Celebrating the Ministry and Service of Nan Pyle

Photo of Nan Pyle.

Nan Pyle, Administrative Assistant in the Financial Services Department, will conclude her full-time service with the Conference on September 11, 2026, as she begins a new part-time position serving her local church. Nan's ministry with the Conference spans more than 17 years and reflects a remarkable 29 years of faithful service in The United Methodist Church.

Nan joined the former Southwest Texas Conference in February 2009 as Administrative Assistant for Leadership Development and the Board of Higher Education after serving at New Hope United Methodist Church for 12 years. In 2015, she transitioned to the Rio Texas Conference Financial Services, where she has faithfully served as the department's Administrative Assistant for the past 11 years. Throughout her tenure in Financial Services, Nan has provided exceptional support to the department's leadership, including Director(s) of Financial Services Bill Wyman, Kendall Waller, and Tony LoBasso. In 2021, she expanded her responsibilities to include specialized work supporting church property matters, bringing the same attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment that have characterized her entire ministry.

Nan's impact has extended well beyond the Financial Services office. She has provided invaluable support to numerous Conference boards, committees, and ministry teams, including the Finance Table, Board of Trustees, Equitable Compensation Committee, Board of Pensions, and the Annual Conference Design Team. Her knowledge, reliability, and willingness to serve have made her a trusted resource and valued colleague across the Conference.

"We are grateful for Nan’s ministry and the many gifts she has shared with the conference over the years. She has helped steward the Church’s resources with care, love, and compassion."

— Bishop Harvey

Those who have worked alongside Nan know her not only for the excellence of her work but also for her gracious spirit, dedication, and genuine care for others. She has consistently embodied a servant's heart, helping countless clergy, churches, staff members, and volunteers navigate the work of the Conference with patience, wisdom, and professionalism.

While we will miss Nan's daily presence in the Conference office, we celebrate this new chapter in her ministry and are grateful that she will continue serving the Church in a new capacity. We give thanks for her many years of faithful service and the lasting contributions she has made to the Rio Texas Conference and the broader ministry in the UMC.

Please join us in expressing our appreciation to Nan and in offering prayers and best wishes as she prepares for this exciting new transition and season of ministry.

Preparing for Annual Conference: Scriptures for Reflection A Journey of Hope and Light

As we prepare for Annual Conference, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey invites churches, laity, and clergy across the Rio Texas Conference to spend time in prayer and reflection through a series of scriptures centered on hope, light, and God's leading.

These passages may be used for personal devotion, prayer, Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and small groups as we prepare our hearts for the work God has before us.

We invite you to spend time with each scripture, reflect on the accompanying question, and join us in prayer as we move forward together in hope.

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Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection Question: Where is God providing light for your next step?

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Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace."

Reflection Question: Where do you see signs of hope in your church, community, or across the Rio Texas Conference?

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Isaiah 42:6-7

"I will make you to be a light."

Reflection Question: How might God be calling us to be a light in our communities today?

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Isaiah 60:1-3

"Arise, shine, for your light has come."

Reflection Question: What does it mean for the Church to shine with God's light today?

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Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world."

Reflection Question: How can we let Christ's light be seen through our witness and service?

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John 1:4-5, 9

"The light shines in the darkness."

Reflection Question: As we gather today, where do you see Christ's light bringing hope and renewal?

Dinner Church

What is Dinner Church?

Dinner Churches are a Fresh Expression of church that gather people from beyond the traditional congregation together around a meal, sometimes at the church, sometimes in other spaces. Dinner Church builds community connection, relationships, and offers opportunity to explore faith and discipleship. 

Dinner Church Monthly Zoom Calls

Join us for our monthly Dinner Church learning conversations. Whether you're already leading a Dinner Church or simply curious to learn more, you're welcome to participate, ask questions, and connect with other practitioners.

When: Second Tuesday of each month at Noon (Central Time)

Upcoming Calls:

• August 11, 2026 – Noon

• September 8, 2026 – Noon

• October 13, 2026 – Noon

Registration (one-time registration for all monthly calls):
https://riotexas.zoom.us/meeting/register/nYiv6ZuoQlSY9ij1S4ExTQ

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Previous: Dinner Church Building Community Through Meals and Faith

Rio Texas Conference Celebrates 73 Five Star Churches for Faithful Mission Giving

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Across the Rio Texas Conference, 73 congregations are being recognized as Five Star Churches for 2025—a reflection of their deep commitment to generosity, connection, and mission.

The Five Star designation is given to churches that fully participate in the Advance giving program, a model of designated mission giving where 100% of each gift goes directly to the ministry it supports.

These congregations have:
• Paid 100% of their apportionments
• Supported UMCOR Sunday
• Given across all five mission categories, including local, national, and international projects, as well as missionary support

This kind of giving reflects something deeper than generosity; it reflects a commitment to being part of something bigger than any one church.

Through these gifts, Rio Texas churches are helping respond to disasters, support missionaries, strengthen communities, and extend the reach of the gospel in tangible ways.

Learn more about the Advance Special Information and Five Star Church Program Information here.

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Central District

SAnt: Jacob's Chapel
SAnt: La Trinidad
SAnt: Laurel Heights
SAnt: Oak Meadow
SAnt: Sanford Chapel
SAnt: St. Matthew's
SAnt: Travis Park
SAnt: Trinity
SAnt: Westlawn
Brackettville
Del Rio: First
Rankin
SAng: Wesley Trinity
Sonora

Seguin: La Trinidad
Boerne
Canyon Lake
Carrizo Springs
Crystal City: Swindall Memorial
Kerrville: Barnett Chapel
New Braunfels: First
North Shore
Floresville
SAnt: Alamo Heights
SAnt: East St. Paul
SAnt: Emanuel
SAnt: Epworth
SAnt: Ernest T. Dixon

North District

Bastrop
Columbus: St. Paul
Fentress
Luling: First
Luling: Wm Taylor
Stevens Chapel
Buchanan Dam: Highland Lakes
Buda
San Marcos: Jackson Chapel
Wimberley

Austin: Berkeley
Austin: Emmanuel
Austin: Northwest Hills
Austin: Tarrytown
Austin: Wesley
Austin: Westlake
Bend
Cedar Park: First
Kempner
Leander
Manchaca

South District

Shiner: First
Shiner: Johnson's Chapel
Telferner
Victoria: First
Victoria: Webster Chapel
Yoakum: First
Brownsville: Templo Emmanuel
Edinburg: First
McAllen: First
McAllen: St. Mark
San Benito: First
Laredo: La Trinidad

Beeville: First
Bruni
CC: Grace
Goliad: Fannin St.
Kingsville: El Buen Pastor
Odem: First
Palacios
Port Lavaca: First
Portland: First
Skidmore
Evan's Chapel
Runge

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A Word of Gratitude

To every Five Star Church: thank you.

Your generosity is fueling ministry across the Rio Texas Conference and beyond. Your faithfulness is a witness. And your commitment is helping move us forward—together.

Looking Ahead

All district and conference Advance projects are renewed each quadrennium, and a new Rio Texas Advance catalog for 2025–2028 will be available soon.

As we look ahead, there is a continued opportunity for every church to participate in this shared mission and be part of the impact God is making through Rio Texas.

Make Worship Meaningful for Children

Join Our Partner Churches in Creating Meaningful Worship Experiences for Children

Join the growing community of partner churches already engaged in the work of creating meaningful worship experiences for children.

Are you passionate about making worship more engaging, meaningful, and welcoming for children? Do you want to create a space where children not only participate in worship but also grow in their faith through intentional prayer practices? If so, the Making Meaning Together (MMT) Initiative is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Children’s voices, prayers, and presence enrich our worship communities in profound ways. As a church leader, pastor, or layperson, you have the power to create spaces where children experience the beauty of faith in action. Through the MMT initiative, you can help cultivate a worship environment where a high-level view of children’s faith is nurtured and their voices are heard.

Why Should You Join the MMT Initiative?

MMT is an initiative of the Rio Texas and Michigan Conferences designed to equip churches with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to nurture children in worship and prayer practices. Through this initiative, churches are invited to transform their worship spaces into environments where children feel valued, included, and spiritually engaged.

Churches selected through the application process will receive seed money to help implement creative and intentional ways to include children in worship. This support empowers churches to explore how and why children’s participation is vital to their spiritual growth while providing the resources needed to bring their vision to life.

What Can You Expect?

The MMT initiative is guided by experienced leaders, Rev. Kathy Pittenger (Michigan Conference) and Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen (Rio Texas Conference), who are passionate about helping churches create vibrant, child-centered worship experiences.

By applying to the MMT initiative, your church will:

• Listen to and honor children about their current experience in worship through interviews or focus groups. 

• Develop leaders through training and cohorts to empower leaders to intentionally design interventional worship and prayer experiences that honor and include children. 

• Gain access to seed funding to use for creating and implementing worship and prayer practices that prioritize and celebrate children’s participation.

Join Us for an Informational Gathering

To help you learn more and ask questions, we are offering two online informational sessions via Zoom:

Wednesday, April 29
12:00 PM CST / 1:00 PM EST
Register here for this date and time

Monday, May 4
6:00 PM CST / 7:00 PM EST
Register here for this date and time

About the Application Process

The application is a two-step process:

Step 1: Initial inquiry and collection of information
Step 2: An opportunity to listen to and engage with children as you prepare for your project.

We’re excited to partner with churches like yours that are eager to make a lasting impact by integrating children into worship and prayer experiences.

Whether your church is already taking steps to engage children in worship or just beginning to explore the possibilities, MMT can provide the resources and support you need to make worship a more inclusive and meaningful experience for all.

Ready to Learn More?

Visit makingmeaningtogether.org to:

• Explore FAQs about the project

• Sign up for an informational meeting

• Access the link to begin Step 1 of the application process

If you have any questions about the application process or the MMT initiative, please contact Laura Schwarcz, Project Coordinator for MMT, at lschwarcz@riotexas.org.

Appointment Season begins in the Rio Texas Conference

Amanda Banda

Directof of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

Appointment season has begun in the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. As pastors and congregations prepare for transitions in the coming year, we invite our conference to pray for clergy, congregations, and their families during this season of change.

Each year, bishops in The United Methodist Church work with district superintendents and local church leaders through a prayerful and consultative process to discern pastoral appointments that best support the mission and ministry of congregations across the conference.

Pastoral appointment updates will be posted on the Rio Texas Conference website each Thursday at 12:00 p.m.. Updates will be added weekly throughout the spring as appointments are announced.

A Prayer for Appointment Season

Itinerancy

Learn more about how the United Methodist appointment system works:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/to-be-united-methodist-what-is-itineracy

The prayer in the image to the right, created by The United Methodist Church, comes from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, a historic prayer used in Methodist tradition that reflects our willingness to follow where God calls.

These transitions often bring both excitement and challenge as congregations welcome new pastoral leadership and give thanks for the ministry they have shared with their current pastors.

“What Is My Job?” – Webinar Recording Now Available

Missed the “What Is My Job?” Lay Leadership webinar?

The recording is now available for anyone serving — or feeling called to serve — in a leadership role within their local church. This session explores the purpose, expectations, and spiritual impact of key lay leadership roles, including Lay Leader, Trustees, Finance, SPRC, and Administrative Board.

Whether you’re brand-new to leadership or have served for years, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to strengthen your ministry and better understand how your role connects to your church’s larger mission.

🎥 Watch the recording here: https://www.txcumc.org/event/19562561

UMCOR Sunday | March 15, 2026

When disaster strikes, The United Methodist Church does not respond as isolated congregations — we respond as one body.

UMCOR Sunday strengthens the life-saving work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the global humanitarian arm of The United Methodist Church. Gifts received on this special Sunday cover UMCOR’s administrative costs, allowing every dollar given to specific disasters, recovery efforts, and international crises throughout the year to go directly to communities in need.

Because of UMCOR Sunday, the Church is ready before the storm forms, before the waters rise, before the headlines break.

From local flooding across Texas to global humanitarian crises, UMCOR’s presence is a reminder that compassion is not reactive — it is prepared.

🔗 Explore official Pastor & Leader resources here:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resources/umcgiving/special-sundays/umcor-sunday-pastor-and-leader-kit

🎥 Archived Video Resource

We are also sharing an archived UMCOR Sunday video.

Please note: This video was produced in a previous year and is shared as an archival resource. The message still remains powerfully relevant today.

The mission has not changed. The call to respond has not changed. And through UMCOR Sunday, our commitment to stand with those who suffer continues.

Update on Blueprint for Wellness Screening at Annual Conference

Update on Blueprint for Wellness Screening at Annual Conference

Beginning in 2026, the Rio Texas Conference will no longer host on-site Blueprint for Wellness biometric screenings during Annual Conference.

After reviewing participation and feedback about the time constraints of completing the screening during Annual Conference, conference leadership determined that hosting the screening on-site was no longer the most effective approach—particularly given that the Blueprint for Wellness screening can be completed at Quest Diagnostics locations between January 1 and August 31 each year.

What Is Not Changing

The Blueprint for Wellness screening remains fully available to all eligible HealthFlex participants and covered spouses.

The screening:

• Is available January 1 – August 31

• Must be completed during that timeframe to qualify for the $100 Rewards Cash incentive

• Is completed at a local Quest Diagnostics lab, via Self-Collection Kit, or through a Physician Results Form

• Automatically uploads results into Personify Health

• Supports eligibility for Wellness Credits and overall well-being tracking

The screening is one component of the broader HealthFlex Well-Being Program offered through Wespath, which also includes:

• Health Check (to avoid a higher deductible)

• Wellness Credits (earn up to $150)

• Health Coaching

• Chronic Disease Prevention & Diabetes Management Programs

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Behavioral health resources

• WeightWatchers partnership

• And more

All of these programs remain available.

Why the Change?

The Blueprint for Wellness screening is available January 1 through August 31 each year, giving HealthFlex participants the flexibility to schedule their screening at a time that works best for them.

Offering the screening during Annual Conference sometimes created time constraints and scheduling pressure. After reviewing participation and the structure of the HealthFlex program, leadership determined that the screening can be more effectively accessed directly through Quest Diagnostics locations during the January 1 – August 31 screening period.

This shift supports greater flexibility while keeping the full HealthFlex Well-Being Program available.

annual conference 2025 - check in table

How to Schedule Your Screening

Eligible HealthFlex participants can:

1. Log in to their Personify Health account

2. Navigate to the Benefits tab

3. Locate “Quest Blueprint for Wellness Screening.”

Or call Quest directly at 1-855-623-9355
Employer group: Wespath2026

To find a Quest Diagnostics location near you:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/locations/search

If you have questions about eligibility or program details, please contact the Wespath Benefits Team at activeteam@wespath.org.

Learn More About the Full HealthFlex Well-Being Program

The Blueprint for Wellness screening is one component of the broader HealthFlex Well-Being Program offered through Wespath. Participants and covered spouses may also engage in Health Check, Wellness Credits, Health Coaching, Chronic Disease Prevention programs, WeightWatchers, EAP services, and more.

For a complete overview of available programs, incentives, deadlines, and contact information, review the official:

HealthFlex Well-Being Programs FAQ (PDF)   

Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen Named Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation

Effective January 1, 2026, Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen has transitioned from her role as Director of Intergenerational Ministries to Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation.

Building on the strong foundation of her previous work, this role offers a broader, more intentional focus on equipping, supporting, and connecting clergy and laity to lead with courage, creativity, and compassion in service of our shared mission.

In this role, Rev. Dr. Campen provides strategic oversight and direction for leadership development and faith formation across the conference. Her work strengthens systems that identify, equip, and sustain leaders at every stage of ministry; supports discipleship pathways and the development of practical resources; and enhances onboarding and ongoing formation for clergy and lay leaders. She also provides leadership for youth, young adult, and campus ministries, coordinates safe ministry efforts, and leads collaborative processes that strengthen learning, accountability, and connection across our connection.

Rev. Dr. tanya campen presenting at 4 every generation conference (4 eg), louis, missouri. Nov. 2025. photo courtesy of rev. miguel padilla.

As a member of the Cabinet, Rev. Dr. Campen helps ensure that leadership development and faith formation across the Rio Texas Conference are grounded in clarity, connection, and collaboration, and aligned with the conference’s shared mission and priorities.

This role strengthens the partnership with Rev. Ray Altman, Director of Congregational Vitality and New Faith Communities. Together, their work supports an integrated approach to cultivating healthy leaders, vital congregations, and emerging faith communities, helping churches thrive in their unique contexts while remaining deeply connected across our conference.

We give thanks for Rev. Dr. Campen’s leadership and invite the conference to join us in prayer as she continues this work with wisdom, creativity, and deep faithfulness.