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On Thursday, July 16, communities across the state of Texas experienced destructive flooding. Still recovering from the devastating Hill Country losses in July 2025, tensions were high in the days preceding the rainfall as meteorologists provided forecasts of the impending weather. As the storms arrived on the 16th, numerous communities were hit with torrential rain, resulting in flooding across the state.
Camp Capers in Waring received a fair amount of rain but was able to continue camp programs without interruption during the Junior High Camp B session. None of the cabins or main facilities were at risk of flooding, and the staff did an outstanding job adjusting programs to the rainy weather, following all safety and communication protocols.
Some counties, particularly those north and west of San Antonio, received 20 – 30 inches of rain causing the worst flooding in Kerrville, Center Point, Boerne, Comfort, Uvalde, Sonora and several other towns. Clergy and congregations in multiple communities responded faithfully, praying for and serving those in need.
St. Peter’s, Episcopal Church, Kerrville - St. Peter’s was well prepared to jump into action immediately. The Help and Hope for the Hill Country Ministry, which was established in July 2025 following the Hill Country flood, has set up a process for impacted residents to complete a “Community Needs Assessment” form to identify and coordinate assistance with other community partners, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The Rev. Bert Baetz, Rector at St. Peter’s encouraged those affected to fill out a survey and to apply for the church’s cash assistance program, which was successful last year in getting direct assistance into the hands of those most affected by the flooding.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Sonora - Led by the Rev. Susan Burnham, Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora, congregation members mobilized immediately after the flooding to feed affected residents and all emergency workers and volunteers. Burnham has been instrumental in the recovery efforts spearheaded by Sonora’s Ministerial Alliance including:
· Fundraisers to collect funds for those impacted by the flooding and funding accommodations for individuals that are unable to be in their homes
· An Ecumenical worship service in the city’s park on the Saturday following the flood. The service included music and was attended by 300 people!
· Working to clean out flooded homes and securing 20,000 pounds of construction materials for the restoration ofapproximately 50 homes that will need significant rebuilding.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Uvalde – The Rev. Tanner Ambs was into his first few weeks as Rector at St. Philip’s when the flood hit. Moving quickly to serve those in need, Ambs and the congregation worked to set up a donation station at the church where community members affected by the flood could obtain free clothing and shoes. Additionally, counseling services were coordinated with the South Texas Bereavement Center in Uvalde, offering support to children in need. The Center is the located adjacent to the church in a building provided by St. Philip’s and has been a longtime community partner of the church.
Support for the Flooded Communities
Those communities hit the hardest will need support in the coming months. In a letter to the diocese on July 17, the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G, Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas stated, “One of the great lessons our diocese learned following the July 4 flood last year is the power of our prayers and the strength we have when we come together as the Body of Christ in West Texas. It is time to once again join our hands together in prayer, support and love for one another across West Texas, in the sure and certain knowledge that the God of Hope is with us always.
Episcopal Relief and Development has generously provided a $30,000 grant to assist communities in the Diocese of West Texas impacted by the July 2026 flooding.
The Diocese of West Texas has set up a fund to support recovery efforts. Click here to access the online contribution form or mail a check to P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, Texas 78209 and note "Flood Relief" on the memo line. Funds will be distributed throughout the flood affected communities as needs are identified.
Read more about the 2026 flood recovery efforts in a recent Episcopal News Service article.
