Telling Our Story

First United Methodist Church of Denton opened its doors Nov. 20 to host the city’s Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) vigil, providing a sacred space for collective mourning, resilience and community care. The gathering—planned and led by OUTreach Denton and PRIDENTON—gathered participants for an evening of reflection and remembrance honoring transgender people around the world who lost their lives this year to anti-trans violence or suicide.

What began as a simple prayer for connection has grown into a thriving college ministry at First United Methodist Church Georgetown—and a powerful witness to the Spirit’s movement among young adults.

Each of us is shaped and molded by the experiences that form us—how we move through the world, how we understand ourselves, and even how we live into our callings in Christ. My military service is no different than the upbringing, the moving from place to place, the schooling, and the work experience that led me to say, “Okay, Lord. It’s Your turn.” God was preparing me even in the hardest situations—even where danger, fear, and evil were present—for the work of the Light.

Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. who serves as resident bishop of the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church was today elected as the next president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church during the bishops’ online meeting. He previously served as president-designate for the Council.

For more than 10 years, the Five & Two food truck ministry at Arlington Heights UMC has turned loaves and fishes into thousands of meals for people in need across the city.

“From the start, our focus was simple—take food to people who need it and serve with love,” said layperson and volunteer coordinator Susan Bleil.

When flash floods swept through Central Texas this summer, leaders at First UMC Richardson recognized a new opportunity — to form an Early Response Team (ERT) that could respond immediately in the aftermath of disasters in Texas.

Thirty-two individuals representing 10 United Methodist churches and community organizations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area gathered Saturday, Oct. 11 for a training session on immigration court observation. The training, led by Vecinos Unidos (Neighbors United), introduced participants to the role of public court observers— volunteers who attend immigration hearings to offer care, document proceedings and monitor for potential abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers or court staff.

When harm happens within the church, it often shakes the very foundation of trust and faith that communities hold dear. In those fragile moments, Resource Persons from the Horizon Texas Conference Crisis Response and Care Ministry quietly step in to walk alongside individuals who come forward with painful stories. Their work does not happen in the public eye—but it is deeply sacred.

Members of Custer Road en Español gathered on the afternoon of Oct. 5 for a spirited worship service celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring the many cultures and countries represented in their growing congregation.

Since the early 2000s, trained Response and Care Teams have been deployed across the United Methodist connection to assist congregations facing crises such as misconduct allegations and congregational trauma. The ministry has steadily grown, equipping both clergy and laity to walk alongside individuals and churches during seasons of difficulty.

Sounds of laughter and worship filled the halls of First United Methodist Church Paris’ Youth & Ministry Building as more than four dozen students from across the East District gathered for a regional Bishop’s Rally, held October 5 from 2–5 p.m.

Children’s Creative Playday Preschool, a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Allen, is celebrating 50 years of nurturing children through play-based education.