Inaugural Rio Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Raises $13,000 for Flood Relief
San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) June 19, 2015 -- The Rio Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church raised over $13,000 for flood relief during their inaugural conference held in Corpus Christi on June 11th - 14th. The funds will be utilized to aid victims that were devastated by spring flooding in San Marcos, Wimberley, Blanco, and other areas across the conference.
Approximately 1,500 United Methodist delegates, friends, and church members gathered to witness the historic conference, the first since the Southwest Texas Annual Conference and the Rio Grande Annual Conference voted to unify as the Rio Texas Annual Conference beginning January 1, 2015. San Antonio Episcopal Area Bishop James E. Dorff presided over the four-day meeting.
“The work of United Methodists has been alive and well in this region for well over 150 years,” said Bishop Dorff. “In the midst of transition and this newness of life, one thing has held steady: our purpose … May we never lose sight of our calling. It is what has brought us this far, by God’s grace.”
Worship was at the heart of the gathering. Seven bishops who have strong ties to the former Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences joined Bishop Dorff to lead worship services: Bishop Robert C. Schnase of the Missouri Conference, Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the California-Pacific Conference, Bishop Joel N. Martinez (retired), Bishop Dan E. Solomon (retired), Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher (retired), Bishop J. Michael Lowry of the Central Texas Conference, and Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of the Texas Conference. Bishop Dorff also presided over the ordination of the first elders ordained in the Rio Texas Conference.
“You’ve had the courage to take this step; now lead us. In this fast-growing part of the country, become leaders in starting new congregations,” said Bishop Schnase. “Become leaders in multi-cultural and bi-cultural ministry. Become the leaders in reaching young people. Become the leaders in social justice. We need you to do that for us.”
About:
The Rio Texas Annual Conference aims to reach out to people of South and Central Texas. A region marked by fast-growing communities as well as areas where people are struggling with issues of poverty, lack of affordable housing, and a loss of hope, we are committed to providing vital missions, vital congregations, and strong leaders to connect our churches to the people. For more information please visit riotexas.org and follow us on Twitter @RioTxAC.
Will Rice, Rio Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, +1 210-408-4505, [email protected]
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