Stitched Together with Common Threads: Bishop Speaks at Annual Meeting

The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana celebrated its 48th anniversary on April 25 with a luncheon at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center. More than 50 pastors, donors, board members and other friends of the Foundation attended.

The special guest in attendance was Bishop Delores “Dee” Williamston of the Louisiana Annual Conference. She gave an inspirational, educational and entertaining keynote address relating to the theme of the meeting, “Common Threads.” Included in her presentation were crocheted patches that will be sewn together for a quilt, and her grandmother’s quilt, as a demonstration of how we all become who we are from our many different experiences in life that are woven together to become whole.

Foundation President and CEO, Chris Spencer, welcomed everyone and introduced special guests in attendance, which included past board chairs Rev. Joseph Awotwi, Nettles Brown, Rev. Jan Curwick, Bert Faulk, Irwin Felps and Frank McArthur.  He also recognized guests from the Louisiana Annual Conference and Foundation board members and staff. During his President’s Report, Spencer reviewed highlights of the Foundation’s year with a presentation of the 2021 Annual Report.

Located in Baton Rouge, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana was founded in 1975 and serves United Methodist churches, institutions and individuals within the Louisiana Annual Conference, providing financial guidance and education, loans and grants.  It is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in the denomination.