide y ofrezca asistencia tangible a aquellos que sufren y están desalojados;

• Trabajar con funcionarios en otros países para abordar las causas profundas de la violencia y la pobreza que amenazan la salud y la seguridad de sus ciudadanos y que han obligado a nuestras hermanas y hermanos a huir de sus países de origen.

Pedimos a todos los que siguen a Cristo como Señor que recuerden que nuestro Salvador mismo fue un refugiado sin hogar que huía de la violencia. Jesús nos enseñó: “Así como lo hiciste a uno de estos mis hermanos más pequeños, a mí lo hiciste.” (Mateo 25:40)

Que la paz de Cristo sea con ustedes y con los niños y las familias que sufren,

Los Obispos Metodistas Unidos de Texas

W. Earl Bledsoe, Area Episcopal de Northwest Texas y Nuevo Mexico

Scott Jones, Area Episcopal de Houston

J. Michael Lowry, Area Episcopal de Fort Worth

Michael McKee, Area Episcopal de Dallas

Robert Schnase, Area Episcopal de San Antonio

Robert E. Hayes, Jr., Jubilado

Janice Riggle Huie, Jubilado

Joel N. Martinez, Jubilado

John W. Russell, Jubilado

Ann Sherer-Simpson, Jubilado

E. Dan Solomon, Jubilado

D. Max Whitfield, Jubilado

Joe A. Wilson, Jubilado

Delegates Elected to 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences

Clergy                                                                                      

General Conference

Laura Merrill                                                                            

James Amerson                                                                        

Raquel Feagins                                                                         

Taylor Fuerst                                                                           

Jurisdictional Conference

Paul Escamilla                                                                          

Abigail Herrera                                                                         

Wilson Pruitt                                                                           

Amelia Beasley                                                                        

Alternate

Russell Miller                                                                           

Liliana Padilla                                                                           

Michael Mumme                                                                     

Thomas Deviney

Laity  

General Conference

Jay Brim

Rachel Wright

Charles McGarity

Ralph Thompson

Jurisdictional Conference

Carol Loeb

Cynthia Johnson

Kercida McClain

Iris Chavez

Alternate Delegates

Priscilla Patterson

Aislinn Deviney

Patricia Stewart

Abby Gutierrez

Thank you from UMW Rio Texas President Grace Perez

I wish to express my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the “Call to Action” organized by United Methodist Women last week at Annual Conference. Many items were received, including cash and gift cards. We appreciate your efforts to help make the lives of those families traveling long distances a little bit better. 

Items were turned over to Michael Smith, Holding Institute, Laredo, and Susan Hellums from El Valle District who will take them to the Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville. 

If at any time you would like to send other items such as socks, underwear, t-shirts, bras, or other clothing directly to Holding Institute or Good Neighbor Settlement House, please feel free to do so. 

Once again, many thanks. May God continue to bless each and every one of you as we continue to serve in this important ministry.

Grace M. Perez 
President, Rio Texas Conference UMW 

UMW Call to Action at Annual Conference 2019: Donate Items for Migrants

The Good Neighbor Settlement House is a non-profit multi-service agency in Brownsville Texas serving needy men, women and children by providing the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing, showers and hot meals. Today, they offer respite to migrant asylee seekers daily.

Members of the Rio Texas Conference United Methodist Women are collecting tote bags filled with hygiene items for Holding Institute in Laredo and Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville. These two centers are National Mission Institutions and are trying to respond to the needs of hundreds of migrants arriving daily.

Everyone is invited to participate in this project. Please bring your bags to the Mission Breakfast on Friday morning or the UMW Luncheon on Friday at noon. UMW will accept donations at their display table in the exhibit hall.

If you are not attending Annual Conference, you may send your bags with your clergy or lay delegates.

These are the most-needed items: 

·       Shampoo

·       Wash cloths

·       Bath soap/body wash

·       Lotion

·       Toothpaste/toothbrushes

·       Chapstick

·       Deodorant (women and men)

·       Hairbrush

·       Band aids

·       Disposable razors

·       Wet wipes

·       Feminine pads

·       Kleenex  

·       Tote bags

·       Non-perishable snacks

Travel sizes are also acceptable.

Gift cards to Walmart and Target are also accepted.

Please contact Rio Texas Conference President Grace Perez with any questions.

Located in downtown Laredo, Texas, Holding Institute is in covenant relationship with the United Methodist Women and in collaboration with other community partners, we are responding to the needs of women, children, youth, and families. Holding Institute hosts 40 to 60 migrant asylum seekers weekly. Lately, upwards of 100 persons have been sleeping at Holding nightly.

Light on the Hill @ Mount Wesley is Mount Wesley Re-Imagined

The new programming dream for Mount Wesley Conference Center, Light on The Hill @ Mount Wesley (LOTH) is taking shape! LOTH is infusing new life and ministries into the Kerrville campus. Families & Literacy was among the first ministry partners to offer services at LOTH. The first graduating GED and ESL classes received their certificates in early May.

Other ministries on the LOTH campus are Kerr-Konnect, Mustard Seed Food Pantry, Methodist Healthcare’s Wesley Nurse program, Education & Exercise Center and Nutrition Center. These ministries combine to provide hope and a hand up for people in Kerrville and the six surrounding counties.

LOTH is a non-profit corporation whose Board of Directors come from both the Kerrville Community and the Rio Texas Conference Board of Trustees. At Annual Conference, the delegates will be asked to vote to accept a long-term lease agreement with LOTH.

The Rio Texas Conference Board of Trustees views this as the best path to honor the legacy of Mount Wesley and assure its continued viability as a fruitful ministry. This vision was born out of the work of the Mount Wesley Oversight Team and strategic partners that include First UMC: Kerrville, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.