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United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina

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New forms of ministry are flourishing in the former home of a United Methodist church in Gaston County.

When Cramer Memorial UMC disbanded in 2023, Conference leaders considered how the building could be repurposed for the needs of people in Cramerton. The answer is South Fork Commons, an emerging faith community that takes its name from the river behind the church.

Six mental health counselors use rooms in the education building to see up to 100 patients per week. A local nonprofit uses the basement for storage. An addiction recovery group welcomes participants for weekly meetings.

The most colorful addition is Open Studio, an art ministry where children discover the wonders of God’s creation. When it first opened in the summer of 2024, Open Studio averaged 6-7 people. A year later, 25 to 30 individuals were showing up for weekly activities.

“Like a traditional church, participation ebbs and flows,” said Rev. Laura Auten, pastor of South Fork Commons. “But we have definitely seen growth.”

Guided by a parent or grandparent, children create works of art related to a faith-based theme for the week. Grandparents, especially, appreciate the opportunity to share their faith with grandchildren, many of whom do not attend Sunday School.

Participants are given iPads with faith stories designed to spark conversation through each step of the activity. Technology enables children of all ages and exceptionalities to move at their own pace. The Foundation supports the initiative with a grant from the Reynolds Ministry Fund. President David Snipes shared photos from a visit earlier this week.

The fruitfulness of Open Studio is a source of joy for Laura, who served as pastor of Cramer Memorial 28 years ago. Now these holy spaces demonstrate how God’s presence endures in ways that are unexpected… and beautiful. by @umfwnc

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Youth from Aldersgate UMC in Durham and University UMC in Chapel Hill were hard at work today building wheelchair ramps at the homes of elderly folks in Gastonia. Foundation staff members Rev. Annalee Allen and Andrea Gutierrez visited job sites to see Cross Connection's summer Access program in action. The Reynolds Ministry Fund supports the initiative.

When the workday ends, youth return to camp for worship and the sacraments, including communion, with guidance from local United Methodist clergy. Each week concludes with a challenge urging campers to go home and model God's love in their neighborhoods, schools, and congregations. Since its founding in the late 1980s, Cross Connection has employed 700+ college students as faith mentors and engaged a remarkable 36,000 youth and adults, equipping them to be the hands and feet of God. by @umfwnc

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9 days ago

Andy and Sally Langford are passionate about supporting the ministry of UMAR (now part of Monarch), an organization dedicated to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Group homes, arts-based day programs and vocational opportunities founded under the UMAR banner have enriched the lives of many people, including a cousin of the Langfords.

A donor advised fund will enable the retired clergy couple to do more for a cherished cause. The Langfords' story is a reminder that gift planning takes intention, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Read more at umfwnc.org/spotlight-stories/planned-giving. by @umfwnc

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a month ago

The Foundation announced a financial gift, recognized three partner ministries with a new award, and celebrated President David Snipes on his 25th year at Annual Conference. It all happened Saturday during the Annual Meeting of the Membership in Stuart Auditorium.

Board Chair Jennifer Davis called the Foundation’s theme for this year, Passion for the Possible, a timely reminder for those in the room. The inspiration comes from Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains and nothing will be impossible for you.”

“We have faced a few mountains in the United Methodist Church, haven’t we?” Jennifer asked, drawing applause in response. “At the Foundation, our call is to help you find your footing.”

President David Snipes announced a $70,000 tithe from surplus funds over the past two years, on top of a 10% tithe of income from the operating budget (The tithe for 2025 is $244,200).

David, who received an ovation as he spoke to delegates for the 25th consecutive year, recalled his appointment to the Foundation in March 2002.

“Like many of us early in our ministry, I had no idea what I was doing,” David said. “I suggested to the board that maybe we should focus our mission differently. Let’s quit focusing on the money. And let’s start focusing on the ministry. When you get the ministry right, the money comes, folks, believe me.”

The Foundation has grown to become the third largest among its peers in the Connection, with total assets of $396 million at the end of 2025. Steady growth reflects a record of multiplying gifts so that all may flourish. by @umfwnc

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a month ago

A few passing showers could not dampen spirits today as Annual Conference got underway in Lake Junaluska. The Foundation tent was a gathering place for friends new and old, including clergy arriving for the opening session. Many were eager to pick up a T-shirt carrying this year's theme "Passion for the Possible."

Stop by the tent Friday to say hello and catch up with the Foundation team. And make plans to be in Stuart Auditorium on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. to hear updates from Foundation leadership, meet the inaugural recipients of the Reynolds Legacy Award for Outstanding Disciple Making, and see the presentation of a financial gift in support of Conference initiatives. Until then, safe travels to all who are gathered in Lake Junaluska. by @umfwnc

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United Methodists in Lincoln County are bringing the church to the people – in some cases, right to their driveways and front doors – with a ministry for folks struggling to afford groceries.

The Giving Place fills a crucial gap for seniors and families in underserved parts of the county, say organizers at Rock Hill UMC. With support from the Foundation’s Reynolds Ministry Fund, the Stanley church has expanded weekly deliveries of meat, dairy, bread, canned goods, and household items.

“This is absolutely a ministry that meets people where they are,” said Rev. Annalee Allen, the Foundation’s Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. Annalee joined volunteers last week for a delivery to the McClainville community off NC 16.

Many recipients lack transportation. And their grocery bills keep getting higher: The cost of food was up 2.9% in April compared to the same month a year earlier, the highest year-over-year inflation rate since August 2023, according to the latest government figures.

The Giving Place is a powerful way to live out the gospel, says Rev. Dana Pate, Rock Hill’s pastor. By meeting physical needs (hunger) first, volunteers establish a level of trust that opens the door to deeper Christ-centered relationships.

“We have made connections with people we would have never seen,” Dana said. “Some people say, ‘Why are y’all doing this?’ We want to let you know you’re not in this alone. We love you. And God does, too.” by @umfwnc

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2 months ago

Soap, water, and love are the ingredients of a ministry helping United Methodists in Gastonia connect with unhoused neighbors. The Wash Hut, located in a former Scout building at Myers Memorial UMC, provides guests with a place to shower and do laundry. They encounter a spirit of Christian hospitality, too, from volunteers waiting with coffee and warm hellos.

Four people showed up when the center opened a year ago. On its one-year anniversary on Monday, the ministry welcomed an all-time high of 46 people — a reflection of the need in Gaston County, the only county in the Charlotte region without a homeless shelter.

Organizers plan to open the Wash Hut for an additional day with support from the Foundation’s Reynolds Ministry Fund. Saturdays will include breakfast, lunch, and an optional Bible study bringing together guests and church members.

The ministry has become a wellspring for new relationships. Unhoused neighbors speak to the church’s youth group, volunteer at various church functions, and attend worship. Laity share resources for navigating transitional housing and healthcare.

“Success will be a continuation of what we have witnessed on Mondays,” says Rev. Drew Nix, associate pastor for youth, young adults and community engagement. “The fruit of relationships, trust, opening up…be it on Sunday mornings or in a new way the Spirit will reveal.”

The Wash Hut embodies what it means to share God’s love in new and meaningful ways, says Rev. Annalee Allen, the Foundation’s Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. Annalee visited on Monday with Jennifer Davis, chair of the Foundation board, and spoke with church member Ann Peninger, who co-founded the ministry with her husband, Charlie.

“It was inspiring to hear Ann share her experience of building relationships one person at a time,” Annalee said. “Through these simple yet meaningful interactions, genuine connections are formed.” by @umfwnc

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2 months ago

Foundation offices are closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. The staff will return on Tuesday, May 26. May we remember those who sacrificed for the country we call home. by @umfwnc

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2 months ago

It's back! The Foundation is proud to sponsor Neighbor Way Camp for Kids during Annual Conference in Lake Junaluska. It's a family-friendly option designed to make the day a little easier for clergy, staff persons, and laity traveling with children.

Campers will discover how church isn’t just inside a building. It’s alive in our own neighborhoods —and all of us have the ability to participate in the good news. The Neighbor Way framework is made possible by Collective Renewal Resource and adapted for children in consultation with Missional Collective.

Thursday Afternoon Session 3:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Friday Morning Session 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Friday Afternoon Session 1:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Saturday Morning Session 8:15 am - 12:15 pm
Saturday Afternoon Session 1:00 pm - 5:45 pm

There are 60 spots available for children up to fifth grade on a first-come, first-served basis. Register today at umfwnc.org. by @umfwnc

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2 months ago

These servant-leaders, representing churches across the Western North Carolina Conference, devoted parts of four Saturdays to strengthen their expertise in financial ministry. Now they are better equipped to serve with excellence. Join us in congratulating the newest graduates of the Certificate Program in Church Treasury.

Since 2020, the program has trained 130 participants in best practices for handling financial duties in a church office. The fourth and final session on Saturday delved into legal matters, taxes, and audits, among the topics of a course offered in partnership with the WNCC Office of the Treasurer. There was time for a group photo in front of the Foundation office. Thank you, Class of 2026, for your commitment. May God bless you and your ministry. by @umfwnc

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

Think about how many of our conflicts, whether in families, neighborhoods, or nations, boil down to a disagreement over what’s mine and what’s yours.

A new study and podcast series from the Foundation proposes a mindset shift — from grasping to giving, from claiming to sharing. That transformation is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus.

The 7 Principles of Stewardship illuminates how living generously re-orients us toward others....and opens the way for God’s love to flow through us. A companion podcast series considers these questions:

- How do you see the idea of “mine” showing up in your own life—your time, money, possessions, or relationships?
- How might viewing yourself as a steward rather than an owner change the way you live?
- What are some tangible ways you can begin to shift from a “mine” mindset to a stewardship mindset?

This opportunity -- designed for small groups, Sunday School classes, and congregation-wide discussions -- is available at umfwnc.org. Itflows from the Foundation's mission to build the Church for generations to come. by @umfwnc

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4 months ago