When a church dreams about the future, those dreams often begin with a simple question: What is God calling us to do?
But turning those dreams into reality also requires faithful partners. For River of Life United Methodist Church, the Florida United Methodist Foundation has been one of those partners for more than 25 years.
River of Life began in 2000 as a new church start. Like many young congregations, we had a vision for ministry but needed resources to establish ourselves and create a place where that ministry could grow. One of our first major steps was the purchase of a parsonage, which was financed through the Florida United Methodist Foundation.
A decade later, the Foundation once again came alongside River of Life. In 2010, the Foundation provided financing for the construction of our sanctuary. That building has become far more than a worship space. It has become a place where people encounter God, relationships are formed, children and families are welcomed, and the church is equipped to serve its community.
For more than two decades, the Foundation’s partnership has helped River of Life turn ministry vision into ministry reality.
And today, that partnership continues to make a difference—not just inside our church, but throughout our community.
Investing Beyond the Church Walls
One of the ways River of Life seeks to connect with our community is through our annual Fall Festival. What began as a community gathering has become an important opportunity for us to open our doors and invite our neighbors to experience the hospitality and love of our church.
Each year, local school choirs and bands provide wonderful entertainment. We provide food, activities, and an opportunity for people from throughout our community to come together—all at no cost to those who attend.
It is a simple idea with a powerful message:
You are welcome here.
This year, the Florida United Methodist Foundation has helped us take that ministry to the next level through a grant that will allow us to make our Fall Festival bigger and better than ever.
But the impact of that grant goes well beyond a larger event.
Food insecurity is increasing in our community, and more families are facing the difficult reality of having to choose between basic needs. Because of the Foundation’s generosity, we will be able to provide food for more people at this year’s festival.
That means a Foundation grant becomes a meal for a family.
It becomes a welcoming conversation with a neighbor.
It becomes an opportunity for a child to enjoy a community event.
And it becomes another way for a local church to demonstrate the love of Christ.
The Power of Faithful Partnership
The story of River of Life is a wonderful example of what can happen when churches and the Florida United Methodist Foundation work together.
A financing relationship that began with a parsonage in 2000 helped make possible a sanctuary in 2010. Today, that same partnership is helping us reach beyond our sanctuary and into the community we are called to serve.
That is the power of the Foundation.
Your work makes it possible for churches to invest in ministry today while preparing for the ministry God will call them to tomorrow. Whether through financing, grants, or other forms of support, the Foundation helps United Methodist congregations translate their vision into action.
At River of Life, we are deeply grateful to have experienced that partnership firsthand.
This fall, when the music begins, the food is served, families gather, and our community comes together at the Fall Festival, we will be reminded once again that ministry happens when faithful people invest in the work God is doing through the local church.
Thank you to the Florida United Methodist Foundation for believing in churches like River of Life, for investing in our future, and for helping us serve our neighbors.
For more than 25 years, you have helped us build more than buildings. You have helped us build ministry—and together, we are continuing to build God’s kingdom in our community.