Rio Texas Announces Coastal Bend Case Manager

The Rio Texas Conference is proud to announce the addition of Kimberly White to the UMCOR Case Manager team. She will be working mostly in the Alice and Robstown areas of the Coastal Bend District. Those areas suffered tornado damage in May 2015.

Ms. White is responsible for identifying and prioritizing disaster cases. She was trained at the UMCOR Case Management Training Session at Grace UMC in Corpus Christi. She has already started several home visits and establishing a system.

Ms. White was born in Uvalde and raised on farms in Crystal City and Mathis. She has a lineage of grandparents that helped start First United Methodist Church in Mathis.

We Need Your Help Replenishing Flood Buckets Supply

The Rio Texas Disaster Response Team exhausted the Bishop Joel and Dr. Raquel Martinez Disaster Response Center of its supply of flood buckets. 

1,089 flood buckets were sent to East Texas to help flood victims near the Sabine River. 

We need to prepare for the next disaster. Please gather the materials for flood buckets and donate them to your local church. Click Here for Flood Bucket assembly instructions. 

"We need flood buckets for the hurricane season, as well as the summer and spring flood seasons," said Disaster Response Coordinator Eugene Hileman. "We are completely out of flood buckets."

Churches can drop off flood buckets at the Conference Office at 16400 Huebner Road. San Antonio, Texas. 78248. 

You may also drop-off flood buckets at the Martinez Disaster Response Center in Kerrville. Please make prior arrangements with Mr. Hileman first by emailing him at aehileman@riotexas.org

Flood Bucket donations will be accepted at this year's Rio Texas Annual Conference in Corpus Christi, June 9-12. 

If you wish to volunteer for Disaster Response, sign up for ERT Training. There are two upcoming training dates: April 9 at University UMC in San Antonio and April 16 at Asbury UMC in Corpus Christi. Click Here to sign-up for ERT Training. 

Harry Denman Evangelism Award: nominations due by May 1, 2016

Harry Denman was once described by a bishop as the kind of man who could carry the flag at the head of the parade and at the same time beat the drum, setting the cadence for the march. His leadership in evangelism was unique as was his personal life and witness. He was one who went up to persons and always held out his hand, saying, "Where do you preach?" His friendship encircled the world, and he was at home in a variety of settings.

Harry Denman was a layman who had the gift of making people want to listen whether he was speaking with one person or to a multitude. He was a person who never accepted "no" as final. He sought to try that which others thought could not be done, and he succeeded.

Love for the Lord and his fellow human beings was the keynote of his life. He stood for many things that are today coming to pass, but were not popular causes in his own day: the equality of persons regardless of sex, nationality, or race; simplicity of lifestyle, disregard of false values of materialism; and a search for the true values of life taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Harry Denman was truly a "fisher of all persons." He sought to lead the Board of Evangelism into wide presentations of the Gospel to reach people. His personal dedication forced him to follow Christ totally, and he sought to lead others to have what he had: total commitment to a life of faith. He told it like it was as best as he understood it. He did not hesitate to give answers to the tough questions of personal faith, nor did he fail to admit his own personal weakness and frequently asked another person to "pray for me."

To meet Harry Denman was to feel the force of his personality and to be challenged by it. The impact of his spiritual and physical presence is not easily forgotten. He moved tirelessly, confidently, dedicated to one objective: to witness for the Lord, Jesus Christ. When he was part of a group, whether with colleagues or strangers, businessmen or politicians, the conversation was shifted by Harry to the Bible, prayer, and the Risen Lord whom he sought continually to serve. He commanded attention by his dedication and singleness of purpose.

For these reasons, each year the Rio Texas Conference seeks to honor one clergy person, one lay person, and one youth whose lives exemplify the spirit and dedication of Harry Denman with the Denman Evangelism Award. If you know persons who reflect the singleness of purpose in reaching persons for Jesus Christ that was exemplified by Harry Denman, please submit a nomination for those persons: clergy, laity, youth.

The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program honors United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word (what), Sign (why), and Deed (how) – brings people into a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and requires relationship among a variety of persons.   What distinguishes a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is the commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ in all ministry settings.  Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ Followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey.

Nomination Process

Annual Conferences receive all nomination forms and select annual award recipients.  Please do not send nomination forms to The Foundation for Evangelism.  

Rio Texas Harry Denman Evangelism Award Deadline is May 1. Please send your nomination forms to Shelly Kennerdell at skennerdell@riotexas.org

If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Kennerdell, Mission Vitality Office. 

• Nomination Form
• Who was Harry Denman?

Update: Mount Wesley User Survey Closed

We are no longer accepting survey responses at this time. Thank you for your participation and interest. 

From Bill Knobles, President, Rio Texas Conference Board of Trustees

Dear Friends:

The Board of Trustees of the Rio Texas Conference is tasked with the oversight of Mt. Wesley. We have been diligently working this past year to assess the property and then plan repairs and improvements that will facilitate ministry over the long term.   It will be enormously helpful if you would take some of your valuable time to complete this survey. We need to establish some baselines for the property and there is no better way to do so than to ask the people who have most recently used Mt. Wesley.

Not everyone will have had the same experience and that makes it important that we please get as many responses to this survey as possible. It is also important that you be candid with your answers. We want to hear the good and the not so good. If you want to send the questionnaire in anonymously, that is fine with us. At the end of the survey, we will ask for optional contact information if you are willing to allow us to contact you for further discussion.   

We thank you in advance for your help. The Trustees are absolutely committed to the restoration of Mt. Wesley, and the preservation of the traditions and the ministries that Mt. Wesley is known for. Your response will certainly help us do so.  We ask that you share this email with others. 

Please click here to access the Mt. Wesley User Survey

Blessings,

Bill Knobles
President
Rio Texas Conference Board of Trustees

New Assistant Director of Intergenerational Discipleship Selected

After much prayer and discernment, the Rio Texas Annual Conference Mission Vitality Center is proud to announce our selection of our newest member, Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace as the Assistant Director of Intergenerational Discipleship.  Dr. Eustace is an ordained deacon in the Rio Texas Conference and currently serves as Director, Children and Intergenerational Ministries at Discipleship Ministries (formerly known as the General Board of Discipleship). Bishop Janice Riggle Huie appointed her to this new position beginning on July 1. Dr. Eustace will be serving the District Strategy Teams to assist them in their ministries with children, youth and adults. Her first assignment is to meet individuals and to understand the needs of each district and its churches.

As a native Texan, Tanya was born in Houston and grew up in Midland. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Music and Religion from Austin College in Sherman, TX. She attained a Masters of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Tanya received her doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Children's spirituality was her research focus. She has 19 years of experience as a Christian Educator and Minister to Children and Families in the local church. 

When Tanya is not at work, she can be found spending time with her Portuguese Water Dog, Bela Esperança (beautiful hope). Tanya and Bela are working together to become a certified therapy dog team so that Bela can join Tanya in ministry. 

Tanya also spends a lot of her free time outside–experiencing God’s beautiful creation. Running, cycling and yoga help keep Tanya connected to God. She also enjoys personal meditation, prayer, and her time with beloved friends and family. Tanya has completed three marathons and a Bike MS 150-mile ride. Tanya believes that God is actively present in the lives of all people and enjoys discovering God in every life moment. 

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.”