2021 Harvest Sunday Offering

Food insecurity for newly unemployed families, displaced families without secure housing, seniors, single adults, and children has risen throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Disruption in services of the National School Lunch Program, food assistance networks, and food supply chains has been, and continues to be, extraordinarily challenging. These disruptions are duplicated and magnified in particular areas of our country, and throughout the world. 

 1 in 7 Texans (14%) currently experiencing food insecurity. 11% of our world’s population who are undernourished. As followers of Christ, we understand our calling to respond with extravagant grace, to relieve suffering, and to bear one another’s burden.

Harvest Sunday was started as a response to hunger. It is a once-a-year giving opportunity at Rio Texas churches for hunger alleviation programs. Harvest Sunday 2021 is November 7. However, participation may occur at any time (or any Sunday) throughout the months of November and December. Offerings should be sent directly to the local church through online giving or check. Designate your gift as "Harvest Sunday."

The 2021 Harvest Sunday offering funds shall be distributed in the following manner:

• 1/3 of proceeds shall be allocated for hunger initiative projects along the Texas-Mexico border areas that are situated, and served within the El Valle, Hill Country, Las Misiones, and West Districts.

• 1/3 of proceeds shall be returned to participating districts. Funds shall be distributed—in consultation with district mission committees and the District Superintendent—to ministries that address root causes of food insecurity.

• 1/3 of proceeds shall be equally allocated among the following 5 Global Ministry Advance Projects with focus on food security and economic empowerment: Indigenous Women Vegetable Gardening and Leadership Project Guatemala, Give Ye Them to Eat – Mexico, Rio Texas Methodist Border Friendship Commission, El Valle District Border Refugee Ministries, and Mission Border Hope.

 Please save this date and give on November 7th to the Harvest Sunday Special Offering.

If you are interested in promoting Harvest Sunday in your District and can share stories, pictures/videos of your local ministries and how you have risen to the challenges this year, please reach out to our Harvest Sunday Coordinator, Diana T. Woods, BSW, MPA, at bumccommunitypartner@gmail.com or (512) 917-9072.

Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes & Rev. Edlen Cowley to Consult Rio Texas Pastor Cohort at Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence

Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes

The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence invited a select group of Rio Texas pastors to participate in a preaching peer cohort. The cohort will be divided into two sub-groups: one for pastors that preach in African American congregations and one for pastors in cross-cultural appointments. Both sub-groups will have an opportunity to learn from Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes and Rev. Edlen Cowley.  

Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes is well known as the narrator-host of the Disciple I Bible Study video series. He is Pastor Emeritus of Dallas St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in the North Texas Conference, and adjunct professor at Perkins School of Theology. He previously served as District Superintendent in the North Texas Conference and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from 1968-1972.  

As chairperson of the Tri-Ethnic Committee he implemented public school desegregation of Dallas Independent School District. Governor Ann Richards appointed Holmes to serve as the first African American on the University of Texas System Board of Regents in the 1990’s. The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama recognized him in 2001 as one of the “Invisible Giants” of the Civil Rights Movement. He grew up in the parsonages of the West Texas Conference in San Angelo and Austin where he was ordained deacon and elder. He graduated from Huston Tillotson University and the Perkins School of Theology. He was awarded honorary Doctor’s degrees from Huston Tillotson, Dillard University, and Rust College.  

“To learn from Dr. Zan Holmes is to learn from a living legend who is one of the most effective preachers and pastors in our time,” said Crossroads District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Marcus Freeman. “He was my primary professor for preaching [at Perkins School of Theology] and I studied many of the basics under his guidance. His influence and support did not stop after I graduated and moved on. He has always been available to provide keynote presentations and serve as guest preacher at a number of programs end events at churches and ministries that I have been a part of. He is one of the key influences for the whole Church of this era.”  

“I hope to learn different ways of engaging people in a changing society with the good news of the kingdom of God,” said Austin Simpson UMC Senior Pastor Rev. Aaron Carter. “While I can’t be Dr. Holmes, through this privileged opportunity I can glean perspectives, methods and practices he has used to be an effective preacher throughout his extensive ministry.” 

Rev. Edlen Cowley

Rev. Edlen Cowley also served alongside Rev. Dr. Holmes at Dallas St. Luke Community UMC as an associate pastor. He also served several appointments around the North Texas Conference in multi-ethnic, white, and black congregations. He is a Coach and Consultation Team Member for the Healthy Church Initiative and is a Hardin Family Preaching Mentor at the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence. Rev. Cowley is passionate about small group ministry and uses the 3D seminar on Designing, Developing, and Delivering Sermons & Overall Preaching Strategy. His annual Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Ministry Training Camp is popular within the connection. He is currently a District Superintendent in the North Texas Conference.

Leadership Development & Clergy Excellence - Learn and Lead Together

Leadership Development and Clergy Excellence is always a high priority in Rio Texas. 

To that end, the Office of Clergy Excellence, now directed by Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez, and the office of Creating / Vitalizing Congregations and Developing Leaders, directed by Rev. Karen Horan, want to offer some incentives for clergy and laity to learn and lead together. 

There are several Leadership conferences offered in the fall of 2021 both in person and online - Robert Lopez and Karen Horan have already registered for Leadership Institute in September and would love for you to join them! Also in the past, some have attended conferences such as Leadership Institute, Exponential Regional Houston, and New Room just to name a few. Our combined offices can offer up to $75 for each clergy who attends and up to $75 each for 2 laity when they attend with their pastor. 

Here is how it works – clergy and up to 2 laity register and pay for the Leadership Conference of their choice.  Click on the registration link and fill out the form – one form per receipt and we will mail the reimbursement amount as directed. That’s all!  There will be some follow up questions sent to you after the event so we can hear what all you learned and how it will strengthen you and your church. 

Questions? 
Contact either Karen Horan (khoran@riotexas.org) or Robert Lopez (lopeza2b@riotexas.org)

https://leadershipvitality.wufoo.com/forms/leadership-conferences-attendee-form/

So, You Got Your 2022 Apportionment Notice...

Written by Nan Pyle

Earlier this month the 2022 Apportionment Notices were emailed to the clergy and snail-mailed to the churches. Thank you for your attention to the notices. Marvelous questions have already been asked!

Q: “Where did you get these numbers?”

A: Most of the numbers come from the Local Church Report to the Annual Conference provided by each local church every January. The only numbers that do not come from the Local Church Reports are the Fund Name numbers at the bottom of the page; these numbers are adopted each year at Annual Conference for the conference budget and at District Pre-Conference meetings for the district budgets.  

Q: “My church’s finances got hit hard by the pandemic, but apportionments increased. How is that possible?”

A: The apportionment formula uses two-years of your church’s operating expenses, plus the statistics lag behind the calendar-year. The 2022 apportionments are based on operating expenses for 2019 and 2020.

Q: “My church’s operating expenses were almost exactly equal in 2019 and 2020. Why isn’t the apportionment amount the same?”

A: In order to compare 2021 and 2022 apportionments, you have to consider 2018 operating expenses. If 2020 operating expenses are lower or higher than 2018 operating expenses, apportionments will see a decrease or increase.

Q: “The Annual Conference budget is lower in 2022 than 2021. Our expenses have remained steady for several years. Why did our apportionments increase instead of decrease?”

A: There are two factors at play: 1) Your church is one piece of the picture. Other churches have stayed steady with you; while still others have seen volatility in their operating expenses—some decreasing and some increasing. Each church affects every other church; and 2) Churches close, open, merge, or transfer to a different Annual Conference. This change in congregation numbers shifts every church’s portion of the total.

Q: “There is a mistake on my church’s operating expenses for 2019 and/or 2020. How do I fix that mistake so my apportionments can be reduced?”

A: Once the apportionment calculations have been made, the numbers are fixed and there is no way to change the amount apportioned since any adjustment would change every local church’s responsibility. Mistakes on the Local Church Report can be corrected in the spring. Senior Pastors and others who signed the UMCData online data entries received an email in March with the 2020 numbers attached and a request to check those numbers. If I thought something looked like a probable error, that line was specifically mentioned in the email. After the April 30 deadline, it becomes complicated to make a change; although changes are still possible through mid-July. Statistics for this year were locked on July 15 in order for the apportionments to be calculated.

Q: “What?! I didn’t get a 2022 Apportionment Notice!”

A: It is possible that I don’t have your most current email address. It is also possible that I skipped your church accidentally. Please contact me so that you can receive your email.

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Thank you for paying your apportionments each year! It is a blessing to see how much ministry the Rio Texas Conference supports through both apportionments and advance giving. Every day I am humbled to witness the giving and compassionate nature of the people of the Rio Texas Conference. I am honored to be in ministry with you.

Written by Nan Pyle

UM Army Partners with Texas Ramps Project

U.M. ARMY and the Texas Ramps Project are pleased to announce their successful partnership from this summer’s mission season. Together, they were able to complete 34 wheelchair ramps for community members in: San Antonio, Brownsville, Orange, Bryan, Jacksonville, Shermann, Denton and Bonham.  Volunteers pictured below are constructing one of the wheelchair ramps in San Antonio during July.

This partnership combines funding from both U.M. ARMY and the Texas Ramps Project for building materials. U.M. ARMY teams of student and adult volunteers proceed to build the ramps and connect with the families who need help.

U.M. ARMY mission weeks took place during the months of June and July with volunteers serving many communities throughout Texas, Louisiana, Florida and the Northeast Region of the USA. U.M. ARMY provides Christ centered missions that serve people in need and promote spiritual growth and leadership development in youth and young adults.  

For more information about U.M. ARMY go to umarmy.org

For more information about Texas Ramp Project go to texasramps.org

A comfortable and nurturing place for philanthropic visitors to the San Antonio community

Written by Kercida McClain

Maybe a pro bono attorney, a nurse learning about healthcare in our context, a missionary on furlough, an itinerant preacher…

Project Transformation’s permanent home is ready to receive overnight guests. Community is core to who PT is, and we are glad to fold you into that community.

The PT Home looks like a dorm, housing the college interns during their summer running PT camps for kiddos and during the year a hotel for visiting guests making a difference in our community.

We would love to show you around, talk to you about folks you know who could benefit from staying here, and offer this space to build the kingdom. Guests are invited to donate to the ministry of Project Transformation and the building.

Written by Kercida McClain

Everything You Never Knew You Wanted to Know About Delegates to Annual Conference

A delegate votes during Rio Texas Annual Conference in Corpus Christi in 2019

Written By Nan Pyle

Do you know who qualifies to serve as a delegate to Annual Conference and why? Based on my experiences over the last three years, I realize that many United Methodists, lay and clergy alike, have no idea. So, here’s the scoop!

Most clergy (2016 Book of Discipline ¶32) are members of the Annual Conference; for every clergy member, there is an equalizing Lay Delegate. Basically, this means that if your local church has a Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor, the church will be asked to elect two Lay Delegates at Church/Charge Conference each year.

Also, there are laity who serve as lay delegates under a position they hold within the District or the Conference. These are Ex-Officio Delegates with voice and vote. Since Rio Texas Conference has a significant number of retired elders and deacons, these Ex-Officio Delegates help to even out the number of clergy vs. lay.

The remaining number of Lay Delegates needed to equalize the clergy are distributed as At Large District Delegates, based on the membership in each District (and this is where the biggest misunderstandings occur). At Large District Lay Delegates have the same rights and responsibilities as Local Church Lay Delegates. However, an At Large District Delegate is elected by the District, not the Local Church. 

As an example: if you are asked to serve as an At Large District Delegate, and you agree and are elected, and then decide on the week before Annual Conference that you cannot or do not want to participate, your church cannot hold a Church/Charge Conference and elect a replacement; only the District can vote in a replacement.

That brings us to Alternate Lay Delegates: each local church and district is encouraged to elect Alternate Lay Delegates. Those alternates are elected by the district or local church along with the lay delegates and their information is submitted on the same form. An Alternate Lay Delegate can be substituted in the place of a lay delegate who has become unable to participate in Annual Conference. There is a process for this substitution; if it is not followed, the alternate will not have the authority to vote. Please contact the Rio Texas Conference if a substitution is needed so the process can be implemented properly.

The clergy members and the Lay Delegates make up the legal representation of the Annual Conference. That’s right – it’s a legal thing. All Lay Delegates are elected; the names and contact information are submitted under the signature of the pastor. The Lay Delegate position is a conference-level position, so while the form is included with the other Church/Charge Conference forms that each church gives to their District Superintendent, the form must also be submitted to the Conference Secretary. The instructions are on the bottom of the lay delegate form.

Here are some simple answers to frequently asked questions:

FAQs:

1. What is a Delegate to Annual Conference?
   
   Delegates are the legal representatives of their Local Church, District or Annual Conference who hold the right and responsibility to vote on the business of the Annual Conference.

2. Who serves as a Delegate to Annual Conference?
   
   Most (2016 Book of Discipline ¶32) clergy serve as clergy delegates. Each church elects 1 lay delegate at their Charge/Church Conference. Plus if a church has more than 1 appointed clergyperson, 1 additional lay delegate is elected for each clergyperson. So if First UMC has 3 appointed clergy, they receive 1 lay delegate because they are First UMC + 2 additional lay delegates to equalize their clergy.

3. Why can’t each local church send 20 Lay Delegates to Annual Conference?
   
   The number of lay delegates must equal the number of clergy delegates per Book of Discipline.

4. What is the difference between an At Large District Lay Delegate and a Local Church Lay Delegate?
   
   Both At Large District Lay Delegates and Local Church Lay Delegates hold the same responsibilities. The difference is that an At Large District Delegate is elected by the District while a Local Church Lay Delegate is elected at the Local Church/Charge Conference.

5. I want to serve as an “extra” delegate; how do I do that?
   
   There is no such thing as an “extra” delegate! Unfortunately, this term continues to be used and creates confusion on a massive scale. All clergy delegates are defined by the Book of Discipline. All lay delegates are defined in the Rio Texas Conference Standing Rules and Book of Discipline. They are elected by their Local Church or District. Each local church and district is assigned the number of lay delegate seats that they can fill in order to meet the requirements of the Standing Rules and Book of Discipline.

6. So, if I am elected at my church’s Church/Charge Conference in October of 2021, when do I represent my church?
   
   A delegate’s term runs from June 1 following the election through May 31 of the next year. In this case, June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.

7. I provided a new email address last year but the Annual Conference information was still emailed to my old email address! Why?
   
   Email addresses are an ongoing challenge. Especially in this time of Internet attacks, email addresses are changed frequently. Remember to update your email address!  
   
   Laity: The church or district that elected you as Lay Delegate provided your name and contact information. If that contact information is different than the contact information in the conference database, the conference assumes that you moved or changed your email address or telephone number. Please make sure that your church has your current information.
   
   Clergy: Please update email and phone number changes with the conference office as they happen. Also, when you change appointments and are not living in a parsonage, remember to update your home address.
   
   

8. I called the conference office to ask why I had not received an email about registration as a Lay Delegate from my church and was told I wasn’t my church’s Lay Delegate. How did that happen?
   
   There are so many reasons…

   You were not elected as delegate for this year (see #6)

   Your email address is incorrect in our system (see #7)

   We do not have an email address for you.

   When you called, you asked about being Lay Delegate from First UMC. I looked up First UMC and you are not listed as the delegate. If you had asked about being an At Large District Lay Delegate, I would have found you and we would have worked through the issue together.
   Your church did not email, FAX, or snail mail a signed copy of your church’s Lay Delegate form to the Conference Secretary. 

   Remember to follow the directions on the Lay Delegate form.

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If you have a question or need assistance with your Lay Delegate procedure or form, please contact Nan Pyle. See you at Annual Conference 2022 in McAllen, June 8 through June 11!

Written By Nan Pyle

Wespath responds to request for comment on climate-related financial disclosure

In a recent letter from the Chief Investment Officer of Wespath, Dave Zellner, to the securities and exchange commission regarding investment disclosure around climate change we get to see just how large our Benefits organization is and the affect they can have over the behavior of companies and even legislation. Read the full letter on the position they are taking and in their advocacy for reversing climate change.

COB Approves Episcopal Supervision Recommendations for SCJ

June 3, 2021 – The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church has approved episcopal supervision recommendations for the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ), due to the retirement of two bishops. The recommendations were made by the SCJ College of Bishops following consultation with the Jurisdictional and respective Annual Conference Committees on Episcopacy. 
 
This follows decisions by Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe (Northwest Texas-New Mexico) and Bishop J. Michael Lowry (Central Texas) to request retirement effective January 1, 2022, under paragraph 408.2b of The Book of Discipline.
 
Under Paragraph ¶407 of the Book of Discipline, the Council of Bishops has authority to fill a vacancy for presidential/episcopal supervision of an episcopal area due to death, retirement (¶ 408.1, .2, .3), resignation (¶ 408.4), judicial procedure (¶ 2712), leave of absence (¶ 410.1), or medical leave (¶ 410.4).
 
After prayer and discernment, the bishops have approved the following recommendations for episcopal supervision:

·      Northwest Texas Conference: Bishop James G. Nunn (Oklahoma Conference/Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference)

·      New Mexico Conference: Bishop Robert C. Schnase (Rio Texas Conference)

·      Central Texas Conference: Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. (Great Plains Conference)

 
The new roles are effective January 1, 2022 and will continue until new bishops are elected in the SCJ. The SCJ Committee on Episcopacy will make the assignment of bishops once the new bishops are elected at the next regular session of Jurisdictional Conference.

Bishop Schnase states, “I am grateful to be given the opportunity to serve alongside United Methodists in the New Mexico Annual Conference. Our two areas were once part of the same Rio Grande Conference, and we share affinity in our fields of mission, particularly along the northern border of Mexico.

“This assignment does not represent a unification or merger of our two conferences; rather it means that I will have two areas of oversight. I look forward to working with and learning about the lives and ministry of New Mexico's churches, laity, and clergy, and I trust God will bless our time, in fruitful and unexpected ways.”

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United Methodist Women Program Advisory Group Hold First Meeting of 2021-2024 Quadrennium

By Tara Barnes, Editor, response magazine, United Methodist Women

The 2021-2024 United Methodist Women Program Advisory Group gathered via Zoom for its first annual meeting March 11-13, 2021. This global gathering included Abby Gutierrez representing the Rio Texas conference. The group members met for orientation and preparing for their work throughout the next four years. The program advisory group studies issues and prepares recommendations to the national board regarding mission priorities, mission education work, and program guidance for United Methodist Women. It includes representatives from every United Methodist conference as well as from national and global partners.

Program advisory group members are part of one of five working teams: membership, identity, relationship, technology, and story. Members also serve on United Methodist Women’s editorial board, Reading Program team, Legacy Steering Committee, Eliminating Institutional Racism team, and Assembly team. Abby serves on the Relationship and Eliminating Institutional Racism teams. Time was spent during the meeting describing the work of the teams and welcoming members on board.

The meeting’s theme, “Dream It, Believe it, Do it” was reflected in the reports from General Secretary Harriett Jane Olson and National President ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u. ‘Isama’u reminded members that “our foremothers dreamt it so that we - yes, all of us here - could achieve it. It’s now our time to dream bigger dreams and continue the legacy. The dreams we dream today lay the foundation for those women coming behind us. If we dream it, surely, they will achieve it. May it be so.”

Olson called the program advisory group members to the work of this quadrennium saying, “We will look - seeing needs and hearing women’s stories. We will consult with women “on the ground” and in the know. We will plan, believing that we can make a difference. We will raise funds to support the work, believing that this is our calling. And believing that God will use us for good in the world.” Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Tamara Clark gave a report on giving and shared the ways members’ mission dollars are at work in the world through grants and scholarships, national mission institutions, regional missionaries and the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner as well as through member empowerment through leadership training, spiritual growth, transformative education and service and advocacy.

“Luke 8:1-3 talks about some bold women who gave out of their own means as an expression of God’s grace while still active in ministry,” Clark said. “As United Methodist Women members, we bring our gifts of not only finances but of time and service so that these offerings might be turned into miracles for women, children and youth.”

Each program advisory group meeting includes training on eliminating institutional racism. The March 2021 meeting focused on the history of United Methodist Women’s antiracism work, defining racism and sharing resources, including the Charter for Racial Justice, United Methodist Women’s Just Energy for All and Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline campaigns, and studying Pushout at Mission u.

A moving sermon by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, Baltimore-Washington conference, closed
the weekend and called program advisory group members to be unbent women, to stand up
straight and let God’s glory touch their faces, referring to the poem “Woman Un-Bent” by Irene Zimmerman.

“Be unbent, stand straight and walk in your calling,” Easterling said. “Be unbent, stand straight and take thou authority. Be unbent, stand straight and be free of your timidity. Be unbent, stand straight and serve. Be unbent and stand up against those who try to push you back down. Be unbent and stand up and say, ‘Here I am, Lord. Send me.’”

Throughout the gathering, program advisory group members dreamed and believed
together for the future of United Methodist Women and its crucial role in the church and for a world in which all can thrive, and they left ready to do the work.

United Methodist Women is the official women’s organization of The United Methodist
Church, with hundreds of thousands of members across the country whose vision is to put faith, hope and love into action for women, children, and youth.

Abby Gutierrez serves as the national representative on the United Methodist Women Rio
Texas conference leadership team gathering success stories and needs of local membership
to report as well as sharing communications from the national office.

Bishop Schnase Announces Cabinet Appointment

Coastal Bend and El Valle

District Superintendent Announced

Bishop Robert Schnase is announcing the appointment of Rev. Laura Brewster as the superintendent of the Coastal Bend and El Valle Districts effective July 1, 2021. Laura is currently serving as the senior pastor at Northwest Hills UMC in Austin.

Laura is a native of Pharr, Texas, where her family has resided for generations. After graduating from PSJA High School, she earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Following graduation, she worked as a broadcast journalist with several television stations, including KAUZ-TV6 in Wichita Falls, KFDA-TV10 in Amarillo, KVOA-TV4 in Tucson, and KOTV-6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Laura considered her work a type of ministry because it allowed her to inform others about issues such as poverty and racism. She eventually felt God calling her into ordained ministry. “I went from sharing bad news on television to sharing good news from the pulpit!”

Laura earned her Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology in 1995 and was ordained in the Oklahoma Annual Conference. She served in Oklahoma before transferring to the Southwest Texas Conference in 2000. Laura served as pastor of St. Andrews UMC in San Antonio, First UMC in Edinburg, St. Mark UMC in McAllen, and Newcastle UMC in Newcastle, Oklahoma. Laura currently serves on the Rio Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Conference Relations Committee, and Joint Medical Leave Committee, as well as the Capital District Committee on Ordained Ministry. She has been in the ordained ministry for 25 years. She is most passionate about mission work both local and beyond.

“I am humbled and grateful for being afforded the opportunity to serve in a new capacity, in a place that I have always considered home. I look forward to working alongside the many wonderful clergy and laity in the Coastal Bend and El Valle Districts, and together strengthening God’s church and its missions,” said Laura.

“For many years, I’ve appreciated Laura’s passion for ministry, her ability to work with people, and her thoughtful approach to leadership,” Bishop Schnase writes. “I look forward to the significant gifts she brings to the work of superintendent ministry.”

Laura is married to Scott Clear, who is employed with HUD. She is mom to Rachel, who is finishing her master’s degree at the UTHealth School of Public Health. In her spare time, Laura enjoys gardening, hiking, and spoiling her two cats, Selena and Shadow.

Bishop Schnase Announces Cabinet Appointments

Capital District Superintendent Announced

Bishop Robert Schnase is announcing the appointment of Rev. Laura Merrill as superintendent of the Capital District of the Rio Texas Conference, effective July 1, 2021. Laura currently serves as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence. She joined the conference staff as director of connectional ministries in 2016, after six years as superintendent of El Valle District. She grew up in Austin and attended public schools there, graduating from Lanier (now Juan Navarro) High School. She earned a B.A. in International Studies from Southwestern University and graduated first in her class from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1995. Laura is the daughter and granddaughter of United Methodist pastors, both of whom served in Austin churches.

As a young adult, Laura served as a missionary in Chile and with the Desert Southwest Conference Border Ministry in Tucson, Arizona, where she worked with Central American refugees and led immersion trips in Mexico. After seminary, she served as pastor at local churches in Victoria, Los Fresnos, and Wimberley, followed by her appointment to the Cabinet in 2010. She is fluent in Spanish and was actively involved in the unification of the Rio Texas Conference. Her experience working with the poor and in cross-cultural regions has shaped her approach to ministry in fundamental ways. 

Bishop Schnase writes, “Laura has done excellent work as a District Superintendent, as Assistant to the Bishop, and as a leader in the larger UMC.  She has deep roots in the Austin area and brings extraordinary experience to the task of superintendency.  She is deeply respected among clergy and laity alike.  I look forward to our continuing work together on the Cabinet.” Current Capital District Superintendent Teresa Welborn adds, “We welcome Rev. Laura Merrill to the Capital District with great joy! I could not be more pleased with this news and look forward to all that is ahead for the district under her leadership. She brings great wisdom and experience to her work, and she will bring new energy, vision, and fresh perspective to the district.” 

Laura is a member of the South Central Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy and the Commission on General Conference for the UMC. She is a former director of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and a current director at Texas Methodist Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries. She is mother to Joe, who lives in Boston, and Caroline, a freshman at Texas State University. She enjoys music, thrift shops, and daily walks with her curious dog. 

Laura writes, “I am joyful and humbled by the invitation to serve the Capital District. In addition to returning home, I look forward to working with the creative, faithful laity and clergy of the district, in discipleship and service to Christ’s good news.” 

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Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence Announced

Bishop Schnase is also announcing the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Lopez is in his seventh year on the Cabinet, currently serving as superintendent of the Coastal Bend and El Valle Districts. Dr. Lopez has navigated the district work with God’s grace, leading during the initial phases of Harvey recovery in the Coastal Bend and engaging the challenges and justice issues along the border in the Rio Grande Valley with distinction. Bishop Schnase writes, “I have appreciated working closely with Rev. Dr. Lopez for the past five years, since being assigned to the Rio Texas Conference. Robert’s genuine faithfulness, creativity, energy, and humility will serve him well as assistant to the bishop. I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

Robert holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, both from Asbury Theological Seminary. He was selected as a Beeson Scholar in 2008, which allowed him to experience a unique and meaningful Doctor of Ministry program. It included international travel to learn from other cultures and church leaders, group travel experiences with pastors doing outstanding ministry around the country, and an academic endeavor that culminated with his dissertation focusing on special needs ministry. Robert comes from the Rio Grande Valley, graduating from Rio Grande City High School and earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the honors program at the then-University of Texas Pan American. Rev. Lopez’s first appointment was in Dallas at El Buen Samaritano UMC (Rio Grande Conference). He subsequently served El Calvario in Las Cruces, NM; as well as El Buen Pastor and El Mesías in the Rio Grande Valley. Rev. Laura Merrill shares, “I am thrilled to know that Robert Lopez will be the next Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Clergy Excellence. Robert will bring energy to this position, with a broad and innovative approach. He cares deeply about pastors and will seek new ways to support them in their work of leadership and service.”  

Robert has been married to Ruth for over 26 years, and they have 3 young adult children—Gabriela, Robert Jr., and Kerena. “I have learned so much from pastors, church friends, and community friends over the past seven years. I am eager to keep learning in this new role, and I am especially grateful to God for this opportunity to serve the church. I am humbled to be asked,” states Robert. 

Cabinet statement regarding Gov. Abbott's recent executive order

March 3, 2021

Friends:

Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that lifts the mandated use of masks as protection against COVID-19 and returns all business and facility capacity to 100%. The governor’s stated purpose in lifting this mandate is to allow the state economy to begin to recover.

At the same time, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that relaxing protective measures now could subject the country to a “fourth surge.”

While the number of cases has dropped after the holidays, and COVID testing has become much more accessible, many of our citizens are still waiting on vaccines, and broad community protection from the virus is still weeks or months away.

In response, we are writing to strongly encourage the continued use of masks, social distancing, and sanitation practices in our churches, as a means of caring for one another in Christian love. We also continue to believe that these decisions are best made at the local church level, prayerfully and wisely.

While the state mask mandate and facility restrictions were never binding on churches under Texas law, many of our congregations have been committed to wearing masks, distancing inside facilities, and gathering outside or online to protect their participants. Churches are permitted to continue these practices. Given the high number of people who can carry the virus asymptomatically, we can easily infect others without knowing it. This process may become even more true as variants of the virus emerge.

In the words of Governor Abbott, “Today's announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others.” And in the words of our own tradition, “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” We know how to keep our neighbors and loved ones safe, while we wait for this crisis to pass.

When we keep our purpose clear—serving our neighbors with the love of Christ—God will bless and strengthen our path. We will continue to pray in earnest for you and for our communities as we navigate the days to come, and we give thanks to God for your faithfulness.

Grace and peace,

Bishop Robert Schnase
and the Rio Texas Conference Cabinet

Statement in English
Statement in Spanish

This statement was updated on March 7, 2021, to correct the previously posted version. The position expressed in the two versions is the same; the earlier version was intended as a draft. We regret the error.
Statement (Published March 3rd)

COB Press Release: Bishops call Special Session for May 8

Press Release
February 25, 2021
 
Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, create timeline for moving forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021.
 
According to the call letter signed by COB President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the Special Session will be held in accordance with Division Two - Section II - Article II of The Constitution of The United Methodist Church as recorded in Paragraph ¶14 of The Book of Discipline (2016).
 
The purpose of the 2021 Special Session of the General Conference will be limited to gaining a quorum in order to suspend the rules for the sole purpose of allowing the use of paper ballots to act upon 12 pieces of legislation that would enable the church to effectively continue its work until the postponed 2020 General Conference is held in 2022.  While other potential amendments were considered, it was agreed that these 12 pieces of legislation would enable the church to continue its administrative functions appropriately.  Click here to read the 12 pieces of legislation.
 
All decisions will be limited to paper ballots and confined to the designated twelve (12) amendments to the Book of Discipline in order to fulfill the mandate of ¶511.4.d., which calls for the Commission on the General Conference “to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates,… ” 
 
Bishop Harvey stated, “The exclusive use of paper ballots will allow for the fullest participation of delegates from across the denomination.  Full participation on the part of all elected delegates is a justice issue that must not be ignored or sacrificed. This is why the convened session online must be confined solely to gaining permission for the mailed in paper ballots.”
 
The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022.  The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.
 
“Our current Book of Discipline was never written with a worldwide pandemic in mind.  When we became aware of the need for a further postponement, we knew that some action needed to be taken in order to free the church to operate and continue to fulfill its current mission until we could gather in person,” Bishop Harvey stated, noting that substantive issues related to separation and regionalization should be reserved to an in-person forum where debate, amendment, and discernment could be conducted with integrity and full participation.
 
The Council of Bishops and the Commission on the General Conference have been working collaboratively to determine the best way for the General Conference to meet and maintain the Church’s current commitment to mission and ministry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
According to the Constitution of the Church, the Special Session of the General Conference shall be composed of the delegates elected to the postponed 2020 General Conference or their lawful successors.
 
The Secretary of the General Conference will communicate with annual conference secretaries regarding the logistics of the Special Session.
 
In addition, The Council of Bishops and the Commission on the General Conference have agreed on a timeline of events that will create a pathway for the church in this liminal time.  This timeline includes Special Sessions of the Jurisdictional Conferences to be held virtually in July 2021 (for the purpose of retiring bishops, announcing coverage of areas, and determining if or how many bishops will be elected in each Jurisdiction) and regular in-person Sessions of the Jurisdictional Conferences following the postponed 2020 General Conference in the Fall of 2022 (for the purpose of electing bishops, making assignments for the new quadrennium, electing members to General Boards/Agencies, etc.).
 
Under this timeline, General Boards & Agencies would maintain their current memberships until after the postponed General Conference in 2022.
 
Click here to read the full letter sent to the Secretary of the General Conference, the Chairperson of the Commission on the General Conference, heads of delegations to the 2020 General Conference (or successors) and conference secretaries.

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Media Contact: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga

Director of Communications – Council of Bishops

The United Methodist Church

mmulenga@umc-cob.org

202-748-5172

www.unitedmethodistbishops.org

General Conference Postponed until 2022

Commission on the General Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2021

General Conference Postponed to 2022

Meeting on February 20, the Commission on the General Conference made a decision to further postpone the 2020 General Conference until August 29 – September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minn. as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the safety of mass gatherings and travel.

It is the Commission’s responsibility to select the site and set the dates of General Conference. Further, the Book of Discipline requires the Commission on the General Conference to "take necessary measures to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates." The Commission concluded that mandate was not achievable by means of either an in-person meeting in 2021 or a virtual meeting.

In making the decision, the Commission determined that it was not feasible to safely hold an in-person meeting involving all delegates as currently scheduled for August 29 - September 7, 2021 due to a number of barriers:
 
•    The number of COVID cases continues to rise, with nearly 2.49 million confirmed cases the week of February 15.
•    Vaccine is not expected to be widely available this year in many countries, and new variants of the virus which may be resistant to vaccines are emerging globally.
•    International travelers to the U.S. must show proof of negative COVID-19 test results no more than three days prior to travel, but in many places, testing is not readily available or provided free of charge. 
•    Visa services remain limited in some areas.

There also remains the possibility that a temporary six-month visa bond program which requires bonds of $5,000 - $15,000 per person for residents of some countries could cost up to $2.5 million in bonds for affected delegates if the program should be extended beyond June.

The Commission’s decision was informed by the report of the Technology Study Team appointed to explore the implications of options for accommodating full participation at General Conference, including but not limited to the possibility of utilizing technology and online voting, in considering whether the meeting should be held virtually.

According to their report, “The study team considered a number of challenges and implications, including how to keep participants safe, providing for global participation, safeguarding the integrity of the voting and credentialing process, and meeting legal requirements …”

The Technology Study Team analyzed a variety of options, including an entirely electronic General Conference with participation from individual locations; an entirely electronic General Conference with delegates gathering at regional satellite hubs; and two sessions, with the first part being electronic and the second part in-person when it is safe to convene. None of these options were determined by the study team to be viable. 

The study team did find that a more traditional method—utilizing mail ballots to vote on emergency actions—could help The United Methodist Church to address important, urgent matters through the General Conference. Their report recommended utilizing mail ballots for making a limited number of “Emergency Interim Actions” on which the General Conference delegates would indicate a yes or no vote for each item. 

“The Commission shared the study team’s findings and recommendations with the officers of the Council of Bishops in a collaborative effort to jointly explore how this alternative might be utilized to address critical matters until an in person gathering of delegates can be safely convened next year,” said commission chair Kim Simpson.

Some of the concerns mentioned in the report regarding having a virtual session include:
•    Lack of infrastructure in some areas, including Internet access, Internet speed, and electricity
•    Lack of technology for equitable Holy Conferencing
•    Complexity of the legislative committee process
•    Concerns about accurate credentialing and verification of identity
•    Difficulties in seating reserve delegates properly
•    Security of voting
•    Safety concerns about regional satellite gatherings

Simpson said the August-September dates in 2022 will mean that General Conference will be one day shorter than planned for 2021; however, these dates were the only option available. Simpson said that the Commission regrets the fact that these dates once again conflict with the start of the academic year in the U.S. which a group of young adults had asked the Commission to avoid, but there were no other dates available.

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About General Conference
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The assembly meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. 

Media contact:
Diane Degnan ddegnan@umcom.org
615.742.5406 (o) 615.483.1765 (c)

Uniting Table - The work we are doing

In the past, the Uniting Table has met twice a year to discuss the work of the annual conference. For the past few months, thanks in part to the flexibility of a virtual format, the Uniting Table has met more often for wide-ranging conversation concerning our common life and ministry. Below, a few members of the Uniting Table share about the conversations, work, and hope that have come from these meetings.

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Rev. Dr. Ralph D. Mann
Rio Texas Conference
Uniting Table Chair

It has been five years since the Rio Grande Conference and the Southwest Texas Conference became the Rio Texas Conference (January 1, 2015).  This was after many years of working within our mission fields – both together and separate; many meetings – again, both together and separate; a Joint Unification Conference (2/8/14); and individual conference meetings to approve the action.  We said we were creating a bold new thing.  In the journal of the unification conference, we stated: “The conference is organized through structure, people and processes to focus on the mission field.  The Uniting Table will coordinate mission and ministry in the Rio Texas Conference.  The Uniting Table is intended to be inclusive and collaborative, include diverse voices, and promote unity and reconciliation.”

As the Chair, I voiced some concerns at our November meeting that we as a Uniting Table had gotten a little off track, and perhaps this bold new idea of the Rio Texas Conference had also.  I wanted transparency and a resurgence of clergy and lay confidence in the Annual Conference.  Yes, we have done great things, but I knew we could do better.  The conversation that started to emerge amazed me.  It may have begun as a way to draft an anti-racism statement, but what happened was a time of healing and hope for a new way to embrace the mission field from a fully unified front.  Since our November meeting, the Uniting Table has had 2 two-hour meetings (all via Zoom) where we processed what happened in the unification of five plus years ago, and what made each of the parent conferences unique.  What we began to realize is that the uniqueness of each of the parent conferences have become the identity of the new Rio Texas Conference, and it brought us joy.  Bishop Schnase led us in this process as he made certain that we heard from everyone, and there was a diversity and inclusiveness in the voices.  All voices mattered as we gathered.  In my almost 35 years in ministry these were some of the best meetings and conversations I have ever been part of.

When I look at the uniqueness of the two parent conferences, I see the following as some of the uniqueness of Rio Texas Conference:

Spanish Language as still being part of our foundation – a voice to remind the general church of inclusiveness.
Connecting to the community and the continuation of the MARCHA causes.
A sense of unity in our diversity, led by the presence and example of great leaders.
A truly largeness of heart that steps beyond any polarization.
A sense of familia/family that bridges geography and structure.
A leadership presence across the denomination.
A commitment to education of professional and spiritual growth.
A rich level of fellowship.
Truly lifting up women in ministry and leadership.
The sending conference(s) of many episcopal leaders.
Devotion to and love for the church.
An informality that creates a relaxed setting at our gatherings.

Well, there was much more to our discussion; but it was so rich and diverse, and it gave us all a great sense of hope.  I ask that you pray for the Uniting Table of the Annual Conference.  We are tasked with keeping the mission of the Annual Conference in front of the Annual Conference.  With COVID and everything else happening in the life of the church, I see a hope-filled future in the Rio Texas Conference.

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Marlee Claes
Youth Ministry Council Representative 

I was invited to be a part of the Rio Texas Uniting Table meetings in 2020. The subject at hand has been a reflection of the unification process when the Rio Grande and Southwest Texas conferences combined to form our current conference. 

Much time has been spent talking about the former conferences and what made them unique. We have had some honest conversations, sharing our hardships and disappointments with the way our unification was done - the loss of that feeling of “church family’ in the conference and churches feeling like they can’t work as a team - but we have also spoken about all the good we have been able to accomplish together and how we can amplify that good going forward in a way that caters to all.

As a youth, the goal of mending bridges and bettering our conference is especially important to me, because the Rio Texas Conference is the only conference I've ever known, and It's the one in which I will continue to grow in faith and leadership. My hope is we engage our youth and young adults as we continue this work in order to help the Rio Texas Conference have it’s best chance to be a Conference that will carry on for years to come.

I feel lucky to be a part of a group with such passionate people working towards bettering the Rio Texas Conference and in turn the United Methodist Church as a whole.

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Ralph Thompson
Conference Lay Leader/Connection/Role in Uniting Table

I love the lyric from the “Hamilton” play, “No one else was in the room where it happened.” So often, the excitement and promise of an idea fails to go beyond the walls of the room where it happened. Often, the enthusiasm of a plan wanes before it reaches those outside the room.

The unification of the former Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Annual Conferences was the result of ideas that, while well-conceived and well-planned, remain a work in progress. With the potential to be a shining example to the rest of the United Methodist denomination of the diversity that is the essence of who we are, the unification and resulting functioning of our Annual Conference continue to evolve into something new and exciting.

Recent Uniting Table discussions have revealed, among many other things, that we (regardless of ethnicity, race, culture, setting of ministry and service, and style of worship) have more that promises to unite us than to separate us. Especially in this age where outside forces dwell on “differences with the other,” God’s Word lived out through this unification offers proof that God’s Church is a blessed community of kindred spirits seeking the common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Through programs, policies, initiatives, and ministries born of our discussions, I invite all who read this, and all who work, serve, and worship in the Rio Texas Annual Conference to the “room where it happens” by staying informed and engaged in helping to build up the Body of Christ. What happens in the gatherings we call the Uniting Table, is not self-serving. Instead, we exist to help seek out and offer solutions that can help every congregation within our sphere of influence to reach their goals.

I ask your prayers for those who gather at the Uniting Table of the Rio Texas Annual Conference.

Ministry Highlight - Impacto & FUMC McAllen

We would like to take the time to celebrate two transformative ministries in Rio Texas. Both of these ministries have received support and recognition from the Texas Methodist Foundation.

Impacto

Texas Methodist Foundation has awarded Iniciativa de Impacto Comunitario (Impacto) with a TMF Impact Investment for Racial Justice award. This award invests resources into organizations that are actively working to transform and support communities of color. Check out the video below and their website to learn more about Impacto.

Read TMF's press release about this award HERE.

Iniciativa de Impacto Communitario is changing their community in west San Antonio. Learn how they are doing this here.

FUMC McAllen

Feeding families is something FUMC McAllen has always worked to do, but when COVID-19 hit, a TMF grant allowed them to go from serving 40-50 families a month to serving almost 800 families a month. To learn more about the work FUMC McAllen is doing, check out the video below.

When faced with the pandemic and a hurricane, FUMC McAllen applied for a TMF COVID-19 Response and Recovery Grant to exponentially expand their food pantry outreach to those most in need.

Prayer Partners Conversation - How can we support one another?

Are you a part of the Prayer Partners conference email list? Would you like to help connect our conference in prayer in new ways? Join us online at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 16 for a conversation on how we can expand the conference network of sharing and praying for concerns.

2021 [Virtual] Annual Conference

Rio Texas Conference Delegates/Delegados de la Conferencia Río Texas, 

Our 2020-2021 Annual Conference year is in full swing, and ministry continues to impact lives and communities in the name and power of Jesus. As the Rio Texas Conference continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 virus, and the number of persons infected by the virus continues to grow, leaders from throughout the Conference have discussed the effect that this may have on conducting the 2021 Annual Conference in June. After discussions with the Uniting Table, the Cabinet, Bishop Schnase, and other district and conference leaders, it has been decided that we will hold a virtual 2021 Annual Conference. Planning is already underway. Our session will incorporate learnings and feedback from our virtual Annual Conference in October 2020, including a new voting system, improved processes for delegates to be recognized from the (virtual) floor, and opportunities for delegates to connect with one another. Information on these tools will be posted on the website and emailed to delegates as planning develops, so preparations can be made for our virtual time together.  

Nuestro año de Conferencia Anual 2020-2021 está en pleno apogeo, y el ministerio continúa impactando vidas y comunidades en el nombre y el poder de Jesús. A medida que la Conferencia Río Texas continúa siendo afectada por el virus COVID-19, y la cantidad de personas infectadas por el virus continúa creciendo, los líderes de toda la Conferencia han conversado sobre el efecto que esto puede tener en la reunión de la Conferencia Anual 2021 en junio. Después de conversar con la Mesa Unida, el Gabinete, el Obispo Schnase y otros líderes de distrito y de la conferencia, se decidió que llevaremos a cabo una Conferencia Anual virtual de 2021. Su planificación ya está en marcha. Nuestra sesión incorporará las lecciones aprendidas y comentarios de nuestra Conferencia Anual virtual en octubre de 2020, incluyendo un nuevo sistema de votación, mejorados procesos para que los delegados sean reconocidos desde el piso (virtual) y oportunidades para que los delegados se comuniquen entre sí mismos. La información sobre estas herramientas se publicará en el sitio web y se enviará por correo electrónico a los delegados a medida que se desarrolle la planificación, para poder hacer preparativos para nuestro tiempo virtual juntos.

Pray for the Rio Texas Conference as we continue our ministry in new and exciting ways. Pray for the team that is putting together our worship, teachings, workshops and business sessions for Annual Conference. Celebrate with us the opportunities all of us have to be creative in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. I look forward with eagerness to gathering, learning and celebrating in new, profound, and creative ways with you at our virtual 2021 Annual Conference in June. 

Ore por la Conferencia Río Texas mientras continuamos nuestro ministerio de maneras nuevas y emocionantes. Ore por el equipo que está organizando nuestra adoración, lecciones, talleres y sesiones de negocios de la Conferencia Anual. Celebre con nosotros las oportunidades que todos tenemos de ser creativos al compartir las Buenas Nuevas de Jesucristo. Espero con entusiasmo reunirme, aprender y celebrar de maneras nuevas, profundas y creativas con ustedes en nuestra Conferencia Anual virtual 2021 en junio.  

In Service/En servicio, 

Rev. Mickey T. McCandless 
Conference Secretary/Secretario de la Conferencia

PDF in Spanish
PDF in English

Fresh Expressions Through a Wesleyan Lens

So many churches have had to slow down the ways to reach new people in the last 9 months and yet…SO MANY OF YOU have continued to be innovative and bold in reaching out.   I celebrate how brave many of you have been!  

I also know that this past year has wreaked havoc on many of our Fresh Expressions and plans on continuing to reach new people, so I am excited about this 9 month course (February – October 2021) that Discipleship Ministries and Fresh Expressions (US and United Kingdom) are offering.  

This course is for church teams (clergy and laity or laity alone) to deepen planning, and executing those plans even in this time of uncertainty!  

The course includes some video learning, cohort discussion, and group coaching.  The total cost of the course is $300, but if you register a team, the office of Creating and Vitalizing Congregations and Developing Leaders will reimburse the church $200.  

You can find more information at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/introducing-new-people-new-places-a-wesleyan-lens-of-fresh-expressions.

And you can register for one of the 3 Informational sessions.  The training begins Feb. 2021.

After you have attended one of the information sessions, let me know if you are interested in registering for the course! Please contact me at khoran@riotexas.org.

God’s peace,

Rev. Karen Horan – Rio Texas Conference

Creating/ Vitalizing Congregations and Developing Leaders