Shortly after midnight on July 4, leaders of First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, TX got word that the Guadalupe River was rising rapidly and people needed shelter. So the church quickly opened its facilities. Among those who came were families from across the country waiting to learn the fates of loved ones at Camp Mystic, the Christian camp swallowed by floodwaters. By July 6, grieving church members and visitors gathered in the stained-glass-lit sanctuary to worship God and seek God's comfort.
 
“You can just feel the heaviness in this space,” said Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, but at the same time, we know that we serve alongside a God of hope, a God of possibility, a God that never leaves us or forsakes us, a God that is always promised to be with us.”
 
Catastrophic floods over the Fourth of July weekend have killed at least 134 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. In the predawn of July 4, the remnants of what had been Tropical Storm Barry brought heavy rains with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in 45 minutes. The result was a historic disaster. For now, United Methodists are focused on what immediate help they can provide. In the days since the flood, United Methodists and friends as far away as England have asked Kerrville church leaders how they can help.
 
What’s needed most right now is prayer and financial donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the denomination’s disaster-response arm. UMCOR has already distributed a $10,000 solidarity grant to the Rio Texas Conference for immediate needs. “It’s funny how so many times, what I’ve heard is: ‘OK, besides prayer, what can I do?’” Rev. David Payne, Senior Pastor at First UMC said. “And shame on us, because that’s the best thing we can do.”
 
The Rio Texas Conference is continuing to assess the impact of the catastrophic flooding. Right now, one of the most effective ways to help right now is through prayer and through financial gifts. People can give to the Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response Advance #2050, noting “Guadalupe River Flood” on the gift. Monetary donations to the conference disaster response can be mailed to Rio Texas Conference, 16400 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248. The conference is working on an online giving option.
 
From EPA Digest, July, 2025 by The Rev. Amanda Banda and Heather Hahn. To read the article in it’s entirety, visit https://www.umnews.org/en/news/grieving-church-brings-comfort-in-texas-floods.

The Laity Academy is an annual training event organized by the Eastern PA Conference, UMC who recognizes that lay members play a crucial role in the ever-changing landscape of congregational life. They seek to empower lay members in their ministries within the church, provide opportunities for everyone who wants to serve Christ to enhance their skills, deepen their understanding of various aspects of ministry; equip lay members with knowledge and practical tools to support their pastor and their church’s ministries; and encourages participants to explore their personal ministry paths and discover how and where they can contribute effectively.
 
Participants choose from a variety of courses categorized under the Christ Servant Ministry areas, including: 
· the BASIC COURSE: which provides foundational knowledge;
· SPEAKING: which enhances communication skills for preaching and teaching;
· LEADING: which equips participants to lead various aspects of church life;
· CARING: which focuses on pastoral care and empathy.
 
Participants benefit from instruction and the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts with others who share the same passion.
 
This year’s training will be held on August 1st and 2nd at Eastern University, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087.  Register for this event and view the course catalog at https://www.epaumc.org/conference-calendar/2025-laity-academy/.