A WORD FROM DS REV. ANDY SMITH

I Wanna See You Be Brave

Few things inspire me like music does. Lately I’ve been watching the official music video for the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. In the video, several people dance, each one by themselves in a public place like a shopping mall, gym, bus stop or sidewalk. Most of the dancers appear to be ordinary folks, not professional performers, dancing without inhibition – dancing like no one is watching.

Of course, someone is watching. Each one has set up a phone or camera to record themselves, and there are bystanders nearby watching them. As the song progresses, some of the bystanders begin to interact or dance with our main dancers. I think my favorite is a guy dancing in a library who is joined by a young woman seated nearby.

I want to dance like that. It sounds crazy to hear myself say it, because I seldom dance at all. But they look like they are having so much fun being brave and dancing in public.

Of course, most inspiring are the words themselves:

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live;

Maybe one of these days you can let the light in,

Show me how big your brave is.

Say what you want to say,

Let the words fall out honestly.

I wanna see you be brave!

I wonder what inspires you to be brave. Is it a song? a passage of Scripture? a hero from your past or present? Is it the desire to protect your family? your home? Is it love or faith?

I am challenging myself to be brave in these difficult days; to let the words fall out honestly (but also kindly). Who’s with me? Let’s dance like no one is watching. Let’s sing songs of hope and joy. Let’s love everyone like Christ loves.

Peace,

Andy

Local Church Report to the Annual Conference

(aka End-of-Year report)

It's that time of year again! Information from the Rio Texas Conference regarding End-of-Year Reports has been sent to all senior pastors along with log-in information. The instructions have been revised so please take time to read and review.

Data must be entered online at https://umcdata.net/ChurchReporting. THE WEBSITE IS NOW OPEN FOR DATA ENTRY through midnight TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023. We encourage you to get your reports entered a few days before the deadline. 

If you haven’t received an email from Jill with your user name (your 6-digit GCFA number) and password (your 4-digit Rio Texas Conference church number), please contact the district office.

JOYS AND CONCERNS

• Our sympathy to Rev. Jay Cooper (Violet Crown City Church) and wife Jennifer on the death of Jennifer’s father.
• Continued prayers for District Treasurer, Marvin Morgenroth, who has been hospitalized.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

TMF - 2023 Tax Seminars

Coming in February 2023, TMF will be offering seminars for clergy and church staff or laity participating in the financial management of their local church. 3 options for participation: in person in Houston and Austin, as well as a virtual for the Austin session (Feb. 16). 

Feb. 16, 2023, Austin TX/Virtual

Clergy Tax Session

9 AM - 11 AM

2 Credit Hours of CPE

Feb. 16, 2023, Austin TX/Virtual

Church Finance

12 PM - 4 PM

4 Credit Hours of CPE

Note: Deadline for Austin/Virtual session is Feb. 9, 2023

Clergy Tax Seminar

Pre‐requisites: None

Credit: 2 CPE Credit Hours

Objectives: To gain specific knowledge about relevant changes to current tax laws and learn about payroll issues related to ministers, such as employment status, housing allowances, reimbursable expenses, tax-free benefits, retirement plans, and more.

Church Finance / Legal Update Seminar

Pre‐requisites: None

Credit: 4 CPE Credit Hours

Objectives: To gain specific knowledge about relevant changes to current tax laws and learn more about the basics of general church finance, including how to handle unique issues related to church employees and contractors, reimbursement plans, charitable gifts, tax-deductible contributions, expense reimbursement, financial records, reporting, and more.

The registration fee includes all handouts/materials and CPE credit.

Register now: 2023 TMF Tax Sessions

•            In-Person w/lunch (both sessions) - $100 ($10 savings)

•            In-Person w/lunch (only clergy session) - $40

•            In-Person w/lunch (only church finance session) - $70

•            Virtual (both sessions) - $80 ($10 savings)

•            Virtual (only clergy session) - $30

•            Virtual (only church finance session) - $60

2023 SCJ Mission Academy

February 26-28, 2023

Laurel Heights UMC in San Antonio

• Mission Academy agenda: PDF document to download and share
• Hotel Information: Mission Academy attendees can stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Airport (95 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78216) for $99/night. This includes free breakfast and evening snacks. To make your reservation online, you can go to this group reservation site. To make your reservation by phone, call 1-800-325-0720 and use Group Number 10032103. Reservations must be made by January 25 to secure this special rate.
• Online registration form: To register, go to the registration form which also includes hotel and registration payment information.

All local church mission leaders, youth leaders, VIM team leaders, and everyone who wants to learn and talk with others who have a heart for mission is encouraged to attend!

Clergy Convocation 2023

March 6-7, 2023

University UMC in San Antonio

A time for all clergy to gather for meaningful worship, fun activities, and time to just "be" in fellowship during this season of ministry.

Register via Eventbrite

TRUSTed Con Confianza - important reminder

As you continue to create safe spaces for children, youth, and vulnerable adults, we want to invite you to look ahead as you identify your church's training needs.*

We are working hard to identify days and times for upcoming Certification and Recertification sessions. Please take a look at your calendars and let us know if you have specific days/times you will need a session in the coming months. You can request sessions here. 

Remember we accept requests for Trusted sessions two months or more in advance. This provides enough time to identify and confirm facilitators for your requested session.

*If you are planning ministry events and/or trips for the upcoming year, this is a great time to make sure your staff and volunteer leaders' certifications are up to date. You can check your church's Safe Gatherings account to see individuals who will need to renew before the end of the year and/or contact safe gatherings for a list of certifications that will expire in the next 6 months. 

January-April Trusted sessions are now posted. To visit upcoming sessions, please visit: https://riotexas.org/safetrainings.

Questions?

Safe Gatherings

1-888.241.8258

info@safegatherings.com

safegatherings.com

Rio Texas Conference Office: Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

210-408-4500

trustedfacilitator@riotexas.org

riotexas.org/safe

Volunteer Event –No Experience Needed! 

Verification of UMCOR Cleaning Kits 

Kerrville Warehouse

Relief supply kits help provide care for the most vulnerable during times of crisis. UMCOR collects and distributes cleaning buckets, hygiene kits and menstrual hygiene kits. When kits are donated to the relief supply network, volunteers assemble and verify the contents of the kits. The Warehouse will then store the kits until a request for them is received. Once a request is received, the kits are sent to those who need them. 

A large shipment of supplies for building the newly introduced Feminine Hygiene Kits has been recently received, and help is needed to compile the kits as well as verify the current supply of cleaning kits and buckets. Volunteers are needed the first Saturday of each month (through May 2023). 

Volunteers are asked to come to the Warehouse during the following dates to verify the current supply of Cleaning Kits, so they can be distributed quickly in a time of need. Older Youth groups, Sunday School Classes or Individuals are all welcome. Hours qualify with NHS. 

For more information, please contact Gene Hileman - (210) 557-8698 or aehileman@riotexas.org. 

Dates for Verification: 

1st Saturday of each Month * 9am-12pm 

February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6