Many of us are thinking, “How can we survive the pandemic?” and, “How can we help the people we call United Methodists?” At the same time, many of us are thinking, “What’s ahead after the pandemic?” We have much to “grieve.” Think with me about all the things we as Christians are missing. Baptisms, Communion, […]
For years on Friday mornings, I have attended an interdenominational Bible study with some fellows I have gotten to know well. Together we have shared stories, celebrated births and mourned deaths of family members and close friends. Of course, we now participate through Zoom and I’m glad that most of us are able to join […]
How do you give to the church, especially in these hard times? Some churches are struggling because not everyone is giving. Some churches are thriving because its members know they need to give even when the church is not gathering and passing the plate. Normal giving to the church is about 2% of one’s income. […]
Our partners with Merrill Lynch provided some insight regarding the market factors influencing the first quarter of 2020 at our recent Annual Investors’ Briefing. It is their professional opinion that global equity markets were punished while fixed income provided some ballast as the world was impacted by the Coronavirus and its spread across the globe. […]
It’s that time of year again. Here are a few items that may apply to your personal tax return. As always, if you have questions, please consult your tax preparer or irs.gov. Do you itemize or take the standard deduction? Standard deduction is $12,200 for a single person – $24,000 for a couple filing jointly. If you […]
On January 3, 2018, Monumental United Methodist Church was having some weather-proofing done on the steeple. A propane torch used in the weather-proofing ignited the steeple. The fire destroyed the steeple, and water ruined the sanctuary. After two years of meeting in the Fellowship Hall and Centenary UMC, the church is re-built and fully back […]
It’s Christmas time and houses are being decorated, stores are having sales, and everyone is planning where they will be on Christmas. I John 1:1-4 tells us the purpose of Christmas. Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. Christmas is about the […]
Housekeeping really matters and it is not always a matter of vacuuming and washing the windows. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Our body is God’s temple and we need to treat it as our dwelling place. Housekeeping […]
For many people, the holiday season is a time of family togetherness and goodwill. But for many others, the holidays are lonely and dreadful times. Perhaps a loved one is missing, or you are separated from family and friends in a new community far from home. Others find the holiday season very stressful due to […]
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind one another of the many reasons there are to be grateful. 1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” And the Lord is good! He has blessed the Foundation with a wonderful ministry which would not […]
