Have you ever stopped to think about what Jesus prayed for you? In John 17:21 NKJV, His words still echo through time: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.”
Unity wasn’t just His hope; It was His mission for His followers. In a world that feels divided on so many fronts, that prayer still calls us to something greater: to live and serve Together As One.
Unity goes beyond merely agreeing on the same things. It is about aligning our hearts with Christ’s purpose. When we come together as a church family—elders, deacons, Sabbath School leaders, clerks, treasurers and every member—we reflect the heart of Jesus. Our mission becomes stronger, our witness more powerful, our fellowship richer.
That’s why I’m excited to invite you to the Texas Conference Together As One Convocations. These weekends are designed for you, the people who make ministry happen week after week. Whether you lead worship, manage finances, teach or care for others, this is your opportunity to get equipped and inspired.
What can you expect?
- Practical training to help you serve effectively
- Inspiration and worship to renew your spirit
- Networking and resources to strengthen your local church
- Connection—because when we come together, we grow together
We’re bringing these convocations to seven areas of the Texas Conference, making it easy for you to join. This isn’t just an event; it’s a movement toward unity and mission, embracing the Texas Conference theme: Together As One.
“The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him,” Ellen G. White reminds us in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 19. Training isn’t optional; it’s essential. When we resource and empower church members, we multiply the impact of the gospel.
So, here’s my invitation: Come. Bring your family. Invite your friends and fellow members, even if they don’t hold a leadership role. These convocations are for everyone who wants to grow, connect and serve. Let’s learn together, worship together and move forward—Together As One.
The flyer below contains more information about the Together As One Convocations. You can also find details on the Texas Conference website at TexasAdventist.org. Additionally, other events scheduled for 2026 include the first Texas Conference camp meeting in over a decade. This gathering will take place Nov. 13-15, 2026, at Lake Whitney Ranch.
Be sure to like and follow the Texas Conference’s social media channels @texasadventist and @hispanostxc to stay connected with your Texas Conference family.
If you aren’t already receiving my brief weekly text, you can sign up by texting TexasNews to 51555. It serves as a great reminder of upcoming events to attend or pray for.
Together As One, let’s mobilize our churches to be beacons of light in our communities, providing much-needed hope in our Heavenly Savior. I look forward to seeing you at a Texas Conference event near you.
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By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min., president of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

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A version of this article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of the Southwestern Union Record.