Summer Brings Scholarships, Grants and More ENews 5.26.2020

Summer is always an exciting time for the Foundation as we present the Wayne C. Barrett Steward Leader Award to a number of local churches, award scholarships for the Foundation’s Leadership Scholars Program, and provide matching funds for the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarships and the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars Program.

These awards total $92,000 bringing our 2020 scholarship, grants, and awards total to well over $125,000!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

Wayne C. Barrett Steward Leader Awards Announced

 This award was established upon the retirement of Dr. Rev. Wayne C. Barrett after 35 years of service to the Foundation. Stewardship education was his passion. We are pleased to provide $2,500 grants to four congregations which have demonstrated exceptional financial stewardship and embody a culture of generosity. These principals guided Wayne’s career, so we are excited to continue his legacy. The 2020 award recipients are:

 Clarkston United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church of Saline

Hartford United Methodist Church

Utica United Methodist Church 

Leadership Scholars Program for Seminary Students

In partnership with the Michigan Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Foundation congratulates the following seminary students who are receiving scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year: 

Beatrice Alghali, United Theological Seminary

Anthony Ballah, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Sean Barton, Asbury Theological Seminary

Michele Ann Ettinger, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Brian Lightner, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Audrey Mangum, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

Heather Nolan, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

Recipients are eligible for up to $10,000 per academic year ($5,000 for part-time students). Each candidate has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strong academic achievement, financial need, and a desire to serve in the Michigan Conference. Their dedication and calling to serve will benefit the future of our church and community.

Dollars for Scholars Program

This program starts with a $1,000 scholarship from the applicants’ local church. This scholarship is matched by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, a United Methodist college, university, or seminary, and our Foundation. These matching funds result in students receiving a total $4,000 scholarship. We are thrilled to announce this year’s recipients for the 2020-2021 academic year:

Robert Ashmall, First UMC-Saginaw

Elizabeth Batten, First UMC-Kalamazoo

Sarah DeHaan, Sunnyside UMC-Kalamazoo

Katelyn Hiscock, Sunnyside UMC-Kalamazoo

Todd Jones, North Lake UMC-Chelsea

Brian Lightner, Hartford UMC

Michelle Vallier-Montague UMC