Young Adults Needed for Global Mission Fellow

Are you graduating soon? What are your plans for the next two years? Be a part of a life-transforming mission opportunity by becoming a Global Mission Fellow. Global Ministries is looking for candidates to serve as young adult missionaries 2016–2018. Interested? Apply today! The application deadline is March 31, 2016.

As a young adult missionary, you can be involved in several areas of mission including education, health ministries, women and children, disaster response, church development, leadership, social justice and advocacy, hunger and poverty, water and sanitation, and so much more. 

“I challenge young people across the world to take this big leap of faith,” says Joy Eva Bohol, mission advocate for Global Ministries. “I encourage everyone to use their gifts, talents, and profession to participate in God’s mission. Being a Global Mission Fellow was the best decision of my life.” 

Join this two-year leadership development and mission service opportunity that allows young adults from around the world to serve in a ministry of presence and solidarity with a host community outside of their home context. 

As you consider your application to become a Global Mission Fellow, take a look at this video and hear from several Global Mission Fellows alumni whose lives were transformed through missionary service. 

Start the application process now! 

Do you have questions? If so, register for an informational webinar on Tuesday, March 9, 2016, and speak with staff or alumni at one of the scheduled times: 8 a.m., 1 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. (EST). 

You can also email GMFellows@umcmission.org, mayams@umcmission.org, or visit www.umcmission.org/gmfellows for more information.

Clergy Needed for 2016 Annual Conference Clergy Choir

Click Here to download the PDF for 2016 Clergy Choir

Cruise to Cuba

Educational Opportunities is offering an 8-day cultural immersion and mission program to Cuba, October 2-9.  The cruise departs and returns to Miami, while visiting Havana, Cienfuegos/Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba.  Bishop Joél Martínez will be our episcopal leader. 

He and his wife Raquel have been there three times before and look forward to returning.  The cruise will travel aboard the 704-passenger Adonia which will be used as  lodging as well as transportation around the island. 

Lynn Barton is the new Director of Travel Ministry for Educational Opportunities for the Rio Texas Conference.  "Cathy and I are excited to visit Cuba to reconnect with our Christian brothers and sisters so that we may encourage one another.  We also want to get a sense of the land and the culture.  Please join us in this new adventure in traveling with a purpose,” said Barton. 

You may reach Lynn about this cruise and others that EO sponsors like trips to the Holy Land or Wesley’s England by cell 512.924.6983 or email lynnbarton1@gmail.com.

A Message from Bishop Joel Martínez

Midwinter Retreats Alive and Well

Youth retreats are alive and well in the Rio Texas Annual Conference! With the creation of the new conference, the programming and support of youth camps moved to the seven districts. It took some time for adjustments, but the 2016 Midwinters were a big success!

The Las Misiones District held their camp at Camp Young Judea January 15-18. They had over 430 students in attendance.

El Valle and the Coastal Bend district teamed up this year for a retreat at Lake Mathis. They hosted 360 students on January 15-18.

Three districts joined together for a Midwinter event at Mount Wesley on February 12. The Hill Country, Crossroads and West districts had over 140 students at their camp.

There is still one Midwinter left to go in the Capital District. The retreat will be held Feb. 26-28 at Camp Tejas in Giddings, TX. 

God continues to move powerfully through the young adults of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. Each camp provides another opportunity for students to begin a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ and move deeper into a life of discipleship.

MARCH 1 UPDATE: Capital District's Midwinter at Camp Tejas in Giddings reported an attendance of 189. 

Over 1,100 junior high and high school students attended a Rio Texas sponsored Midwinter this year. 

Scholarship Opportunities!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & INFORMATION

The following will list scholarship opportunities available from the Rio Texas Conference, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF), and the Texas United Methodist College Association (TUMCA). Applicants are encouraged to consider applying for multiple scholarships since in most cases, funds are available in each scholarship program to award a limited amount of scholarships. Also, it may be a good idea to start identifying scholarships that want to apply for early because in many cases, scholarship application periods are limited to the period from January to March for the Fall semester of the current year. For instance, in 2019, the GBHEM scholarship application period is from January 3 to March 7, 2019.

Rio Texas Conference College Scholarships

The deadline for the 2019 Rio Texas Scholarships Award Program : April 1, 2019. For those interested, please ensure that the applications are complete and post-dated by April 1st.  Click on link for Scholarship Nomination Application.

Scholarship fund resources are available and considered annually for distribution to undergraduate students within the Rio Texas conference. They are The Craven-Wilson Scholarship, specifically awarded to students attending Texas Wesleyan University, (Ft. Worth, Texas) and The Albert & Nancy Wilson Scholarship for students in other colleges or universities in Texas. Both scholarships are to benefit the Rio Texas Conference. Because of the limited number of scholarships available, the process is highly competitive. Please make sure that all of the forms requested are fully completed prior to sending in your Scholarship Nomination Application packet. Completed packets are due no later than April 1, 2019.

In 2018, three students were awarded the Albert and Nancy Wilson Scholarship is an endowed scholarship fund that was awarded in the amounts of $465.00. One student has been awarded the Craven Wilson scholarship annually in the amounts ranging from $1000.00 to $3000.00 in recent years. These scholarships have been available for several years through an endowment that was established by the Wilson family for college students who are members of United Methodist churches within the Rio Texas Conference bounds.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministries College Scholarships
http://www.gbhem.org/loans-and-scholarships

For information on available scholarships, eligiblity and detailed information click on links.

These scholarship are mostly available for students who are members of United Methodist churches attending United Methodist related colleges and universities. Up to 4 various scholarships per student are possible, to include the 2019 Conference Merit Award, that is available to one student from all GBHEM scholarship applicants. The application period is usually limited and opens on January 3rd and closes on March 7 of the year.

Apply for any of the scholarships listed below at: www.gbhem.org/scholarshipapplication. The GBHEM general scholarship application is open January 3 through March 7 each year. You need only to submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the scholarship application first page which of these programs you would most like to be considered.

GBHEM General Scholarships

Apply for any of the scholarships listed below at: www.gbhem.org/scholarshipapplication. The GBHEM general scholarship application is open January 4 through March 1 each year. You need only to submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the scholarship application first page which of these programs you would most like to be considered.

General Scholarship Application
Undergrad $500 - $1,000; graduate $1,000 - $2,000
Undergraduate or graduate level student, minimum 1 year active membership in the UMC, minimum 2.5 gpa.

 Allan J. Burry Scholarship $1,000
For undergraduates (incoming Freshmen NOT eligible); member of UMC for at least 3 years; very active leadership in a United Methodist related Campus Ministry; minimum 3.0 GPA; will require a specific nomination from the UM Campus Minister.

David W. Self  $1,000
Designated for graduating high school seniors entering first year of undergraduate study; 1 year active membership in UMC, full time degree program at any accredited institution, minimum 2.5 GPA, pursuing a church related career.

E. Craig Brandenburg$1,000 - $2,000
For applicants over age 35; any degree level; prefer students changing to a second career.

The Rev. Dr. Karen Layman GIFT OF HOPE Scholarship $1,000
For undergraduates (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior); minimum 3 year membership in the UMC; very active in UMC leadership; minimum 3.0 GPA

Miriam Hoffman Scholarship$500 - $1,000
For any grade level pursuing a vocational career in music education or music ministry; 1 year membership in the UMC; minimum 2.5 GPA.

GBHEM Racial Ethnic Scholarships

Bishop John W. Hamilton Scholarship $500
Applicant must be an African American female student, “an orphan” if possible. Full active member of UMC 1 year; minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference to student enrolled in one of the UMC’s historically black colleges/universities.

Blanche M. Hubbard Scholarship $600
African American student enrolled in one of the UMC’s historically black colleges/universities; member of the UMC for at least 1 year; minimum 2.5 GPA.

The Clinical Pastoral Education-Ethnic In Service Training (CPE-EIST) Stipend  Not to exceed $2,000
United Methodist clergy, certified candidate for ministry, or seminary student accepted into an accredited Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) or an accredited American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) program; Chaplain or pastoral counselor seeking to enhance credentials in the areas of pastoral counseling or pastoral care; racial-ethnic minority student. Learn more about this scholarship.

Ethnic Minority Scholarship $500 - $900
For racial-ethnic minority undergraduates (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior); member of UMC for at least 1 year; minimum 2.5 GPA

HANA Scholars$1,000 - $3,000
For persons of Hispanic, Asian, and/or Native American ethnicity; grade level Junior in college and above (to include doctorate level); minimum 3 year membership in the UMC; minimum 2.85 GPA.

Helen and Allen Brown$500 - $1,000
For racial-ethnic minority undergraduates (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior); member of UMC within the Nashville, Tenn., or New Orleans, La., Districts for at least 3 years; minimum 3.0 GPA.

Journey Toward Ordained Ministry$5,000
For any undergraduate or graduate level racial-ethnic minority student pursuing ordained ministry (deacon or elder); age 30 or under; minimum 2 year membership in the UMC; enrolled at a UM-related institution; minimum 2.85 GPA for undergrad, minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate level. (Has a mentoring component with the program.)

Native American Seminary$3,000 - $10,000
For Native American students pursuing a degree at a University Senate approved seminary. Minimum 3 year membership in the UMC; certified candidate or pursuing candidacy; born of Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native parent (at least one parent); tribal affiliation documentation required.

Richard S. Smith $1,000
Designated for graduating high school seniors entering first year of undergraduate study; racial-ethnic minority; 1 year active membership in UMC; pursuing full-time degree program at any accredited institution; minimum 2.5 GPA; pursuing a church related career.

Women of Color Scholars $3,000 - $10,000
For females born of African, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American parent (at least one parent); pursuing a PhD or ThD within the field of religious studies who desires to serve on the faculty or in an executive administrative position at a UM-related Theological School; minimum 3 year membership in the UMC; minimum 3.0 GPA. (Has a mentoring component with program.) Learn more about this program.

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarships
https://www.umhef.org/applications/UMHEFgeneral.php

The Texas United Methodist College Association

TUMCA Letter from Director

The Texas United Methodist College Association, or TUMCA, adopts as its mission statement: "Helping Texas United Methodist students attend Texas United Methodist colleges and universities". This help is provided as each Annual Conference in the state of Texas is asked make a contribution to a fund that TUMCA in turn makes available to the seven United Methodist Congregations in Texas. Deserving students attending United Methodist institutions in the state who have received TUMCA funds have expressed profound appreciation for having been awarded this vital support toward their education. Students who are interested may contact their financial aid offices of the United Methodist related institutions of higher learning that they will be attending.

A Message from Bishop J. Michael Lowry

Bishop J. Michael Lowry of the Central Texas Annual Conference shares his mission for the Rio Texas Annual Conference.

A Message from Bishop Robert Schnase

Bishop Robert Schnase of the Missouri Conference details plans for Annual Conference in Corpus Christi, as well as Conversations for Healing and Next Steps Together. Rio Texas Annual Conference. United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved. February 2016.

Creating the Volunteers in Mission Movement in the Rio Texas Conference!

Contact the Mission Vitality Center to be part of these training events at the Rio Texas Conference Center – 16400 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX. 78248. Lunch will be provided for participants both days. Contact Shelly Kennerdell at 210.408.4514 or skennerdell@riotexas.org to register. 

• Friday, February 26th – VIM Leadership Train the Trainer – A training for persons who are interested in training leaders who will lead Volunteer-In-Mission teams to serve in short-term mission work locally, within the U.S. and abroad. Ideally, participants should have previous VIM experience, understanding of UMC and VIM history and best practices, theology of mission, cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural partnership understandings, an understanding of poverty, and a comfortable and confident teaching / presentation style. Participants in this training are encouraged to participate in the VIM Leaders training the next day as co-trainers with Jurisdictional VIM Coordinator - Audrey Phelps.     
   
• Saturday, February 27th – VIM Mission Leadership Training – A training for persons who are interested and committed to leading mission teams from their local church / communities to serve in short-term mission work locally, within the U.S. and abroad.   

A Message from Bishop Janice Riggle Huie

A Message from Bishop Janice Riggle Huie to the Rio Texas Annual Conference.

Free Resources for Easter

Lenten and Easter season is almost upon us! Are you ready? Let Rethink Church help you with some free resources. 

If you want to participate in UMCOM's National Campaign, you can order 100 free door hangers by March 1 to welcome your community into the Lenten season.  Click Here to order.  There are also direct mail postcards, invitation cards, and other worship resources available for your use. 

Thank You from Bishop Carcaño

Friends of the Rio Texas Conference,
 
Beloved Friends,
 
Thank you so very much for the beautiful plant that arrived for my mother Rebecca’s memorial service, for your presence, your letters, your texts and your calls.   Above all, thank you for your prayers as we released our beloved mother to God’s eternal care.  You embraced us with the love of family when we needed it most.  Our hearts overflow with gratitude to God for all of you.  God bless you!
 
Peace and love,
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
 

Rio Texas Moving Forward with Creative Leadership Plan

From left to right: Bishop Robert Schnase, Missouri Annual Conference; Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, Texas Annual Conference; Bishop J. Michael Lowry, Central Texas Conference; Bishop Joel Martinez, Retired, San Antonio episcopal area

En español      

As announced last week, The Río Texas Conference is moving forward with a creative plan to address the vacancy in its episcopal leadership. According to the Book of Discipline ¶407 (Vacancy in the Office of Bishop), the vacancy is to be filled by the Council of Bishops on the nomination of the College of Bishops of the South Central Jurisdiction. The Council of Bishops has approved a plan presented by the Jurisdictional College of Bishops to meet the unique needs of the Río Texas Annual Conference at this time. 
 
The Río Texas Conference is a young conference, having been created just over a year ago. The conference also faces the unique challenge of needing episcopal leadership just eight months before the time a traditional episcopal appointment will be made. Also, this vacancy comes at the end of a quadrennium that brings many challenges of its own.
 
The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops has opted to create a unique leadership team that calls on some of our most accomplished leaders to address this unique situation.
 
Four Bishops, all of whom have previously served in and were elected from the episcopal area, have stepped forward to be a part of this leadership team. This team will serve until the usual appointment time of the South Central Jurisdiction.
 
“The team approach is unique,” wrote Bishop McKee, President of the South Central Jurisdiction Council of Bishops, in his letter to the Río Texas Conference, “but I am confident that it will serve the Río Texas Conference well until a new bishop is assigned to the Río Texas Conference at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in July.” That new bishop begins serving on September 1.

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Annual Conference, will be the official Bishop of Record for the Río Texas Annual Conference. She will be responsible for the appointive process; working with the cabinet to assign pastors to churches for the 2016 conference year. Bishop Huie was born in Beeville, Texas and her husband, Rev. Robert W. Huie, is a retired member of the former Southwest Texas Annual Conference. She has previously served as the District Superintendent of the former San Angelo District of the Southwest Texas Conference and as pastor of Manchaca United Methodist Church in Austin, First UMC Mason, and St. Mark in Austin.
 
Bishop Huie adds, “Anyone who knows me well, knows my love for my home conference.  Those Methodists encouraged me and loved me into ministry at a time when few women were called. I will always be grateful.  This is an opportunity to serve there again and to repay some of that great generosity.”

Bishop Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Missouri Annual Conference, will plan and lead the sessions of the 2016 Río Texas Annual Conference meeting in Corpus Christi.  Bishop Schnase was ordained Deacon in 1981 and Elder in 1986 in the Southwest Texas Conference. From 1989 to 2004, he served as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, McAllen. From 1984 to 1989, Rev. Schnase served as pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Harlingen.
 
“Río Texas is my home conference.  The churches, the pastors, and the laity of the Río Texas Conference stimulated my yearning to follow Christ when I was a child, cultivated my calling when I was a teenager, and encouraged me in my ministry at every stage. I am forever indebted.  Like my colleagues, I am eager to help in any way to assure that the Conference remains focused on the mission of Christ and effective in all its ministries. It’s a privilege to be able to help,” offers Bishop Schnase.

Bishop J. Michael Lowry, Bishop of the Central Texas Conference, will oversee the annual conference nominations process for 2016. He will also lead this year's Clergy Convocation, the annual gathering of clergy at Mt. Wesley on Feb. 22-23. In addition, Bishop Lowry will assist in any transition issues for our new Bishop.   He was ordained Elder in the Southwest Texas Conference. He served as Executive Director for New Church Development and Transformation for the Southwest Texas Conference, University United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Bethany in Austin, Asbury in Corpus Christi, Wesley in Harlingen, St. Paul's in Kerrville and as an Associate Pastor at Plymouth Park in Irving.
 
Bishop Lowry states, “Prior to my election and appointment as Bishop of the Central Texas Conference, I spent the majority of my ministry in the old Southwest Texas Conference. As a child of that conference, I bring a great love and respect for the people and ministries of the newly formed Río Texas Conference. I’m humbled by this opportunity shared with Bishops Huie, Martinez and Schnase to help the local churches of Río Texas continue to move forward in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  It is good to be coming home, my friends.”

Bishop Joel Martinez, Retired Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, returns to preach special services around the conference; attend to pastoral ministry; and oversee mission, service and justice ministries. He will also represent Río Texas in connectional relationships such as Methodist Healthcare, Huston-Tillotson University, Lydia Patterson Institute and the Texas Methodist Foundation.  Martinez was ordained deacon and elder and held membership in the Río Grande Conference until his election to the episcopacy in 1992. Prior to that, he served pastoral appointments in Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso.

“The assignment of the Council of Bishops to work with a team of respected leaders and good friends is a rare privilege,” shares Bishop Martinez. “Working as a team is the model of Christian ministry for both laity and clergy. My prayer is that our small team of Bishops can offer our service to the greater team of faithful laity and clergy in the Río Texas Conference as they continue to strengthen the local congregations for mission with and among the growing and diverse community of God's people in this Episcopal Area.”
 
Rev. John Wright, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Austin is excited about the announcement, “Who knows us better than the son-and-daughter-bishops who will serve on this team to provide interim episcopal leadership–an outside-the-box solution from which we may learn something new,” said Wright. 

Rev. James Amerson, Pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in San Antonio echoed that excitement. “As we begin this new year and the dawn of the Río Texas Conference, it is a godsend to have former clergy who have served pastoral appointments in this area to give collective episcopal leadership. At such a time as this, their directives will be beneficial to all,” said Amerson.  
 
These four Bishops will serve together with a leadership team comprised of lay and clergy conference leadership. The remainder of the team will be comprised of Rev. Laura Merrill, District Superintendent of El Valle District and leader of the General Conference delegation; Rev. Dr. Ruben Saenz, Executive Director of the Mission Vitality Center and Director of Connectional Ministries; Rev. Carl Rohlfs, Superintendent of Las Misiones District; Rev. Eradio Valverde, Superintendent of the Coastal Bend District; Sandra Nieto and Ralph Thompson, Co-Lay Leaders of the annual conference; Teresa Keese, lay member of the General Conference Delegation; and Oscar Garza, Conference Statistician. Support for the team will be provided by Dalia Trevino, Executive Assistant to the Office of the Bishop; Rev. Bill Wyman, Conference Treasurer; and Rev. Will Rice, Conference Director of Communications.
 
Max Perez, Chair of the Río Texas Order of Elders and Associate Pastor at University United Methodist Church, San Antonio believes this plan, “proves our distinct connectional system and polity work.” He also stated, “I have great faith our bishops will escort us through this delicate transitional period.  Already Río Texas is proving we are a conference with a malleable gift, able to pioneer and champion creative ways for making disciples of Jesus Christ.”
 
This team will meet weekly using video conferencing technology. This meeting will allow them to plan and attend to the work of the annual conference during this important season.
 
“I am quite confident that Río Texas will move forward under the leadership of these four quality bishops,” said Bishop Dan Solomon, Bishop in Residence at McMurry University. “The collective wisdom, experience and sensitivity to the power of the Gospel and the importance of compassionate discipleship embodied in these leaders will unite the conference in embracing God's healing grace and resurrection mission.”

Important News from Bishop Mike McKee, President, South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops

En español      

Dear Clergy and Lay Members of the Rio Texas Annual Conference,

Light and Grace to you in this Epiphany Season.

Thank you for your faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You have begun a new thing with the creation of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. The spirit in which you have come together to journey a new path has inspired many persons to imagine what God can do in the midst of committed United Methodists.

During this difficult time of transition in the episcopal office, the South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops has been in prayer for you and your continued witness. When a vacancy occurs in an episcopal office, the College has the responsibility to name an interim bishop to serve until bishops are elected at a jurisdictional conference. The College has asked bishops who are sons and daughters of the former Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences to form a team who will provide episcopal leadership and supervision.

Bishop Janice Huie of the Texas Conference, Bishop Michael Lowry of the Central Texas Conference, Bishop Joel Martinez, who is retired, and Bishop Robert Schnase of the Missouri Conference have agreed to come home to serve in the conference and area they love. Bishops Huie, Lowry, and Schnase will continue to serve in their respective annual conferences. With Bishop Martinez, they will divide the responsibilities of the Bishop of the Rio Texas Conference. Bishop Huie will be named as the interim bishop of record.

The team approach is unique, but I am confident that it will serve the Rio Texas Conference well until a new bishop is assigned to the Rio Texas Conference at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in July. That new bishop begins serving on September 1.

I have had the joy to work with the Cabinet of the Rio Texas Conference and am grateful for their leadership and faithfulness.

May God continue to bless your witness.

Mike McKee
President, South Central Jurisdictional Council of Bishops

Churches: Complete the Mission, Ministry & Outreach Assessment by Jan. 30!

Outreach Vitality Director Abel Vega is inviting all Rio Texas churches to complete the Mission, Ministry & Outreach Assessment Online Survey. This will help the conference determine who, what, where and how many are participating in your church's outreach ministries. Participate in the survey at riotexas.org/survey Rio Texas Annual Conference.

Click Here to participate in the survey!

News Regarding Bishop Dorff

It was announced this morning that Bishop James E. Dorff has resigned as Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area and the Rio Texas Annual Conference effective December 31, 2015. He will begin a leave of absence immediately.

This is, of course, a very difficult time for the clergy, lay leadership, staff and churches of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. This is a time when we are grateful for the connectional structure of The United Methodist Church. We will be assisted by Bishop Mike McKee, President of the South Central Jurisdictional College of Bishops, as we seek to heal and to move forward in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. With close to 400 churches in Rio Texas, we are working everyday throughout our part of the state to make a difference in our communities. While this is very difficult news for us, we remain steadfast in our desire to bring healing, wholeness and peace, through ministries that feed and clothe the poor, care for children and teach people about the love of God through Jesus Christ.

More information can be found on the website of The United Methodist Church:

Rio Texas Bishop Resigns

We Want Your Photos for Annual Conference 2016!

We are already beginning to plan for the 2016 Rio Texas Annual Conference. Your Agenda Committee, Worship Team and Communications Office have already begun preparing. We need your help!

The theme for Rio Texas Annual Conference 2016 is “We Are Called.”  The phrase is suggestive of the very heart of our discipleship–our identity as those who have been summoned, claimed, equipped and sent by God to be witnesses in the world to God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ.

We would like to illustrate this theme and demonstrate how we are called into ministry in the mission field. We are asking for photographs of church pews in places where ministry happens: food banks, schools, shopping centers, colonias, bus stops, farm fields, wherever the church needs to be to share the Gospel. Be creative, feel free to include people in the images, just don't forget the pew.

If you have a camera and access to a pew, we would love to see what you can do. The attached PDF document will give you some guidelines to follow. We won't necessarily be able to use all the images but, who knows, your image may appear on the big screens at the 2016 Rio Texas Annual Conference, on the cover of a worship bulletin, or on the website.

Deadline Extended! All entries must be received by March 15, 2016.

Click Here to download the guidelines and requirements in PDF Form. 
 

Submit your image here. 

Calling All Clergy: Camp on the Boulder Needs Summer Pastors

Camp on the Boulder is a United Methodist facility in Montana offering groups a place apart for retreat, fun and fellowship.

Last year, Camp on the Boulder in Yellowstone Conference was blessed to host two clergy from Rio Texas conference as part of their new summer chaplaincy program.   

"This opportunity is being offered free of charge to clergy from the wider UMC connection.  Each 2-week session gives participants the opportunity to relax and renew themselves in a way that can be difficult to find elsewhere," said Yellowstone Conference Vital Congregations Director Jeremy Scott. "Food and lodging are included so the only expense is travel to and from our location in Montana."

"Our goal in providing this program is to share in the natural beauty that surrounds our facility in as low cost a way possible.  This is our gift to those who give so much to our churches."

Clergy who choose to participate in the two-week program will be responsible for Sunday morning worship and pastoral care for camp staff. Other requirements may be found on their website here. 

If you are interested in spending two weeks at Camp on the Boulder for the Summer Chaplain program, please contact Steve & Sindy at camp@campontheboulder.org