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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

I recently completed an online cybersecurity class through Nova Southeastern University as part of a program to earn my accounting analytics certificate. The class really stood out because of the amount of work required, but it also made me realize how many everyday tasks that seem harmless have the potential to cause a great deal

While churches have been enjoying in-person worship and activities again after the easing of the pandemic, many are not back to pre-pandemic attendance numbers. And according to one pastor I recently visited, that’s a problem. Giving has remained steady, she said, but with fewer people returning to church, there are fewer people to serve —

For Heather Bingham Smithson and her husband, Chris, stewardship is a foundational lens through which they view life together as a family. Living, giving, teaching their children and investing wisely are all part of it. Both are veterinary doctors in the Tampa Bay area and active at Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Everything about their lives,

Getting a grant from a COVID-19 emergency fund established by the Florida United Methodist Foundation and Florida Conference did more than ease the financial stress at cash-strapped churches. For many, it was a boost to their confidence that they could survive difficult times. “This was a God-sent gift,” said the Rev. Chris Tabone, pastor at First United Methodist