Our team functions to equip, educate, and support congregations around the areas of mission, specific ethnic concerns, and justice issues.
We are responsible for promoting 5-Star Giving by our local congregations through The Advance Program which has existed since 1948 as an official program of the United Methodist Church (https://riotexas.org/5-star-advance-special-information-at-rio-texas-conference). Voluntary, designated financial support may be given by individuals or local churches for approved projects reviewed by the Transforming Communities Vision Team [TCVT]. All congregations are encouraged to apply for approval of ministries that may be supported by our conference each year. The Advance Catalog is a tool for every church when discerning which ministries to support as part of their 5-Star Commitment. Our Committee on the Advance will be bringing to Annual Conference improved ways to engage with this important tool. This committee works closely with the Conference Secretary of Global Ministries (https://umcmission.org/).
TCVT maintains engagement with the General Board of Church and Society (https://www.umcjustice.org/). Our Chair visited their Washington D.C. Office last fall while our three designated committee members have attended webinars and worked with GBCS staff to remain informed and equipped to address Social Justice topics included in our Social Principles and occurring throughout our challenging world today. The United Women of Faith's Mission Coordinator for Social Action (https://uwfaith.org/what-we-do/serve-and-advocate/), as well as the Peace With Justice Coordinator is part of these efforts (https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/peace-with-justice).
Members of our Committee on Native American Ministries attended the 2026 Immersion Experience hosted by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference [OIMC] (https://www.umc-oimc.org/oimc-history/). This event offered participants an in-depth look at the history, context, and lived experiences of Native American peoples within OIMC and their connection to The United Methodist Church. Native communities generously shared their traditions, stories, and culture, creating a meaningful and memorable learning experience. This committee has also included members deeply knowledgeable on topics of Creation Care and its connection with all United Methodists (https://umcreationjustice.org/).
Respectfully Submitted, Diana T. Woods, Chair-TCVT