Recently, the Florida United Methodist Foundation had the privilege of being present with the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center for a joyful milestone in the life of the congregation. The Rev. Ed New, the Foundation’s President and CEO, was invited to join the festivities and celebrate with the congregation as they marked the payoff of a loan made by the Foundation to help construct the church’s LEC building.
Following vibrant worship and a wonderful time of fellowship, the congregation gathered for the mortgage burning and celebration. Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Weems shared something particularly meaningful: she had recently learned that a church cannot truly dedicate a space until it is fully paid for.
And so, with the Foundation loan now completely satisfied, the congregation did more than burn a mortgage. They prayed a prayer of dedication over the building—giving thanks for what God has already done there and looking forward to all the ministry still to come.
There was also a wonderful sense of excitement about what comes next. With the mortgage paid in full, the funds the church had faithfully dedicated to its loan payments are now available to support other ministry priorities—creating new opportunities for mission, discipleship and service.
Moments like this are a wonderful reminder of why the Foundation’s work matters. Providing strategic loans to churches is one way the Foundation lives into its mission of supporting and empowering the growth of Christian ministry. Just as meaningful is the opportunity to celebrate when those loans are paid in full and both the church and the Foundation can put resources to work in new ways for ministry.
For the Foundation, it was a joy to celebrate this milestone with the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center—and a privilege to be present.
