South Central Jurisdiction

All Things in Common:

Leadership Gathering –El Paso

January 18-22, 2026

Day(s)

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Hour(s)

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Minute(s)

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Second(s)

Contact

General Inquiries: For questions, dietary preferences, physical assistance needs, or travel updates, please email admin@scjumc.org or call/text 346-268-7328.

UMVIM Domestic Mission Journey Insurance is available Up to $50,000 Medical, accident, travel insurance $1.25/person/day (LINK)

 

Important Links

 

A Gathering for Conversation, Worship, and Collaboration

In the South Central Jurisdiction, we know there are many wide doors for effective ministry and leadership. We also know that together, we can accomplish much more than we can individually. The South Central Jurisdiction Leadership ATIC Gathering is designed to bring together diverse groups of leaders for fellowship and strategic collaboration.

The theme is inspired by Acts 2:42-47, which describes the fellowship of the first believers who “were together and had everything in common”. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

Who is Invited?

This gathering is designed for the following leadership groups:

 

  • South Central College of Bishops (active).
  • Futuring Taskforce.
  • Conference Leadership Teams (CLTs), including Directors of Connectional Ministries, Assistants to Bishops, Conference Treasurers, and Conference Communication Directors.
  • SCJ Episcopacy Committee.
  • Eddie Erwin, Jurisdiction Executive Director.

Event Details

Dates:
January 18 – 22, 2026.

Location:
 El Paso, Texas.
Please remember that El Paso is in the Mountain Time Zone.

 

Venues:

Hotel:
Aloft El Paso Downtown
303 Texas Ave. El Paso, TX 79901.

Primary Meeting Location:
Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI),
517 S. Florence St. El Paso, TX 79901.

Additional Meeting Location:
Blue Flame Building.
304 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Travel & Logistics

  • Travel Arrangements: Each ATIC participant is responsible for making their own travel arrangements. It is recommended to arrive a day before and leave a day after your scheduled attendance. Please share your travel plans using the link provided below.
  • Airport: The recommended destination for those flying is El Paso International Airport (ELP).
  • Ground Transportation: An airport shuttle and transportation to LPI and the hotel will be provided. Organizers will meet groups in the main lobby of the airport.
  • Driving: If you plan to drive, SCJ will provide reimbursement at a rate of $0.30 per mile. If you are willing to help transport other attendees, please email admin@scjumc.org.
  • Costs & Billing: Costs for most participants will be collectively billed to their conference. The SCJ will reimburse travel and cover costs for members of the Committee on Episcopacy during their scheduled time. Meals will be provided during participants’ scheduled days.
  • Cancellation Policy: If you are no longer able to attend, you must email admin@scjumc.org by December 29, 2025. Otherwise, you or your conference will be charged.
  • Insurance: UMVIM Domestic Mission Journey Insurance (up to $50,000 for medical, accident, and travel) is available for $1.25/person/day.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, January 18

  • Travel and arrival day for Bishops & Committee on Episcopacy.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner, Location TBD.

Monday, January 19

  • 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM:
  • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Bishops & Committee on Episcopacy meet at the Blue Flame Building (lunch included).
  • 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Tour of LPI & “Walk in Their Shoes” Experience.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner, followed by free time.
  • Note: This day can be a travel day for other participants, but meals are on your own.

Tuesday, January 20

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel.
  • 9:00 AM: Welcome, Worship, & Why We’re Here with Bishop Merrell.
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Group Meetings.
    • Futuring Task Force meets with Bishops Williamston, Merrell, & Wilson.
    • Conference Leadership Teams meet with Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase & Rev. Robert Besser.
  • 12:00 PM:
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Continued Discussions.
  • 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Tour of LPI & “Walk in Their Shoes” Experience.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Lydia Patterson Institute.

Wednesday, January 21

  • 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel.
  • 8:30 AM: Transportation to Lydia Patterson Institute.
  • 9:15 AM: Worship at Lydia Patterson.
  • 10:30 AM: Roundtable conversations with ALL participants.
  • 12:00 PM:
  • 1:00 PM: Departures may begin. For those staying, there will be other opportunities for ministry connections or continued conversations.
  • 6:00 PM:

Thursday, January 22

  • Breakfast is available.
  • Continued departures throughout the day.