A Message Regarding Migrant Deaths in San Antonio

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Our hearts are broken over the news from San Antonio last night of the deaths of at least 50 migrants, with more hospitalized. The mass loss of life in our state, including children, yet again is overwhelming to process. We grieve their loss and will continue to work for justice through our United Methodist connection. Hebrews 13:12 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Our conference and church have a long history of working with partners throughout the connection and the border to provide safe and welcoming places of care and dignity. Clearly, there is much more work to accomplish. I am grateful for the ministries like Corazon Ministries at Travis Park Church, under the leadership of Pastor Gavin Rogers, who works directly with our migrant community.

Pastor Gavin states, “At least fifty lives were lost in San Antonio! Dear God, hold everyone close. Words cannot express the hurt our region has felt over the last weeks. At this tragic time, we stand and support our migrant siblings seeking to find better lives. The lives lost in a trailer in San Antonio is devastating and our hearts grieve with every family affected. May we all find the compassion and grace to continue to care for migrants in ways all are honored and respected. Our prayers extend to all at the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services, city leaders in San Antonio District four, Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg during this time. We also pray for the Corazon migrant overnight staff for caring for our siblings each night in our basement so that some have a chance of safety.” 

Our United Methodist social principles remind us that, “We recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We affirm the right of all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health care, education, and freedom from social discrimination. We urge the Church and society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all.”

I pray for the families and first responders and for all who have experienced loss and pain from this tragedy. I pray we continue to work towards justice so that these kinds of occurrences will not happen again. Lord, in your mercy, hear our pain and prayers.

 

Bishop Robert Schnase
Resident Bishop
Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church

A Message Regarding the Robb Elementary School Shooting

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“Our hearts are broken for the people of Uvalde, Texas. We are devastated over the multiple lives lost during the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. We mourn those who died today and fervently pray for the families of the victims and surround the larger community of Uvalde in prayer. We have been in touch with our own Rev. Steve Peyton and are grateful for his presence and the presence of other clergy on the ground. We are grateful for those who care for the wounded and care for the families. More details will come forth, and we know more will need to be done, but for now the grief is indescribable and deeply painful. Lord have mercy; hear our prayers.”

Robert Schnase
Bishop
Rio Texas & New Mexico Annual Conferences

Delegate Do's and Don'ts for Annual Conference

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Each local United Methodist congregation elects a Lay Delegate, or Lay Delegates, to represent the church at Annual Conference. This election took place at your Charge Conference, for most churches that was in the fall of 2021. The form in your Charge Conference packet should have been returned to the Conference Secretary as outlined in the instructions on the bottom of the form.

Since these are elected positions, a church cannot just decide to send someone else. Lay Delegates must be elected at a Charge Conference. That is why churches are asked to also elect an Alternate Delegate. So, if First UMC elects Jane to serve as Delegate and John to serve as Alternate Delegate and Jane cannot attend, the pastor can notify the Conference Secretary in writing (npyle@riotexas.org) that John will be serving in place of Jane. However, if both Jane and John decide on June 6 to fly to Africa for a mission trip on June 7, First UMC will not have the time to hold a Called Charge Conference and elect a new delegate. No Lay Delegate will represent First UMC at Annual Conference 2022.

In much the same way, District At Large Delegates are elected by the districts. Alternates can be last minute substitutions, but new names cannot be added without an election.

A previous Unidos article outlining FAQ’s about Lay Delegates can be found here

Thank you for planning ahead to make sure your congregation is represented at Annual Conference 2022!