Dear Friends,
A common analogy for life is the running of a race — the need for grit, perseverance, focus — and to cross that metaphorical finish line.
But no metaphor is perfect, and a disorienting reality is that finish lines can sometimes be elusive – after all, the mission of the church endures, and we are already moving into a new year with new projects underway.
It is important, therefore, to pause periodically to take stock with grace and gratitude for progress made, for lessons learned, for unexpected blessings, and to celebrate that we do not run life’s race alone, but as part of the Beloved Community.
The staff and Board of Trustees of your Missouri UM Foundation offer this Annual Review of 2025 as a marker and a reminder of the positive, life-affirming good work that is unfolding in congregations and communities across our state. Your Foundation is a resource and connecting point for donors, lay leaders, church staff, pastors, and leadership teams who seek to grow ministry today and to lay the groundwork for ministry far into the future.
This is the last Annual Review under my tenure before passing the baton into the capable hands of our friend and colleague Rev. Nate Berneking. It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as your Foundation President & CEO. Races are run – but the journey continues!
Grace and peace,
David Atkins
President/CEO
Missouri United Methodist Foundation
Welcome, Nate!
As we continue into 2026, your Foundation is excited to welcome Rev. Nate Berneking as our President and CEO!
view articles from our 2025 annual review
Click on a photo below to learn more about how your generosity helped fuel the Foundation’s accomplishments in the areas of programs and services, scholarships and fellowship, endowments and designated funds, and financials.
