Right Start 2026
Right Start is designed to support clergy who are receiving a new appointment during this season of transition.
You will gather with other colleagues who are also moving to worship together, share experiences, and learn best practices for caring for yourself and your churches as you begin this next chapter.
Because of the importance of this transition in both your life and the life of the church, participation in Right Start is expected.
We hope this time together will help us remain Christ-centered, pursue fruitfulness and excellence, and serve in ways that are collaborative and accountable.
Dates
June 1-2, 2026
Location
Kerrville First UMC
Who Should Attend
Clergy receiving a new appointment
Expectation
Participation is expected
Right Start 2026 Schedule
Day 2
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
First UMC Kerrville
8:30–9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast
9:00–9:30 AM
Lay Ministry and the Importance of Laity – Kevin Reed
9:30–10:00 AM
Justice and Mercy Ministries – Abel Vega
10:00–10:45 AM
Benefits and Moving – Isabel Muñoz and Monica Moore
10:45–11:15 AM
Clergy Covenant and Orders – David Payne
11:15 AM–12:00 PM
Closing Worship
Opening Music – First UMC Kerrville
Closing Remarks and Holy Communion – Bishop Harvey
Day 1
Monday, June 1, 2026
First UMC Kerrville
1:00–1:20 PM
Gathering
1:20–2:00 PM
Opening Worship
Opening Music – First UMC Kerrville
Message – Amanda Banda
2:00–2:15 PM
Why Are We Here? – Aaron Gonzalez
2:15–3:00 PM
Learning About Your Community – Ray Altman
3:00–3:15 PM
Clergy Self-Care and Wellness – Eve Albert
3:15–3:45 PM
Church and Money – Tony LoBasso
3:45–4:00 PM
Break
(gift card giveaway)
4:00–4:45 PM
Starting Well: Onboarding and the First 100 Days – Tanya Campen
4:45–5:30 PM
Exploring and Expanding Fresh Expressions – Ray Altman
5:30–6:00 PM
Processing and Reporting Back – Robert Ortiz
What have you heard so far that is helpful?
What steps are you planning on taking in response?
6:00–6:10 PM
Reassemble and Prayer – Aaron Gonzalez
6:10–7:10 PM
Dinner at First UMC Kerrville
Sit with your new District Superintendent
Travel and Accommodations
Participants are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements if an overnight stay is needed.
Nearby Hotel Options
A list of recommended hotels near First UMC Kerrville is available below. Rates are based on availability as of April 17, 2026 and may vary depending on room type and booking date.
Inn of the Hills – From $137
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kerrville – From $102+
Hampton Inn Kerrville – From $128
Best Western Sunday House Inn – From $91
Download the full hotel listing with contact details
Travel and Reimbursement
Travel vouchers for mileage will be provided at the event.
Participants may be reimbursed for up to $75 in hotel expenses (one night). A receipt is required.
Eve Albert will coordinate hotel and travel reimbursements for clergy attending The Right Start event. For questions regarding travel and reimbursement, please contact:
Eve Albert
evealbert@riotexas.org
Resources
Prepare for Right Start
Social Media Best Practices for Clergy
Clergy Covenant
First 100 days
Lovett Weems Podcast
Benefits Checklist
Required Documents
Documnets below must be submited to Isabel Muñoz by all pastors moving to a new appointment.
Clergy Benefit Contact Change For
UMPIP Enrollment Change Form
Benefit Seminar for First Time Appointees
Please coordinate with Isabel Munoz (imunoz@riotexas.org) to schedule your benefit seminar.
Additional Resources
2020 APTS senior sermon on Ascension, Acts 1:6-11, by Jean Corbitt
“Ratcheting Down: How to Become an Agent of Depolarization,” by David Brubaker
“Reservoirs of Resilience in Uncertain Times: Reflections on Hope, Courage, and Purpose,” by Bishop Janice Riggle Huie