United Methodist Foundation for the TN-Western KY Conference

05/24/2026

In Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents warns against burying our blessings. Keeping resources idle may be a way to keep them secure, but what good does this do if they can’t grow or serve a meaningful purpose? As faithful stewards of God’s blessings, we are called to use a portion of them to expand God’s kingdom. https://umfmtc.org/blog/dont-bury-your-talent-plant-it/

03/31/2026

Consider what one feels when you are on the edge of something. The emotions will likely be based on what comes next or what’s on the other side. Is it a precipice? Is it the end of a gripping chapter in a great novel? Is it seeing the District Superintendent’s number on your phone during appointment season? Is it when your teenager starts a sentence with “Don’t be mad, but…”. These are moments that can test our judgement, our patience, even our faith. https://umfmtc.org/blog/living-and-loving-on-the-edge-of-next/

03/30/2026

When my granddaughter (who is now almost 17) was a little girl, she told me that she was going to “do that Lent thing.” I asked her what that meant. She responded, “You know, where you give up something.” When I asked her what she was giving up, she said, “Broccoli!” Since I knew she didn’t like broccoli, I decided it might be time to discuss what Lenten disciplines are really are supposed to be. https://umfmtc.org/blog/lent-and-broccoli/

03/23/2026

Spring is often the time of year to celebrate the newness of life. Lent takes us on the road to Jerusalem with Jesus…from Ash Wednesday, through the events of Holy Week, to the foot of the cross, and finally to the glory of the Resurrection found in an empty tomb. Spring is a time for new ideas to emerge, new opportunities to explore, new ways of thinking to be considered. https://umfmtc.org/blog/we-make-house-calls/

03/23/2026

03/16/2026

Tom & Betty Cloyd Scholarship--Now Available!

The United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference is pleased to announce the Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship Fund is available for qualified applicants. The Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship Fund was established through Belle Meade United Methodist Church and is held at the United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference (UMFTWK) in honor of the late Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Cloyd and Mrs. Betty Shannon Cloyd by their family and friends. The Cloyds served faithfully for over forty-five years in Tennessee, in Zaire, in the Congo, and at the Navajo Mission School.

To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must be a United Methodist of any age (for a minimum of one year) and enrolled in or accepted by a recognized program of study, graduate or undergraduate in a college or university, and have financial need. To receive more information or to apply for this scholarship for the 2026 academic year, please contact The Reverend Dr. David Weatherly at the United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, 615-259-2008, or click the link below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aaZ0dSk_70H3nJFE8O50R7VyxX7F2Ode/view?usp=sharing

Scholarship applications must be received by our office no later than May 30th to the below address by mail or email:

UMFTWK
Attn: Sara Finger
1908 Grand Avenue, Suite 210
Nashville, TN 37212
Fax: 615-259-2082
Phone: 615-259-2008
Email: [email protected]

03/07/2026

In the United Methodist tradition, we often use the word “connectionalism” to describe our organizational structure. It expresses more than just a denominational or bureaucratic order; it is a spiritual and theological conviction that proclaims we are far more effective together than we are apart. https://umfmtc.org/blog/the-strength-of-the-connection-and-why-it-is-so-essential/

02/23/2026

As I began thinking about how my Lenten observance can help me deal with the troubling issues of our nation and the larger world, I was reminded of what I’ve observed in my own yard the past month. During a stretch of warm weather in late January, I noticed the green fronds of daffodils (or are they jonquils? – I don’t know the difference – so let’s just say buttercups) appearing in the flower beds in our yard. https://umfmtc.org/blog/lenten-lessons-from-the-buttercup/

02/10/2026

For those who preach sermons on a regular basis, which dynamic tends to be more challenging…how to start or how to finish? Neither matters if there isn’t something of substance in between. The same can be true with trying to stimulate generosity in a local church. https://umfmtc.org/blog/cultivating-a-heart-of-completion-in-the-me-and-the-we/

02/05/2026

As we complete the first month of 2026, the landscape for local churches is shifting from reactive management to bold, strategic planning. The challenges of recent years have revealed that financial stability is not just about survival; it is about stewardship…managing God’s resources with foresight to create lasting impact. The coming year offers a promising opportunity for churches to move beyond maintenance and truly invest in their mission, ensuring they are prepared to be salt and light in their communities. This means having clear, transparent financial records, setting realistic budgets that reflect your mission, and fostering a culture of trust and generosity. https://umfmtc.org/blog/bold-wise-and-faithful-church-financial-strength-in-2026-and-beyond/