Earlier this month, the Rev. Ed New, the foundation’s president, toured First United Methodist Church’s future home within a 49-story high rise in downtown Miami. The space is years in the making and represents a commitment to reaching people of all ages for decades to come.

Did you know all foundation board members are volunteers? One is Ron Coleman, who has stepped up to lead the board as chairperson. Coleman, a human resources consultant and former Navy commander, reflects on his work and what’s next for the foundation. fumf.org/news/new-chair…

The stone floor of an Italian train station seems like an unlikely place to gain insight, but it’s where the Rev. Ed New, the foundation’s president, received noteworthy advice while studying abroad. And it’s something we can all take to heart.

We pray for our neighbors in Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Fiona and work to restore electricity and water. We also pray for those in Florida who might be affected by the storm that’s expected to enter the Gulf early next week.

As you go about final hurricane preparations, remember to be extra kind to everyone, especially the grocery store clerks who are slammed with customers. Our offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. We will return remotely on Friday and reopen the office on Monday, Oct. 3.

The Rev. Sandra Santiago offers a prayer: ”Heavenly Father, we come before you to ask you to keep all the people in Florida in your hands. … Help us be aware of the need around us and use our talents and our resources to bless others. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen!”

As Floridians, we know the devastation hurricanes cause. So do our neighbors in Puerto Rico, who need help recovering from Hurricane Fiona. We encourage you to help the recovery by giving to the Florida Conference’s Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Fund. florida-reg.brtapp.com/PuertoRicoDisa…

If your church is looking to encourage members to return to in-person gatherings, church improvements could be the answer. Loans from the foundation’s Development Fund can cover a variety of projects — renovations, A/V technology, air conditioning and more.

At our last board meeting, we welcomed Tamika Smith, the newest member of the foundation’s board of directors. She currently serves as the director of finance at The Vanguard School in Lake Wales. Thanks, Tamika, for choosing to serve the foundation and our partners in ministry.

It’s #HispanicHeritageMonth, a tribute to the Hispanic Americans who enrich our society. We’re thankful for opportunities we’ve had to support Hispanic churches in Florida through our church loans and the Presente & Futuro seminar for clergy. Together, we make #GoodStewards.

Today, the foundation office is closed in observance of #IndigenousPeoplesDay, a day that recognizes Indigenous people and culture. In the spirit of the day, Rev. David Wilson of Oklahoma reflects on Native people’s position in the church and society. umcjustice.org/news-and-stori…

On Sunday, Rev. Ed New (left), president of the foundation, joined Rev. Robert Bledsoe, foundation board member, to preach at Trinity UMC in Bradenton. Ed discussed how valuable people are in the life of the church and how valuable the church is in the lives of those it serves.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. St. Pete's Learning Empowered agency is part of that village, providing early learning, citizenship and other services to support families. Read more about the agency and how the foundation has helped it grow: fumf.org/news/loan-anch…

When a church comes to us for a loan, they get a partner who understands church finances and is willing to work with them so they can achieve their goals. Rev. Chris Schmidt of Parrish United Methodist Church explains what that partnership is like.

We go with our partners where they need us to, whether it’s helping Horizon Church find a home in an old bowling alley or supporting Kindred UMC as they invest for the future of their small group ministry. #GoodStewards

Giving our time, money and talents is a part of our faith. What does giving look like in your life? #GoodStewards

We’d like to wish a warm welcome to newly confirmed Bishop Tom Berlin who will begin his episcopal duties starting January 1, 2023. We are feeling so blessed to have Bishop Berlin join the Florida Conference! #tomberlin #welcome #florida

Today we keep all who have served this great nation in our prayers. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice, we are forever grateful.

In all things, give thanks. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Florida United Methodist Foundation. We hope you take today to give thanks and enjoy all of the blessings in your life.

This month we are highlighting 2 Corinthians 4:6. The Christmas season truly is the most wonderful time of year as it brings focus to the reason for the season. This month is the perfect chance to let your light shine and spread the good news to those around you.