First United Methodist Church Grand Prairie, who in 1998 completed a $1.2 million renovation of its breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary, has not forgotten who helped make that renovation possible – investors in the Methodist Loan Fund, who provided the source for the loan. To demonstrate their gratitude, they too became an investor in the Methodist Loan Fund, enabling other churches to fulfill their dreams, as well.

The Methodist Loan Fund is the perfect “connectional church” vehicle:  churches receive a loan when they are in need and invest when they are able, thus providing loans for other churches in need.  Through FUMC Grand Prairie and our other partners who invest in the Methodist Loan Fund, we served over 400 United Methodist churches and institutions through loans in 2002 totaling more than $217 million.

Loans for churches and other United Methodist institutions are funded at competitive rates and are used to support projects focusing on larger or improved facilities. And even though the Methodist Loan Fund pays attractive rates to investors, currently higher than most bank money market and CD investments, that was not the overriding factor in Grand Prairie’s decision to invest with the Foundation.

“When you are looking for a place to put your money, one of the key qualities you want to see is trust,” Jim Brown, Senior Pastor, explains. “The Foundation has proven to be a trustworthy institution, both for church and individual investments. The fact that their only customer is the United Methodist Church underscores that trust.”

The Methodist Loan Fund, for example, exists to insure the future health and growth of United Methodist churches and institutions. That’s not something a bank is going to be too interested in.”

We have discovered at the Foundation that those who invest in the Methodist Loan Fund are sharers, not hoarders–and FUMC Grand Prairie is no exception. With membership slightly over 1,000 their connectional attitude extends beyond their contributions to the Methodist Loan Fund. Beginning in April 2003 they will share their worship and Sunday School facilities with a Korean fellowship that needs a place to meet. A new youth center currently under construction will enable them to expand their youth outreach program. They are continually discerning their role in their community and are actively seeking ways to share with those outside their walls.

“FUMC Grand Prairie, along with so many United Methodist churches and institutions around the state, is a wonderful example of how sharing our gifts enriches all of us.”

For more information on investing in the Methodist Loan Fund, contact Sara Beltran at 1-800-933-5502 or sbeltran@tmf-fdn.org. Or, fill out our Online Response Card.