United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina

06/09/2026

T-shirt folding day at the Foundation can mean only one thing: It's almost time for Annual Conference. The theme for this year's shirt is about seeing beyond what is...to what could be. Matthew 17:20 puts it this way: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” This promise gives meaning to can be achieved when we come together around God's vision.

Visit the Foundation ministry tent to say hello and receive your shirt. You're also invited to an annual meeting on Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 a.m. in Stuart Auditorium. You'll hear about our work and be introduced to United Methodists who live out the words of Matthew 17: Even the smallest seed placed in God’s care will grow beyond what we can measure.

06/08/2026

United Methodists in Lincoln County are bringing the church to the people – in some cases, right to their driveways and front doors – with a ministry for folks struggling to afford groceries.

The Giving Place fills a crucial gap for seniors and families in underserved parts of the county, say organizers at Rock Hill UMC. With support from the Foundation’s Reynolds Ministry Fund, the Stanley church has expanded weekly deliveries of meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, and household items.

“This is absolutely a ministry that meets people where they are,” said Rev. Annalee Allen, the Foundation’s Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. Annalee joined volunteers last week for a delivery to the McClainville community off NC 16.

Many recipients lack transportation. And their grocery bills keep getting higher: The cost of food was up 2.9% in April compared to the same month a year earlier, the highest year-over-year inflation rate since August 2023, according to the latest government figures.

The Giving Place is a powerful way to live out the gospel, says Rev. Dana Pate, Rock Hill’s pastor. By meeting physical needs (hunger) first, volunteers establish a level of trust that opens the door to deeper Christ-centered relationships.

“We have made connections with people we would have never seen,” Dana said. “Some people say, ‘Why are y’all doing this?’ We want to let you know you’re not in this alone. We love you. And God does, too.”

06/02/2026

Soap, water, and love are the ingredients of a ministry helping United Methodists in Gastonia connect with unhoused neighbors. The Wash Hut, located in a former Scout building at Myers Memorial UMC, provides guests with a place to shower and do laundry. They encounter a spirit of Christian hospitality, too, from volunteers waiting with coffee and warm hellos.

Four people showed up when the center opened a year ago. On its one-year anniversary on Monday, the ministry welcomed an all-time high of 46 people — a reflection of the need in Gaston County, the only county in the Charlotte region without a homeless shelter.

Organizers plan to add Saturday hours with support from the Foundation’s Reynolds Ministry Fund. The additional day will include breakfast, lunch, and an optional Bible study where guests and church members can get to know one another.

The ministry has become a wellspring for new relationships. Unhoused neighbors speak to the church’s youth group, volunteer at various church functions, and attend worship. Laity share resources for navigating transitional housing and healthcare.

“Success will be a continuation of what we have witnessed on Mondays,” says Rev. Drew Nix, associate pastor for youth, young adults and community engagement. “The fruit of relationships, trust, opening up…be it on Sunday mornings or in a new way the Spirit will reveal.”

The Wash Hut embodies what it means to share God’s love in new and meaningful ways, says Rev. Annalee Allen, the Foundation’s Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. Annalee and Jennifer Davis, chair of the Foundation board, visited on Monday and spoke with church member Ann Peninger, who co-founded the ministry with her husband, Charlie.

“It was inspiring to hear Ann share her experience of building relationships one person at a time,” Annalee said. “Through these simple yet meaningful interactions, genuine connections are formed.”

05/31/2026

Main Street UMC in Albemarle welcomed your Foundation today to give a planned giving presentation over a delicious lunch.

Did you know churches with an endowment are far more likely to receive planned gifts than churches that do not have an endowment?

Main Street is making a difference in people’s lives, and they are excited about the future. Thanks for having us out today!

05/28/2026

At the Foundation one of our core values is relationships. The client relations team had the privilege of focusing this week on some of our relationships in the Smoky Mountain and Blue Ridge Districts. Over the last 3 days, Aly and A.J. met with pastors from 20 churches over various meals in western North Carolina. We got to hear about the excellent, different missions happening in each church, facilitate conversation on shared obstacles and joys, and bear witness to the amazing example of connectionism happening in our conference. We were able to meet with both District Superintendents as well, strengthening our relationship and knowledge of the district identities.

Thank you for all who took the time to meet with us, we appreciate you sharing your time. For those we were unable to connect with this time, we look forward to connecting with you soon. In the meantime, if you need to connect with the Foundation, please let us know and we will be happy to come and visit.

05/24/2026

Foundation offices are closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The staff will return on Tuesday, May 26. May we remember those who sacrificed for the country we call home.

05/21/2026

In the newest episode of Stewards & Stories, Rev. Magrey deVega previews his forthcoming book, A Time for Wisdom: Finding Hope in Ecclesiastes, and shares insights on what happens when we lose a loved one. "There is still something of their essence that lives on within us....and in eternity in the heart of God," Rev. deVega tells Rev. Annalee Allen, host of the Foundation's podcast. Listen below to an interview with the senior pastor of Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, who is also an author and commentator on spiritual life.

Stewards & Stories: Real Voices, Shared Wisdom, United in Mission · Episode

05/20/2026

Your Foundation is with our partners at Stokesdale UMC in Stokesdale, to discuss a loan for a major renovation to the church facility. In line with the Foundation’s mission of “Building the Church for Generations to Come,” these renovations will improve the church’s hospitality and fellowship efforts for generations, as well.

Stokesdale UMC is no stranger to the UMF Development Fund loan program. Over a decade ago, the church took out a loan to purchase 3 acres directly between the church property and Highway 158, giving the church significant visibility and road frontage. Stokesdale UMC paid off that 15-year loan in half the time.

Thank you for sharing your joy and excitement with us for the congregation’s future! We are honored to be more than just a lender, but truly a ministry partner.

05/20/2026

Follow up on prayer concerns. Ask for input on potential hires. Celebrate good news together. A clergy cohort is meeting at the Foundation this week to discuss how these kinds of staff-focused leadership practices, and others like them, can foster a healthy workplace culture.

Preaching on Sunday is just one part of the job. There are staff meetings, hiring decisions, annual reviews, and the occasional hard conversations with employees. The Reynolds Academy for Ministry Management helps pastors grow in their roles as chief executives responsible for the business of the church.

Guest speaker John McGill spoke to the group about the science of emotional intelligence (EQ). It involves paying attention to what others tell you, both verbally and non-verbally, and responding from a place of empathy rather than emotion. EQ can be the difference between fruitfulness and failure.

As the session concludes tomorrow, join us in praying for growth that enables clergy to provide a high level of leadership in the office... and in all the places that ministry happens.