Over Labor Day weekend, more than 40 youth and adults from eight churches across the Mid-South and South Districts came together at Belton First United Methodist Church for a lock-in filled with worship, fellowship, and service.

On July 18–19, Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, Texas, became a hub of radical love and hospitality as more than 1,100 volunteers from across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex came together to pack meals for communities in the Philippines. In partnership with Rise Against Hunger, the church hosted a 24-hour meal-packing event that filled an entire shipping container, producing 285,000 meals.

FREADom Nation, a six-week literacy and enrichment pilot program hosted by Life Center UMC in DeSoto, and backed by First UMC Dallas and supported by One + One Dallas, served more than 40 rising kindergarten through fifth-grade scholars this summer. Each day mixed reading with movement, art, science, music and cultural celebration.

On May 29, 2025, Spencer Brinkerhoff, a rising ninth-grade student from Scout Troop 451, delivered 100 UMCOR cleaning kits as part of his Eagle Scout project. The kits, designed to help families recover after disasters, will be ready at The Woods UMC site to replenish UMCOR stock when disasters hit.

On Wednesday nights in July, Epworth UMC in Arlington looked a little different. Instead of filling pews with worshippers, tables are covered in colorful bricks, and the sound of laughter and creativity fills the room. Welcome to LEGO Club—a unique ministry that has captured the hearts of children and parents alike.

Ja'riah Holley, a digital design student at the University of Texas at Dallas, is spending her summer serving as a counselor at Glen Lake Camp. She discovered the opportunity through a Bible study and said she’s grateful she chose to serve.

Women discerning a call to ordained ministry are invited to apply for the Horizon Texas Clergywomen Scholarship, now open for submissions through August 1, 2025.

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, in collaboration with the appointive cabinet, has announced four key leadership appointments that reflect the conference’s continued commitment to seeking the loving, just and free world God imagines for all people.

As the Horizon Texas Conference enters a new chapter of connection and collaboration, it has established a new support structure for those serving children, youth and families across its churches. The newly appointed Children & Youth Area Coordinators are trusted leaders tasked with fostering relationships and coordinating efforts within their geographic regions.

In light of the recent Judicial Council decision, I write to you as your bishop with a word of pastoral guidance and clarity. In seasons of denominational transition, our calling remains unchanged: to center our ministry in Christ, to love one another deeply, and to lead with integrity in the communities we are appointed to serve.

Beyond Borders: A Christian Response to Immigration Complexities

Rev. Katie Newsome reflects on Death Cafes that have been fostering community at Union and helping people feel less alone in their grief