Methodist Foundation of Ohio

10/08/2025

With Pastor Appreciation Month in full swing, many "Thank You Pastor" mugs have been purchased, but there may be things that might be even more appreciated by the leader of your flock.

1. Review the pastor's compensation. This should include not only her salary, but health insurance (including the deductible), funding for books or study materials and professional development.

2. Let's talk time away from the office. Is taking a sabbatical each week something your church is grudgingly wiling to put up with or is it actively encouraged? What about other time off? Show your appreciation by having these conversations, and making any changes that are necessary and plausible.

3. Help make time away happen. Approving a week out of the office is good, but a parishioner providing a week at her vacation home is even better. How about a gift card to an airline, a hotel or B&B chain, even a gas station for a road trip?

4. Remind him how much he's appreciated. There are few hand written notes these days, so the power of receiving one is through the roof. It's best if it's personal, "I am so grateful for the time that you helped me..." Or "You make our church so much better because you..." Bishop Malone once shared that she has kept these cards and affirmations over the years and will pull them out and read them during difficult times.

5. Ask what would be most helpful. Is there a pastor's conference he has always dreamt of attending? A spiritual retreat that would heal the soul? A subscription to a journal or professional website that would make a difference?

6. Help around the parsonage. Some pastors see the lawn and flower beds as the setting for great pride and renewal. Others see it as a weekly chore. Is it due for new paint, carpet or windows? Is the parsonage a place that your parishioners would be happy to live in? If not, there may be an opportunity there.

7. Make every month Pastor Appreciation Month. No, she doesn't need 12 mugs every year, but a full year of open communication, encouraging words and a true partnership can be affirming for someone in a challenging career.

10/03/2025

📈 Despite economic headwinds, Q3 delivered strong returns across markets.

Wespath’s latest Quarterly Investor Letter breaks down what drove performance, key Fed moves, and our newest fund launch. Plus, get an in-depth at our latest Sustainable Investment Report.

🔗 https://ow.ly/LZZ650X5SqS

07/07/2025

Holy cow it's been a chaotic quarter. Johara Farhadieh, Wespath's Chief Investment Officer, makes sense of it all.

05/13/2025

So much change in our church and in our world. An Island of Calm is so important these days.

https://methodistinvesting.org/2025/05/13/an-island-of-calm/

04/07/2025

Johara Farhadieh, Wespath's Chief Investment Officer, offers these insights into the first quarter, including the last week.

04/01/2025

What better way to understand the life and ministry of John and Charles Wesley than to walk in their shoes this fall? The Methodist Foundation of Ohio invites you to take the Wesley Heritage Tour, visiting Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, Bath and other parts of Wesley’s England. You will travel with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote, former Dean of Ashland Seminary and noted Wesley historian.

“An immersive experience in Wesley’s England offers the chance for amazing growth for any United Methodist,” said Brian Sheetz, executive director of The Methodist Foundation of Ohio. “Imagine walking where they walked in Epworth and learning where they learned in Oxford, and all with the expert teaching and outstanding story telling that Dr. Chilcote brings to the experience. I expect it to be a remarkable nine days.”

You will depart the U.S. on October 13 and return October 21. The cost is approximately $4,800 depending on your departure city includes airfare, tours, and most meals. You will have a free day in London and those costs are not included. An additional four days in Ireland will extend your trip at extra cost.

Travel is through Educational Opportunities, a long-time trusted travel partner for religious pilgrimages.

You can download the complete brochure here. HE25_101325S_60876_Sheetz_FINAL.pdf

Register for the trip using this link. Educational Opportunities Tours / Tours · Wesley Heritage Tour with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung & Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote sponsored by The Methodist Foundation of Ohio | October 13, 2025

When registering, use Host or Group Leader ID: 60876 and Host or Group Leader Name Brian Sheetz.

03/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18UZni3GeM/

The latest tariffs from the Trump administration have sparked market turbulence, increased inflationary concerns, and raised questions about long-term economic strategy. Are these tariffs a short-term bargaining tool or a fundamental shift in U.S. trade policy? Our latest blog breaks down five key impacts investors should monitor—including market volatility, economic growth, and supply chain disruptions. Read the full analysis by Joe Halwax below.

https://ow.ly/Eqgs50VfcJF

02/17/2025

We're giving away free money! Benevolent grants are available for your church's mission and outreach programs.

We also have college scholarships for the youth from your church. These do require letters of reference.

Deadline for all of these is March 1. We do not accept late or incomplete applications.

Find more information and the application links here: https://methodistinvesting.org/grants-and-scholarships-2

12/02/2024

Free office furniture!!

We are getting new furniture and are pleased to offer our current stuff to any United Methodist ministry, including your local church. Target date for removal is December 13.

You'll need to come and pick it up. Preference to anyone who needs all three pieces.

06/14/2024

Awesome to have Allison Lebrun preaching at Annual Conference this morning. A friend, an effective young pastor and Mount Union alumna. A woman in her 26th week of pregnancy preaches about growing weary with great credibility.

03/01/2024

If your church or ministry has an account with us, be sure to check this month's statement for an invitation to our Investment Forum. Join staff from Wespath as well as the Foundation for insights on the economy and markets, how your investments change the world and how you can make your endowments more effective. It's April 20 in Canton.