Meet UMC Global Ministries MISSIONARY Patrick Booth

Wednesday, July 15 at 12:00 noon via ZOOM

Patrick Booth is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries serving as the co-director of Project ARK (Advancing Resilient Khmer).

With a background in counseling, Mr. Booth has worked with young adults dealing with substance abuse and has provided adaptive skills for adolescent refugees. He enjoys building rapport and strengthening relationships with the community. He has participated in mission trips to Latin America and Africa, as well as serving with Asian refugees in Texas. He has compassion for those transitioning and taking steps toward healing from human trafficking and other issues.

Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic and a grave violation of human rights. Cambodia is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to forced labor, forced marriage and sex trafficking. Its human-trafficking problem is rooted in economic vulnerability, exacerbated by environmental and educational realities, and encouraged by cultural pressures. Cambodian adults migrate to their regional neighbors of Malaysia, Thailand and China, as well as to the Middle East, in search for higher-paying jobs and alternatives to subsistence farming.

Many survivors of human trafficking return to Cambodia having incurred extensive debt. Project ARK's mission is to tackle poverty as a culprit of human trafficking by equipping and restoring livelihood and dignity through the construction trade while introducing quality, affordable family homes into the Cambodian real-estate market.

As a missionary with Project Ark, Mr. Booth's task is to work with other missionaries from Global Ministries and partner agencies, the Methodist Church in Cambodia and local leaders to provide leadership and supervision for the endeavor.

See https://umccambodia.org/ark/ to learn more about Project Ark.

Global Missionary Daniel Contreras to Visit San Antonio

The Rio Texas Conference is pleased to welcome Global Ministries missionary Daniel Humberto Contreras Varas and his family to San Antonio this May. Daniel, his wife Karen, and their two children (ages 14 and 17) will arrive on May 16 and remain in the area until May 22, when they depart for the Horizon Annual Conference.

Daniel serves as a mission program director with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and is currently engaged in ministry with the Methodist Church of Honduras. A native of Chile, Daniel brings a rich background in pastoral ministry, education, and cross-cultural mission work. He is a member of Segunda Methodist Church in Iquique and holds degrees in both arts and theology from institutions in Chile.

Raised in a family deeply committed to service, Daniel’s faith was shaped through early experiences accompanying his parents in ministry among indigenous communities, including the Aymara and Mapuche peoples. These formative experiences continue to influence his understanding of mission as a calling rooted in humility, service, and deep respect for cultural diversity.

During their time in San Antonio, Daniel will be available to preach, visit Sunday school classes, and participate in worship services on Sunday, May 17. He is also available throughout the week to visit congregations, share about his ministry, and engage with church members.

Churches in the San Antonio area are invited to schedule a visit or consider hosting Daniel and his family during their stay. This is a meaningful opportunity to connect with global mission work and learn firsthand about the impact of United Methodist ministries in Honduras and beyond.

To learn more about Daniel’s ministry, visit his official bio:

For scheduling or hosting inquiries, please reach out via text at 830-643-9717 or by email.

Open Doors, New Faces: Manchaca UMC Welcomes Nearly 30 New Members

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

Information/photos submitted by: Kendall Carroll

MUMC Communication Specialist

Manchaca United Methodist Church is experiencing a season of meaningful growth—rooted in intentional welcome, community connection, and a commitment to inclusion.

On Easter morning, the congregation welcomed 550 people across four worship services, including its Spanish-language service. The day marked a significant milestone as 22 people officially joined the church and six were baptized, contributing to roughly 30 new members received in recent weeks.

For many, that decision to join came from a deep sense of belonging.

“I grew up on the west side of Chicago in a large EUB congregation that later became Methodist,” said new member Arthur Reis. “Coming to Austin 12 years ago from Boston, I attended St. John’s Presbyterian Church until it closed last year. Your amazing pastor, front window, doors, and welcomers really made us feel like we belonged here. Glad we joined.”

Others echoed that experience of authenticity and lived values.

“Manchaca United Methodist Church stood out to us as a church that genuinely practices its values,” said Emerald Rosales. “It’s welcoming to everyone, beautifully maintained, and full of engaging activities for all ages—especially children. I love being part of a community that’s both organized and full of life.”

Church leaders say that growth has been building over the past several years, as more visitors have connected with the congregation and taken steps toward membership. During Lent, the church offered a membership preparation class covering United Methodist history, doctrine, and ways to get involved—helping people from a wide range of faith backgrounds find a common foundation.

That diversity is reflected in the newest class of members, which includes lifelong Methodists, people new to faith, a first-generation Christian, multigenerational families, and individuals from five different nationalities.

A visible sign of that welcome begins before people even step inside.

Manchaca UMC’s rainbow-colored doors have become a symbol of the church’s commitment to inclusion. Many new members shared that the doors signaled clearly that they would be accepted and valued.

The church’s growing Spanish-language ministry has also played a key role. Launched recently, the ministry is already helping the congregation better connect with its surrounding community. Of the newest members, 12 are Hispanic, with several actively participating in the Spanish-language service.

While still in its early stages, leaders say the ministry is already shaping the future of the church.

Together, these efforts reflect a congregation not only growing in numbers but deepening its identity as a place where all people can find connection, faith, and belonging.

A Hub of Care and Collaboration at Bethel UMC

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

Bethel UMC in San Antonio continues to be a vibrant center for outreach, opening its doors to programs that serve both children and seniors in meaningful ways.

Project Transformation – Coming This June

Bethel UMC is proud to serve as a host church for Project Transformation, a program focused on literacy, mentorship, and spiritual growth.

The initiative was first introduced to the community during an October event, where leaders including Sharla Bell and Pastor Carolyn Pittman helped share the vision and impact of the program.

This summer, Bethel will:

• Host a reading program for 18–20 children

• Provide daily lunches for participating kids

• Welcome community volunteers to read with children

• Partner with college students who will assist with literacy development

• Offer spiritual formation classes led by Pastor Carolyn Pittman

The program will utilize nearly every part of the church—fellowship hall, sanctuary, hallways, and conference rooms—to create a dynamic learning environment.

Registration opens May 1

Community support is key, and Bethel is actively working to make space for every child they can serve.

Reverend Carolyn Pittman, Councilmember Ric Galvan, Project Transformation ceo sharla bell

Senior Nutrition Center

Bethel UMC is also home to a vital Senior Nutrition Center, serving older adults in the community Monday through Friday.

This program includes:

• Daily hot meals delivered through Meals on Wheels

• Support from 2 city-funded staff members and 2 dedicated church volunteers

• A welcoming space for bingo, arts, and social activities

The center operates for about 4 hours each day, providing not just nourishment, but connection and care.

City Councilman Ric Galvan (District 6) is an active supporter—visiting regularly, especially during holidays, and bringing gifts to seniors. His district also holds neighborhood council meetings at Bethel, reinforcing the church’s role as a trusted community gathering place.

From empowering young readers to caring for seniors, Bethel UMC exemplifies what it means to be deeply embedded in its neighborhood. Through partnerships, shared space, and committed leadership, the church continues to meet real needs with compassion and creativity.

Moments from Holy Week and Easter Across Our Conference

Across the Rio Texas Conference, churches gathered to celebrate the resurrection—at sunrise, in sanctuaries, and around tables. What follows are glimpses of Easter across our connection, moments of joy, worship, and new life. We are incredibly grateful to all who shared their photos with us.

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Easter at Manchaca UMC - Manchaca, Texas
Manchaca United Methodist Church welcomed 550 worshipers across four Easter services—Sunrise, Modern, Spanish, and Traditional. The day also included baptisms and the celebration of new members joining the congregation, reflecting the church’s continued growth and diversity.

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Easter at Laurel Heights UMC - San Antonio, TX

Laurel Heights United Methodist Church celebrated the Resurrection with a joyful and vibrant morning of worship. The Easter cantata, led by choir and musicians, was a highlight, bringing the story of Easter to life through music.

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Easter at Webster Chapel UMC - Victoria, TX

Webster Chapel United Methodist Church began Easter with a sunrise service and shared breakfast, celebrating together in fellowship. The morning also featured a special performance by the church’s youth praise dancers.

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Holy Week at FUMC Victoria - Victoria, TX

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Easter at Tarrytown UMC - Austin, TX

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Easter at First UMC - Boerne, TX

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Holy Week at Alamo UMC - San Antonio, TX

Two Congregations, One Calling: The Journey UMC and Kyle UMC Unite in Ministry

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

Photos by: George Banda

In the city of Kyle, Texas, two United Methodist congregations that once worshiped less than two miles apart have now become one. After months of prayer, discernment, and conversation, The Journey United Methodist Church and Kyle United Methodist Church have officially united their ministries, beginning a new chapter together as one congregation.

What began as a simple “what if” conversation eventually grew into a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable ministry serving the Kyle community.

A Conversation That Grew Into Something More

The earliest conversations began between the pastors of the two congregations, who had both wondered why two United Methodist churches were located so close to one another. “Even visitors who were new to the area would ask why there were two churches so close,” said Rev. Kallie.

Following denominational disaffiliation conversations, both churches reaffirmed their commitment to remaining United Methodist and to maintaining an inclusive witness in their community. At the same time, The Journey was facing increasing financial strain and rising rental costs. What began as a lighthearted idea soon became a serious discernment process.

“We were clear we did not want to just worship in the same building as two different churches,” Kallie explained. “If we were going to come together, we wanted to do so as one united church.”

Discernment Together

Leaders from both congregations began meeting to explore what unity might look like.

Lay members from each church gathered to discuss possibilities, concerns, and hopes for the future. As the conversations proved fruitful, both church leadership teams continued discerning what was important to preserve and how the two ministries might come together. Pastors from both congregations spent time carefully examining their ministries, calendars, and strengths. “It was like a beautiful puzzle where we both had pieces the other was missing,” Kallie shared.

From those conversations came a guiding mission statement for the newly united church:

“To unite the ministries of The Journey UMC with Kyle UMC in order to create a more sustainable church with a coherent inclusive United Methodist witness to the City of Kyle and surrounding areas so that together we can do more in ministry and reach more people for the glory of God.”

Both church councils ultimately affirmed the vision and agreed to move forward.

Congregations Respond With Excitement

As the possibility of a merger became more real, members of both congregations responded with openness and anticipation. At Kyle UMC, Rev. Kallie introduced the idea through a fall sermon series titled “United Methodist Together,” reflecting on the meaning of being the church together through Ephesians 2:12–22.

Meanwhile, The Journey congregation prayed regularly about the future and what God might be calling them toward. Pastor KP encouraged members to imagine what ministry could look like if less energy was spent worrying about finances and more energy was spent serving the community together.

“The Journey congregation was receptive and quickly got excited as conversations unfolded,” KP shared. One of the moments that made the vision feel real came when members of The Journey joined Kyle UMC for worship in early January.

“That was one of the moments when everything felt real and we all began to get excited,” Kallie said.

A Meaningful Celebration

The official celebration service marking the union of the congregations took place this past Sunday.

Originally, Rev. Kallie had planned to preach the sermon alone. Instead, she and Pastor KP decided to preach together as a symbol of their partnership and shared leadership. “We wanted to model what it looks like to trust and lean on each other’s gifts,” Kallie said. The service also included the presence of Bishop Harvey, the district superintendent, and members of the conference cabinet. “Having Bishop Harvey, as well as our District Superintendent and many members of the Cabinet present, made the day feel especially important,” Kallie said. For both congregations, their presence served as a celebration of the courage, faith, and openness that made the merger possible.

One meaningful moment during the service came when the bishop asked the pastors a symbolic question: “What shall this church be called?” The two pastors looked at each other before answering together — a moment that reflected the entire journey leading up to that day. “Even as we came to conversations with different things in mind, what made it work was a willingness to look to one another and take one step at a time — making sure each step was one we could take together.”

Looking Ahead

While the united congregation will continue using the historic name Kyle United Methodist Church, some members have affectionately begun referring to the community as “New Kyle.”

The name reflects the spirit many feel as they step into this new chapter together. Pastor KP shared that what lies ahead is both unknown and exciting. “We don’t know. And that’s what’s exciting,” KP said. “We are joyfully anticipating what God can do through us in this new chapter.” Members are already expressing their support and excitement. During the merger vote charge conference, Kyle UMC member Martha Jo Young offered a simple but heartfelt welcome: “We would like to welcome ya’ll [The Journey] with open arms and open hearts.”

For both congregations, the journey toward unity has been guided by a shared sense that God has been at work throughout the process. “To paraphrase one of our favorite songs,” Kallie reflected, “God makes beautiful things out of dust — out of us.”

Click Here To View More Photos! (smugmug)

Voices of the City: The Alamo City Street Choir at Travis Park

 Story & photos provided by:

Juliette Clark

Communications Director, Travis Park UMC

Travis Park United Methodist Church in downtown San Antonio is known for ministries that engage the surrounding community with compassion and creativity. One expression of that work is the Alamo City Street Choir, a ministry that brings together individuals who have experienced homelessness to share music, stories, and community.

Photo courtesy of Travis Park United Methodist Church

Recently, the choir gathered for a concert titled “Songs and Stories from the Street,” an evening that blended music with personal storytelling. Through song and reflection, choir members shared glimpses of their journeys and the relationships that have formed through the choir since it first began in 2019.

Photo courtesy of Travis Park United Methodist Church

Photo courtesy of Travis Park United Methodist Church

What started as a small gathering centered around music has grown into a vibrant ministry of belonging. Participants come together not only to rehearse and perform but also to support one another and create space where every voice matters. Music becomes both an outlet for creativity and a way to build connection in a community where many have experienced isolation.

The recent concert was made possible through months of preparation led by Choir Director Tracy Bjella Powers, whose leadership has helped shape the choir since its early days. With the support of volunteers, musicians, and community partners, the event reflected the dedication and care poured into this ministry.

One volunteer described the impact of Powers’ leadership this way:

“Tracy doesn’t just direct the Street Choir – she creates a space where the street choir members are truly seen and heard. She gives her own time with a generosity that feels rare, and she teaches with a patience that lifts people up. Whether she’s helping someone find their rhythm, discover their tone, or simply believe in their own voice, she does it all with joy. Tracy doesn’t just teach music – she teaches dignity.”

— Stacy Harless, Travis Park UMC member and Alamo City Street Choir volunteer

Photo courtesy of Travis Park United Methodist Church

Across the Rio Texas Conference, ministries like the Alamo City Street Choir remind us that the work of the church often begins with listening, presence, and relationship. Through music and shared stories, Travis Park continues to create space where people can find connection, dignity, and hope.

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This story was adapted from reporting originally published by Travis Park United Methodist Church.

➡️ Read the full story from Travis Park United Methodist Church:

https://travispark.org/songsstoriesfromthestreet/

Wesley San Antonio at College Winter Weekend Retreat 2026

Story & photos submitted by:

Rev. Shiloh L.M. Morris

Pastor & Associate Director | Wesley San Antonio

In February, Wesley San Antonio took 16 college students to our annual College Winter Weekend retreat. Students representing San Antonio College, UTSA, and St. Philip’s College gathered with other campus ministries from Texas and Louisiana for a weekend of rest, worship, and meaningful community.

Throughout the retreat, students shared meals, engaged in small-group conversations, and reflected on what it means to live as beloved children of God while navigating the realities of college life. The weekend created space for students to deepen friendships, explore faith, and encounter God in new ways.

One of the most powerful moments of the weekend was the celebration of a student baptism in the river, a joyful witness to the ways God continues to move in the lives of young adults.

College Winter Weekend is part of Wesley San Antonio’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces where students can grow in faith, build community, and discern God’s call in their lives.

Donate to support college ministry

 https://givebutter.com/wesleysatx 

102 Belknap Place San Antonio, TX 78212
www.WesleySATX.org

Rio Texas Churches Gather at National Fresh Expressions Conference

Information provided by:
Ray Altman, Director of Congregational Vitality &
New Faith Communities, Rio Texas

From February 25–28, thirteen lay and clergy leaders from across the Rio Texas Conference traveled to Ocala, Florida, joining more than 500 church leaders from around the country for the FXUM National Gathering 2026: Altogether Now — Seven Generations and Beyond.

Hosted at Ocala First United Methodist Church, the gathering brought together clergy, laity, and fresh expressions practitioners with a shared calling: to be the church for people who aren’t yet in it.

A Shared Movement

The Rio Texas delegation represented six congregations:

• St. Matthews UMC — San Antonio
• Hill Country UMC — Marble Falls
• Bee Creek UMC — Spicewood
• Emanuel UMC — San Antonio
• Lakehills UMC — Lakehills
• Canyon Lake UMC — Canyon Lake

photo courtesy of ray Altman.

Together, they joined a diverse and ecumenical gathering—roughly two-thirds United Methodist and one-third ELCA—reflecting a powerful sense of unity across the wider Church.

Learning, Worship, and Real-Life Practice

Over three days, participants experienced:

• Worship alongside leaders from across the country

• TED-style “Jazz Notes” and panel conversations

• Small groups focused on spiritual formation

• “Immersions” into active fresh expressions in the Ocala community

For many, these immersions were the most impactful—offering a firsthand look at ministry happening beyond traditional church walls.

What Is a Fresh Expression?

A Fresh Expression is a new form of church created for people not currently connected to a congregation.

Instead of expecting people to come to church, fresh expressions go to where people already are—coffee shops, living rooms, community centers, and neighborhoods.

These communities are built on relationship, presence, and belonging.

photo courtesy of ray altman.

Voices from Rio Texas

Leaders returned home inspired, challenged, and equipped:

“To not be afraid of failure and to work more at empowering people to lead instead of always leading myself”

— Jennifer Moore, Lakehills UMC

“Fresh expressions ideas are best initiated and carried out and led by the laity members who have passion for it, not the pastor. Fresh Expressions is the church the way it should be. We must be willing to step into places that make us uncomfortable”

— Holly Morris, Hill Country UMC

“Belonging comes before believing”

— Holly Morris

“Open our hearts, mind, and soul to be welcoming to anyone that God sends to our ministry, church, or life”

— Cindy Quinoes, Emanuel UMC

“To do as Jesus did by going out to the people to share his teachings and show his love. Meet them where they are instead of expecting them to walk through the doors of the church”

— James Garcia, St. Matthews, UMC

“My biggest takeaway from the 2026 Fx Gathering is the picture of unity painted as we worshiped, shared, and learned together with our ELCA siblings in Christ. I returned home hopeful and inspired to begin listening better in the community where I live and minister.”

— Rev. Polly Angle, Canyon Lake UMC

photo courtesy of ray altman.

What Comes Next

These thirteen leaders return to Rio Texas not just inspired—but commissioned.

Several churches are already developing fresh expressions in their communities, and this gathering has deepened that commitment. For others, this is just the beginning.

Fresh expressions don’t start with programs—they start with listening and joining where God is already at work.

Support, coaching, and grants are available through the Rio Texas Conference for those interested in exploring new and emerging ministries.

📩 To learn more, contact Ray Altman at the Rio Texas Conference, raltman@riotexas.org.

Serving the Community: Schertz UMC’s Food Pantry Continues to Grow

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

What began as a small effort to serve neighbors in need has quickly grown into a thriving ministry at Schertz United Methodist Church. When the Food Pantry held its first distribution in April 2025, volunteers served 50 families, representing 117 individuals. Less than a year later, the ministry has more than doubled its reach. At the most recent distribution on February 19, 2026, the pantry served 106 families—providing food for 451 people in the community.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Neal, Schertz UMC Director of Communications

Photo courtesy of Michelle Neal, Schertz UMC Director of Communications

Each third Thursday of the month, volunteers gather at Universal City Veterans Park to make the distribution possible. The work begins long before the first family arrives, with teams coordinating shopping trips, sorting and packing food, loading supplies, and preparing for distribution day.

It takes dozens of volunteers working together to make the ministry run smoothly, but for those involved, the effort is more than worth it. What happens at the pantry is not simply a distribution of food—it is an expression of care, hospitality, and faithful service.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Neal, Schertz UMC Director of Communications

Leaders at Schertz UMC give thanks for the ways God continues to bless the ministry. As the need grows, they remain confident that by following God’s leading, the people, resources, and support needed to continue serving the community will be faithfully provided.

Marked by Grace: Lent in Our Own Words

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

As the season of Lent begins, Christians around the world are marked with ashes — a simple sign of mortality, repentance, and hope.

This year, we asked people on our Rio Texas Conference Facebook page to share how they experienced Ash Wednesday. The stories gathered here are drawn from those responses.

For some, Ash Wednesday came not in a sanctuary pew, but at the front door. Ashes to Go ministries across the conference met people where they were — in homes, on sidewalks, in everyday spaces. A simple cross of ash became a reminder: you are seen, you are remembered, you are loved.

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Photo shared by leah krenek

“We wrote down regrets or laments, and burned the papers upon which they were written. We mixed those ashes with gesso to prepare something new — a blank canvas upon which our story, and Christ’s, may be drawn.” — Leah Krenek

In one congregation, ashes were not only placed on foreheads — they were transformed. Regrets and laments were burned, then folded into the very foundation of something new.

Lent, after all, is not just about what dies. It is about what God creates from it.

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photo shared by Fernie Rivera

photo shared by Robert Aaron Perales

“My highlight was getting to put ashes on my youngest for the first time!”
— Robert Aaron Perales

In sanctuaries across the conference, pastors knelt to trace crosses on young foreheads. Children stood still, curious and solemn. Elders bowed their heads.

The same words echoed in every place:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

From the youngest to the oldest, we were marked together.

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photo shared by Juliette Clark

“This is my 5th Ash Wednesday working for a church, and I encounter seekers more often on this day than on regular days. It’s a wonderful opportunity to set aside pouring out love and radical invitations in all shapes and sizes. We often meet new visitors who come back. Not huge participation by congregants, but we had 100 at our 6pm service.” — Juliette Clark

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“We had 100 people attend our Sanctuary service — all ages and all walks of life. These two came directly from Alamo City Street Choir rehearsal. Most of our Wednesday Night Prayer & Recovery Circle attended.”

“Radical invitations, forming relationships, and maintaining consistency have helped turn our ideals into lived experiences together.”
— Travis Park UMC

photo shared by travis park umc

photo shared by travis park umc

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photo shared by Adrienne Zermeno

“Porque polvo somos y al polvo volveremos. Arrepiéntete y cree en el Evangelio.”
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

“After about 100 times, I got my ashing words in Spanish for clients.”
— Adrienne Zermeno

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photo shared by Amanda Banda

“Our sermon tonight was about jars of clay — the beauty and fragility of it all. During the message, my husband drew a jar on the offering envelope. Then my son drew his version. Then two of my other kids added theirs.”

“It was just one of those small, ordinary but holy moments that brought me joy.”
— Amanda Banda

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Emanuel UMC - San Antonio photo shared by Maribel Vazquez

photo shared by Liz Wishert

A Connectional Witness: The Men’s Clothes Closet

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

This story was developed from information shared by Tyler Steele at Northwest Hills UMC & Bobby Callison

The Men’s Clothes Closet is a collaborative effort led by area UMM groups, including Northwest Hills UMC. Leaders such as Bobby Callison and Mike Wray help coordinate this long-standing ministry, ensuring that clothing is collected, organized, and distributed with intentional care.

In addition to UMM volunteers, students from University of Texas at Austin also serve regularly, bringing energy and commitment to this intergenerational effort.

The Clothes Closet operates as part of a larger, holistic ministry at First UMC Austin that provides meals and other supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, these efforts create more than a distribution line — they create a space of welcome.

More Than Clothing

Image captured from video produced by Sam Suh

Each Thursday from 5:30–7:30 a.m., men are welcomed into the Family Life Building near 13th and Lavaca to select clothing items. But the ministry offers more than shirts and shoes. Volunteers are intentional about how clients are served — emphasizing humanity, dignity, and relationship. Instead of simply handing out items, they create an environment where each person is seen, respected, and treated as a neighbor. As one leader shared, the goal is not only to meet practical needs but to ensure that every person who walks through the door experiences care and worth.

Rooted in History, Sustained by Faith

The ministry began in October 1999 when Austin Interreligious Ministries requested assistance from the Austin District United Methodist Men to provide clothing for men experiencing homelessness. Within two weeks, the Men’s Clothes Closet served its first client. More than 25 years later, that faithful “yes” continues to ripple outward. What started as a simple response to a need has become a sustained witness to connectional ministry at work.

Image captured from video produced by Sam Suh.

Sharing the Story

A recent video created by University of Texas student and volunteer Sam Suh beautifully captures the heart of the ministry. Through interviews and footage from a Thursday morning, the video highlights the volunteers, the partnerships, and the quiet but powerful impact of this work.

🎥 Video credit: Sam Suh

The Rio Texas Conference is grateful for the many ways congregations and United Methodist Men across our connection continue to show up — week after week — to serve Christ by serving others.

Because sometimes ministry looks like a folded shirt.
Sometimes it looks like a warm greeting at 5:30 a.m.
And always, it looks like love in action.

Many Parts, One Body: An Ash Wednesday Collaboration Across Conferences

Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez
Assistant to the Bishop
Chief of Staff

On a solemn evening marking the beginning of Lent, four United Methodist ministries spanning two conferences gathered as one body to observe Ash Wednesday, offering a powerful witness to the connectional spirit of The United Methodist Church. Members of Rockbridge United Methodist Church, Leander United Methodist Church, Cedar Park First United Methodist Church, and the Texas Wesley Foundation gathered for their second annual collaborative Ash Wednesday service, bringing together worshipers from both the Rio Texas Conference and the Horizon Texas Conference. The evening stood as a living testament to the connectional nature of United Methodist ministry.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez, Assistant to the Bishop. Pastors Eric Douglas of Rockbridge, Ryan Jacobson of Leander, Peter Castles & Suzette Birch of Cedar Park First, and David McMinn & Aislinn Kopp of the Texas Wesley Foundation.

Clergy from each ministry shared leadership in the service, reflecting the collaborative spirit that shaped the evening. Pastors Eric Douglas of Rockbridge, Ryan Jacobson of Leander, Peter Castles and Suzette Birch of Cedar Park First, and David McMinn and Aislinn Kopp of the Texas Wesley Foundation stood together at the altar, guiding worshipers into the holy work of repentance and renewal.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey.

Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez, Assistant to the Bishop.

Special invited guests included Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and Rev. Dr. Aaron Gonzalez, Assistant to the Bishop, both representing the Rio Texas Conference. Their presence highlighted the broader covenant that binds United Methodists across congregations and conferences, underscoring that the work of ministry is shared and sustained together.

The service featured praise bands, choirs, and lay leaders from all four ministries. Musicians blended contemporary and traditional expressions of worship, while pastors read and proclaimed Scripture and lay leaders assisted in prayer and the imposition of ashes. No single congregation carried the night alone; rather, each offered its gifts, creating a unified and reverent worship experience.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season when Christians confront their humanity and acknowledge their dependence on God. As ashes were traced in the sign of the cross, worshipers were reminded of both human frailty and divine faithfulness. The collaborative nature of the service deepened that reminder: we not only depend on God individually, but we also rely on one another as the Body of Christ.

Now in its second year, this combined Ash Wednesday celebration has become more than a shared service — it has become a shared commitment. Relationships among clergy have strengthened. Lay leaders have built new partnerships. Students connected through the Texas Wesley Foundation have discovered supportive congregations eager to walk with them in faith. What began as an idea for collaborative worship is maturing into an embodied expression of connectional ministry.

The gathering also served as a visible bridge between the Rio Texas and Horizon Texas Conferences. In a time when conference alignments and denominational landscapes continue to evolve, the evening testified that shared mission transcends administrative boundaries. United Methodists remain bound together by common doctrine, shared covenant, and a commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As the final hymn concluded and worshipers departed in quiet reflection, the image lingered: four ministries, two conferences, countless gifts — yet one Church moving into Lent together.

The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:12 provide an apt closing reflection on the evening: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” In Cedar Park, Leander, and beyond, that unity was not merely spoken — it was seen, heard, and experienced.

Stevens Chapel UMC Celebrates African-American History Month with Chaplain Coy Poitier

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

This story was developed from information shared by Stevens Chapel UMC.

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Stevens Chapel UMC welcomed Chaplain Coy Poitier as guest speaker in celebration of African-American History Month. Chaplain Poitier serves as the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage & Outreach Program Coordinator for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and is a dedicated servant leader, historian, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Chaplain Coy Poitier, Buffalo Soldier and Pastor Pamela Sattiewhite. Photo Courtesy of Stevens Chapel Umc

For more than 30 years, Chaplain Poitier has bridged the gap between faith, history, and community service—bringing powerful stories of resilience, courage, and leadership into churches, classrooms, and communities across Texas. Whether in the pulpit, the field, or the boardroom, he lives by the credo: understanding the past is the key to mastering the future.

During worship, Chaplain Poitier shared the rich legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers and their enduring impact on American history. He also hinted at an exciting announcement from the Buffalo Soldiers program coming on February 17, 2026—encouraging all to “stay tuned.”

 Pastor Sattiewhite, Edward Glass, and Willie Matthews w/ nephews. Photo courtesy of Stevens chapel umc.

 Rev Dr Pamela Sattiewhite, Pastor Johnnie R. Moore, Chaplain Coy Poitier - Buffalo Soldier. Photo courtesy of stevens chapel umc.

Members of Stevens Chapel and the broader Schulenburg community were deeply moved and uplifted by his message and personal interaction. The congregation expressed gratitude not only for the opportunity to learn and reflect during African-American History Month, but also for the many ways God continues to bless their church and community.

Chaplain Poitier resides in Cedar Hill with his wife, Katrina, and continues to serve faithfully at the intersection of history, faith, and public service.

Does your church have a story to share?

We’d love to hear how your church continues to serve its community. Email us at communications@riotx.org and let us know how God is at work in your community.

When the Weather Turned, the Church Showed Up

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

During the recent freeze and severe weather, United Methodist churches across the Rio Texas Conference responded with creativity, compassion, and faith. From opening buildings for warmth, to distributing food and clothing, to adapting worship and checking on neighbors, the church showed up in meaningful ways for local communities.

Following the storm, we invited churches on the Rio Texas Conference Facebook page to share how they served during the weather—along with photos and brief reflections. The stories gathered here are drawn from those responses. They offer a glimpse into the many ways God’s love continued to be made visible through the faithfulness of local congregations.

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Oak Hill United Methodist Church — Austin, TX

Freeze Shelter. Oak Hill UMC opened its doors to serve as a Freeze Shelter, offering warmth and safety for neighbors during several days of severe weather. The congregation continues to adapt its space and volunteers to meet urgent community needs.

— Shared by Jenny Montgomery Turney, Photos courtesy of Oak Hill UMC Facebook page.

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Wesley UMC — Greenville, TX

Community Warming Center. The Community Warming Center at Wesley UMC operated around the clock during the freeze, serving as the only overnight warming shelter in Greenville. Guests received warm beds, clean clothes, and two hot meals a day, with the church welcoming an average of 25–30 neighbors each night.

— Shared by Jeff Thomas, Photo courtesy of the Community Warming Center Facebook page.

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Walnut Springs UMC — Seguin, TX

Emergency Clothing & Community Partnership. When winter weather hit, Walnut Springs UMC quickly organized an emergency warm-clothing collection and partnered with Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church to ensure items reached those who needed them most. In less than 24 hours, the congregation collected an entire SUV full of clothing for neighbors facing the cold.

— Shared by Bill Knobles

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Lakehills UMC — Lakehills, TX

Warming Shelter & Community Collaboration. During the recent freeze, Lakehills United Methodist Church opened its doors as a warming shelter, welcoming neighbors in need from Saturday through Tuesday. The shelter was open to all, including pets, and became a powerful example of community partnership as local churches, the American Legion, and Out of the Way Community worked together to provide meals, clothing, blankets, and essential supplies.

— Shared by Jennifer Anne Moore, Photos courtesy of Jennifer Anne Moore & Erica T. Rifkin

In moments of crisis, the church is not only a place—it is a people. These stories remind us that God’s love continues to be made visible through ordinary acts of faithfulness, offered in extraordinary circumstances.

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Does your church have a story to share?

We’d love to hear how your church continues to serve its community. Email us at communications@riotx.org and let us know how God is at work in your community.

Community Collaboration in Action

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

Rev. Robyn Bishop, associate pastor of Restore Austin with Memorial UMC, was honored by the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association for faithful partnership and community service 

Through collaboration with WPNA, Community Resilience Trust, and other partners, Restore Austin with Memorial UMC helped provide warming supplies for unhoused neighbors when the temperatures dropped during the winter of 2025. The church also shares free monthly meeting space with WPNA and partners on projects like Habitat for Humanity builds.

We’re grateful for ministries that show Christ’s love through action. 

Rev. robyn bishop, associate pastor of restor austin with memorial umc.

Does your church have a story to share?

We’d love to hear how your church continues to serve its community. Email us at communications@riotx.org and let us know how God is at work in your community.

Las Posadas 2025 — A Journey of Welcome and Beloved Community

On December 17, 2025, Travis Park United Methodist Church hosted its first Las Posadas celebration, inviting neighbors, congregants, and community members to take part in a meaningful Advent tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Las Posadas centers themes of welcome, hospitality, and shared journey.

Rev. Cynthia Engstrom and participant. photo from travis park’s facebook.

community singing together. photo from travis park’s facebook.

Led by members of Travis Park’s Joy Division ministry, participants processed through the surrounding neighborhood with music, song sheets, and lights, pausing along the way to sing and reflect together. The experience emphasized connection across cultures and backgrounds, creating space for joy, solidarity, and belonging among all who participated.

The evening concluded back at the church with a shared meal and fellowship, continuing the spirit of welcome that marked the procession. Church leaders and participants alike expressed hope that Las Posadas will become an annual tradition at Travis Park — a practice that nurtures community, honors diverse expressions of faith, and embodies the Advent call to prepare room for Christ.

food prepared. photo from travis park’s facebook.

food being served by volunteers. photo from travis park’s facebook.

Read the full story from Travis Park United Methodist Church here:
https://travispark.org/lasposadas2025/

Ways to Continue Supporting Disaster Recovery Efforts Across Rio Texas

Abel Vega

Director of Connectional Ministries, Rio Texas Conference

In recent years, communities across the Rio Texas Conference have faced repeated and devastating disasters—from historic flooding in 2015 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the most recent flooding events in 2025. While immediate emergency response often fades from public view, the work of recovery continues long after the waters recede.

As emergency response transitions into long-term recovery, sustained support is essential to help families fully rebuild, regain stability, and move forward after a disaster.

Through the faithful work of local churches, Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), and conference leadership, the Rio Texas Conference remains committed to restoring not only homes, but hope.

A LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM MEMBER EVALUATING A HOME.

Ongoing Long-Term Recovery Work

Across the conference, disaster recovery efforts continue in partnership with local communities and organizations. These efforts include:

· Coordinating case management services for affected families

· Supporting home repairs and rebuilding efforts

· Strengthening local recovery infrastructure through trained leaders and volunteers

· Partnering with UMCOR and other organizations to provide financial and logistical support

While significant progress has been made, many families are still navigating complex recovery processes months—and even years—after disaster strikes.

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RIO TEXAS 2025 DISASTER RECOVERY MAP

2025 flooding impacted communities across the Rio Texas Conference, including San Angelo, Kerr County, Williamson County, and the Rio Grande Valley.

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How You Can Continue Supporting Recovery Efforts

As we enter 2026 together, there are several meaningful ways churches and individuals can continue supporting long-term disaster recovery efforts across the Rio Texas Conference:

PRAY - Please continue to pray for:

· Families still rebuilding their homes and lives

· Local leaders and volunteers serving in recovery efforts

· Communities navigating long-term healing and resilience

Prayer remains a powerful and essential part of this work.

GIVE - Financial support is critical to sustaining long-term recovery. Donations help provide materials, case management, and rebuilding assistance for families who may not qualify for federal aid or insurance coverage. Gifts designated for disaster recovery ensure that support reaches communities where the need remains greatest.

LONG-TERM recovery (LTR) team from farmers branch, tx, SAYS goodbye to a Las Milpas family whose home they helped rebuild. Photo courtesy of Rosa villanueva.

Emergency response team (ERT) works at a home in voca, tx in july, 2025.

PREPARE TO SERVE - Churches and individuals are encouraged to begin organizing volunteer teams for rebuild efforts in 2026. Opportunities to serve will be shared in the coming months as projects are identified and scheduled.

For more information about volunteer preparation and upcoming opportunities, please contact:

Lamar Davis, Rio Texas Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator
Email: ldavis@riotexas.org | Call: 210.408.4514

OAK HILL UMC EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM, JULY 2025.

CHRIST UMC (FARMERS BRANCH, TX) LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM, OCTOBER 2025.

Moving Forward Together

Long-term disaster recovery is not a short journey—it is a sustained commitment rooted in compassion, perseverance, and faith. Through prayer, generosity, and service, the people of the Rio Texas Conference continue to embody Christ’s love in communities working toward healing and restoration.

Thank you for standing with our neighbors and for being part of God’s work of renewal across Rio Texas.

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See how long-term recovery is taking shape in the Rio Texas community, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a church from the Horizon Texas Conference of the UMC.

Stories from the Mission Field.

Clik here to read the Las Milpas Recovery story.

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Rio Texas: At A Glance brings together select stories, key dates, and conference-wide updates in one monthly email. Some stories are shared there first. Click here to sign up to receive Rio Texas: At A Glance.

A Fellowship for the Neighborhood: The Homegrown Shalom Journey

Discover how churches across the Rio Texas Conference are reclaiming their neighborhoods as sacred ground through Homegrown Shalom — a transformational journey of listening, community partnership, and Spirit-led imagination.

This video introduces the heart of the Homegrown Shalom training: a yearlong cohort experience where churches learn simple, powerful practices for seeing their community with new eyes, building relationships that matter, shifting from scarcity to abundance, and joining God’s dream of wholeness right where they are.

Whether your congregation is large or small, rural or urban, thriving or tired — Homegrown Shalom equips ordinary people to cultivate extraordinary change in the places they call home.

If your church longs for deeper connection, clearer purpose, renewed community engagement, or a more hopeful way to serve your neighbors, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining the 2026 cohort.

Applications for Homegrown Shalom 2026 are now open.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.tcnriotx.org/hgsapp2026

Contact Rev. Bob Clark at bclark@riotx.org or 210.837.0923 with any questions.

Step into God’s vision of shalom — a world where nothing is missing and nothing is broken — starting right where you are.

Southside Community Center: Putting God’s Love Into Action in San Marcos

Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

Founded in 1927, Southside Community Center has long been a cornerstone of care and compassion in San Marcos. As a United Women in Faith National Mission Institution, Southside’s mission has remained consistent for nearly a century: to put God’s love in action by helping neighbors in need in the San Marcos area.

Today, it continues to serve as a key community hub, offering essential services and emergency support for vulnerable neighbors.

Volunteers with southside community center sign. photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Southside provides a free hot dinner and breakfast every day of the year, meeting a basic need for community members who may not know where their next meal will come from. The center also offers showers, laundry, mail service, and compassionate support for people experiencing homelessness. For families facing difficult financial circumstances, Southside provides emergency rental and utility assistance—help that often prevents eviction or loss of critical services. Importantly, Southside is the only active emergency weather shelter in Hays County, opening its doors during periods of extreme or severe weather.

Volunteer with dinner prepared. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Staff with members of the Texas State food recovery team. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Today, Southside plays a significant role in the city’s Strategic Action Plan on Homelessness, working to prevent eviction, stabilize families, and keep San Marcos residents in their homes. The center recently launched a rapid rehousing program to help families return to stable shelter and operates a transitional shelter where families can stay for 30–60 days as they work toward greater self-sufficiency. Southside also owns and operates Sunrise Village, a 100-unit affordable senior apartment complex that provides activities and community-building opportunities for residents.

Southside community center Friendsgiving serving line. photo courtesy of Jessica Cain.

Sunrise Village Thanksgiving meal. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

Southside’s work is strengthened by partnerships with other local nonprofits and agencies, contributing to coordinated care throughout the region. Through collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministry, Southside offers educational and healthcare access via a Wesley Nurse, while also providing community resources and parenting support through an MHM Promotora de Salud (Community Health Worker) serving residents at Sunrise Village.

At the heart of all these services is a guiding belief in human dignity and the sacred worth of every neighbor. As Rev. Dr. Todd Salmi, Board President, reflects: “At its heart, Southside is centered on human dignity: welcoming each person as a beloved child of God and walking with them through crisis toward greater stability and hope. We are a faith-based ministry that does ministry with our neighbors to build a more beloved community.”

Move-in day for one of their Rapid Rehousing clients. Photo courtesy of jessica cain.

With a long history of faithful service and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of those most vulnerable, Southside Community Center continues to be a pillar of support for the San Marcos region—living out love, hope, and hospitality every single day.