Annual Report 2023

Dear Friends and Partners,

With great pleasure and deep gratitude, I welcome you to the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana’s 2023 Annual Report. As we look back at the year, the theme that resonates throughout our reflections is “Rooted Together, Growing Forward.”

During these transitional times, marked by market volatility, inflation, disaffiliation and the enduring remnants of a global pandemic, our Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving Louisiana’s United Methodist churches and people. Our collective efforts have borne fruit in numerous ways:

• We proudly distributed $288,360 in grants in 2023 to fund vital ministries, focusing primarily on clergy development. Recognizing the crucial role clergy play in the life of our communities, we have directed our resources towards empowering and strengthening their leadership and financial management skills.

• Our commitment to strategic investment has yielded commendable results. The Balanced Fund showed a remarkable growth of 15%, the Income Fund is delivering a 4% return, and the Impact Fund saw an impressive surge, marking a 20% increase in 2023. This robust performance reinforces our ability to make a positive impact through strategic investment choices.

• We continue to champion planned giving, our core purpose, for the sustainability of United Methodist churches and associated ministries. We are delighted to report that our endowment match program for United Methodist churches and ministries continues to incentivize the creation of sustainable financial foundations.

As you delve into the pages of this Annual Report, it is evident that we are rooted in a rich tradition of service, growing together toward a future filled with hope and possibility.

Thank you for your steadfast support, and may our shared commitment to the mission of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana continue to bear fruit in the years ahead. Rooted Together, Growing Forward.

Sincerely,

Chris Spencer President/CEO

As of December 31, 2023

By the Numbers

$5,603,111

Dollars currently on loan to churches and ministries

$288,360 Amount awarded to UM ministries through grants in 2023

$232,705,701

Conference pastors who benefited from Seminary Service Loans

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

2023 Assets Under Management

419

Donors who have established planned gifts since 1975

$138,500

Amount in Planned Gifts established in 2023

27 Churches and ministries in 2023 Loan Portfolio

Planned Gifts

As stated in the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline, the Foundation’s primary purpose is to promote planned giving for the sustainability of local United Methodist churches and associated ministries. Through the generosity of our donors, we continue to serve that purpose.

By encouraging church members to incorporate the church and associated

ministries in their estate planning through bequests, charitable trusts, or other planned giving mechanisms, the Foundation helps to ensure its financial future.

Planned giving also fosters a sense of stewardship among congregants, deepening their commitment to the United Methodist church’s values and goals.•

2023 Planned Gifts

Gail N. McKay Endowment Fund for scholarships and to support the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home

Billy and Shai James Donor Advised Fund

HOPE Ministries Endowment in memory of Kathy McArthur

Rich and Marilyn Jeppesen Endowment Fund to support the general fund of First UMC of Slidell

Grants

The Foundation’s grant program began in 1992 with a $2,500 grant to Cornerstone United Methodist Church of New Orleans. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants to strengthen the church in the Louisiana Conference. In 2023, $288,360 was dedicated to United Methodist ministries through grants.

In 2023, clergy leadership development received the most grant dollars. The Foundation sponsored eight Louisiana clergy in Advanced Pastoral Leadership (APL), a five-year program designed to develop strategic congregational leaders. Since 2012 the Foundation has sponsored 24 clergy in APL.

Eight Louisiana clergy participated in the Practical Church Leadership program this year, a one-year graduate certificate training program at Dakota Wesleyan University, which includes an MBA post-certificate option. The Foundation has sponsored 27 clergy in the program since 2020.

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

The 2023 Practical Church Leadership cohort at their initial gathering at Dakota Wesleyan University’s campus. L to R: Rev. Katie Black, Rev. Donnie Wilkinson, Rev. Joy Comeaux, Rev. Mollie McGee, Rev. Katie Glass, Rev. Laraine Waughtal and Rev. Alton Preston.

Rev. Tiffanie Postell, far right, with some of her fellow APL cohort members and Texas Conference Bishop Cynthia Harvey, front left. Rev. Postell began the program in 2023.

Rev. Kennon Pickett presents his applied project, one of the requirements of Practical Church Leadership, at a Baton Rouge gathering.

Grants

The Foundation was a primary sponsor for the Louisiana Chapter of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal Annual Conference in October, and helped fund local clergy to attend the National Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors’ annual meeting in St. Simon’s Island, Ga.

Also part of the Foundatin’s investment in clergy was a $10,000 grant to the Wespath Clergy Financial Well-Being Initiative to help expand financial well-being resources for underserved, pandemic-impacted clergy. Several pastors in the Louisiana Conference benefited from this grant.

The Foundation’s consistent investment in clergy provides ongoing systemic support and helps strengthen pastors’ skills to be influential leaders and administrators.

In October, the Foundation hired Britney Winn Lee as Grants Outreach Coordinator.

An

In this newly created position, Britney is responsible for administering the Foundation’s grants program.

Britney, who lives in Shreveport with her family, is a lifelong United Methodist and has spent her years since graduating from Centenary College working in faith-based

Rev. Jo Ann Cooper (R) stops to celebrate with DWU faculty member Alisha Vincent (L) after the 2023 Practical Church Leadership graduation ceremony.

United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

The Foundation sponsored eight Louisiana clergy at the September NFAMLP annual meeting in St. Simon’s Island, Ga., providing valuable time connecting among associate members and local pastors in the United Methodist Church

innovative ministry grant to establish a community youth basketball program at Shady Grove UMC in Mansfield provides much-needed physical activity and introduces many unchurched families to the church.

Grants

nonprofits and UM churches. In addition to her degree from Centenary, Britney earned a master’s degree in nonprofit administration and is working on her seminary degree at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Since 2017, the Foundation has supported the Dollars For Scholars Program organized by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF), a scholarship matching initiative. The Foundation has provided support to 25 Methodist students in Louisiana. Eligible recipients have the opportunity to receive up to $4,000 per year by leveraging matching funds from UMHEF, their educational institution, and the Foundation.

The Shady Grove UMC Youth Basketball League was formed from a $6,000 Foundation grant. This initiative aims to equip the youth of Mansfield and Desoto Parish with valuable skills, athletic prowess, and bolstered confidence, all while promoting physical activity. Additionally, it strives to foster a sense of community among unchurched families, particularly those led by single parents, by inviting them to engage in Shady Grove UMC’s worship services, Children’s Church, and various youth activities.

“I am excited to walk alongside the Foundation and its communities to create, implement and tell the stories of innovative ministry,” says new Grants Outreach Coordinator, Britney Winn Lee.

Dollars For Scholars Recipients

Elise C. Burch St. Paul’s UMC, Monroe Candler School of Theology

Jalen Robinson First UMC, Amite Centenary College

Lauren Broussard LeBouef University UMC, Baton Rouge Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Grants

A $10,000 grant awarded to The Way to Work Program helps HOPE Ministries clients in Baton Rouge achieve and maintain employment, housing, financial and family stability.

UMCOR Sager Brown secured a $10,000 grant from the Foundation to establish an after-school tutoring program for Raintree Elementary School students in St. Mary parish.

With a current “D” school rating and 52 failing students, the need for academic support is evident in the parish.

To date, UMCOR Sager Brown has invested in ten new laptops, enhancing the technological resources available for the program’s implementation.

The Foundation’s Seminary Service Loan Program, funded by grants, began in 2000 and has provided $1,375,000 in seminary service loans to date.

Upon graduation, seminary student loans are forgiven 20% per year for each year in service to the Louisiana Conference, thus paying off the entire loan after five years of service.

The Foundation continued its Endowment Match Program into 2023 and as a result, two new endowments were created: Amite United Methodist Church and Claiborne Methodist Church of West Monroe. Each church contributed $5,000 and received the Foundation’s $5,000 match.•

Sager Brown’s Associate Director of Community Outreach

Benny Druilhet is preparing for the After School Tutoring Program, scheduled to begin in August 2024.

Amite United Methodist Church was one of two churches using the Foundation’s $5,000 Endowment Match Program in 2023 to establish a permanent fund for the church.

The Service of Installation for Bishop Delores J. Williamston, the 11th bishop of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, was a joyous celebration on March 4th at Dillard University. Bishop Williamston marked an historic milestone as the first AfricanAmerican bishop to be assigned to the state and the first African-American female bishop in the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

The event embraced Louisiana’s spirited culture, using a Mardi Gras theme. A jazz band and a second line parade provided all attendees a memorable and uplifting experience.

In May, the Foundation hosted five “Best Practices for the Church Office” workshops, spearheaded by Foundation

Board member, Dianne Wilkinson. This series of workshops traversed the state, reaching Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Metairie and Shreveport, extending knowledge to over 120 church administrators, secretaries, pastors, and volunteers.

Dianne’s extensive experience as a Certified Church Business Administrator within the Louisiana Conference allowed her to cover topics such as separation of duties, internal controls, and audit preparation, among others. Through these free seminars, attendees gained practical skills to fortify their respective church offices.

In its ongoing commitment to empower and support our community, the Foundation hosted a tax webinar during this year’s tax season. Collaborating with Rev. Nate Berneking of the Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the webinar served as a comprehensive resource for pastors and church administrators navigating the complexities of tax preparation. Through the virtual platform of Zoom, participants gained

Rev. Clifton Conrad installs Bishop Williamston as Bishop of the Louisiana Conference at the Service of Installation (L). The ceremony ended with a spirited, Louisiana style celebration. (R)

Dianne Wilkinson, Certified Business Administrator and Foundation Board Member shares her extensive knowledge on church office best practices at the Shreveport workshop, held at Noel UMC.

Rev. Nate Berneking

2023

invaluable insights into the nuances of tax filing specific to their roles.

The theme for the 2023 Annual Meeting was “Common Threads,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of our diverse donors, churches and ministries in advancing God’s Kingdom.

Held in April at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center in Baton Rouge, the event celebrated the Foundation’s 48th anniversary and drew nearly 100 attendees, including donors, board members and friends.

Newly installed Bishop Delores Williamston delivered the keynote address, tying together the meeting’s theme with an inspiring message on our shared connections and how God is at work unifying our paths towards a common goal. She showed some of her beautiful handmade quilts and crocheted pieces to demonstrate the theme.

Also at the annual meeting, three new board members, Rev. Clifton Conrad, Joe Crouch, Jr., and Robert Kimbro, were elected to three-year terms. Additionally, the Foundation honored Irwin Felps for his extensive service to the board, including his tenure as board chair from 2012 to 2014, as he concluded his term.

During August and September, the Foundation organized two stewardship workshops tailored for church leaders and pastors, titled “Giving Strategy for Tough Times.”

In collaboration with Horizons Stewardship, a faith-based fundraising consulting firm, these free workshops were conducted in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Bishop Williamston weaves her “Common Threads” keynote address at the annual meeting, intertwining her passion for crocheting and quilting with the theme.

Celebrating dedication: Irwin Felps (center) receives recognition for his exemplary service on the board, joined by President Chris Spencer (L) and acting Chair Omer Davis (R).

The Year in Review

Welcoming fresh perspectives: Three new board members were elected at the annual meeting in April: (L to R) Rev. Clifton Conrad of New Orleans, Joe Crouch Jr., of Alexandria and Robert Kimbro of Gretna.

Joe Park presented in Baton Rouge, while Richard Rogers presented in Shreveport. They were joined by Foundation President Chris Spencer, who discussed strategies for planned giving amidst uncertainty. With a combined attendance of 80 individuals, participants were equipped with important information to embrace the new realities of the church’s giving landscape and put into practice key strategies.

In October, the Foundation partnered with the Louisiana Conference to provide church

Team spirit on the green! L to R: Tommy D’Amico, David Addison, Bobby Fahey and Chris Spencer come together as a formidable golf team at the Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services 43rd Annual Golf Classic, proudly sponsored by the Foundation as a Faith Sponsor.

leaders a webinar addressing church property insurance challenges in Louisiana. It featured Jeff Albright, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of La., along with Foundation president Chris Spencer and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson of the Louisiana Conference, who discussed potential solutions.•

Despite the devastation to churches left by hurricanes, hope rises as the Foundation and Conference collaborate to discuss insurance challenges in Louisiana.

Congratulations to Amy Ory of Slaughter United Methodist Church, recipient of the Foundation’s $500 ministry grant awarded at the Louisiana Annual Conference. Amy, pictured here with Chris Spencer, utilized the grant to establish a formal membership registry and enhance educational resources for Sunday School and Bible Study.

Foundation Leadership

Executive Committee

Bobby Fahey

Chair of the Board

Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Vice Chair

Sandra Kuykendall Secretary Omer Davis Investment Committee Chair

Rev. Drew Sutton Grants Committee Chair

Chris Spencer President

The Foundation’s Investment Committee (L) and Board (R): Two teams, one vision.

Board of Trustees

L. Nettles Brown Investment Committee

Rev. Clifton Conrad Member at Large

Joe Crouch, Jr. Investment Committee

Rev. Doug DeGraffenried Grants Committee

Drew Kennedy Grants Committee

Robert Kimbro Investment Committee

Eunice Val Lavigne Investment Committee

Richard Lewis Investment Committee

Troy Searles Investment Committee

Dianne Wilkinson Grants Committee

Foundation Staff

Rachel Baio Director of Trusts

Tamara Bello Accounting Assistant

Kelly Johannessen Director of Communications

Britney Winn Lee Grants Outreach Coordinator

Jodi McKey Office Manager

Chris Spencer President/CEO

Tracie Wharton Controller

Staff, pictured L to R: Britney Winn Lee, Jodi McKey, Chris Spencer, Tamara Bello, Kelly Johannessen, Rachel Baio and Tracie Wharton.

This year, we mourn the loss of eight cherished donors within the United Methodist Church community. Their passing leaves behind an amazing legacy of generosity, serving as beacons of inspiration for us all.

These individuals, now Clouds of Witness, have fortified the foundations of our ministries, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Margaret Reed clay 2-6-2023, Age 99

Betty Kern Eady 5-8-23, Age 92

Maribel Ellender 9-17-2023, Age 89

J. Robert Kemmerly, M.D. 5-27-2023, Age 88

Kathy McArthur 10-8-2023, Age 72

Dude Middlebrooks 6-9-2023, Age 99

Rev. Dr. Ted Weber 2-25-2023, Age 94

Rev. John Winn 12-27-2023, Age 93