One chilly and rainy evening in November, a group of friends met for food and fellowship. There was barbecue, fresh baked cookies, and lots of laughter. The catch? Some of them had only met that night!

These friends are what the Foundation likes to call “Friends of the Foundation,” a community of like-minded disciples throughout Missouri. In the last few months, the Foundation has gathered with several pastors, laity, and congregation members from various Missouri United Methodist churches to form new relationships, discuss the purpose of the Foundation, and dream about the future. We’ve had the pleasure of connecting with longtime friends and meeting so many new faces! As a Friend of the Foundation, you can:

Connect

Join us at an upcoming gathering, take part in online conversations, and meet other ministry leaders. We’re already planning for more gatherings in 2025, so be on the lookout for those dates coming soon!

Collaborate

With all of the new friends you are about to make as a Friend of the Foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to share experiences, gather resources and ideas, and stay aware of other learning opportunities throughout the year.

Put Love Into Action

Friends of the Foundation have the exciting opportunity to support new ministry initiatives, celebrate generosity, and use foundation gift services.

But don’t just take our word for it:

The Legacy Connection

All Friends of the Foundation are connectors and commit to champion the Foundation through all or any of the following. Choose one or more that works for you:

  • Give an annual gift to any Foundation fund of $250 or more.
  • Invite a Foundation representative to speak to your church leadership team or present a workshop.
  • Create a planned gift—either in your estate plan or at the Foundation benefiting your church, another favorite ministry, or foundation fund.
  • Invite others to be a ‘Friend of the Foundation.’

join us!

a key connecting point

Your Missouri United Methodist Foundation is a key connecting point for all of our churches and related ministry organizations.

Become a Friend of the Foundation and join in a community of like-minded disciples making a difference:

  • Attend the annual gathering to meet others and hear from thought leaders and engaging speakers.
  • Gather resources and ideas to take home.
  • Stay aware of other learning opportunities throughout the year.
  • Support new ministry initiatives.
  • Celebrate generosity and the saints among us.

friends of the foundation…

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connect

  • at annual gatherings
  • in online conversations
  • with ministry leaders
2 2

collaborate

  • through sharing experiences
  • by learning
  • through networking
3 2

put love into action

  • by using foundation gift services

the legacy connection

All Friends of the Foundation are connectors and commit to champion the Foundation through all or any of the following. Choose one or more that works for you:

  • Give an annual gift to any Foundation fund of $250 or more.
  • Invite a Foundation representative to speak to your church leadership team or present a workshop.
  • Create a planned gift—either in your estate plan or at the Foundation benefiting your church, another favorite ministry, or foundation fund.
  • Invite others to be a ‘Friend of the Foundation.’

your foundation

The mission of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation is to help churches grow into their mission and vision, especially in the area of generosity.

1 1

We help churches establish, grow, and administer gifts and long-term resources.

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We offer education, coaching and guidance for all facets of financial ministry.

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We provide ministry grants to churches and well-being grants to clergy and their families.

be a part of the legacy connection that champions the Foundation’s mission!

meet your foundation team

We would like to visit with you, hear your hopes and dreams for the future, and answer your questions.

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Rev. Nate Berneking

 President/CEO

Email Nate

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Rev. Laura Murphy

Director of Development

Email Laura

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Chris Bouchard

Interim C2FM Director

Email Chris

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Monett Lite

 Director of Operations/CFO

Email Monett

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Austin View

Accounting and Finance Associate

Email Austin

Methodist Foundation Headshots 2026

Bridget Hill

Office Administrator

Email Bridget


we want to help you become a Friend of the Foundation!

friend of the foundation form
All Friends of the Foundation are connectors and commit to champion the Foundation through all or any of the following.

Please select the ways you are interested in being a part of the legacy connection as a Friend of the Foundation. A Foundation representative will follow up with you providing information that helps you make the connections you have indicated are of interest.

All Friends of the Foundation are connectors and commit to champion The Foundation through all or any of the following. Please select the ways you are interested in being a part of the legacy connection as a ‘friend of the foundation.” (Select all or any that apply) A Foundation representative will follow up with you providing information that helps you make the connections you have indicated are of interest.
Select all or any that apply.
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal

welcome

to a larger connection of like-minded disciples of Jesus Christ interested in growing ministry resources for today.


thank you

for your active leadership and support of your local church.

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ask Laura

To discuss your next educational gathering and to tailor the topic and format that will be most helpful for your church, contact the Foundation office or email Rev. Laura Murphy.

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