3rd Qtr 2024 Legacies Newsletter

Legacies A publication of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

Inside This Issue

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A LEGACY:

I Dollars for Scholars Page 2

Helpful Tips for Maintaining Balance Page 3

3rd Quarter 2024

How an Organist’s Salary Became a Seminary Scholarship

magine being part of something that outlives you—a legacy of faith, service and care that blesses future generations. That’s exactly what the O’Dell family of Minden, La., has done by creating a scholarship fund for aspiring United Methodist Church pastors in the Louisiana Conference.

Their story is not just one of giving, but of visionary leadership—and it serves as a powerful example of how we can all contribute to the church’s future.

The late Nelva and Digger O’Dell were active members of their local church, where they served on every committee and guided countless young people as youth counselors. Nelva, especially, was deeply rooted in the rhythm of church life, serving as the church organist. She cherished this role so much that she didn’t want to accept any pay. However, the pastor at the time insisted that the salary remain in the church budget.

state for over 45 years, making Nelva’s dream of supporting future pastors even more personal.

Reflecting on his family’s legacy, Jack says, “It’s an investment in leadership and the future of the church. We, as older leaders, need to support young pastors and let them know we believe in them. We care for them now, and one day, they will care for us.”

In time, Nelva moved the fund to the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, ensuring it would be managed and invested to maximize its impact.

Today, the Eskew O’Dell Memorial Scholarship, named for Jack and Larry’s late parents and sisters, provides at See O’Dell, page 2

So, in true Nelva fashion, she found a way to turn her blessing into a blessing for others.

$150K+ in Grants Awarded Page 4

Rather than keep her salary, Nelva began depositing it into a special fund for seminary students who would eventually serve as United Methodist pastors in Louisiana. She knew firsthand the financial burden of seminary, having watched her sons, Rev. Dr. Jack O’Dell and Rev. Larry O’Dell, navigate those challenges while balancing family life and their calling. Jack and Larry served as United Methodist pastors within the

For the late Nelva and M.S. “Digger” O’Dell, the United Methodist Church wasn’t just a Sunday commitment; it was a way of life.

Unlock $4,000 for College

United Methodist Higher Education Fund Matching Program

“Where Faith and Money Come Together”

2024 Board of Trustees Bobby Fahey Chairman Abby Cochran Rev. Clifton Conrad Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Joe Crouch, Jr. Omer Davis

P

aying for college can be a stressful experience, and for many, it plays a major role in their college choice.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation’s Dollars for Scholars Program can help those attending United Methodist-related institutions.

Dollars for Scholars provides matching support from a student’s local church, the UMHEF, participating United Methodistrelated schools and United Methodist Foundations, such as the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. Combined, awards can total up to $4,000 per year!

Since 2017, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana has proudly participated in this matching program, helping nearly 30 students from the Methodist community pursue higher education.

If you have a family member, friend, or church member who is considering college, make sure to tell them about this fantastic opportunity!

To qualify, students must meet basic eligibility requirements and reapply each year.

2024 Dollars For Scholars Scholarship Recipients

Drew Kennedy Bob Kimbro

Name

Church Home

College

Sandra Kuykendall

Emma Harris

Eunice Val Lavigne

St. Charles UMC, Destrehan

Centenary College of Louisiana

Lauren Broussard LeBouef

University UMC, Baton Rouge

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Owen Rodrigue

First UMC, Baton Rouge

Southwestern University

Cora Wright

First UMC, Alexandria

Centenary College of Louisiana

Richard Lewis Rev. Mimi McDowell Sen. Willie Mount Troy Searles Rev. Drew Sutton Dianne Wilkinson 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

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Harris

LeBouef

Rodrigue

Wright

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.umhef.org/umdfs.

O’Dell, continued from page 1

least one $1,000 yearly scholarship to a seminary student serving the Louisiana Conference.

The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana oversees $8.3 million in scholarship funds for the Conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry, including the O’Dell scholarship. Students can find more information and application details at www.umf.org/scholarships.

The O’Dell family’s story is a living testimony to the power of legacy giving.

Their generosity has already touched the

lives of many pastors and will continue to do so forever. “The Foundation gives us all a way to invest,” Jack adds. “Anyone can sponsor a ministry opportunity beyond their lifetime.”

Is there a ministry that ignites your heart?

If so, contact the Foundation to discuss creating a scholarship or endowment fund to support it.

Like the O’Dell family, you can transform your passion into a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime—one that invests in the future of the church, forever.

3rd Quarter 2024

Savvy Living Helpful Tips for Maintaining Balance Dear Savvy Living, I have fallen a few times over the past year and was interested in learning balance exercises that can help improve my steadiness?

M

ost people do not think about practicing to maintain their balance but having good balance can be important to staying healthy. Our balance may decline if we do not stay active. Poor balance can potentially lead to falls which may cause injuries.

Every year, more than one in four people who have reached age 65 or older experience a fall. This risk increases with age. Here is what you should know about balance, along with some exercises to improve your stability.

Conditions that Affect Balance

activities like strolling through a grocery store or getting up from a chair become more difficult.

Balance Exercises Some individuals have balance problems tied to illness, medication or other specific causes. If you are experiencing problems with your balance, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

While your healthcare provider may recommend specific therapies based on your condition, here are four simple exercises some people use to help preserve and improve balance:

Balance is something many people take for granted until it is impacted by a medical condition, medication or advanced age. These factors can affect a person’s balance and make an individual less stable over time.

One-legged stands: Stand on one foot for 30 seconds or longer, then switch to the other foot. Stand near a wall or chair for assistance if needed. For an extra challenge, try closing your eyes or standing on a throw pillow.

Poor balance can also lead to a vicious cycle of inactivity. If you feel a little unsteady, you may curtail certain activities. If you are less active, you may not be challenging your balance systems or using your muscles as much.

As a result, both your balance and strength may suffer. Simple

Heel-to-toe walking: Take 20 steps while looking straight ahead.

Try to walk in a perfectly straight line.

Standing up: Without using your hands, get up from a straightbacked chair and sit back down 10 to 20 times. This improves balance and leg strength.

Tai chi: Research has shown that the practice of tai chi, which uses a combination of slow, graceful movements, meditation and deep breathing, can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

For more information on different balance exercises you can do at home, there are a variety of balance and strength exercises available online, including beginner tai chi instructional videos. Additionally, some senior fitness programs offer online classes that guide you through exercises you can do at home.

Visit with a Doctor If you have already fallen, are noticeably dizzy, unsteady or have a medical condition affecting your balance, you should consult a doctor. The doctor might refer you to a physical therapist or to an appropriate balance-training class in your community. It is important to know that many medicines and medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and inner-ear disorders can affect balance.

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

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Foundation Awards $150K+ in Grants

uring its most recent grant award cycle, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana awarded more than $150,000 to 18 churches and ministries to serve people in need across Louisiana.

Grant application deadlines are March 1, July 1 and October 15 each year. The Foundation uses a web-based application and post-reporting system.

Detailed information and the application process can be found at www.umf.org/grants.

The grant funds will benefit diverse age groups and churches in rural communities and urban centers.

Notably, Cornerstone United Methodist Church of New Orleans received the largest grant for its Community Lighthouse project.

Summer 2024 Grant Awards

Community Lighthouse aims to provide essential services and support during natural disasters in New Orleans East, a historically underserved area.

A complete list of grants awarded this cycle is shown at right.

Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation’s grants program has awarded more than $7 million to strengthen the Louisiana United Methodist Church and its related ministries.

The program focuses on four primary outreach categories: equipping clergy and laity for ministry; developing innovative ministries; fostering connections with the church, community, and Louisiana Conference; and responding to or preparing for natural disasters.

Church/Organization Academy for Spiritual Formation Aldersgate UMC

Description Retreat Backpack Blessings

Asbury UMC Black Clergy Women of the UMC Broadmoor UMC, Baton Rouge Calvary UMC Calvary UMC

Digital Discipleship Conference Sponsorships Yogamass Computer Class Lunch and Learn

Cornerstone UMC Front Yard Bikes Louisiana UM Magnolia UMC Moss Bluff UMC

Community Lighthouse Youth Expansion The Happening 3-Day Spiritual Retreat Summer Bible Camp Youth Hangout

Noel UMC Community Arts Program Neely UMC St. Luke Simpson UMC Thomas UMC

Arts and Appetites God’s Angels Dance Class Manna Ministries Insight Ministries

Total awarded:

$150,771