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.

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.

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.

Walnut Springs UMC — Seguin, TX

We can use a stock photo from canva, or envato if he doesn't have a photo for Walnut Springs.

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

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.

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.