March, 2024 Newsletter

New Staff Addition Announcement

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Rev. Brad Bartelmay will serve as the Senior Director of Mentored Learning. This newly created position is designed to support pastors and local church leaders with their ministry, vision, and leadership. Rev. Bartelmay will assist church leaders with implementing financial best practices. He will also intentionally mentor new pastors and pastors in transition to strengthen their financial understanding and steward leadership skills. As his title implies, his focus is on mentoring pastors and church leaders so that we are growing generous communities of faith across the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church and beyond.

Rev. Bartelmay brings a wealth of experience in the practical financial ministries of the Church. He is widely respected throughout the Michigan Conference as the former chairperson of the Conference Finance and Administration Committee. He provided oversight during major staff transitions and the formation of a new annual conference. He has been deeply involved in streamlining Conference finances and working side-by-side with the Conference’s chief financial officer to ensure financial transparency and solvency for the future. In his most recent role as a Special Assistant to the Episcopal Office, Rev. Bartelmay has graciously walked alongside numerous church leaders during the disaffiliation process. He will continue in this role for the immediate future as he steps into his tenure with the Foundation.

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What Could Your Church Do With $2500?

We are pleased to announce the Wayne C. Barrett Stewardship Award application period is once again open. We are looking for churches that demonstrate a collaborative relationship between the pastor and laity in providing leadership in the area of financial stewardship and reflect a culture of generosity.

We will recognize up to four (4) churches with grants in the amount of $2,500 each.

Wayne Barrett was a true leader who provided more than 35 years of service to the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan. He made a significant impact on over 1,000 congregations by offering programs and consultations in planned giving, capital funding, and stewardship development. Dr. Barrett was also a prolific author, having written featured articles for leading church-related magazines and three best-selling stewardship books.

The deadline is March 15, 2024.

Download Application and Requirements