First United Methodist Church of Stuart counts the Florida United Methodist Foundation among its ministry partners. The Foundation was the lender of choice for the purchase of property many years ago, 40 acres, to which the congregation planned to relocate. The move didn’t happen, yet the church continued to pay down the loan. During a lean year before the property sold, the Foundation graciously allowed the church to pay interest-only on its loan. This flexibility allowed the church to continue to invest in ministry instead of land that would soon be sold. The relationship between First-Stuart and the Foundation was and is a gift that creates space for ministry to happen.
First-Stuart is no longer a borrower but gladly continues as a long-term depositor, having used the Foundation to invest its permanent endowment fund for decades. Time and time again, earnings from endowments have been used to seed the expense of new efforts. Like most congregations, during COVID, the church found itself on the learning curve of streaming worship services. Upon exiting the pandemic, the church made the decision to make a substantial investment in the technology needed to stream well. The result has been an excellent online presence and a better worship experience for those participating in the sanctuary. This was made possible through the proceeds of endowment funds invested with the Foundation. The church looks forward to continuing to bless the Stuart community and beyond. Our partnership with the Foundation is a gift that helps make loving our neighbors near and far a reality.