United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

06/02/2026

More on road trips! Pictured here is Chris catching up with Rev. Matt Rawle at Carrollton United Methodist Church in New Orleans. Susan was behind the camera making sure the moment was captured!

We always enjoy opportunities to visit, connect, and hear what is happening in the life of our churches. Let us know if we can come visit your church!

06/02/2026

Chris Spencer and Susan Cothern were on the road again Monday, traveling to southwest Louisiana for a day of connection and meaningful conversations. They visited with Rev. Tracy MacKenzie at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church, Rev. Angela Bulhof at University United Methodist Church of Lake Charles, and Rev. Lauren LeBouef at Westlake United Methodist Church.

The day concluded with Chris and Susan joining Rev. Jo Cooper at Henning Memorial United Methodist Church in Sulphur, where they helped host a large gathering of members to discuss planned giving and opportunities to create a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who welcomed them and participated in these important conversations!

Chris and Susan always enjoy spending time with friends across our Foundation community. We'd love to connect with you, too — give us a call and schedule a visit to your church in the near future!

05/29/2026

Our next grant application deadline is JULY 1! Click here for some ideas across our priority areas to spark your imagination. These are starting points — the best application will reflect the unique context and calling of your congregation. https://umf.org/other-grant-opportunities -connection

05/28/2026

Chris Spencer and Rev. Boger, along with new Director of Development Ministry Susan Cothern (not pictured) enjoyed spending time today at Bethany UMC in New Orleans, sharing conversation about ministry and exploring ways the Foundation can support the church through our services and resources.
We are grateful for opportunities to partner with churches as they strengthen their ministries and plan for the future!

05/27/2026

We have a little over a month until the next United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana grant application deadline! This is a great time to ask for ministry support for Fall initiatives.

Here are some ideas in case you're looking for a place to start: Fall harvest community dinner series, neighborhood trunk-or-treat and resource fair, after-school homework hub, senior exercise ministry, outdoor worship and nature church, "pop up church" in unexpected places, mental health and faith series, digital storytelling and congregation archive, hurricane season debrief and readiness training, youth disaster response team launch, long-term disaster survivor care, rural clergy peer learning circle, cross-cultural ministry immersion, etc.

Feel free to share any of your ideas and/or see how your church might collaborate on a grant with another church in your district! Let us know how we can help — [email protected]

05/27/2026

"𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐲" 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
MOVEMENT 8 of 8:
From Scarcity Mindset to Abundance

God is not a God of scarcity.

A scarcity mindset can stop innovation before it even begins. It can become an excuse for doing nothing instead of faithfully exploring new possibilities for ministry.

Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane challenged churches to lead from abundance, faith, and hope — trusting that God can do more than we imagine.

What ministries might become possible if we focused on abundance instead of limitation?

Watch the webinar recording or download handouts at:
https://umf.org/stewardship-webinar

05/26/2026

"𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐲" 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
MOVEMENT 7 of 8: See Property as a Missional Tool

Church buildings are not just facilities — they are ministry assets.

In today’s changing landscape, Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane encouraged churches to think differently about property:
How can our spaces better serve our mission?

This may mean right-sizing facilities, expanding community use, or aligning buildings more intentionally with ministry purpose. The goal is not simply filling buildings, but growing ministry.

Watch the webinar recording or download handouts at:
https://umf.org/stewardship-webinar

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

"𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐲" 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
MOVEMENT 6 of 8:
Talk About Money More, Not Less

Jesus talked about money frequently — not because money was the mission, but because it is deeply connected to discipleship.

Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane reminded us:
“Never talk about people’s money apart from their discipleship, and never talk about the church’s money apart from its mission.”

Healthy stewardship conversations are spiritual conversations.

Watch the webinar recording or download handouts at:
https://umf.org/stewardship-webinarTalk

05/22/2026

"𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐲" 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
MOVEMENT 5 of 8: From Numbers to Narratives

Stories give money meaning.

People want to know how their gifts are changing lives. Gratitude and storytelling help connect generosity to mission and impact.

Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane suggested rethinking “the offering moment” during worship by sharing stories of ministry and transformation — especially in a time when digital giving may make the offering plate appear empty.

Never underestimate the power of a story.

Watch the webinar recording or download handouts at:
https://umf.org/stewardship-webinar