News

In 2017, the congregation at First United Methodist Church of Sanford was at a crossroads. Having faced closure the previous year, the then newly appointed pastors, Revs. David and Meghan Killingsworth, found a congregation that was desperate to continue serving the Sanford community like it has done for more than one hundred years. Like many […]

The Foundation’s search for a Director of Development started with a comprehensive job description guaranteed to inspire the best and deter the unqualified. Daunting job description, meet Elena Nicholas. From her blue chip resumé, to her grasp of the big picture, to her dynamic interpersonal skills, to her vibrant faith, Nicholas is more than a

Margaret Cox has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Florida United Methodist Foundation. According to President and CEO Ed New, Cox will assume her position on July 1.  Currently the Treasurer of the Foundation and a 25-year employee, she will assume the position being vacated by Pam Hicks, who is retiring. New said

Founded in 1857, First UMC was the first Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida and is the “mother” church of many of the other United Methodist Churches in town. Epworth Hall, built in 1883, was the original site of the East Florida Seminary which would later become the University of Florida. Although many changes have occurred

When Carrie Yoder moved to Florida ten years ago with her husband, John, an educator, and their young daughter to serve on the staff of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina, the prospect of potential bankruptcy a few years down the road didn’t cross her mind. The Yoders had always lived modestly and were watchful

After 23 years of serving the Florida United Methodist Foundation, most recently as its Vice President of Finance and Administration, Pam Hicks has announced plans to retire in 2024, according to Foundation President Ed New. In making the announcement, New said, “Pam is someone I consider almost ‘irreplaceable,’ because of the skill, stability, and institutional

Riviera United Methodist Church has been an exciting place of worship as the St. Petersburg area has come out of the pandemic. Our holiday services and special services, like Scout Sunday and Riviera Day School Sunday, have seen incredible increases. This growth stems from an amazing team of volunteers who helped put together special events

The Florida United Methodist Foundation is pleased to announce the first recipient of the Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship in its inaugural year. The Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund was created to support the education of seminary students seeking ordination within The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.  Through The Florida United

Now more than ever, college students bring with them into young adulthood unprecedented anxiety about finances. A 2023 study by Ernst and Young[i] found that less than one third of Gen Z, those Americans aged 16-26, feel financially secure. Their specific concerns are not having enough money and making the wrong choices with their money.

I am excited to share three updates regarding our incredible staff at the Florida United Methodist Foundation. On August 14th the Foundation welcomed Tamika Smith as our new Assistant Treasurer.  Tamika comes to the Foundation from The Vanguard School in Lake Wales where she was Director of Finance. Having served as a member of the Foundation’s Board