Spanish-speaking Congregations Worship Together in Rio Grande Valley

El Ministerio Hispano del Distrito El Valle de la R.T.C. se está dedicando a la labor de impactar con el Evangelio de Jesucristo las vidas de las personas en las comunidades en donde se localizan nuestras iglesias y misiones de habla hispana en el sur de Texas. Es por eso por lo que en este año 2024 se decidió volver a celebrar los cultos unidos una vez al mes. Estos servicios se caracterizan por una atmósfera de profunda comunión espiritual y un sentido palpable de unidad entre los creyentes. Además, ayudan a fortalecer el conexionalismo metodista unido.

Los pastores y los laicos de las diferentes congregaciones alternan sus intervenciones, ya sea dirigiendo momentos de oración o compartiendo cantos especiales. También, un grupo musical dirige la alabanza contemporánea. Generalmente uno de los pastores se encarga de dar el sermón central, abordando termas que llaman a la fe, la esperanza, la consagración y la unidad cristiana. Otra característica de estos cultos es que al final, las personas son llamadas a pasar al altar para hacer una oración por necesidades especificas como la sanidad de enfermos, la reconciliación y la consagración de sus vidas.

Al concluir el culto, el ambiente es de entusiasmo y renovación. Las personas se despiden entre abrazos, comentando los momentos más significativos del servicio y compartiendo palabras de ánimo. Para muchos, estos cultos unidos son no solo una oportunidad de adoración, sino también un espacio para reconectar con amigos y hermanos en la fe que quizás no ven regularmente.

En resumen, los cultos unidos de las iglesias del Valle son una poderosa expresión de fe colectiva, donde la música, la oración y la predicación convergen para crear una experiencia profundamente espiritual, marcada por la unidad y el deseo compartido de acercarse a Dios como una sola comunidad de fe.

Por otro lado, el Valle del Rio Grande es considerada una de las zonas mas pobres en los Estados Unidos. Donde personas indocumentadas viven en casas muy humildes en las colonias. Además, a esto se le suma la situación de los inmigrantes (familias enteras que incluyen niños pequeños) que día a día atraviesan la zona fronteriza.

Debido a esta gran necesidad, unos pastores y laicos se dieron a la tarea de recolectar sacos de arroz y frijoles para ser distribuidos en algunas colonias e instituciones que trabajan con los inmigrantes. También, se ha estado apoyando con estos alimentos a un centro para enfermos terminales (hospice). Entre los meses de julio y agosto 2024 se han distribuido 700 libras de arroz y 200 libras de frijoles. Se espera que estas cifras puedan aumentar debido a que la necesidad es muy grande.

En Cristo Jesús, 

Rev. Carlos L. Zamora

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The Hispanic Ministry of the El Valle District of the Rio Texas Conference is dedicating itself to the work of impacting the lives of people in the communities where our Spanish-speaking churches and missions are located in South Texas with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why in the year 2024 it was decided to celebrate united worship once a month again. These services are characterized by an atmosphere of deep spiritual communion and a palpable sense of unity among believers. Additionally, they help strengthen United Methodist connectionalism.

Pastors and lay people from different congregations alternate their interventions, either leading moments of prayer or sharing special songs. Also, a musical group leads contemporary worship. Generally, one of the pastors is in charge of giving the central sermon, addressing terms that call to faith, hope, consecration and Christian unity. Another characteristic of these services is when people are called to go to the altar to make a prayer for specific needs such as the healing of the sick, reconciliation and the consecration of their lives.

At the end of the service, the atmosphere is one of enthusiasm and renewal. People say goodbye with hugs, commenting on the most significant moments of the service and sharing words of encouragement. For many, these united services are not only an opportunity for worship, but also a space to reconnect with friends and fellow believers they may not see regularly.

In short, the united services of the Rio Grande Valley churches are a powerful expression of collective faith, where music, prayer and preaching converge to create a deeply spiritual experience, marked by unity and the shared desire to draw closer to God as one single community of faith.

On the other hand, the Valley is considered one of the poorest areas in the United States, where undocumented people live in very humble houses in the neighborhoods. Additionally, added to this is the situation of immigrants (whole families that include small children) who cross the border every day.

Due to this great need, some pastors and lay people took on the task of collecting bags of rice and beans to be distributed in some colonias and institutions that work with immigrants. These food donations have been supporting a center for the terminally ill (including hospice). Between the months of July and August 2024, 700 pounds of rice and 200 pounds of beans have been distributed. It is expected that these numbers may increase because the need is so great.

In Christ Jesus,

Rev. Carlos L. Zamora

Cosecha Harvest Program Coaches Hispanic Churches and Leaders

There is much excitement and hope as COSECHA "Harvest" program began this past Saturday, August 24th. This bilingual (Spanish/English) training is for pastors and lay leaders of our Hispanic Churches in the Rio Texas Conference. COSECHA was planned and organized by a group of pastors from the Pastors' Alliance with the support of Las Misiones District. COSECHA is a one-year program that offers training and coaching for the development, creation, strengthening, and revitalization of Hispanic Churches or United Methodist faith communities.

In COSECHA, 38 leaders and pastors from 9 Methodist churches of the Rio Texas Conference were registered (Emanuel - SA, La Trinidad - SA, La Trinidad - Seguin, Pollard Memorial - SA, Westlawn - SA, El Buen Pastor -San Marcos, Trinity UMC - SA, San Pablo Pearsall, and La Divina Trinidad - Uvalde.

After registration we had a beautiful celebration service - with praise, worship, and prayer led by Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto and supported by Rev. Fernanda Casar and Josue Contreras. Our DS Dr. Robert Ortiz supported us by leading the opening prayer of COSECHA. We pray for all the COSECHA's participants, facilitators, and Churches represented that God will work with power and HIS HARVEST will be abundant for the Kingdom of God. Let's sow!

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Hay mucha exaltación y esperanza ya que el pasado sábado, 24 de agosto comenzó el programa COSECHA "Harvest" . Esta capacitación bilingüe( Español/Inglés) es para pastores y líderes laicos de nuestras Iglesias Hispanas de la Conferencia de Rio Texas. COSECHA fue planificada y  organizada por un grupo de pastores y pastoras de la Alianza de Pastores y el apoyo del Distrito de  Las Misiones. COSECHA es un programa de un año donde se ofrece capacitación y adiestramiento para el desarrollo, creación, fortalecimiento y revitalización de  las Iglesias Hispanas o comunidades de fe Metodista Unida.

En COSECHA se registraron 38 lideres y pastores(as) de 9 iglesias metodistas de Rio Texas Conference(Emanuel - SA, La Trinidad - SA, La Trinidad - Seguin, Pollard Memorial - SA, Westlawn - SA, El Buen Pastor -San Marcos, Trinity UMC - SA, San Pablo Pearsall,  and La Divina Trinidad - Uvalde.

Luego del registro tuvimos un hermoso servicio de celebración - con alabanzas, adoración y oración dirigida por el Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto y apoyados por Rev. Fernanda Casar y Josue Contreras. Nuestro DS Dr. Robert Ortiz nos apoyó dirigiendo la oración de inicio de COSECHA. Oramos por todos los participantes de COSECHA, facilitadores  e Iglesias representadas para que Dios obre con poder y su COSECHA sea abundante para el Reino de Dios. ¡A sembrar!     

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Class 1- COSECHA 9/28/24  - Emanuel UMC- SA

Class 2 - COSECHA 10/26/24 - La Trinidad - SA

Class 3 - COSECHA 11/23/24 - La Trinidad - Seguin

Class 4 - COSECHA 1/25/25 - Westlawn - SA

Class 5 - COSECHA 2/22/25 - El Buen Pastor - San Marcos

Class 6 - COSECHA 3/22/25 - La Trinidad - SA

Class 7 - COSECHA 4/26/25 - Emanuel UMC - SA

Class 8 - COSECHA 5/24/25 - La Trinidad - Seguin

Class 9 - COSECHA 8/23/25 - Emanuel UMC - SA

GRADUATION COSECHA - 9/27/25 10am-1pm La Trinidad San Antonio

Blessing Multitudes through Scholarships

A few Sundays ago, John 6:1-13 was read in many faith congregations. It is the story of the multiplication of two fishes and five barley loaves offered by a child to feed five thousand men, not counting the women or children. I can’t picture how this miracle happens, and what the disciple must have said after seeing people sitting and chatting after a great meal. I can only thank God for the abundant blessings He has given His people. 

A few months back, Rio Texas received nine scholarship applications from students across the Conference. In addition to recommendations, signatures, and grades; the applications contained a brief statement about each person’s dreams. Each student described how they serve their community and how the scholarship will help them reach their goals. It reminds me of the child stepping forward and offering what he had, not knowing how God would use it to bless a multitude.

The Scholarship Committee prayed and discerned who would receive the four $500 scholarships. The common expression among the members was that if Rio Texas had enough scholarship funds, the Conference would give more significantly to everyone. It was an exercise of trust in God, and every local church will help us support more students in the future.

This year's Albert & Nancy Wilson Scholarship recipients are Rylan Wayne Marak, FUMC Hallettsville; Leah Heikes, FUMC McAllen; Juliana L Zamora, El Mesias UMC Floresville; and Zaye Louise Beadle, Westlake UMC.

I wonder if the disciples were without words as I am when God’s blessing starts flowing. I received a thank you card from Rylan.

Then, an email from Zaya’s home church, Westlake UMC, describes the Sunday service the whole church experienced when Zaya received the scholarship,“When one of our youths excels in these areas, everyone is deeply moved. The entire body of Christ was uplifted and joined to recognize and applaud Zaye.”

“I do not doubt that Zaye experienced the warmth and love of her church family when presented with the award, and I believe that the experience of positive regard her church demonstrated will live long in her memory. The experience on Sunday morning likely influenced other children and youth in the assembly who, perhaps, caught a glimpse of a future for themselves. I also believe the church family sensed a communal need to continue promoting children and youth because of the hopeful outcomes it can have on their personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. WUMC is forever grateful for the work of the scholarship team and Rio Texas Conference,” said Rev Margot Ann Perez-Green.

All I can do is praise God, first and foremost. I also praise all of you faithful servants who—trusting God—participate in Student Sunday, contribute directly to the Albert & Nacy Wilson Scholarship, or invest time in the lives of youth with the hope that God will multiply what we do together in His name. Join me in congratulating the students mentioned. If you want to learn more about how you, your family, or your church can amplify the Rio Texas scholarship, contact Mrs. Eve Albert.

Written by Rev. Miguel Padilla

A Fresh Expression with an Old Twist

Wimberley UMC Prayer Shawl Ministry is a powerful instrument of God’s compassion for those in need. It started out of the spirit’s prompting and a member’s desire to connect with others. It was only supposed to be a summer endeavor, but it has turned into a true ministry mission that brings hope and joy to those receiving and participating.

The first gathering was held on Thursday, June 1, 2023. They met every Thursday for a total 52 meetings which included 4 outings/socials/lunches. 25 individuals attended throughout the year, 4 were children (2 teenagers, 1 middle school, 1 elementary). Most were learning crochet from scratch. 11 were un-churched or attended other churches. A few others started attending worship at WUMC. One started a Prayer Shawl Group at her church in North Carolina as a result.

This year, The Prayer Shawl Group has made 103 prayer shawls and lap blankets. All have been delivered and wrapped 103 individuals (plus their families) with God’s amazing love, peace, and care.

We are starting our second year with a great blessing—on June 6, 2024 Wimberley UMC presented shawl and lap blankets to 22 Alexis Pointe memory care residents and had lunch together in Wimberley afterwards!

So much love is in every stitch!

WUMC is extremely blessed to have leadership open to the spirit’s movement and talented individuals who serve as faithful disciples to share their caring handiwork and prayers with others. These lap blankets and shawls are an instrument of God’s love, compassion, healing presence and deep care for those in need.

Written by Pastor Susan Rang

WONDERful Love Experience at McAllen First UMC

McAllen First United Methodist Church joined with El Mesias UMC and El Buen Pastor UMC to host WONDERful Love Experience on April 20– a day retreat tailored for adults with special needs. The seeds of this heartwarming event were sown back in November 2023, as our dedicated planning committee—comprised of individuals experienced in working with the special needs community—began their journey.

Thanks to the generous support of the Rio Texas Conference, including grants from The Rio Texas Kingdom Kamp and the El Valle District, our vision blossomed into reality. Participants were treated to a delightful array of activities: cookie decorating, greeting card crafting, wood painting, jewelry making, dancing, and even karaoke – each moment brimming with joy and laughter.

As the day drew to a close, all gathered for a powerful Communion service led by Rev. John Herrin of McAllen FUMC. He reminded us of the boundless love that unites us all. Witnessing the genuine affection and camaraderie shared between volunteers and participants was a true blessing, affirming the transformative power of community.

This event marked a milestone in the Rio Grande Valley as it is the first of its kind, offering a haven of acceptance and compassion for all who attended. Through our ministry, we conveyed a simple yet profound message to participants and their families: You are cherished, you are valued, and above all, you are loved unconditionally by God.

We offer our deepest gratitude to our remarkable volunteers. Your dedication and kindness made this day of wonder possible, leaving an imprint on the hearts of those you served. As we reflect on the profound impact of this experience, let us carry forward its spirit of love and inclusivity, knowing that through our actions we have touched lives and spread hope.

Written by Andrea Ibanez at McAllen First UMC

Travis Park Church Green Team Celebrates Earth Day

The Travis Park Green Team’s Mission is to find ways that we as a church can reduce our impact on the environment and educate one another, thereby creating a larger impact on our church and the world. In Genesis 2:15, humans were placed in the Garden of Eden and instructed to ‘work it and take care of it’. In other words, God has given us the responsibility to act as stewards of his creation – to care for, manage, oversee, and protect all that God owns.

Earth Day is just one day. On Sunday April 21, 2024 we celebrated the Earth by Plant Sales and Educational information shared with our community. We are called every day to think how the things we do affect our planet and the future for our children. These are a few of the Green Team goals:

1. Recycling: The Green Team has prioritized recycling and have their sights set on a commercial recycling bin. Many members have been taking the recycling home every week, which is unsustainable over the long term. With a church campus of our size, an industrial container with a regular pickup schedule will result in a more efficient and widely used recycling program.

2. LED Lighting: LED bulbs are bright, last longer, and most importantly, they consume less energy!

3. Education: The Green Team is asking the congregation to do some soul-searching and look at how everyone can adopt a “cleaner” way to Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair. Please read some of the information below.

4. Green Building Materials: With the building repairs and construction on the horizon, the Green Team’s goals are finding ‘green’ building materials from local sources, reducing loads and optimizing systems, and generating on-site renewable energy.

5. Renewable Energy:  Creating energy efficiency within the building is a worthy goal and will help the Travis Park Church continue another 175 years for our children and the future missions of the Church.

Please Feel free to check out the QR code with many informative articles and website that will help us all care for our planet better. 

https://travispark.org/greenteam/

Blessing Donna Clark and the Green Team at Travis Park United Methodist Church.

Bethel UMC Honors 51st Miss Black San Antonio Scholarship Pageant

The Bethel United Methodist Church Congregation was blessed with a very inspirational service for March Women’s History Observation. Glenetta Bierria, our family church member, was honored for her passion and vision in conducting her fifty-first Miss Black San Antonio Scholarship Pageant.

Bierria explained the foundation of the pageantry platform is to strengthen the self-confidence of young African American females and to encourage them to pursue meaningful career goals.

The training steps for participating in the pageant consists of a six-week practicum. It involves Speech, Marketing Skills, Wardrobe, Modeling, Protocol and Talent coaching.

Most importantly, the ambitious young contestants acquire an appreciation for their African American Heritage during the memorable Black History Month.

The pageant theme this year is “Five Diamonds In The Sky”. Namely these local African American Legends are Artemisia Bowden (St. Phillips College), Hattie Elam Briscoe (St. Mary’s University of Law Graduate), Ella Austin (Orphanage Home Provider), Hazel Miller (1st Black Childhood Day Care) and Jessie Mae Hicks (1st Black Vocational Beauty School).

The African American Community Awareness Projects (AACAP) Group express heartfelt appreciation to Bethel United Methodist Church for giving a performance opportunity to Dara Mack, Miss Black San Antonio Goodwill Ambassador and Ma’Aliyah Myers, Miss Eminence.

Let it be known, a job well done made this event a success with the blessings of Rev. Carolyn Pittman and the excellent coordination skills of Michelle Russell-Burke and Lauren Armwood.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Making New Old Friends at Mid-Winters

I love Puzzles. I am drawn to them because every piece is similar and different at the same time. I must sit and contemplate multiple times with the piece that I am so sure fits in a particular place is the right one. Each piece plays a critical part in the whole picture. 

The Rio Texas Conference hosted three Mid-Winters in the first two months of 2024. The first one was the Capital District on January 12 – 14.  The theme was “God Seeks after your heart and Know your worth.” On February 16 – 18, Las Misiones and Coastal Bend/El Valle hosted their camp. Las Misiones had theirs at Twin Oaks, Buda, TX. Their theme was “Jesuspalooza,” celebrating Jesus and his redemptive love for all of us. He frees us, and now we can help others to be free by sharing Jesus’ love. Coastal Bend/El Valle gathered at Camp Zephyr, Sandia TX. Their theme was “Under Pressure,” with the weight of fulfilling the expectations from family, school, friends, and sports (and our own expectations)—being lifted up by Jesus, who offers his love and his hope to live an abundant life in him. 

I give thanks to God and celebrate the leadership of Rev. Ryan Jensen in Capital District, Isabella Lopez in Las Misiones, and Pastor Philip Higginbotham/ Pastor Todd Johns in Coastal Bend/El Valle District, who gather and coordinate the gifts of many youth pastors and Pastors to have a wonderful camp in their respective Districts. I celebrate that in all three camps, new churches experienced hospitality and love from leaders and students. I was filled with joy when I sat with churches participating for the first time after the pandemic. New churches from our conference reconnected with the district and now are planning to be part of future summer camps. I celebrate the multiple gifts that came to the table when youth from various-sized congregations came to pray, play, and make new friends—as if the puzzle is revealing the work of God in our midst.  

We need all the pieces to admire the beauty we usher when all gather to praise God and offer our gifts. I am filled with joy and expectation to see what else God will reveal in our conference as the Youth connect and learn from one another. For more pictures, you can visit The Rio Texas Conference Facebook to see each camp’s pictures. 

Re-start Church “Experiment” Begins

Rio Texas Conference had 9 churches who had a unique experience in 2023: they entered disaffiliation discernment, voted, more than 50% voted to leave (and most have actually left), but they did not reach the 67% and remained United Methodist (one more church joins this group in 2024).

These 9 churches were invited to join in a Re-start Experiment. They gathered in-person to begin learning about what the experiment offers: learning about neighboring and new church start techniques, outreach, marketing, transforming community network, coaching, etc.

While many of these churches need immediate needs, this will be a three-year experiment with benchmarks that need to be met. We started our time on Saturday, January 13 and January 20 recognizing that God is doing a new thing, and we need eyes to see and the courage to join God’s work.

Rev. Kendall Waller, Rev. Ray Altman, Abel Vega, and Rev. Bob Clark joined me, Karen Horan, to pray and teach and offer coaching as we kicked off this experiment. Join in praying for this experiment and these churches in this unique situation: FUMC Elgin, Bee Creek UMC, La Trinidad Laredo, FUMC Mason, FUMC Hilda, Island in the Son, FUMC Devine, Bethany Austin, St. Luke San Angelo, and in 2024 La Vernia UMC.

Small Step Toward Racial Justice

What does it mean to work toward racial justice? We can all acknowledge the evils of racism and the impact it has had and continues to have on our country. It is another thing to take a careful look at our own lives and see the places where injustice has occurred and do something to change that. 

The Laurel Heights UMC Chancel Choir recently did just that. They examined their practices using works from the African American sacred music tradition, which has richly blessed us. They decided that each time we use music from this tradition in worship, a donation will be made to a scholarship fund at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in acknowledgment of the ways that the original creators of African American sacred music have been denied credit and compensation for these works. (You can read their full statement Music with a Mission below.)  

First UMC in Austin plans to adopt this initiative. Pastor Lisa Straus is working to bring this effort to the attention of others within our district and conference as well. Others can take part by making a designated gift online or through the offering plate. Thank you to the choir for leading us! 

Music with a Mission 

Music from the Black Church, which includes gospel and spiritual songs and hymns, is found in the United Methodist and other Christian hymnals. These traditional works are sung universally across Christian churches and have been mainstreamed for decades. Singing these pieces has multiple effects: maintaining appreciation for the genre; celebrating the many unknown Black composers and musicians who created the songs, (many dating back to the slave era); and preserving African American music in connection with other movements in global music. 

Music of African descent provides the building block of all American music. When a choir or instrumental ensemble presents gospel or spiritual works, they must honor the style and context of the period from which the work originated and present the piece in the most authentic way possible, while respecting its origins and background story. The Laurel Heights U.M.C. Chancel Choir strives to prepare authentic renditions, with the assistance of legitimate choral arrangers, to enhance the Christian experience via a Global Music Ministry perspective. 

Unlike other hymns and worship music, songs from the Black Church were not published until after the names of their creators were long forgotten if they were ever even known. 

In recognition of this reality, whenever we sing gospel and spiritual songs and hymns at LHUMC, we will begin the practice of contributing ‘royalties’ in an offering that will support the development of young Black musicians. 

For this season, these royalties will support the Dr. Gloria Quinlan Endowed Scholarship fund at Huston-Tillotson University, an H.B.C.U. in Austin, Texas that is affiliated with both the United Methodist and the United Church of Christ. Dr. Quinlan grew up in Houston and began sharing her musical gifts with churches there throughout her youth. She earned degrees from Texas Southern University (B.A.), Colorado State (M.Mus.), and the University of Texas at Austin (D.M.A.) While teaching at Huston-Tillotson, Dr. Quinlan remained committed to the Black Church and worked as the Minister of Music at Ebenezer Baptist. 

If you wish to join LHUMC in contributing royalties, please use the envelopes in the pews and mark your donation as a contribution to the Dr. Quinlan Scholarship Fund. You may also contribute through the LHUMC website donation page 

https://www.laurelheights.org/give/. 

Written by Katie Myers

Facing the Future

The holiday season is here: Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. Many people are traveling from one corner of the country to another. Many times, this creates stress and anxiety. People get so worried preparing for the holidays. Instead of a time to be and connect with one another, Christmastime becomes a busy time.

The General Council Of Religion and Race (GCORR) perceives we are living in a similar situation across our denomination, and I see this too. This is because multiple conferences are in the process of disaffiliation. Others are trying to forecast what will happen at General Conference, Jurisdictional Conference, and Annual Conference. Many local churches are figuring out the new normal. We are letting ourselves be consumed by speculations and uncertainty. This is multiplying among pastors or congregations with cross-cultural appointments. I am glad GCORR put Facing the Future 2023 together. I enjoyed this meeting as it offered multiple opportunities to Being, Belonging and Becoming. 

I arrived early in the morning on November 14 to Atlanta International Airport. I connected with diverse pastors from other conferences. The GCORR did not offer transportation, but a few pastors created a chat to connect with others before the event. We carpooled and shared some lunch together to get to know one another. We shared bread and personal stories. I learned that one pastor from Haiti was creating an inner-city hub for a gentrified neighborhood. They are hosting multiple services for poor and affluent people to connect and belong. Another pastor from Korea was serving a two-point charge appointment—one church is an African American and Latino church, the second is an Anglo/predominantly white church. She shared her experience growing up in Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots. Her family had a business that was destroyed by an angry mob. They lost everything, but through a long process of healing she is now serving a community who loves her and supports her ministry. It was not easy, but she continues making time to listen and learn.  

Another opportunity the participants of the event had was to have Rev. Dr. Kendrick Weaver lead us in a scripture exegesis and a creative devotional to add to our toolbox. He shared with us the meaning of the Hebrew word “Hinneni,” which means “Here I am,” or “I am,” an acknowledgment that you are somebody worthy and someone important is calling your attention. We explored the difference between “Hinne,” “Hinneni,” and “Hinnenu.” He used multiple biblical passages as an example. The passage we studied thoroughly was 1 Samuel 3:2-9, focusing on verse 9. He explained that Samuel’s “hinneni” is in verse 9 only and it is not passive; it is an active verb. He used a practical illustration to ensure we understood this better. He said, “we cannot answer a phone call unless we pick up the phone, press talk, and engage in the conversation.” According to Dr. Weaver, the story of Samuel in a way represents our call. God never stops calling us because we are worthy to Him, but we sometimes misplace our listening. Rather than making space to listen to God’s voice, we misplace our Hinneni in other people, in what we do, or in validation that we seek from others in ministry. Dr. Weaver drilled the importance of placing our “Hinneni” into God and God alone: He loves us because “We are,” and we don’t have to do anything else. We do not have to perform or produce anything to be called and loved by God. Then, Dr. Weaver led us on a creative way to use what we have learned as a spiritual practice. First, he taught us how to handwrite the word, in Hebrew, and while we wrote, we repeated the word, focusing on the word more than just the calligraphy. Dr. Weaver asked us to draw the image that came to our minds. The second practice was meditation, using it as a mantra or chanting the word. It was a meaningful time because all participants experienced the importance of being present—a critical part of being and listening for God and one another—according to Dr. Weaver.

During the three days we had time to play network Bingo, share conversations during meals, participate in different workshops, and worship together in various languages and musical styles. It was a gathering to celebrate diversity, uplift the gifts of everyone and gave us a glimpse of what it could be when everyone does Belong and Become. A small group of pastors and lay people from Rio Texas had the opportunity to connect with pastors from all over the country. I give thanks to God for the opportunity to attend the event. I give a high-five to the team who prayerfully put the event together, and I celebrate every person I met during this time. It has been a reminder of the importance of being, listening, and being present to be faithful to God’s call that has been placed in my life and to celebrate the call of every person I encounter.

A Time of Prophetic Leadership at Shalom Summit 2023

Members of the faithful gathered at Travis Park Church in downtown San Antonio for the 2nd Annual Shalom Summit on October 20-21. Rev. Bob Clark of the Transforming Communities Network facilitated the two-day conference with breakout sessions and plenaries on peacemaking and anti-violence.  

Austin St. Mark UMC Head Pastor Ashley Cuellar Valenzuela started with opening worship to set the tone. She described her experiences trying to head start homeless or migration ministries despite some resistance.  

“I’ve seen God do the work of Shalom that is mind-blowing,” said Valenzuela. “I think the spirit is doing really awesome work. We get the opportunity to look outside and see what spirit is doing and join that spirit.”  

The first and second plenaries were spearheaded by Rev. Dr. Fred Smith where he emphasized that we live in times of prophetic leadership.  

“Jesus said to read the signs of the times, and that requires imagination,” said Smith. “What does Shalom mean? It means how God intended the world to be whole. Shalom is taking God’s fire and—boom—sticking it to the ground and creating life and wholeness.”  

Shane Claiborne, founder of The Simple Way of Philadelphia and author of Beating Guns, spoke at the final two plenaries. He started his activism after witnessing someone die on the footsteps of his home from a gunshot wound. He pointed out that, after consoling the victim’s mother, God knows what grief feels like because He lost His son Jesus to violence.  

“God felt the absence of God,” said Claiborne. “We can imagine as people of faith things can be different. It doesn’t have to be this way.”  

Claiborne uses the power of transformation by turning donated guns into metal art and crafts. He even wears a cross made from a gun barrel. Other crafted items include a shovel and a hand trowel.  

“I tell my evangelical friends ‘This is what a gun looks like when it gets born again!’ One of the promises of scripture is that all things can be made new. Metal that has been crafted to kill can be reimagined. Hearts that have created harm are more than the worst thing that they’ve ever done.”

Travis Park Church is one of several host sites for “Vidas Robadas” Gun Violence Awareness Installation, open to the public from 11 am-1 pm on Wednesdays through November 15th. Travis Park Church is serving as one of many host sites for Vidas Robadas (Taken Lives), an installation of t-shirts that honors lives stolen by gun violence.

This installation is in partnership with local groups such as COPS Metro, and Austin-based interfaith advocacy group Texas Impact. 

Over 2,700 Bexar County residents have died from gun violence related incidents since 2018, and 250 of those lives are represented at Travis Park Church through t-shirts.

Kingdom Kamp Reunion 2023 Video

United Methodist & Women's Suffrage Activist Jovita Idar Minted on U.S. Quarter→

Read UMNS article

Members of the San Antonio community gathered at the UTSA Downtown Campus located on the city’s historic westside to celebrate the minting of Jovita Idar on a U.S. quarter on Thursday, September 14. Members of the U.S. mint contributed to a roundtable hosted by UTSA and members of Jovita’s family, as well as Retired Bishop Joel Martínez. 

Jovita Idar was a civil rights advocate, journalist, and a political activist that focused on empowering Mexican-American women to engage in politics during the Mexican Revolution. She brought awareness to women’s suffrage in the dawn of the 20th century. She included her family in much of her political activism.  

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth A. Lopez and Martha L. Aki were great nieces of Jovita and recounted memories of their mother’s discussions with Jovita.  

“I think we found that strength in the stories that my cousins and I heard from our mothers. Her commitment to The United Methodist Church’s values of personal and social holiness prepared a way for me to confront the patriarchal constraints and racism that exists within the UMC,” said Dr. Lopez. “Her inherit strengths to keep me going when I wanted to quit gave me and other Hispanic women the experience of ministry in cross-racial appointments. The commitment of her faith was an undercurrent for everything she did: not only with her family but also with La Trinidad UMC. 141 years later, the first woman was appointed to La Trinidad UMC – Raquel Feagins. My Tía Jovita would be excited and applaud.”  

Aki recalled that even though they were not born during Jovita’s life, their mother would sneak-in and listen to Jovita’s political discussions with her family.  

“We were able to hear those stories because my mom and Aunt Evangelin got behind chairs and sofas and listen to the stories. We got those stories firsthand from our mom – a strong, passionate, and determined family.”  

Jovita’s activism was supported by her numerous brothers.  

“It was just Jovita and the boys—all her brothers. She was an advocate for women’s rights because she was supported by her brothers to be that woman,” said Aki. “She was encouraged to study, get out there and write articles for La Crónica. For the dads out there: What you tell your little girl is extremely important. Not just the women, but the men were supportive of women’s rights.” 

Bishop Joel Martínez reminded the spectators in the crowded lecture hall to be like Jovita: do not limit yourself to what others expect of you.  

“We have a tendency to confine and assign roles,” said Martínez. “Don’t be defined by those who want to limit you, be defined by the Creator who gave you all the gifts that you have and sense and explore them. That will take you to places where you don’t want to go sometimes, even when your family is aghast about you. In 1956 women were authorized to preach in UMC, and some of their families were aghast! But they wanted to go into preaching. I would raise that up for us to ponder: do not limit your children—boys or girls—to what you think is their probable potential path to the future. Pray them into a freedom that might take them all the way to a place where you don’t want to see them go, but that God will be with them there.” 

Associate Professor of UTSA Dr. Gabriela Gonzalez is working on a second book about the life of Jovita Idar.  

“Jovita would teach through example. The way she dressed and talked, handled herself in public. She talked with gravitas. She was a mentor, teacher, and friend. She was nurturing but also firm and could call you out. People admired all her gifts and talents with humility. The human dignity was oozing out of her.”  

Rev. Miguel Padilla was part of the Rio Texas Conference delegation that was in attendance.  

“I was happy to hear the U.S. Mint’s efforts to be more inclusive. It is affirming how important it is to bring stories of women who look like my sisters and mother. Jovita’s story led me to see that we need everyone’s ideas and voices to create a community where everyone is welcome. It also breaks the stereotype of the silent woman. We need the female perspective and leadership to create new models, systems, and way to do things.” 

More information can be found at jovitaidar.utsa.edu 

Summer to Remember

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I know the title of this article sounds like a movie flick or a new series on one of the popular streaming platforms. It is how I describe the Summer of 2023 because of the multiple celebrations we had in the Rio Texas Conference. The title is not because of the scorching temperatures we endured across Texas (even though we broke the record of most consecutive days with triple digit temperatures). I want to focus on the celebrations from this summer.

We welcomed the season with the Rio Texas Annual Conference. Many people were happy to be back at Corpus Christi after four years. I was excited because, thanks to the leadership of Rev. Nohemi Ramirez’s sponsorship and collaboration from multiple pastors, a resolution acknowledging the 150th anniversary of Mexican and Mexican American Methodism was composed and presented. The resolution was read during the plenary session and received by all delegates with a joyous and celebratory tone. Later the same day, Kelsey Memorial UMC in Corpus Christi hosted a dinner. Not only was the dinner important because of the presence of Bishop Robert Schnase and Retired Bishop Joel Martinez, but Kelsey was the first Hispano-Latino church in the Corpus Christi-area.  

The event was possible because of the initiative, collaboration, and support from La Trinidad UMC San Antonio and Kelsey Memorial UMC. Thank you, pastors, leaders and everyone involved in all details. Bishop Martinez read to us about some important events and figures who set milestones of the Mexican and Mexican American methodism history. Bishop Martinez reminded us of the valuable contribution of Mexican and Mexican American lay and clergy leaders to the faith community of the Mexico-Texas area and to the general church.  

We sang the Metodista Anthem. Mariachis delighted all participants with traditional songs and many other popular coritos or worship songs. Everyone sang, tasted delicious food, and enjoyed fellowship with diverse peoples. For me, this was a great time to hear of our story and the contribution of many saints to renew our strength and continue our journey. These events reminded me that I am part of the great cloud of witnesses, celebrating our diversity.

Unfortunately, a few weeks after the celebration at Kelsey, we witnessed another type of celebration. We celebrated the transition of Rev. Edgar Avitia into the triumphant church. He was a key participant in the celebration at Kelsey a few weeks before his passing. He contributed and wrote a portion of what Bishop Martinez read at Kelsey. On July 2, family and friends gave thanks for the life of Rev. Avitia. He gave witness to The United Methodist Church and to many Wesleyan churches in Latin America. His passion to share stories and build bridges with many Iglesias Metodistas across America led him to create many friendships everywhere he went. He served well in his ministry and promoted a love for hearing our true story. Rest in the presence of our Mighty God, brother Edgar Avitia.

We closed the summer with a massive gathering at La Trinidad UMC San Antonio. Rev. Raquel and John Feagins extended an invitation to the Hispanic caucus in the Methodist church, Mestodistas Asociados por la Causa Hispano-Latina en América (MARCHA). The MARCHA executive committee gathered about 200 Pastors and lay leaders from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered for their Annual Assembly, celebrating its 51th anniversary and continuing the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of Methodism in Mexico for Mexican Americans.  

Prior to the event, multiple pastors and lay members from San Antonio, San Marcos, Seguin, and Floresville worked together to make this event possible; some were part of worship while others welcomed and lead people throughout the event. A few others helped as translators and others invited people to volunteer to decorate and serve. It was a true collaboration to represent the Rio Texas Conference and the South-Central Jurisdiction with honor and smile to all visitors.  

The Main theme of the gathering this year was “Somos Metodistas, Somos MARCHA, Somos” (We are Methodist, we are MARCHA, We are). The time together was meaningful. First and foremost, it was the first time coming back together after 3 years of online events and workshops. La Trinidad’s Gym was like a popular market filled with sounds, colors, laughs and fiesta from beginning to end. The president of MARCHA lifted up in prayer those who are struggling, like our migrant communities at the border seeking asylum, and those in our country who are mistreated or in the shadows: victims of gun violence and families who mourn their loved ones; and the silencing of Bishop Minerva Carcaño. We mourn the loss of Rev. Edgar and his legacy in MARCHA, Latin America, and his ministry. There is no easy way to face difficult times, but they are less painful when we know God is with us and we have hermanas y hermanos supporting us in prayers and in our community.

We had the presence of six United Methodist Bishops, and Bishop Lizette Gabriel Montano, the first female Bishop in Puerto Rico. MARCHA hosted a banquet where Rep. Delia Ramirez was the speaker of the night. She shared her testimony of being a daughter of an immigrant mother from Guatemala. She encourages us to walk with courage knowing that God’s grace is with us. She never thought she would be running for congress in Illinois, let alone win an election. She recalled that many times people at her job reminded her that she does not belong in Congress, but her faith and love for her people or “mi gente” as she said, gave her strength to walk with her chin up, because God and her people would be walking with her into those places designed to keep her out. She was an inspiration for all participants. Her local United Methodist Church instilled in her the passion to show her faith through actions, helped her to find her voice to speak for those without voice, and to seek human rights for all of God’s children.  

We had the opportunity to hear, debate, amend, and create proposals for the General Conference. In this exercise, I was reminded that we are in different places, theologically and culturally. We did debate for some time and came to an agreement in a respectful way knowing that all of us are valuable and sought to honor each other’s position. It was a wonderful time to have an open conversation about issues that we did not always agree upon. But if we listen and have empathy for one another, we can hear each other’s heart. Bishop Joel Martinez was not able to be physically present but he shared in a video message the significant events in the 150 years of Mexican and Mexican-American Methodism that inspired many to continue the journey.  

These are a few of the reasons that lead me to say this was a summer to remember. It made me think of Isaiah 52:7-8. It is good to hear good news, shouts of joy from those who bring good tides. We are living difficult and transitional times and I need Good News to keep me grounded and keep me from becoming cynical. These events refresh my faith and confidence that God continues calling us to bring life to places that sometimes show nothing but death. Thank you to all lay leaders and fellow pastors who seek to build God’s kingdom wherever you set foot.

Meeting New People in New Places: VBS in the Park

Young children and their families doing the boat race at the Recreation Station.

Children making a Love Your Neighbor snack mix at the Snack Station.

A view of some of the stations under the pavilion.

Children making a tie dye cross reveal craft at the Craft Station.

Trying new things can be scary. Trying new things outdoors in the middle of Texas summer is even scarier. But we knew we had to do something different after a traditional Vacation Bible School last year with low attendance. Kyle United Methodist Church is a small church in a rapidly growing area with lots of children and families.

In 2022, we were just coming off the pandemic, but our VBS attendance was drastically lower than in years past. We looked at factors that might have contributed to the low attendance and realized that we needed to meet people where they are instead of asking new people to come to our location—a location they were not familiar with.

Vacation Bible School in the Park was born! We decided to do a rotation style vacation bible school at a local park. We rented the pavilion across from the pool and next to the playground (hooray, shade!) for three Sunday evenings.

Families traveled from station-to-station together listening to bible stories, making crafts, doing science experiments, recreational activities, mission projects, and more! We were able to meet so many people (not just kids, but their guardians too!) from our community in a safe and familiar environment for the families. We were very pleased with our turnout, almost quadrupling the attendance from last year!

We continued relationships during the week through an email newsletter that included a devotional and invitation to next week’s VBS. Each week was a different scripture, story, and activity; all under the theme of Peace, Love and Jesus (which related to our crazy tie dye shirts that we became known for in Kyle). At the end of VBS, we invited the families back to the church for a Sunday evening closing celebration–indoors! We even fit a giant bounce house in the Family Life Center. We received great feedback from our closing celebration. New families started attending worship in the weeks following VBS.

Coming up with new ideas is easy, but getting support for your ideas is another story. I was so grateful for my pastor, Rev. Kallie Green, for her enthusiasm and encouragement for my crazy idea. To our surprise, our church was right behind us, helping us the whole way, even in over 100-degree weather!

We are thankful to the New People, New Places grant for providing us the funds to really “go big” for our first Vacation Bible School in the Park and make a lasting impression in our community. We plan to continue our community outreach events and look forward to planning next year’s Vacation Bible School in the Park.

If you’re interested in applying for the New People, New Places grant, there is one final grant cycle for 2023 with an October 26 deadline.

Written by Alissa Villarreal, Children’s and Youth Ministry Director, Kyle United Methodist Church