United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

09/08/2026

𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝟮𝟯 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

It’s hard to believe that today, September 8th, marks my 23rd anniversary with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. Taking a job at the Foundation was one of the best decisions I ever made.

When I graduated from LSU with a journalism degree, I never imagined how much technology would become part of a communications career — or how much of it I would have to learn along the way! Communications has changed tremendously over 23 years, and I’ve loved the balance of challenge, creativity and constant learning that has come with it.

But what has made these years truly special are the 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. We have an incredible staff that feels like family, and I often call the Foundation my “happy place.” I’ve also had the privilege of watching the Foundation grow and learning firsthand just how much its work impacts churches, ministries and individuals across Louisiana.

Most of all, I’m honored to tell the stories of the incredibly generous people in our United Methodist community and the ministries their generosity makes possible.

I’m very grateful for these 23 years and looking forward to what comes next!

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

Susan Cothern and Tracie Wharton recently met with the Rev. Matt Rawle and the leadership team at St. Matthew’s UMC in Metairie to talk about the church’s financial ministry and celebrate a strong partnership with the Foundation.

St. Matthew’s has taken advantage of the full range of Foundation resources — from fund management and a church loan to grant funding and an endowment that will support ministry for generations to come.

Every church has different financial needs and goals. Whether you need help with one area or several, our staff is ready to meet with your leaders and explore how the Foundation can help strengthen your church’s ministry.

09/04/2026

Celebrating 9 Years with Chris Spencer!

It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years since Chris Spencer joined the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana! Chris began as Director of Development and was named President and CEO in 2021.

Chris has led the Foundation through challenging seasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and church disaffiliations, while expanding our grants and planned giving efforts and helping more churches discover the resources the Foundation offers. Since he joined the Foundation, assets under management have grown by more than $100 million.

But Chris’ leadership is about more than numbers. His friendly, welcoming spirit makes everyone feel included and valued — one of the many reasons he is so well-loved by our staff and those we serve.

We’re grateful for Chris’ leadership, vision and heart for ministry. Please join us in congratulating him on nine years with the Foundation! 🎉

09/04/2026

Tracie Wharton and Susan Cothern recently visited First United Methodist Church of Slidell to meet with the church’s Finance Committee and share resources available through the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana.

From investments and financial management to planned giving, grants and other resources, our staff is ready and willing to meet with your church leaders, answer questions and explore ways the Foundation can help strengthen your ministry.

We’d love to come to your church and join the conversation. Contact us to schedule a visit!

09/02/2026

🌱 Resources to Help Rural Churches Grow and Thrive!
North District pastors and laity are invited to join the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana for a FREE Rural Church Resources Workshop designed especially for rural churches.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 19
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — lunch provided
📍 Arcadia First United Methodist Church
2122 Myrtle St., Arcadia
We’ll share practical ideas and resources to help strengthen your church and its ministry:
🌱 Planting Seeds for the Future: Planned Giving for Rural Churches
Chris Spencer and Susan Cothern, United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana
❤️ LA Methodist Children’s Home Ministry Update
Glenn Roundtree, Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services
💡 Dream It, Fund It: Grant Writing for Rural Ministry
Britney Winn Lee, United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana
Reservations are required. Go to www.umf.org/upcoming-events to register.

08/26/2026

🌱 Resources to Help Rural Churches Grow and Thrive!

North District pastors and laity are invited to join the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana for a FREE Rural Church Resources Workshop designed especially for rural churches.

📅 Saturday, Sept. 19
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — lunch provided
📍 Arcadia First United Methodist Church
2122 Myrtle St., Arcadia

We’ll share practical ideas and resources to help strengthen your church and its ministry:

🌱 Planting Seeds for the Future: Planned Giving for Rural Churches
Chris Spencer and Susan Cothern, United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

❤️ LA Methodist Children’s Home Ministry Update
Glenn Roundtree, Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services

💡 Dream It, Fund It: Grant Writing for Rural Ministry
Britney Winn Lee, United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana

Reservations are required. Go to www.umf.org/upcoming-events to register.

08/19/2026

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08/17/2026

Yesterday, Susan Cothern and Tracie Wharton visited First United Methodist Church of Covington, joining the congregation for worship and spending time afterward with church leaders.

They had a great conversation about the many ways the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana can support a church — from investments and loans to planned giving, grants and other financial services.

When churches work with the Foundation, their resources remain connected to the larger United Methodist connection, helping strengthen ministry throughout Louisiana.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to visit with churches across the Conference and learn how we can serve them better!

08/14/2026

It was great to welcome new pastors at the Residents in Ministry gathering at the Wesley Conference Center! Chris Spencer and Britney Winn Lee shared an overview of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana and the many ways we support pastors and churches across the Louisiana Conference. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with these new leaders and help them discover the resources available to strengthen their ministry.