Legacies 1Q 2024

Legacies

A publication of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana 1st Quarter 2024

Preserving the Past, Securing the Future

In the heart of Alexandria, a woman named Sara Simmonds left an indelible mark on the First United Methodist Church and its community. She was active in everything– and passionate about serving others. Sara’s impact extended far beyond the church pews, as she was a leader serving several local organizations, such as the Junior League of Alexandria and Rotary Club. She was instrumental in bringing chapels to area prisons with the Louisiana Chapel Foundation; founded the Apple Pie Brigade, ensuring warm hospitality for military troops passing through Alexandria; and was responsible for the significant preservation and restoration of Kent House, one of the oldest Creole plantation homes in the Alexandria area. At age 98, she went skydiving to raise scholarship funds for cadets in the La. National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program.

Sara’s tenacity and commitment were woven into many facets of the church, from the carefully tended air conditioning vents to the sturdy brick wall outside. Her devotion was not confined to her lifetime; she created a lasting legacy. In her will, Sara bequeathed a generous gift to establish an endowment at the Foundation to support her church in perpetuity.

Although Sara passed in 2019 (at the age of 101), her story serves as an inspiration, urging others to consider leaving a legacy for their church or favorite ministries. Individuals can emulate Sara’s spirit of generosity by

doing the same, ensuring that they continue to support the missions they hold dear, even after they’re gone.

Nancy Owens, a lifelong friend of Sara, reminisces about her shared journey with Sara within the walls of the First United Methodist Church.

For Nancy, Sara was more than a fellow congregant; she was a beacon of generosity, a giver in every sense. “She just was a giver– whether her time or her talent or her treasure, Sara gave her all to whatever she did,” Nancy fondly recalls.

Sara’s unwavering spirit of giving lives on through the legacies she created and the support she will provide to First UMC of Alexandria, forever.

The late Sara Simmonds’ spirit of generosity continues to inspire others, and her legacy will support First UMC of Alexandria forever.

“Where

2024

Board of Trustees

Bobby Fahey Chairman

L. Nettles Brown

Rev. Clifton Conrad

Rev. Jo Ann Cooper

Joe Crouch, Jr. Omer Davis

Rev. Doug deGraffenried

Drew Kennedy

Bob Kimbro

Sandra Kuykendall

Eunice Val Lavigne

Richard Lewis

Troy Searles

Rev. Drew Sutton

Dianne Wilkinson

Chris Spencer President

$ Core Values

ENDOWMENTS:

Align Your Financial Resources and Values

E

stablishing an endowment for your church is a thoughtful way to leave a lasting legacy of support for generations to come. It is a powerful testament to your commitment to sustaining the spiritual integrity of your community, and its impact extends far beyond the present moment.An endowment is a donation made to a charity, with the stipulation that the principal amount remains intact. Only the income generated from the fund can be utilized.

Once an endowment is set up at the Foundation, anyone can contribute to it anytime.

Many church leaders encourage their congregation to contribute memorial or celebration gifts to the endowment.

The more the endowment grows, the more income is earned that benefits the church– forever.

When you create an endowment, you are aligning your financial resources with your values while ensuring ongoing support for your church and favorite ministries.

Endowment Benefits

8337 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Phone: (225) 346-1535

Email: information@umf.org

Web Addresses: www.umf.org www.umfgiving.org

Legacies Editor: Kelly Johannessen kellyj@umf.org

• Long-lasting Impact: Allows your values to persist for generations

• Financial Stability: Serves as a perpetual source of financial support

• Mission and Programs: Bolsters the church to ensure continuous positive impact

• Sustainability: Provides support, even in economically challenging times

• Indelible Mark: Contributes to the enduring strength and vitality of the church

savvy LIvIng

Essential Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents

Dear Savvy Living,

My siblings and I do not know much about our elderly parents’ financial situation or their preferences for end-oflife matters. What is the best way to handle this and what are some important things to know?

Adult children often lack crucial information about their elderly parents’ financial status or end-of-life plans. Understanding your parents’ finances, insurance policies, long-term care plans and other information is important so you can help with their financial affairs, caregiving or executing their estate plan when needed. Lack of such information makes it difficult to navigate these situations. Here are some essential tips:

Have the Conversation

If discussing these topics with your parents feels uncomfortable, use this column or visit TheConversationProject.org, for free guides. Have siblings join, showing collective concern. The conversation with your parents will help you collect information, find out where they keep key documents and learn how they want certain things handled if they become incapacitated or pass away. Here is a checklist of focus areas:

Personal Information

• Make a list of contacts, including doctors, lawyers, accountants and advisors.

• Make a copy of their medical history and medication lists.

• Find out where they keep their Social Security card, marriage license, military discharge papers and any other important documents.

• Document secured places, such as safety deposit boxes and security measures.

• List digital assets, including user names and passwords.

• If they have a pet, what are their instructions for the animal’s care?

• Discuss end-of-life wishes, organ donation and funeral instructions.

Legal Documents

• Do they have an updated will or trust? Where is it located?

• Verify the presence of a power of attorney for financial matters.

• Discuss living will and medical power of attorney for end-of-life medical treatment.

Financial Records

• Make a list of their bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, and any other financial assets they have.

• Compile a list of bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts and other financial assets.

• List retirement plans, pensions and benefits from former employers including the contact information of the benefits administrator.

• Make a list of the insurance policies they have (life, long-term care, home, auto or Medicare) including the policy numbers, agents and phone numbers.

• Document real estate, vehicles or other properties they own, rent or lease and where they keep the deeds, titles and loan or lease agreements.

• Find out where they keep copies of past years’ tax returns.

It is unlikely that all of this information will be gathered at one time. As such, it is important to keep the conversation going to ensure your parents’ wishes are accurately executed.

“Savvy Living” is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of The Savvy Living book.

“Where Faith and Money Come Together”

8337 Jefferson Hwy. n Baton Rouge, LA 70809

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Foundation News

Welcome Jodi McKey: New Office Manager

Jodi McKey

The Foundation is excited to welcome Jodi McKey as its new office manager!

Jodi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having honed her organizational skills in bustling settings like the Louisiana Conference’s Disaster Relief area and the Baton Rouge District Office of the United Methodist Church.

As a longstanding member of the Methodist denomination, Jodi shares our values of service and connection. We’re confident that Jodi will be an invaluable asset to the Foundation, ensuring our office hums efficiently. Please join us in welcoming Jodi aboard!

Exploring Ministry Innovation: Foundation Hosts Workshops Statewide

Foundation Grants Outreach Coordinator Britney Winn Lee is working her way around the state facilitating “A New Thing”– grant writing workshops (aka dreaming labs for innovative ministry).

The first three workshops in the series were dynamic gatherings of United Methodist clergy and laity in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. The workshops are part of the Foundation’s Grants

Outreach Program and allow participants to explore ministry innovation inspired by Kenda Creasy Dean’s book, Innovating for Love: Joining God’s Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation

Using collaborative exercises, the participants encounter inspiring examples of impactful ministries and learn about available resources from the Foundation, Conference and region to support their ideas.

For those interested in joining future workshops, registration is free at www.umf.org/upcoming-events.

A recorded online version is in the works and will be offered later this year.

The first “A New Thing” Grantwriting Workshop in Shreveport provided a platform for attendees to spark creative ideas and turn concepts into tangible, impactful ministries. Pictured left to right: Rev. Emily Carroll, Britney Winn Lee and Rachel Scott.