A publication of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana 4th Quarter 2025
InsIde ThIs Issue
ENDOWMENTS:
A Timeless Gift
Formore than six decades, Nell Perry and her late husband, Vic, called First United Methodist Church of DeRidder their spiritual home.
After moving to DeRidder in the 1960s, the Perrys raised their three daughters in the vibrant children’s and youth programs of First DeRidder, grounding their family in the life of the church. Vic and Nell immersed themselves in nearly every aspect of congregational life.
From serving on the church council and finance committee to Nell chairing a major building renovation, the Perrys lived out their faith through steady, joyful service.
As their health began to decline in recent years, the Perrys faced the difficult
decision to leave their longtime home in DeRidder. Although it was hard to consider moving away, they needed access to the assisted living care available in Houston—care they could not find in DeRidder.
Even in the midst of major life changes, one concern remained constant: ensuring their annual pledge to the church they loved would continue long after their lifetimes.
In 2021, they met with their pastor, Rev. Laraine Waughtal, to explore a planned gift.
Rev. Waughtal, a graduate of the Foundation-sponsored Practical Church Leadership program at Dakota continued, page 2
“The Perrys’ gift is forever, just as God’s love is forever.”
Rev. Laraine Waughtal
Senior Pastor
First United Methodist Church, DeRidder
Side by Side: First UMC of DeRidder (L) and the Perry Family (R) who called it home for more than 60 years.Their Perry Family Endowment ensures this beloved church continues to thrive for generations to come.
Legacies Editor: Kelly Johannessen kellyj@umf.org 2025 Board of Trustees
Wesleyan University, realized during these conversations just how deeply the program had shaped her ministry.
Rev. Jo Cooper Chairman
Rev. Katie Black
Abby Cochran
Rev. Clifton Conrad
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
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PCL gave her practical tools and real-world application—especially around the often-difficult topic of discussing finances with church members.
“Many church members want to give more but don’t always know how,” she reflected. Because she had practiced these conversations through her coursework, she felt fully prepared to guide the Perrys.
This fall, the church received its first distribution. With Vic’s passing in October, Nell takes comfort knowing their commitment continues automatically.
After family discussions and a few years of reflection, the Perrys finalized their plans in May 2025 with the help of Foundation President Chris Spencer. Together, they established the Perry Family Endowment, calculating a gift amount that would generate annual income equal to their pledge—providing support to First DeRidder in perpetuity.
“The beauty of an endowment,” Rev. Waughtal said, “is that as the church plans its budget and future fundraising, they have a consistent stream of income to build on. The Perrys’ gift is forever, just as God’s love is forever.”
Their endowment now strengthens the church that shaped their family—and will continue for generations to come.
Give More, Owe Less: The Power of Your RMD
Asthe year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to consider using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to support the ministries you love. If you’re 73 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA to your church or favorite ministry. This simple gift can help satisfy your RMD, reduce your taxable income and make a meaningful impact on your church or favorite nonprofit. By giving through your IRA, you may
lower your tax burden while investing in ministry that lasts. Speak with your financial advisor today to ensure your gift is completed before December 31, 2025.
savvy LIvIng
How to Prevent Cognitive Decline as you Age
Dear Savvy Living,
Are there any proven strategies that can help prevent cognitive decline and support longterm brain health? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older.
As we grow older, it is common to notice subtle changes in the ability to remember names, multi-task or learn something new. While our genes play a key role in determining our cognitive aging, our general health plays a big part too.
Here are some suggested healthy lifestyle strategies, recommended by medical experts, that can help support brain health and possibly strengthen cognitive function.
Manage health problems: Studies have shown that cognitive issues can be related to health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression. If you are managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or depression, lifestyle changes and medication can often help manage these conditions. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best approach for you.
Exercise: Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain, keeping the brain cells well nourished. To achieve cognitive benefits, engage in aerobic activities like walking, cycling, dancing or swimming that elevate
your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, multiple times per week.
Eat healthy: A Mediterranean-style diet may also help protect the brain. This diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, nuts and olive oil. One should also keep processed foods and sweets to a minimum.
Get plenty of sleep: Quality, restful sleep contributes to brain health too. Typically, adults should get seven or more hours of sleep daily. If you have persistent problems sleeping, you should identify and address the root issue. Medications, late-night exercise and alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and length, as can arthritis pain, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. If you need help, make an appointment with a sleep specialist who may recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep test.
Challenge your mind: Some research suggests that mindchallenging activities can help improve memory and slow agerelated mental decline. Find a new and challenging activity like learning to dance, playing a musical instrument, studying a new language or tackling math problems.
Socializing and interacting with other people is another important way to stimulate the brain. Make it a point to reach out and stay connected to friends, family and neighbors. Join a club, take a class or volunteer to enhance your social life.
Do not smoke or drink: Smoking and regular alcohol consumption have negative side effects on brain health, so it is best to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Check your eyes and ears: A growing body of evidence shows that vision and hearing loss affects brain stimulation which can also increase the risk of cognitive decline. It is important to get your vision and hearing checked regularly and to treat any issues promptly.
Reduce stress: Some stress is good for the brain, but chronic stress can be unhealthy. There is evidence that suggest activities like mindfulness meditation, yoga and tai chi are all good ways to help reduce stress.
“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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Broadening the United Methodist Connection: Spencer Elected VP of NAUMF
Chris Spencer, president of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, has been elected vice president of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations (NAUMF). The election took place at the association’s 2025 annual meeting in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on October 21.
Spencer will serve a three-year term as vice president, followed by a three-year term as president. He will continue in his role as president of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana while serving in this national leadership position.
The National Association of United Methodist Foundations (www.naumf.org) is a collaborative network that connects and equips United Methodist foundations across the country to strengthen ministries through stewardship, generosity and planned giving.
Sheri Meister, current president of the association, said, “Chris brings great wisdom, steady leadership and a deep commitment to our shared mission— qualities that will serve our team well.”
Spencer has served as president of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana for four years
L to R: Sheri Meister, President and Chris Spencer, Vice-President
and previously served as the Foundation’s development director. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to helping individuals and congregations grow in faith and generosity. His new role with NAUMF reflects his dedication to the broader United Methodist connection and his vision for strengthening the impact of foundations nationwide.
