United Methodist Communications / Office of Public Relations
and the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
July 8, 2025
Prayer vigil set for flood-stricken Texas communities
San Antonio, Texas - Cross Tracks United Methodist Church in Liberty Hill, Texas (101 Church Street) will host a prayer vigil in support of the families and communities impacted by the Guadalupe River flood that has caused more than 100 deaths. The service, held in the 150-year-old chapel, will take place on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. CDT, and all are welcome.
Cross Tracks UMC has been serving as an emergency shelter, a donation site and a logistics hub for organizations that have partnered together as part of the disaster response. They've been able to provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of displaced persons, emergency workers and the community alike.
Cross Tracks United Methodist Church's the Rev. Dr. Brad King encouraged supporters to participate in the vigil and "join us to hold one another, pray with one another, and get ready together for all that we still have ahead of us. We have mountains to move, but we’ve got the faith and the faithfulness to move them. May you each feel the gentle weight of God’s Spirit resting on you today and all days."
The Rev. Dr. King, who has been a part of the community for a year, noted that "it didn’t take long for me to figure out that this city is special, but I have still been absolutely blown away by the outpouring of love, support, and donations." Cross Tracks UMC is now in the process of transitioning from receiving donations for flood victims to preparing for the next phases of disaster response.
King added that "in the coming days and weeks, we will do the hard work of rebuilding our homes, our businesses, and our city. And we’ll do it side by side, walking the path together, even as we build it."
The Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church is working in tandem on the vigil and collaborating with local United Methodist churches and support agencies, such as United Methodist Communications and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, to provide much-needed care, support and communication to the region during this difficult time. Visit the conference's special landing page for resources and information on donation opportunities.
To access Cross Tracks UMC flood relief volunteer opportunities as announced, visit Facebook.com/crosstrackschurch/.
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Media contacts:
Brenda Smotherman
United Methodist Communications
[email protected]
Rev. Amanda Banda
Rio Texas Conference
[email protected]