Revive Community UMC Gathers for First Service

Rev. Ruben Saenz III speaks to the congregation at Revive Community UMC at the Cinemark Tinseltown Theater. 

The Rio Texas Annual Conference seeks to reach new people in new places with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are pleased to announce the launch of Revive Community in Sharyland, Texas. While this congregation has been steadily forming  for the past eight months, the launch of worship was an important milestone. Revive opened to a capacity-filled 151-person attendance at the Cinemark Tinseltown theater. The first worship service featured praise and worship from a full band.

Rev. Ruben Saenz III is the head pastor for the new church. "We have been attracting a lot of young people, which is awesome,” said Saenz. “We want to reach young people because they are the future of the church. They mean a lot to this community.”

Rev. Bob Allen, Director of Congregational and New Faith Community Vitality for the Rio Texas Annual Conference was present for Revive's first worship event. "We are keenly reminded that there is a myth that says at a time in the future these young people will become the church," said Allen, "I say, they are the church already!  They are our hope as a gift of God to the greater community of faith and especially for all those who know Him not."

Revive started as a New Faith Community for the McAllen metropolitan area. Saenz started bible study and worship services at Starbucks and other various locations to help grow the foundation of the new church.

A Letter from Conference Lay Leader Ralph Thompson

I recently heard somebody say, “I don’t watch the news…it’s just too scary!” Yes, I’m certain that many of us feel that way. Finding safe places to live, work, play, or even worship is becoming more difficult every year. News reports suggest that not even our churches or homes are immune to violence. Our “pursuit of happiness” is being challenged at every turn!
 
I love the way that The Message presents Acts 4:25-30: 
 
As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: “Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. By the Holy Spirit you spoke through the mouth of your servant and our father, David:
 
Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth’s leaders push for position,
Potentates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers! ...
 
… “And now they’re at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
 
I recall a presentation at Annual Conference by the then Conference Lay Leader, Jay Brim, where he held up a early United Methodist Book of Discipline (BOD), which was a comparatively tiny, pocket-sized book. Our current BOD, is gigantic in comparison; and, in 2016, the General Conference meeting of the United Methodist Church will likely add many more pages!
 
Our BOD is intended not to curtail, but to empower the ministries of the church. Every four years, we make amendments to address evolving societies and cultures for the sole purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ, so that the world might be transformed in positive ways. EVERY member of the United Methodist Church is invited and even encouraged to submit petitions to amend the BOD. (For instructions for submitting petitions, click here.)
 
However, as we contemplate possible petitions, we might consider our motivation. “Is my petition written out of fear or love, despair or hope, to exclude or include, to hide within the walls of the church or to step out boldly in the name of Jesus Christ?” 
 
When visiting my hometown of Memphis TN, I am constantly amazed at the growing number of churches that have actually built fences around their properties. One church went so far as to install a keypad at the gate, requiring members to enter a code to attend worship! I pray that we do not use our BOD to create virtual walls around us.
 
When fear invades the Church, our ministries falter and our mission is blurred. We become preoccupied with protecting what we have…often from the very people God has sent us to serve.
 
Joshua 1 in The Message says it clearly: 
 
Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of the Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
 
Let’s seek new and exciting ways to empower disciple-making, even in a world that is constantly changing around us…and God, OUR God, will be with us every step of the way!

This letter was written by Ralph Thompson, Conference Co-Lay Leader 

Flood Buckets Replenished Thanks to United Methodists

St Matthew United Methodist Church Youth Group Helped Clean the Kerrville Disaster Response Warehouse earlier this month. 

1900 flood buckets have been donated to the Conference’s Disaster Response efforts since the 2015 Memorial Day flooding that saturated parts of Texas.

 Disaster Response Coordinator Eugene Hileman recently expressed gratitude to the Rio Texas churches and their congregations. The donations have completely refilled the Rio Texas flood bucket supply.

“I want to thank everyone for participating and donating flood buckets,” said Hileman. “We have now replenished our warehouse in Kerrville.”

Rio Texas Disaster Response is now asking to help UMCOR’s efforts in sending school kits and health kits. Click here to learn how to assemble a school kit. Click Here for assembling a health kit.

Mr. Hileman is now asking for more volunteers to help with Long-Term Recovery efforts. Click Here for volunteer opportunities.

Those interested in immediate response to disasters, Mr. Hileman suggests you sign-up for Early Response Team training to receive your ERT badge. Click Here to sign-up for ERT Training.   

University UMC Welcomes Kids and Parents

Rev. Max Perez of University United Methodist Church looks on as members greet parents and students from Locke Hill Elementary

Back-to-school is a chaotic time at University United Methodist Church in San Antonio. The church is located right next door to Locke Hill Elementary School. The school and church are close enough that they share parking lots. Likewise, University members use Locke Hill's parking for overflow on Sunday mornings. During the week, University's parking lot is used as overflow teacher parking and by parents dropping off their kids.

The first day of school is always a little crazy. While many children ride the bus or are dropped off in the drop-off lane, on the first day, many parents prefer to walk their kids to class. This creates a lot of traffic in the University parking lot. With lots of cars, children and first day jitters, the day can be quite stressful.

Church members offer parents breakfast, coffee and prayer on the, often stressful, first day of school.

Three years ago, one of the pastors witnessed a near-collision and wondered if the church might take a more active role. The following year, when the first day of school arrived, the church was ready. A team of volunteers showed up early with coffee, juice, and muffins. Church members were there to help with traffic control, greet students, and parents, and even to pray with parents adjusting to their child's first year of school. The tradition has continued. As tradition continues, University was set up and ready when parents and kids arrived on August 24.

“We can no longer sit back in our shiny white castle and believe we will attract people to our church,” said Jeff Kamp, University member. “We must get out and go into the community to demonstrate what a relationship with Jesus Christ looks like."

"God is all about relationships. God has called us to be his ambassadors,” said Chrissie Smith. “He wants us to have meaningful relationships with people and represent God to others especially those who are not likely to be found in a church."

What was once just a chaotic day in the church parking lot is now an opportunity for the church to connect with the community.

University has continued the back-to-school tradition each year and has continued to grow its support of the school, its teachers and students. In addition to the first day of school ministry, University provides Christmas gifts, food, clothes, dental and vision care to families in need during the holidays.

Do you have a ministry that you would like to share? Drop us a line at media@riotexas.org 

Capital District UMC Youth Engage in Mission Oriented Day

As the school year is fast approaching the youth of the capital district decided to hit the streets of Austin, TX to serve the less privileged among us on Saturday, August 8, 2015. A diverse group from North, East, West and South Austin gathered at Simpson UMC early in the morning for prayer and a quick reminder of what was expected to happen that day.

The youth and adult volunteers were reminded of the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 25:35:  "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

The youth were then sent out for mission work in the area. The served at Open Arms Homeless Ministry at University UMC, Hope Austin Disaster Relief, Queen Lola's and some stayed at the FreeStore Austin where they served people in various needs. The mission time was followed by an awesome worship, testimony sharing and a great inspirational word at Simpson UMC. This event was the beginning of something new and a reminder for all of us in the Capital District about our heart for mission work. 

Praise God!

This article was written by Capital District Yooth Coordinator Solange Woodson
 

Austin UMC in Mission Together with Matu Speakers from Chin Province

In Rio Texas, many experienced, firsthand, the devastation of severe flooding. Meanwhile, our Christian brothers and sisters on the other side of the globe have also experienced devastating floods. The difference is while flood victims in Texas have seen support from the government, relief agencies, and churches; the people of the Chin Province of Myanmar have faced the destruction with little to no aid.

One Rio Texas Church is trying to help. Parker Lane United Methodist Church has a clear mission to reach out to their community. When a group of Christian Matu speakers from the Chin province of Myanmar needed a place to worship, Parker Lane opened their doors. Rev. Dr. Tina Carter, Associate Pastor for Community at Parker Lane quickly discovered that there are close to 200 Matu speakers in the local community.

What started as an offer for a place to worship turned into something more. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Rev. Sharon Stewart, over 50 adults have now joined Parker Lane. On Sundays, up to 60 children and youth and many adults attend English worship in the morning and Matu service in the evening.

Now the entire church is coming together to help the people back home in Myanmar. The Chin province was in trouble before the floods hit. The reason there is a community of Matu speakers in East Austin is the same reason there are similar communities across America and across the world. The people of the Chin province are heavily persecuted. Many have fled and those left behind face life in one of the most impoverished parts of the world. The flooding has made it even worse. The area is remote and difficult to reach and little in the way of aid has reached the victims.

Parker Lane is currently gathering relief funds and is working closely with a Matu speaker visiting from Myanmar. According to Rev. Carter, "He is known and trusted by our community and will carry aid directly to the affected families for us and make sure it is distributed."

"We know every dollar makes a difference. What the Chin people need is prayer and monetary support," said Carter. "Our Matu speakers are calling for all their UM brothers and sisters to pray.  If your community is also able to give - even $20 or $50 makes a difference - those checks can be sent to Parker Lane UMC with 'Matu relief' in the 'for' line."

Letter from Rev. Dr. Marcus A.L. Freeman, III: SBC21 Initiative for Rio Texas Conference

The Rio Texas Conference is establishing an initiative to strengthen and revitalize the predominately African American churches in the Conference by partnering with Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21). SBC21 is a program sponsored by The Upper Room of the United Methodist Church.  

SBC21 had its first meeting with a carefully selected Leadership Design Team made up of clergy and laity to launch this effort on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The National Director of SBC21, Rev. Dr. Fred Allen, led the event along with his dynamic colleague, the Rev. Michelle Morton. The training was designed to introduce the SBC21 model, to train, build teamwork, develop a Design Team strategy, and to build a team covenant.

SBC21 will assist in the development and success of achieving Strategic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (SMART) goals of ministry and transformation initiatives of Black Congregations in the Rio Texas Conference. Churches will be invited to apply, and with the affirmation of the church’s District Superintendent, the accepted churches will be invited to enter into a covenant to govern their commitment of participation for one year. During the year of participation, churches will be guided to establish their SMART goals that will strengthen their efforts to be in ministry in their mission fields. Each participating church, or cluster of churches working together, will receive an SBC21 trained coach to assist in the fulfillment of their goals, along with additional supportive resources. It is hoped that this approach will produce a strategic plan for strengthening African American Churches throughout the Rio Texas Conference.

This partnership with SBC21 is the latest development in a renewed effort to strengthen African American churches that has been initiated by Bishop Dorff. A prior step taken toward this effort has been the assignment of Leadership Vitality Director, Marcus Freeman, to serve as Consultant to the Bishop and Cabinet regarding the African American Church. He will be supporting this initiative as Conference staff from the Mission Vitality Center.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Marcus A.L. Freeman, III 
mfreeman@riotexas.org 
Director of Leadership Vitality 
Rio Texas Conference
United Methodist Church 
16400 Huebner Road 
San Antonio, Texas 78248 
(210) 408-4500, ext. 511 
(210) 568-4443 (Fax)
 

Letter from Conference Co-Lay Leader: Legalized same-sex civil marriages – a new war to fight – or a new mission field

“If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” We have heard phrases like this all of our lives. We just may not have applied it to being disciples of Jesus Christ. In His Word, God has constantly reminded us that following the path of righteousness often brings us into uncomfortable proximity to conflict, pain, confusion, and disappointment.

Recently, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) made several rulings that instantly changed life in this country. And, because we are the United States of America, no single decision has been received with universal approval. Depending on factors that are as varied as our population is diverse, we can easily be drawn into either a sense of relief or deep despair…joy or anger…hopefulness or hopelessness.

Certainly, the most controversial issue for members of the United Methodist Church is the SCOTUS ruling that legalized same-sex civil marriage in all 50 states. While it is normal for Christians who object to this new law to put on our political hats and charge the “windmills” of the US legal system, what about our call to make disciples? We can see this ruling as something to protest, as we are thrust between permissive civil law and church law that affirms through our Book of Discipline that marriage is a union between a man and a woman; or we can start working on discerning how we can continue to make disciples in this ever-changing world.

It is obvious that this is a civil ruling that will NOT be overturned, especially in the climate of acceptance that is growing across our country and around the world. Likewise, church law remains intact, unless changed by General Conference action. So, what do we do in the interim? Of course, we continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

“I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.” [John Wesley’s Journal, June 11, 1739]

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could simply choose our mission fields? Wouldn’t it be nice to only target the classes, races, ethnicities, cultures, or persuasions of people to which we choose to share the love, grace, peace, and mercy of God? Wait…isn’t that what too many congregations have done over the past two centuries? Could that be, at least to a small degree, why our denomination is shrinking in the United States?

The legalization of same-sex civil marriages could be a new war to fight…or it could be a new mission field…new people in new places. Don’t “LGBTQ” people need salvation as much as others? Do they not long for acceptance? And are they, regardless of their sexual orientation, a part of God’s creation? 

I’m pretty sure that the NUMBER ONE issues before General Conference 2016 will concern same-sex marriage, clergy, and leadership. Regardless, of the outcome, the Church’s mission remains the same. Making disciples is what we do!

Absolutely, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. However, God has extended His Grace to us, so that, filled with that Grace, we may boldly enter, not flee from, the world around us and do ministry.
  

This letter was written by Ralph Thompson, Conference Co-Lay Leader 

Letter from Bishop Martinez: Remembering a Congregation's Hospitality for Farm Workers

Saturday, June 27th was a time for celebration and remembrance for the El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church in Kenedy, Texas. The congregation, along with pastors and friends from United Methodist churches of the area,  gathered to mark that day in August of 1966, when this small congregation welcomed the Río Grande Valley Farm Worker Marchers who were on their way to Austin to dramatize their call for just wages and living conditions.

The pastor at that time, Rev. Isabel Gómez, returned to be the featured speaker. His friend and fellow pastor of First Methodist Church at the time, Rev. Roy Brent Fisher, was memorialized in remarks by his widow, Mrs. Doris Hudspeth Miller.

The Worship Service was hosted by current pastor, Rev. María Vela and District Superintendent, Rev. Eradio Valverde, Jr. Special guests included one of the original Farm Worker March participants, Mrs. Daría De La Cruz from Garciaville, Texas and her daughter, Marisela Olvera. Mrs. De La Cruz read the Memorial List of Marchers who have died since 1966.

With praise music, congregational singing, Scripture readings and prayer, in both English and Spanish, the standing room only gathering was both solemn and spirited.  

Bishop James E. Dorff of the Río Texas United Methodist Conference and Retired Bishop Jóel N. Martínez dedicated a historical marker noting the Christian hospitality offered by the congregation to the weary but proud marchers for justice who were welcomed to Kenedy on that long ago summer day.

A delicious lunch was served in the church fellowship hall to all who attended.

This letter was written by Bishop Jóel N. Martínez (Retired), The United Methodist Church 

Click Here to view more photos from this event! 

Click Here to read the Press Release on the event. 

Ramp Builders Also Build Sheds for Flood Victims in Blanco County

Blanco County’s wheelchair-ramp-builders are now building storage sheds for flood survivors who need a place to secure belongings they’ve recovered, and will soon need safe storage for tools and construction supplies as they rebuild. The materials for the 8x12 sheds cost $900 each, but with donations from generous supporters the team is providing them free to survivors of the storms. These workers are, left to right, Tom Hardy, David Hamm and Johnson City United Methodist Church Pastor Lee Romero.

Blanco County's wheelchair-ramp-building volunteers have changed plans and diagrams and are now making storage sheds for survivors of the flooding on the Blanco River.

“It’s not something people think of as part of disaster recovery,” said First United Methodist Church Pastor Lee Romero “but it’s an important part of getting lives back in order.

“A family needs the shed early as they salvage their belongings out of the mud and debris, because there’s no place to put household goods when you’re sleeping in a shelter, a motel, or a friend’s guest room. Later, when they’re rebuilding, they’ll need a place to secure tools and construction supplies.”

The team plans to build the sheds the same way they do wheelchair ramps — constructing transportable modules in the shop, then assembling the sections on-site.

“At full speed, we can turn out a storage shed a week”, said shop boss David Hamm. “The trick is going to be connecting with flood survivors who need them, so we know where they should go. Most folks won’t think to ask for them through disaster relief agencies, and they’re not something we can store in distribution centers."

Reports from the flood zone say all the area storage space was grabbed up quickly, leaving long travel times to find a commercial storage facility. Having a place right on-site would make a huge difference to survivors.

“We’ll do our work in the shop during the week,” Hamm said, “then trailer the modules down to the flood zone and put them together on-site on the weekends. That way, no matter when a volunteer has free time, they can join a team and help. 

“And it’s not all men, either. Some of our best workers have been women, and with school out, we can put youth to work, too. We have a job for anyone who wants to help the flood survivors, no matter what their availability or skill level.” 

If you’re a flood survivor who needs a shed, or want to support the storage shed project, call Angie in the church office in Johnson Cat 830-868-7414.

Ramp Builders in Johnson City Help in Flood Recovery

Tommy Levitt, quality control boss for the wheelchair-ramp building team from the First United Methodist Church, Johnson City, was the last man on the new ramp last week before it was turned over to Joe Calhoun (top) of Blanco. Once the decking dries out, the church’s youth will be back to put a coat of non-skid paint on it. 

Johnson City’s wheelchair-ramp-building volunteers are changing their plans and diagrams to begin building storage sheds for survivors of the flooding on the Blanco River.

“It’s not something people think of in disaster recovery,” said First United Methodist Church pastor Lee Romero “but it’s a really important part of getting lives back in order."

“A family needs the shed early as they salvage their belongings out of the mud and debris, because there’s no place to put household goods when you’re sleeping in a shelter, a motel, or a friend’s guest room. Later, when they’re rebuilding, they’ll need a place to secure tools and construction supplies.”

The team plans to build the sheds the same way they do wheelchair ramps — constructing transportable modules in the shop, then assembling the sections on-site.

They’re confident they’ll have enough volunteers and tools, but the catch is buying enough building materials for as many sheds as are needed.

“We’ve whittled our design down to where we can build a sturdy shed that will withstand even another storm, but the materials cost $900. We have enough for some sheds, and have promises of more, but we’re a long way from having enough to meet the demand”, said shop boss David Hamm.

Reports from the flood zone say all the area storage space was grabbed up quickly, leaving long travel times to find a commercial storage facility. Having a place right on-site would make a huge difference to survivors.

“We’ll do our work in the shop during the week,” said Hamm, “then trailer the modules down to the flood zone and put them together on-site on the weekends. That way, no matter when a volunteer has free time, they can join a team and help. 

“And it’s not all men, either. Some of our best workers have been women, and with school out, we can put youth to work, too. We have a job for anyone who wants to help the flood survivors, no matter what their availability or skill level.” 

For more information about volunteering or donating to the storage shed project, call Angie in the Johnson City church office at 713-868-7414.

Twice Blessed Showroom in Victoria To Receive New Home

From left to right: Rev. Jarrell Sharp, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Victora; Sammie Musselman, Twice Blessed Board Member; Paul Polesak, Mayor of Victoria; Clifford Carter, Chairman of FUMC Trustees; Rebecca Thornbury, Twice Blessed Board Member & FUMC Secretary; Kathy Bowen, Twice Blessed Board Member; JoNell Carter, Twice Blessed Board Member; Rev. Robert Lopez, Crossroads District Superintendent. 

Twice Blessed Showroom Consignments held ground breaking ceremonies on May 18 in Victoria, TX for its new resale shop location at the corner of Main and Commercial Streets. Over 80 people attended this joyous celebration.

First United Methodist Church, Victoria plans to build the 4560-square-foot building, which will include a workroom for processing consignments and donations, a storage area for furniture and other large items, and an office in addition to the showroom space. 

“With almost 3,000 square feet of showroom space, the new building will provide triple the retail space for the all-volunteer, non-profit ministry,” said Kathy Bowen, Twice Blessed board president.

Construction of the new showroom is being completed by Roth Construction and is  scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.  Twice Blessed Showroom is currently located at 205 North Star Drive, Victoria TX.

Twice Blessed Showroom was founded in 2005, benefiting not only ministries of First United Methodist Church, Victoria; but also many community charities including Christ's Kitchen, Kidz Connection, Mid-Coast Family Services, VCAM, Food Bank of the Golden Crescent and the Community Action Committee. For Twice Blessed, a ministry of First United Methodist Church, Victoria; the new space means not only closer proximity to the church’s main campus on Bridge Street but also room for growth. 

For more information about Twice Blessed, visit http://www.twiceblessedshowroom.com/ or call 361-574-9655.

The Clothes Closet for Homeless Men Serves 20,000

It was about 8:15 AM Monday morning, on April 27, 2015, when volunteers of the Clothes Closet began arriving to begin set up for clothing distribution later in the morning.

The chairs had to be removed from the conference room and were arranged side by side down the hallway just outside the conference room.

The four tables were set in their assigned space so two would be used to serve customers from, one would hold the socks and underwear containers and the fourth would hold the plastic bins with short pants in them.

Next came five racks of clothes from the storage area. The racks were on wheels making it easy to move them. The sweater and suit rack first followed by the rack with trousers waist size 42 to 54 on the top bar and long sleeve shirts hanging from the bottom bar.

There were three more racks of clothes holding pants with waist sizes ranging from 28 through 40. On the bottom bar of those racks were short sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and polo shirts. These fit against the back wall of the conference room.

Now a table was set up in the storage area, next to the conference room. Filling the socks and underwear containers was next and then sorting through the donated clothing inspecting for acceptance. The guideline is, “If we wouldn’t wear it we don’t hand it out”.

This was a normal Monday morning. But, this was not a normal Monday morning. Today we were going to be serving enough customers to reach 20,000 total since the Closet began in October 1999.

There would be cake, refreshments, visitors and a gift card for the 20,000th customer.

This Clothes Closet had become a ministry over the years. We prayed for the customers before we began serving. In our prayer we always included, “Lord, God help us to see Christ in those we serve today and help them to see Christ in us.” The connectivity of the prayer changed each one of us and the atmosphere in that conference room.

Written by Ralph Eckwall, Coordinator for the Clothes Closet

---

Clothes Closet for Homeless Men opened in October 1999 after a request from the Austin Interreligious Ministries to the Capital District United Methodist Men's group. After five locations across town, they settled at present location at the Central Presbyterian Church on 8th Street and Brazos. 

The distribution includes:

• Jeans, Khaki, dress pants or shorts
• Polo or button down shirts
• T-Shirts
• Socks & underwear
• Suits
• Ties
• Bible
• Belt
• Caps
• Shoes
• Coats
• Sweaters
• Hygiene items

McAllen First Celebrates Inside Out Sunday

First United Methodist Church, McAllen took the church to the mission field on April 12th. They shared this video.