Last month, the Florida United Methodist Foundation had the privilege of being present with the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, where Foundation Development Officer Cindy Burmann joined the congregation for a beautiful World Communion Sunday service.
Upon arrival, the warmth and hospitality of the congregation were immediately evident. The church’s beautifully diverse community reflected a welcoming and inclusive spirit, creating a space where all could feel safe, valued, and represented.
As part of the World Communion Sunday celebration, members of the congregation from different cultures prepared breads representing their heritage. Each bread was dedicated to people around the world who have experienced or continue to experience suffering, with some members offering their dedication in their native languages. Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Andrea Byer-Thomas shared a powerful message that while we may come from different places, cultures, and traditions, we are united around one table as the body of Christ. The celebration was a moving expression of faith, compassion, and our shared humanity.
Following worship, congregation members gathered for lunch and fellowship before Cindy shared the Foundation’s Planned Giving presentation with more than 70 members. Together, they explored how legacy giving can be a prayerful way of blessing both the people we love and the missions we hold dear. After all, what we do with what God has placed in our hands is not simply a financial issue, it is a faith issue.
The day was a meaningful reminder of why it truly is a privilege to be present. Experiences like this remind us that a church’s legacy is not only about what we leave behind, but also about the love, faith, and community we nurture today.
The Foundation is grateful for the hospitality of the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches and to partner alongside this vibrant congregation as they continue building a legacy of faith, love, and welcome for generations to come.