United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina

United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina A ministry of the Church for the Church whose mission is to build the Church for generations to come.

What better way to spend a Monday than a road trip to our beautiful WNC mountains?Your Foundation was warmly welcomed th...
09/14/2026

What better way to spend a Monday than a road trip to our beautiful WNC mountains?

Your Foundation was warmly welcomed this evening at Highlands UMC to give an update on the investment performance of the church’s endowment fund, which has been invested at the Foundation since 2004.

Thank you, Highlands UMC, not only for a great meeting, but for your trust in us over the past 22 years of this partnership. We look forward to continuing to grow together as we build the Church for generations to come!

David Snipes and A.J. Thomas started the week in style, sporting black polos and blue pants for their Monday attire. The...
09/14/2026

David Snipes and A.J. Thomas started the week in style, sporting black polos and blue pants for their Monday attire. They swear it was not coordinated. Thanks, guys, for bringing your keen sense of style (and good humor) to the Foundation office. And a happy Monday to all!

Foundation President David Snipes shared these photos from St. Andrew's UMC in Charlotte, where quadrennial ethics train...
09/10/2026

Foundation President David Snipes shared these photos from St. Andrew's UMC in Charlotte, where quadrennial ethics training brought clergy together for a session called "Ethically, Who Are We? Beyond Slogans, Soundbites, and Silos."

There were remarks by Rev. Dawn Hand, WNCC Director of Equity and Justice, and table conversations inspired by the book "Knowing Who We Are" on the inclusive practices of early Methodism. The beauty of Christianity and the Wesleyan movement, writes author Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, is the ability to always return to core values of grace and acceptance, despite imperfections and failures along the way.

Join us in praying for wisdom for these clergy as they return home to carry out God's work in the world.

Clergy are at the Foundation to explore a challenge at the heart of church leadership: Balancing the sacred and the supe...
09/09/2026

Clergy are at the Foundation to explore a challenge at the heart of church leadership: Balancing the sacred and the supervisory. Those who preach the Word on Sunday also oversee the business of running a church during the week.

The Reynolds Academy for Ministry Management is a place to find guidance. Pastors from the two North Carolina conferences and Georgia are taking part in the year-long cohort, designed to help clergy grow in their roles as chief executives.

In an opening devotion, Foundation President David Snipes urged the group to look at administrative ministry as a form of care -- not an opportunity to exert control. When we do this well, we create conditions for spiritual formation to take root.

"It is a way of saying to people: I want this ministry to be sustainable, clear, and life-giving for you...but most of all, we need it to be for and of God," David said.

Join us in praying for these clergy to find wisdom that strengthens their leadership and blesses the congregations they serve.

Too many clergy have to choose between making loan payments and taking care of personal and family needs. The Clergy Deb...
09/08/2026

Too many clergy have to choose between making loan payments and taking care of personal and family needs. The Clergy Debt Reduction Loan Program, now in its 10th year, eases the burden in a way that brings financial stability.

Participants save an average of $350 per month by consolidating debt at the very favorable rate of 1.5 percent. By comparison, federal student loans are triple that rate. And the average credit card carries a 20 percent interest rate.

In a video linked below, Rev. Kevin Quick shares his journey to overcome seminary debt in the hope that it will inspire clergy in similar circumstances. "I feel like this program was made for people just like me," said Kevin, a deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference.

On behalf of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits and The Duke Endowment, thank you for considering this opportunity and sharing it with others in advance of the Oct. 5 application deadline.

An investment in training has made a positive difference for the Conference's 25-person Helene recovery team. Technology...
09/03/2026

An investment in training has made a positive difference for the Conference's 25-person Helene recovery team. Technology of Participation (ToP) methods emphasize open, honest dialogue and inclusion of all voices. Healthy communication habits strengthen the team's ability to serve neighbors, particularly when the work gets stressful.

“The tools from this training create spaces for staff members to share their own wisdom," says Maggie Armstrong, the Conference's Director of Recovery. "And to hear and respect the wisdom of other people on their staff."

Read about this Foundation-supported initiative using the link below.

WNCC clergy are at the Foundation for a two-day workshop on stress, self-awareness, and staying grounded in a sense of c...
09/02/2026

WNCC clergy are at the Foundation for a two-day workshop on stress, self-awareness, and staying grounded in a sense of call. It's part of a pilot program on resilience led by Suzanne Schilling, Rev. Dr. John McGill, and Director of Programs Caroline Wood.

Suzanne advocates for clergy wellness through her work as executive director of the Davidson Centre for the Professions. The Foundation board member spent an early part of her career on Wall Street and saw firsthand the effects of stress and anxiety on those in positions of leadership.

John came to this work after 30 years in the local church. As a practitioner of emotional intelligence (EQ), John teaches that inner peace liberates us for greater ministry. Emotional maturity isn't becoming someone who is always right. It's becoming someone who can recognize when they might be wrong—and remain secure enough to learn from it.

Join us in praying for these pastors as they develop tools to balance personal well-being and professional responsibilities. It's a lifelong pursuit for those called to do God’s work in the world.

The Foundation staff stepped away from the Monday routine for team building that culminated in a spirited afternoon of m...
09/01/2026

The Foundation staff stepped away from the Monday routine for team building that culminated in a spirited afternoon of mini golf. The day began with reflection on the Staff Covenant, a set of mutually agreed-upon values and ways of relating to each other. The five tenets (participation, trust, communication, confidentiality, and faithfulness) grew out of a strategic visioning process that guides the Foundation’s work. Weekly staff meetings conclude with a responsive reading of the covenant.

Afterward, a trip to the Puttery brought swings, misses, and smiles. In the coveted best costume category, first place went to a Bob Ross painting (Andrea Gutierrez and Annalee Allen) that topped Ace Ventura: Putt Detectives, Par-Tee Animals, Salt & Peppa, annoying Disney tourists, Redacted, and Bus 237 (it’s a long story).

As the office returns to regularly scheduled programming, we give thanks for a culture that keeps us connected – and strengthens our mission to build the Church for generations to come.

Generations of App State students have come to a red brick building on Howard Street for spiritual nourishment amid the ...
08/27/2026

Generations of App State students have come to a red brick building on Howard Street for spiritual nourishment amid the pressures of college life. Now the Appalachian Wesley Foundation is helping young people connect with faith in a new way: a journaling Bible designed by their own classmates.

In the age of screens and digital textbooks, too many Gen Z-ers don't appreciate the value of a tangible resource to carry to worship, small groups, and favorite study spots, says Campus Pastor Rev. Juston Smith. Relying on a device (and the accompanying distractions) can make it harder to engage fully in Scripture.

"Our hope is for this to be a resource to help students begin a daily ritual of reading and thinking," Juston said. "Something that isn’t too large or overwhelming to engage with... that students have helped to create for other students."

Produced with support from the Foundation's Reynolds Ministry Fund, the spiral bound, lay flat journaling Bible includes God Winks, Spotify playlist suggestions, and Scripture-themed art for coloring.

Rev. Annalee Allen visited App Wesley for Wednesday Night Worship, one of many places where the tool will be available for students. "My visit gave me a clear picture of the genuine sense of community that students are experiencing," Annalee said. "They are finding a place to grow in their faith, connect with others, and know God’s presence together."

One day, Juston imagines the ministry having its own publishing house where students can pursue creative ideas and put their writing and design skills to work. For now, the study Bible is a physical reminder to take a break from the screen -- and make time for God's Word.

"One of my favorite things is spending time in our rural churches during the summer," writes A.J. Thomas, the Foundation...
08/26/2026

"One of my favorite things is spending time in our rural churches during the summer," writes A.J. Thomas, the Foundation's Director of Client Relations. "Almost without exception, somewhere near the front door is a basket or table overflowing with produce.

One gentleman laughed as he pointed to the table and said, “I have to bring them to church. I’ve got tomatoes coming out of my ears!”

We laughed, but his comment also revealed something beautiful about generosity. People who leave tomatoes on the table simply want someone else to enjoy some of what they have. They know the harvest becomes a blessing when it is given away."

Read more of A.J.'s reflection using the link below.

Address

13816 Professional Center Drive
Huntersville, NC
28078

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+17048173990

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share