Christmas is here! The season of waiting and anticipation has come to its joyful fulfillment as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Advent season has prepared our hearts, and now we rejoice that God has come to dwell among us—Emmanuel, God with us.

The story of Christmas is one of light breaking through the darkness. In the quiet town of Bethlehem, the Christ child was born. And with His birth came hope to the world. 

Christmas reminds us of the incredible love God has for each of us, a love so great that He would send His only Son to live among us, to walk with us, and as Eugene Peterson says in The Message – to move into the neighborhood. This love is not distant or far off, but is present with us in the midst of our daily lives, in our struggles, and in our celebrations.

Just as the angels proclaimed the good news to the shepherds, we, too, are invited to spread the good news to a world in need of good news as we share the light of Christ in all that we do. Whether it is through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, we have the opportunity to make Christ’s love known.

I am deeply thankful for each of you, for the ways you embody Christ’s love throughout the year, and for the ministries you lead with faithfulness and grace. As we celebrate this joyous season, may the peace of Christ fill your hearts, and may His love overflow into all you do.

My sincere hope for you is that this Christmas can be a time of true joy, a time of deep peace, and a time to celebrate the wonder of God’s greatest gift. From my heart to yours, I wish you a blessed and Merry Christmas.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Greetings Friends,

While it doesn’t quite feel like fall yet, we know it is coming and with it comes change – back to school, Texas football and yes, even changes in our church rhythm.

I’ve spoken briefly about the new journey God has set before me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as bishop of both the Texas Conference and the Rio Texas Conference.

I have been spending time listening and learning and getting to know leaders in Rio Texas and also spending time with leaders in the Texas Conference as we discover new rhythms for our life and work. I am filled with enthusiasm and hope for the future for both Conferences. My dual tenure will officially begin September 1.

First and foremost, let me emphasize that these two conferences remain distinct and independent entities. Each conference retains its unique identity, governance, and mission. My role is to serve, guide, and support both, recognizing and honoring their individual strengths and characteristics.

We will be exploring how we might leverage those strengths to further the mission for both conferences. One of the beautiful aspects of serving both conferences is witnessing the similarities that bind us together as United Methodists, even as we celebrate our unique differences. Both the Rio Texas Conference and the Texas Conference are committed to living out the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Both are deeply rooted in a Wesleyan tradition that values personal piety and social holiness. And both are led by passionate, dedicated laity and clergy who are eager to see their communities flourish.

I am eager to learn from both contexts, to listen to our stories, to celebrate our successes, and amplify them so that the world might know of our ministry and mission and the lives that are changed every day.

I am also keenly aware that this new arrangement may come with its own set of challenges. Balancing the needs and priorities of two conferences will require careful planning, clear communication, and a deep reliance on the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I am confident that with God’s grace and your support, we can navigate this journey together.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to both the Rio Texas Conference and the Texas Conference for your commitment to our shared mission. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to serving you with joy, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose. Together, we can continue to build vibrant, loving, and transformative communities of faith that reflect the love of Christ in all we do.

Thank you for your partnership in this new season of ministry. May God bless you richly as we embark on this journey together.

With faith and hope,
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

July 11 Announcement