2Q2025 Legacies

Legacies Special 50th Anniversary Issue

2nd Quarter 2025

DEEP ROOTS & STRONG FAITH Celebrating Fifty Years of The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana Marks Milestone Anniversary The Beginning

In 1975, Bishop Finis Crutchfield cast a bold vision for the Louisiana Conference: the creation of a foundation that would help churches manage their resources faithfully and build legacies for future ministry. That vision became reality when the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana was formally established later that year, with Rev. Jimmie Caraway appointed to draft its articles of incorporation. Caraway’s work was so foundational that it later shaped the language added to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, describing the Foundation’s mission to manage permanent funds for churches and promote planned giving.

Fifty years later, that original vision has flourished into a thriving institution with nearly $250 million in assets. What began with a single $5,000 gift from Mrs. Ruth Jones Cadwallader of New Orleans has grown—much like the mustard seed parable from the Gospel of Luke—into a force for good, supporting churches, ministries and leaders throughout the Louisiana Conference.

Built on Trust and Stewardship

The Foundation’s remarkable growth over the last five decades is a testament to its trusted relationships, wise investment strategies and mission-driven leadership. As Dr. Van Stinson, continued, page 2

2025 Board of Trustees Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Chairman Rev. Katie Black Abby Cochran Rev. Clifton Conrad Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Joe Crouch, Jr. Bobby Fahey Brent Graham Drew Kennedy Bob Kimbro Eunice Val Lavigne Richard Lewis Rev. Mimi McDowell Sen. Willie Mount Troy Searles Dr. Van Stinson Rev. Drew Sutton Chris Spencer President

Contact Us: 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

Executive Director of Mission and Ministry; Assistant to the Bishop of the Louisiana Conference noted, “That growth has come from the trusted relationships people have with the Foundation.” Each generation of staff, board members and executive leaders has brought unique gifts to the table, collectively shaping the Foundation into what it is today.

“It’s been the Foundation’s goal to raise money for churches through planned gifts and endowments,” said former board chair and longtime board member Omer Davis. “We’ve encouraged those endowments and then we’ve grown them. So that’s how we end up with nearly $250 million in assets.”

Lasting Legacies Through Planned Giving

At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is the practice of planned giving—gifts that outlive the donor and provide sustainable support for ministry. The Foundation’s first planned gift was a Charitable Gift Annuity created in 1990 by Nellie Rhoads Greer to benefit Christ United Methodist Church in Shreveport. That single act of generosity launched a movement.

Today, 421 planned gifts totaling more than $50 million have been established through the Foundation.

These gifts support not only local congregations, but also ministries like the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home. As President Chris Spencer reflected, “Thanks to the generosity of Nellie and donors like her, hundreds of thousands of dollars are distributed annually to United Methodist churches all over Louisiana, ensuring a future legacy of hope and service.”

Bert Faulk, former Board Chair and longtime Foundation supporter, added, “The gifts that are given to the Foundation live well beyond the lifetime of the giver. These are designed to be multi-generational and perpetual funds.”

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50 YEARS OF GROWTH

Legacies: Special 50th Anniversary Issue Rev. Jo Ann Cooper, newly elected Foundation board chair, summed it up beautifully: “The most important thing about planned gifts is the opportunity to continue as a faithful giver even beyond this life. It’s a chance to tell the future church, ‘I believe in you.’”

Grantmaking That Fuels Ministry

The Foundation’s support extends beyond investment and endowment management. In 1992, it launched its grants program following a generous gift from Jesse Stafford of Ponchatoula. That first grant—just $2,500 to Cornerstone United Methodist Church in New Orleans—paved the way for what is now an $8.1 million grantmaking legacy.

Davis stated, “The Foundation’s grants program is really the hopes and dreams of the members of the United Methodist Church—and we help perpetuate those dreams.”

Over the years, grants have supported seminary students, the Wesley Conference Center, clergy leadership training, Louisiana Conference ministries, the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and many local church innovative ministries across Louisiana.

One recent area of focus has been clergy leadership development, especially through the Practical Church Leadership program offered at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Past President Rob Fairly was instrumental in starting this and other clergy educational initiatives after discovering that many seminary graduates lacked business and administrative training. “Whether we like it or not, a church

50 YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

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Foundation Leaders

is like a business. It has to manage people, buildings and finances,” Fairly said. “We wanted to address that education gap.”

Participants like Rev. Allison Sikes and Rev. Sonya Lars praised the program for offering real-world tools such as budgeting, interpreting financial reports and stewardship best practices.

“The resources were truly priceless,” said Sikes.

“We talked about budgeting, how to read financial reports and stewardship strategies,” said Lars.

Rev. Ronald J. Southall is thankful for the seminary scholarship he received through the Foundation’s Seminary Service Loan program.

“While I was in seminary, I was able to get financial assistance with tuition to keep the costs affordable, so therefore I could get my seminary degree and become an elder.”

A New Look for a New Chapter

As the Foundation steps into its next chapter, it has embraced a new look that reflects its growth and stability. The updated logo, shown throughout this publication, was unveiled in early 2025. It features blue to symbolize steadfastness and trust, and green to represent thriving growth.

Dr. Clyde Clark Executive Director 1976-1980

Dr. James Caraway Executive Director 1980-1987

Patsy Barnes Executive Director 1987-1990

Dr. Ken Reed Executive Director 1990-1998

Ray Caraway President 1998-2000

Dr. Michael Reeves President 2000-2006

“The new design honors the Foundation’s legacy and the road ahead, as well as the gifts of hope and opportunity still to come,” said Spencer.

Rob Fairly President 2006-2021

Chris Spencer President 2021-present

“I’m so grateful for those who came before us. Their vision and generosity laid the foundation for everything we do today.”

Chris Spencer President 2021 - present

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Looking Ahead

Celebrating the Milestone

As the Foundation celebrates 50 years of ministry, it does so with gratitude and a forward-looking spirit. But its work is far from over. With a strong foundation built on faith, generosity, and wise stewardship, the next fifty years promise even greater impact.

In celebration of the 50 year anniversary, the Foundation hosted a special luncheon event on April 23, 2025, at The Lod Cook Conference Center in Baton Rouge. The gathering of more than 100 guests featured keynote speaker Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, who delivered an uplifting message about the future of the church and praised the Foundation for its enduring and impactful ministry.

“I’m so grateful for those who came before us,” Spencer reflected. “Their vision and generosity laid the foundation for everything we do today.”

Rev. Allison Sikes, pastor at St. Francisville UMC shared, “I’m grateful for those who saw a vision and were prompted by God’s spirit to say ‘yes’.”

During the event, President Chris Spencer premiered a special video celebrating the Foundation’s 50-year journey of growth and impact. The video included reflections from key leaders such as Omer Davis, Bert Faulk, Rob Fairly, Bishop Delores Williamston, and Dr. Van Stinson—individuals who have played a role in shaping and witnessing the Foundation’s legacy. It also spotlighted grant and scholarship recipients whose lives and ministries have been transformed by the Foundation’s support, all of whom have gone on to give back to the Conference in meaningful ways. You can watch the full video at www.umf.org.

For Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Conference, the Foundation’s true impact is about the people it serves: “The Foundation has generated hope in the heart… It gives us a pathway to do ministry together. I am appreciative of the collaborations and the partnerships that we are creating as we build, connect and equip in the Louisiana Conference, together.”

Foundation Board Chairs 1975-2025 Shelby Smith J. Luther Jordan Marcus Wren Bridger Eglin John Porter Bert Faulk Wayne Gilmore Hon. Rosemary Pillow Rev. Larry Stafford Frank McArthur Mark McMurry Rev. Jan Curwick Irwin Felps Rev. Joseph Awotwi Nettles Brown Rev. Weldon Bares Omer Davis Rev. Michi Head Bobby Fahey Rev. Jo Ann Cooper

1975-1981 1981-1991 1991-1994 1994-1996 1996-1998 1998-2000 2000-2002 2002-2004 2004-2006 2006-2008 2008-2010 2010-2012 2012-2014 2014-2016 2016-2018 2018-2020 2020-2022 2022-2023 2023-2025 2025-present

Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon, reminding us of the power of generosity.

President Chris Spencer welcomes guests to the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, reflecting on five decades of faithful stewardship and casting a vision for the future.

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Foundation Welcomes New Leadership The Foundation is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Rev. Katie Black, Brent Graham, and Dr. Van Stinson.

Each will begin a three-year term on June 1, 2025.

Rev. Black currently serves as the senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Houma. Graham is a financial advisor based in Baton Rouge, bringing valuable expertise in financial planning, and Dr. Stinson is the Executive Director of Mission and Ministry and Assistant to the Bishop for the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, offering a strong connection to the Conference’s broader vision and ministry.

The Board of Trustees meeting, held on April 23, 2025, also marked a transition in leadership. Bobby Fahey, a member of University UMC of Baton Rouge, concluded his term as Board Chair, passing the role to Rev. Jo Ann Cooper, senior pastor at Henning Memorial UMC in Sulphur. Additional leadership appointments include Rev. Drew Sutton, senior pastor at St. Andrews UMC in Baton Rouge as Vice Chair; Val Lavigne, a member of Camphor Memorial UMC in Baton Rouge as Secretary; Bob Kimbro of Gretna UMC as Investment Chair; and Rev. Mimi McDowell, who serves Gilliam UMC and Northpoint UMC in Shreveport, as Grants Chair.

Rev. Jo Ann Cooper (center) is welcomed as the new Chair of the Board by outgoing Chair Bobby Fahey (left) and Foundation President Chris Spencer (right) during a special moment at the 50th Anniversary Board Meeting.

We welcome our new leaders with gratitude and anticipation for the wisdom and energy they bring to the Foundation’s mission.

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The Foundation also gives heartfelt thanks to the trustees rotating off the board. Omer Davis has served with distinction on and off since 2001, as both Board Chair and Investment Chair. Sandra Kuykendall, a dedicated board member since 2009, faithfully served most of her tenure as Secretary. Dianne Wilkinson concludes nine years of service, including her valued contributions on the grants committee.