News

Dr. Charles Millikan to Retire as Vice President of Spiritual Care and Values Integration

Dr. Charles Millikan has dedicated the past 20 years to his ministry as Vice President of Spiritual Care and Values Integration at Houston Methodist while maintaining his undeterred commitment and connection to The Texas Annual Conference and The United Methodist Church. We will have many ...

Holy Covenant: Creativity in Confirmation

At Holy Covenant UMC, confirmation isn’t just a class, but a journey that blends traditional learning with innovative, engaging elements designed to meet students where they are. Under the leadership of Rev. Fred Willis and Discipleship Director Lisa Gill, the church has reimagined confirmation as a flexible, interactive experience tailored to the busy lives of young people.

Legacy of Service: Denise Espinosa Lloyd Receives Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award

Denise Espinosa Lloyd, a lifelong United Methodist and long-time member of First UMC Missouri City, has been named as a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award by the SMU Perkins School of Theology. The award honors laypersons whose lives reflect faithful service in the church and the world; an apt description for Lloyd whose decades of leadership and ministry have left a lasting imprint on her church and her community.

Texas Annual Conference Unveils New Logo and Brand Refresh

The Texas Annual Conference is entering a new season of ministry with a fresh visual identity that reflects both tradition and forward movement. The new logo and branding guide were designed by Kelsey Johnson who recently unveiled the logo and brand refresh during recent Communications Committee, Cabinet, and CLT meetings.

First UMC Longview Celebrates Completion of Expansion Project

On Sunday, March 23, First United Methodist Church of Longview celebrated the recent completion of their $2.4M expansion project and introduced a multi-purpose pavilion to serve both the congregation and the greater Longview community. The pavilion, located on the Green Street side of the church, features retractable basketball goals, pickleball courts, and a covered space for events, worship services, and activities. The project also includes improved parking, ADA-compliant entrances, and a new columbarium.

Laity Leadership: Training in Your District

Texas Conference laity are often the driving force behind the thriving ministry in our local churches, and we thank you for the amazing work you continue to do! For those interested in getting more involved leading in the local church, there are lay ministry trainings coming up in your district soon. Training info and registration links are at: https://www.txcumc.org/lay-servant-ministry

TAC Confirmands Gather for a Day of Worship and Connection

On Saturday, March 1, around 120 United Methodist confirmands representing 22 churches across the Texas Annual Conference gathered at Memorial Drive UMC in Houston for Confirmand Day 2025. It was a joyful, spirit-filled celebration of worship, learning, mission, and community.

Rockdale St. Johns UMC Celebrates 150 Years of Ministry

Saint John’s UMC in Rockdale recently celebrated a significant milestone—150 years of faith, fellowship, and service in the community. The event included the unveiling of a Texas Historical Commission marker, recognizing the church’s long-standing contributions to the surrounding area.

Churches Reimagine Mission and Community at Greenhouse Day

This day-long event planted seeds of imagination and innovation for churches seeking to connect with people in new ways. It was both an introduction and an invitation: for churches to cultivate new forms of church alongside traditional ones.

Sharing Thrive Resources to Equip Congregations

Over the last few months, the Texas Annual Conference has been reimagining and expanding a collection of Thrive resources to be used in local churches and districts. Authored and created by lay and clergy throughout the conference, this collection includes a variety of worship resources, such as a hymnal, slide graphics, prayer prompts, and customizable liturgies.

Lufkin Churches Helping One Another

Several United Methodist Churches from Lufkin came together to build much needed wheelchair ramps at Keltys UMC in Lufkin. A work crew made up from people from St. Paul’s UMC in Lufkin and First United Methodist Church Lufkin gathered on a Saturday to rebuild one ramp and build a second.

College Internship Project

Do something MEANINGFUL this summer! The Texas Conference offers a college internship program: a part time, paid church internship designed to help students explore and experience ministry in the church and the world.  Interns are sent to serve local churches for several weeks each summer. Interns ...

Restorative Justice Ministry Sunday at Christ Church UMC: A Powerful Testimony of Transformation

Worship was inspiring last week at Christ Church United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, as the congregation gathered for their annual Restorative Justice Ministry (RJM) Sunday. This powerful service featured testimonies from volunteers and former inmates who shared how their lives were transformed by God’s grace through RJM’s prison ministry.

Black History: Celebrating Heritage and Community at St. Thomas UMC

St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Hempstead marked its 41st annual Black History Month celebration with a day that blended rich historical remembrance with heartfelt fellowship. Rev. Arnold Harden described the event as a wonderful occasion where the congregation and community came together in worship, education, and shared joy.

Fresh Expressions: Meeting People Where They Are

By embracing Fresh Expressions, the Church is rediscovering what it means to be a people going beyond the walls of traditional church buildings to meet people in the everyday spaces where life happens. Rev. Quinn Peters describes Fresh Expressions as a mindset rooted in holy curiosity, intentional love, and an openness to where the Holy Spirit is already at work.

Norris Chapel to Host Powerful Seven Last Words Service on Palm Sunday

As Holy Week approaches, Norris Chapel is preparing to host a deeply moving and spiritually enriching Seven Last Words service on Palm Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. This special service invites participants to reflect on Christ’s final words on the cross.

Singers Wanted for Annual Conference Ordination Service

The TAC Worship Team would like to invite singers to join others from across the conference to sing during the ordination service May 27 during Annual Conference in Houston.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey Announces New District Superintendents

With the retirement of Dr. Elijah Stansell and the completion of Dr. Vincent Harris’ eight-year tenure on the cabinet, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey is pleased to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents, effective July 1, 2025.

A Legacy of Faith and Service: The History and Work of Trinity United Methodist Church

As Trinity United Methodist Church prepares to celebrate its 160th anniversary, its history stands as a testament to unwavering faith, community service, and educational advocacy in Houston’s Third Ward. Trinity remains a cornerstone of resilience and empowerment.

AACI: Strengthening Churches for the Future

The African American Church Initiative (AACI) is an initiative aimed at revitalizing African American congregations, strengthening leadership, and ensuring long-term sustainability for churches facing decline. Rooted in the principles outlined in Paragraphs 212 and 213 of the 2024 Book of Discipline, AACI is designed to equip congregations with the tools needed for fruitful ministry and mission engagement. Led by Director Rev. Dr. Elijah Stansell, the initiative operates through cohorts, strategic partnerships, and leadership development, supporting churches in ministry according to their needs and context.

Exploring Call and Community: A Transformative Journey for Texas Southern University Students

In a spirit of learning, connection, and spiritual discernment, a group of Texas Southern University (TSU) students recently embarked on a journey to Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Led by Rev. Tabitha Mock, Director of the Wesley Foundation at TSU, this trip was designed to introduce young adults to seminary life, foster exploration of their calling, and connect them with a supportive community rooted in faith and justice.

TAC 2025 Keynote: Claire Bowen and Celeste Eubanks

We’re excited to have Claire Bowen and Celeste Eubanks offer our keynote address. They will present on the “3 Practice Circles” and lead interactive and engaging breakout sessions. The goal is for delegates to experience this process and take it back into our local churches to help lead vital conversations in healthy ways.

Fresh Expressions: Reimagining Ministry

Fresh Expressions invites churches to move beyond their walls and into the everyday spaces where people gather and to engage authentically with our neighbors who may not otherwise set foot in a traditional worship service. Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson said at its core, Fresh Expressions is about listening and learning.

Fresh Expressions: Rev. Kate Walker

The Fresh Expressions movement is sparking innovative ways for churches to connect with their communities, and Grace United Methodist Church in the Heights is embracing this new approach under the leadership of Rev. Kate Walker. As the Heights neighborhood evolves, so does the church’s strategy to engage people who may never have considered stepping into a traditional Sunday service. Pastor Walker’s journey with Fresh Expressions began as a dream to explore new ways of doing church. She connected participated in the National Fresh Expressions Conference, diving into lectures and talks about this new movement. Inspired, she started experimenting with ways to reach the community around her own church.

Northeast District to Host Thrive Conference for Clergy and Laity

The Northeast District will host a Thrive Conference on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Longview First United Methodist Church. This free event offers an opportunity for connection, inspiration, and practical learning for all Northeast District clergy and laity. Don’t miss this chance to reignite your ministry vision and connect with fellow leaders!