Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously. Miracle Sunday Initiative

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Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

A world-wide United Methodist movement—and a moment for the Rio Texas Conference to join together.

This spring, congregations across the Rio Texas Conference are invited to join United Methodists around the world in a shared six-week emphasis rooted in our common mission and shared future.

The Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously & Miracle Sunday Initiative brings together more than 30,000 congregations worldwide to strengthen theological education beyond the United States—equipping pastors, forming disciples, and renewing our connection as the United Methodist Church.

Why This Matters

Across the United Methodist Church, the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is alive and growing—especially outside the United States. Yet access to theological education is not equal across the global church.

In the United States, clergy are typically supported by established seminaries and systems of formation. In many parts of Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, pastors faithfully serve growing congregations with limited access to theological education and scholarships.

Miracle Sunday strengthens The Endowment for Theological Education Outside the U.S., helping prepare 500 additional pastors each year.

For the Rio Texas Conference, this shared season of prayer and generosity comes at a meaningful time. It is an opportunity to live into our connectional identity once again—joining congregations around the world in faithful participation.

What Churches Are Being Asked to Do

There is no single required format for participating in this initiative. Congregations are encouraged to engage in ways that fit their worship life, capacity, and context.

What matters most is that churches:

  • Name the initiative

  • Share the why behind it

  • Join the global church in prayer and generosity

All Rio Texas congregations are invited to:

  • Set aside the six weeks following Easter 2026 (April 12–May 17)

  • Share the story of the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously initiative during that season

  • Receive a special offering on Miracle Sunday (May 17, 2026) in support of theological education outside the United States

How you do that is intentionally flexible.

Flexible Ways to Participate

There is no single required format for participating in this initiative. Congregations are encouraged to engage in ways that fit their worship life, capacity, and context.

To help with planning, we’ve prepared a short guide outlining several faithful ways churches of all sizes can participate.

Download: Flexible Ways to Participate (PDF)

Giving & Miracle Sunday

The six-week emphasis culminates on Miracle Sunday (May 17, 2026), when congregations across the United Methodist Church will receive a special offering in support of theological education outside the United States.

How to Submit Miracle Sunday Offerings

Miracle Sunday offerings should be submitted to the Rio Texas Conference in the same way your church submits apportionments.

To ensure your gift is directed correctly:

  • Include Advance Number: #358

  • Indicate the designation by either:

    Writing “Miracle Sunday” (or Advance #358) in the memo line of the check
    OR
    Using the “Other Gift Designation” section on your monthly remittance form and noting the amount designated for this offering

All funds received by the conference will be forwarded to the Miracle Sunday Endowment Fund in support of theological education outside the United States.

Below is a giving card for fundraising to support this miracle initiative.

Miracle Sunday Giving Card PDF

Planning + Congregation Resources

Everything you need to plan and participate.

Materials are designed to support congregations of all sizes and to offer flexibility in how this initiative is shared and lived out locally.

Please use what is helpful for your context.

Bishop Harvey’s Video to Churches (Video)
An invitation to congregations across the Rio Texas Conference to participate in this global initiative. Click image below to view video on Youtube.

 

Click image to view video on youtube.

 

Details on How Individuals Can Give
Share these pathways widely with congregations and leaders:
https://www.endowftecc.org/donate


Read the latest news and updates from the Miracle Sunday initiative, including stories of impact and global efforts to strengthen theological education for future United Methodist leaders.

Read the News Release

Need help?

If you have questions or would like support as you plan, please reach out to your District Coordinator or Conference Coordinator below. They are available to help you think through next steps, access resources, and adapt this initiative to your congregation’s context.

Conference & District Coordinators

Conference Coordinator

Byrd L. Bonner - byrdbonner@gmail.com

District Coordinators

South District: Jamey Mobley - jmobley413@gmail.com

Central District: Mark Nerio - markanerio@gmail.com

North District: Rachel Wright - rachel@fumcaustin.org

Immigration & Know Your Rights Resources

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Dear Rio Texas Conference,

In times of uncertainty, the Church is called to respond with wisdom, care, and faithful presence.

In response to questions and concerns we have been hearing across the Rio Texas Conference, the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition has worked with conference staff to gather trusted immigration and Know Your Rights resources in one place. These resources are offered to support individuals, families, and church leaders as they seek clarity, prepare thoughtfully, and remain grounded in faith.

In moments like this, fear and uncertainty can spread quickly. As people of faith, we are called to respond not with panic, but with wisdom, care, and solidarity. Being informed is one way we offer dignity, protection, and hope to those who are most vulnerable.

We encourage churches and leaders to engage these resources prayerfully and to share them thoughtfully, with attention to their local context and community needs. I am grateful to the Anti-Racism & Equity Coalition for their bold and courageous leadership, and I stand with them as we seek to respond faithfully and compassionately in this moment.

Above all, we invite you to remain grounded in prayer and faithful to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to compassion, mercy, and love for all people. May our witness reflect God’s justice, grace, and abiding presence in every circumstance.

Grace and peace,

 
 

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Visit the Immigration & Know your rights resource hub

Zoom Gathering for Reflection & Conversation

What is Accompaniment?

Jan 31, 2026, 10 AM - 11:30 AM (ZOOM)

A guided conversation, exploring accompaniment as a faithful way of walking alongside our neighbors with care, humility, and hope.

REGISTER FOR ZOOM HERE

A Prayer From Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Gracious and merciful God,

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the pain, fear, and unrest following the recent events in Minnesota. We grieve the loss of life, the trauma carried by families and communities, and the deep divisions that continue to wound our common life. We ask for your comforting presence to surround all who are suffering and for your healing to move powerfully among them.

As followers of Jesus Christ and as United Methodists, we affirm the sacred worth of every person. Our Social Principles call us to uphold human dignity, pursue justice, and work for peace in our communities and in the world. Shape us into people who resist violence, who seek understanding, and who choose compassion over anger. Teach us again what it means to love our neighbor, especially when that love requires courage, humility, and sacrifice.

Guide leaders toward wisdom and accountability. Stir your church to be a faithful witness for reconciliation and hope. Empower us to speak truth with grace, to listen deeply to one another, and to become instruments of your peace. May your Spirit lead us toward a future marked not by fear, but by justice, mercy, and steadfast love.

In the name of Christ, we pray.

Amen.

Local Church Report to the Annual Conference (End-of-Year Report)

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Local Church Report to the Annual Conference (End-of-Year Report)

Every January, each local church submits its Local Church Report to the Annual Conference.

🔹 UMCData is now open for Rio Texas churches
🔹 Open: January 2, 2026
🔹 Deadline: January 26, 2026

Your District Office has emailed your church’s username and password for UMCData.

Update your church information on UMCData – Mission Connect:

https://umcdata.net/MissionConnect/Public/ChRpt/index.html?version=1.0.224

Instructions for completing the 2025 Local Church Report are available on the conference website, under the “Local Church Reports” tab
👉 https://riotexas.org/forms-and-reports

Need help or have questions?
📧 Nan Pyle – npyle@riotexas.org
📞 210-408-4549

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Informe de la Iglesia Local a la Conferencia Anual (Informe de fin de año)

En Enero, cada iglesia local envía su Informe de la Iglesia Local a la Conferencia Anual.

🔹 UMCData ya está abierto para las iglesias de Río Texas
🔹 Abrió: 2 de Enero de 2026
🔹 Fecha límite: 26 de Enero de 2026

Su oficina distrital ha enviado por correo electrónico el nombre de usuario y la contraseña para acceder a UMCData.

Actualice la información de su iglesia en UMCData – Mission Connect aquí:

https://umcdata.net/MissionConnect/Public/ChRpt/index.html?version=1.0.224

Las instrucciones para completar el Informe de la Iglesia Local 2025 están disponibles en el sitio web de la conferencia, en la pestaña “Informes de la Iglesia Local”.
👉 https://riotexas.org/forms-and-reports

¿Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas? Contacte a
📧 Nan Pyle – npyle@riotexas.org
📞 210-408-4549

Making Meaning Together: Announcing Our 2026 Church Partners

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Making Meaning Together (MMT) is a grant-funded initiative that supports congregations more fully including children ages 0–12 in worship and prayer. Rooted in a shared commitment to welcoming and listening to children, MMT partners with congregations to create worship spaces

where children are fully engaged and heard. Through a collaboration between the Michigan Conference and the Rio Texas Conference, MMT is building a learning community where churches across both regions listen deeply, experiment faithfully, and shape intergenerational worship with care and intention.

This fall, congregations across both conferences participated in the MMT application process, including a key step called Listening with Children. As part of this process, churches gathered children from their congregations—with parent and child permission—to wonder together about worship in their church. These conversations helped inform each congregation’s project focus and direction as they discerned their work with MMT. Many churches named thoughtful commitments to support children and their families, including attention to sensory elements, acoustics, opportunities for movement, and language that is accessible to all ages. These practices reflect the heart of Making Meaning Together, and we are grateful for the ways churches are responding to what children are teaching them.

2026 MMT Churches

Michigan Conference

  • First Kalamazoo

  • Battle Creek: Chapel Hill

  • Dearborn First

  • Lansing Grace

  • Chelsea First

  • Goodrich

  • Nardin Park

  • University Church (East Lansing)

  • Central Detroit

  • Okemos Community Church

  • Wesley Park

Rio Texas Conference

  • Manchaca

  • Saint John’s

  • Northwest Hills

  • Bee Creek

  • Fredericksburg

  • Leander

  • La Trinidad - San Antonio

  • Schertz

Looking Back: 2025 Highlights

In 2025, Making Meaning Together reached several important milestones. We launched our first application process, inviting congregations to listen to children and discern their next faithful steps toward more intergenerational worship. We also formed an Advisory Board that meets quarterly to ensure the executive team is staying faithful to the grant.

Throughout the year, the MMT team connected with leaders in change management, leadership development, and children’s spiritual development to shape learning opportunities for partner churches. We also hosted office hours for congregations in both conferences, offering space for questions, reflection, and encouragement throughout the discernment process.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Beginning in January 2026, each partner church will live into its project plan with support from the MMT team. Churches will gather for monthly cohort meetings, creating space to share stories from worship, reflect on what they are noticing, and exchange ideas and resources that support child-inclusive practices. Additional learning opportunities throughout the year will strengthen this shared work and allow churches to learn from one another across conferences. Congregations interested in participating in the initiative in 2027 are invited to join our interest list. We look forward to continuing this journey alongside churches as they listen deeply to their youngest community members and reimagine worship for all ages.

Stay Connected

Website

Email: info@makingmeaningtogether.org

Instagram: @makingmeaningtogether

Facebook

The New UMC Guiding Vision Statement: Resources for Your Church

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Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

In May 2025, the Council of Bishops unveiled a new guiding vision statement for The United Methodist Church — a vision that strengthens our mission, clarifies our identity, and calls us into a hope-filled future. This page gathers official resources, videos, guides, and tools to help your church introduce and live into this vision in your local context.

Whether you’re a pastor, church staff member, or lay leader, we invite you to explore, learn, and share these materials as we continue to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously across the Rio Texas Conference.

The UMC Vision & Mission Statements

Vision Statement

“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”

Mission Statement

“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Local Church Reference Guide

This guide provides the full theology, scriptures, and strategic steps for aligning your ministry with the new vision.

[Download the Local Church Reference Guide]

Start Here: Introducing the Vision to Your Congregation

Where Do I Start? (Pastoral How-To)

This ResourceUMC article walks through three simple steps for introducing the Vision:

PRAY — reflect on the scriptures & vision

TEACH — preach, lead studies, introduce the language

ALIGN — help your church reflect on where they already love, serve, and lead

[Read the full article from ResourceUMC]

Leadership Questions for Church Councils / Retreats

Use the strategic alignment questions from pages 2–4 of the Local Church Reference Guide to help your leaders discern where to celebrate and where to grow.

Vision Branding & Communication Tools

UMCom’s Vision Branding Toolkit

Includes:

  • Official color palette & fonts

  • Logos & graphics

  • “Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.” artwork

  • Downloadable print + digital elements

  • Usage guidelines for sermon slides, banners, and more

[Download Creative Guidelines]
[Download Logos & Graphics]

Order Promotional Products

Build awareness in your congregation with Vision-themed magnets, stickers, banners, shirts, and more.

Oder vision statement products

Canva Templates for Social Media

UMCom has created easy-to-edit Canva templates for:

  • Vision graphics (Love Boldly / Serve Joyfully / Lead Courageously)

  • Quote & scripture posts

  • Event templates

  • Vertical story/reel templates

[Access the UMC Vision Social Media Canva Templates*]

*Click the visual examples in the resource pack to open each Canva file.

Video Resources

Use these official videos in worship, meetings, small groups, or social media:

  1. Bishops’ Message (4 minutes) — Vision Overview

  2. Local Church Reference Guide Companion Video (2 min)

  3. Social Media Explainer Video (1 min) — horizontal & vertical formats available

Resources for Preaching, Teaching & Discipleship

Explore sermons, devotionals, and commentaries from across the UMC that help unpack “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously.”

Highlighted resources include:

Tools for Local Churches

Quick Ways to Introduce the Vision

  • Add the Vision Statement to your worship slides

  • Include it in your newsletter or bulletin footer

  • Use the social media templates weekly

  • Preach a Vision-focused sermon or series

  • Discuss alignment questions at leadership retreats

  • Invite youth to create #LoveServeLeadUMC content

Share Your Story

If your church is living the Vision in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 communications@riotx.org

Hashtags & Social Media

Choose authentic photos and short, meaningful quotes to help your congregation engage.

Use these hashtags to join the wider UMC conversation:

  • #LoveServeLeadUMC (official)

  • #LoveBoldly

  • #ServeJoyfully

  • #LeadCourageously

  • #BeUMC

  • #RioTexasUMC

Closing Blessing

As we step into this new season together, may we continue to embody the Spirit-filled calling to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. We are grateful for the faithful ministry happening every day across Rio Texas — and we pray these resources support you in living the UMC Vision in your local context.

Call for Proposed Changes to the Standing Rules (English & Español)

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The Standing Rules Committee of the Rio Texas Conference invites clergy and lay members to submit proposed modifications or additions to the Conference Standing Rules.

The Standing Rules serve as our governing framework for how the Annual Conference conducts its work, organizes leadership, and carries out ministry in alignment with The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Regular review and revision ensure that our practices remain clear, transparent, and responsive to the evolving mission of the Conference.

If you have recommendations to improve clarity, streamline procedures, or address new needs within our conference structure, we welcome your input.

Submission deadline: January 9, 2026
How to submit: Please send all proposals by email to azermeno@riotx.org.
Submissions should include your name, church, and a clear description of the proposed change, including any relevant rationale or reference to the current Standing Rule.

Your participation helps us strengthen our shared work of doing all the good we can as we seek to clarify, collaborate, and connect through our governing structures.

For reference, the current Standing Rules are available on the Rio Texas Conference website or is attached. 

— Rev. Adrienne Zermeño, Chair
Standing Rules Committee

Current standing rules pdf


Llamado a proponer cambios a las Reglas Permanentes

El Comité de Reglas Permanentes de la Conferencia Río Texas invita al clero y a los miembros laicos a presentar propuestas de modificaciones o adiciones a las Reglas Permanentes de la Conferencia.

Las Reglas Permanentes sirven como nuestro marco rector para la forma en que la Conferencia Anual lleva a cabo su trabajo, organiza el liderazgo y realiza el ministerio de acuerdo con el Libro de Disciplina de la Iglesia Metodista Unida. La revisión y modificación periódicas garantizan que nuestras prácticas sigan siendo claras, transparentes y receptivas a la misión en evolución de la Conferencia.

Si tiene recomendaciones para mejorar la claridad, agilizar los procedimientos o abordar nuevas necesidades dentro de la estructura de nuestra conferencia, agradecemos sus aportaciones.

Fecha límite de sumisión: 9 de enero de 2026.

Cómo enviar las propuestas: Envíe todas las propuestas por correo electrónico a azermeno@riotx.org. Las propuestas deben incluir su nombre, iglesia y una descripción clara del cambio propuesto, incluyendo cualquier justificación relevante o referencia al Reglamento vigente.

Su participación nos ayuda a fortalecer nuestro trabajo compartido de hacer todo el bien que podamos mientras buscamos aclarar, colaborar y conectar a través de nuestras estructuras de gobierno.

A modo de referencia, las Reglas Permanentes actuales están disponibles en el sitio web de la Conferencia Río Texas o se adjuntan. 

— Rev. Adrienne Zermeño, Presidenta

Comité de Reglas Permanentes

Pdf de las Reglas permanentes vigentes




Rio Texas – 2026 Midwinter Retreat Information

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Midwinter is a powerful weekend retreat where youth from across the Rio Texas Conference gather for worship, teaching, fun, and spiritual growth.

Students are encouraged to attend any Midwinter retreat that fits their schedule and location — you do not have to attend the one in your district.

Choose your weekend below and get ready for a life-changing retreat!

Dates:
Friday, February 13, 2026 — 5:00 PM to
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — 6:00 PM

Location:
Camp Zephyr
151 Farm to Market 3162
Sandia, TX 78383

Registration Deadline:
Sunday, February 1, 2026

👉 Register for South District Midwinter HERE

Questions? Email: Rev. Phillip Higginbotham

Dates:
Friday, January 9, 2026 — 7:00 PM to
Sunday, January 11, 2026 — 10:15 AM

Location:
T Bar M Camp
2549 TX-46
New Braunfels, TX 78132

Cost: $175 per person
Registration Deadline: December 5, 2025

Registration is full.

Questions?
Contact: Ryan Jenson — ryan@oakhillumc.org

Central District Midwinter

WHERE'S JESUS?

Can you see him? Do you spot him in the crowd?  Is Jesus in the games? Food? Ropes course? Students? Worship? Cabins? Come to Winter Camp 2026 and help us look for Jesus?

Winter Camp is for current 6th-12th graders and their youth leaders

Dates: February 13th-15th, 2026
Location: Camp Chrysalis - Kerrville, TX
Cost: Early Bird Registration (by Jan 18) $175 per person 
Late Registration (after Jan 18) $215 and we cannot guarantee a t-shirt

Registration Link:  https://forms.gle/n34AK7U49EF14DKM7

Need More Info? 

General Questions:  Kathey Adams kadams@ahumc.org | (210)826-3215

Registration: Katie Myers katie@mylhumc.org | (210)587-5498

RISE Camp 2026

  • Friday, February 13, 20264:30 PM
    Sunday, February 15, 202612:00 PM

  • Rio Texas Annual Confer64ence United Methodist Church16400 Huebner RoadSan Antonio, TX, 78248United States (map)

Get ready for RISE, the church camp where 3rd-5th graders discover their faith through epic adventures, crazy games, and unforgettable memories! Your child will build lasting friendships while learning biblical truths through hands-on activities that bring God's word to life in exciting new ways. Join us as we RISE together in faith, fun, and friendship during the most incredible weekend!

When: February 13th-15th, 2026
Where: John Knox Ranch
Who: 3rd-5th graders


Interested? Register Here!

Source:: https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2840919

Get ready to REJOICE! 


The 2026 All Campus Retreat is happening Feb. 20–22 at Lakeview. We can’t wait to share everything that’s planned.
For registration information or more details, get with your campus Pastor or contact Rev. David McMin at david@texaswesley.com 

The registration deadline is February 4, 2026.

Rio Texas: A Matthew 25 Conference

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Equipping Rio Texas churches to feed and care for our neighbors in Christ’s name. This page will be updated as additional information and resources become available.

A Pastoral Call from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Emergency Food Ministry Grants — Apply Now

Global Ministries is offering up to $2,000 in emergency funding for UMC congregations supporting feeding ministries during the government shutdown.

• Supports food pantries & community meal programs

• Fast turnaround for funding.

• Application deadline: December 15, 2025

Learn More + Apply for the Feeding Our Neighbors Grant

Community Feeding Resources

Find Food Support in Your Community

  1. Feeding America - Find your Local Food Bank

  2. Rio Texas Food Pantries & Community Meal Resources. This includes resources from our local churches and community partners within the Rio Texas Conference.

  3. Meals on Wheels (Elder Nutrition Support)

  4. 211 Helpline (Find Food Near You): Call 2-1-1. After choosing a language, select option 1 to find resources in your community. You can also visit 211.org.

Rio Texas Food Pantries + Community Meal Resources