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When it comes to philanthropy, George and Nancy Hensley give joyfully, but they also plan strategically. “We want our gifts to go to organizations that have a heart for caring,” George Hensley said. “We are drawn to ministries and causes that are meeting the needs of the community and beyond. We intentionally seek ways to

In preparing this, my first blog since beginning my role as president of the Florida United Methodist Foundation, I was torn as to what topic would be most fitting. Do I lead with a heartfelt elaboration on my excitement and gratefulness for the privilege of serving in this role? Or do I dive into the

Jacob Hall remembers getting a call from his youth pastor at First United Methodist Church in Coral Springs in early 2020: he needed help building a desk. Hall happily obliged. One thing led to another, and soon Hall was not only setting up the desk, but also livestreaming and recording church services when they went online during

Steven Bowers has a challenging task: to convert a 50-year-old sanctuary into a worship space that’s conducive to sharing the gospel message in today’s cultural milieu. The goal, Bowers says, is to support a mission “to introduce people to a life-transforming relationship with Jesus,” particularly those who struggle with traditional churches and spaces. This spiritual,

The Rev. Ed New knows these aren’t the best times for the world’s financial markets. But that doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm for starting his job today as president of the Florida United Methodist Foundation. “The role of the foundation is to provide a consistent and reliable resource our members can count on through these turbulent

Key points: “We don’t know what path the current bear market will take, but it is reassuring to know the odds are good that better days are ahead for the stock market — but only if we stay in the game.” — Andy Craske It has been a roller coaster ride so far this year,

Florida Conference trustees recently purchased a bowling alley. And the Florida United Methodist Foundation helped them do it — with a $4.5 million loan from its Development Fund. It’s not a new business venture for the two agencies, however. It’s the future home of Horizon Church, a new United Methodist church in Tampa. “From the beginning we

First United Methodist Church in Kissimmee has changed a lot in its 138 years. So has the community surrounding it. For many years, Kissimmee relied heavily on agriculture. Some of that heritage remains today. “Kissimmee was primarily the post where cattle were exchanged,” said the Rev. José Nieves, lead pastor at the Central Florida church. “We celebrate

The “Great Resignation” is happening all over the country. Spurred by the pandemic, people are leaving their current jobs in hopes of something better. The Rev. Mark Becker says that’s not the case for him. After an illustrious career that includes military service, the business sector, ordained ministry and, lastly, leading the Florida United Methodist Foundation since

Of all the challenges COVID-19 created for churches, keeping finances on track may have been one of the toughest. With suspension of in-person services, many Florida Conference congregations struggled to maintain the same level of giving. And if they didn’t have an online giving program in place, they had to quickly implement one, while getting