The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation and United Methodist Men (UMM) have partnered for over 20 years, and the impact made together is cause for celebration. “The resources and work of the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation have made a big difference for the mission and ministry of United Methodist Men,” says Randy Fleming, long-time leader of the ministry. The UMM is celebrating 31 years of ministry that encourages men and women to enter full-time Christian service, partially through the development of seminary scholarships.  These scholarships are supported through their 1,000 Club, an opportunity that encourages people to give $100 per year for 10 years.  To date, the Club has over 100 members, with four families donating $10,000 or more to establish their own named scholarship funds. In 2016, UMM started the John Wesley Pillar Fund with the help of a ministry grant from the Foundation. This Fund will eventually enable UMM to hire an Executive Director for the organization.  The Foundation holds and invests these funds for UMM.  Randy Fleming shares, “The Foundation gives us a peace of mind. We trust them.  Brokerage companies come and go but I don’t have to worry about that with the Foundation. They are a fiduciary responsible partner with great returns and socially responsible investing that align with our beliefs. That makes me and the UMM donors feel good.”  In addition to being an investment partner, the Foundation also sponsors the UMM Dinner and Auction, held annually during the week of Annual Conference. “The Foundation is our longest active annual sponsor of our biggest event.  The Foundation sees the big picture. All of the gains from work they do go back into Nebraska churches and ministries, and that is a good thing to be a part of,” Randy continues. “When you invest with the Foundation, you invest in every church and ministry in Nebraska.” 

For more information on how you can contribute to the John Wesley Pillar Fund or other UMM Funds, please contact the Foundation or Randy Fleming.