Endowment

The Matthews United Methodist Endowment: Preserving a Legacy to Reach, Teach, Praise & Serve

Fund Categories
Peace of Mind Planning Guide
The Matthews United Methodist Endowment Fund was initiated in 2017 with the aim of preserving our church community to reach, teach, praise, and serve others for future years. This fund enables the church's ministry to fulfill these objectives and serves as a means of leaving a legacy for future generations. It presents an opportunity to create a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come. In August of 2025, a fund was renamed to "The Chuck and Karen Wilson Professional Development Fund" in honor of their work and ministry.
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Financial Highlights

The Matthews United Methodist Endowment Fund experienced remarkable growth through 2025, reaching a total market value of $1,004,386 - a historic milestone for our church! This achievement is made possible by the generosity of our faithful donors, whose gifts continue to strengthen and expand the lasting legacy of Matthews UMC.

2025 at a Glance

  • Beginning balance: $855,582
  • Contributions & estate gifts received: $28,085
  • Distributions to the church: $19,303 - the highest annual distribution to date.
  • Since its inception, the Endowment has disbursed a total of $63,862 from earnings to support the church in various areas.
  • Investment appreciation: $140,022

After all activity, the fund closed the year with a healthy market value of $1,004,386 as of December 31, 2025, officially surpassing the one-million-dollar mark.

In addition, the Endowment awarded its first scholarships in 2023, and new candidates continue to be considered as the program grows--helping provide meaningful opportunities for generations to come.

MUMC Endowment

Endowment Program Highlights

Endowment Program utilized digital and in-person events:

  • Hosted Annual Endowment Events for Contributors and congregation.
  • Hosted a livestream Endowment program that included A.J. Thomas from the United Methodist Foundation to answer questions and discuss options for participating in the endowment program.
  • Produced an award-winning video, Grateful Hearts: Creating Lasting Legacy through Matthews United Methodist Endowment that highlighted endowment participants and their stories.
  • Utilized various mediums, such as in-person meetings and Zoom, to meet with families to explain the program options.
  • Implemented an online giving portal on the MUMC website.

Impacting Generations

Watch a recording of our "Stories from the Endowment" event to learn how the distributions from the earnings growth can have an impact for generations to come:

Committee Structure

The Matthews United Methodist Endowment Team consists of leaders from various ministry areas. Meetings are held on a regular basis to focus on the needs of the Matthews United Methodist Endowment. If you have questions, please fill out the interest form.

Senior Pastor: David Christy
Servant Leader: Julie Jones
Class of 2026: Robert Hinson, Eric White & Clark Holmes 
Class of 2027: Jim Cornell & Kelly Klotz & Jason Johnson 
Class of 2028: Rick Benjamin & Greg Klein
Church Treasurer: Debbie Fitts

MUMC Endowment

Grateful Hearts: Creating Lasting Legacy through Matthews United Methodist Endowment

Creating a Life with Meaning
Keep the Church Going
Perpetuating the Life of the Church
Carrying on the Church Mission
Shining a Light for Faith
Impact of Missions
Leaving a Legacy from the Heart
Paying it Forward

Resources

Access our Peace of Mind Planning Guide -- a thoughtful guide to help you prepare, protect those you love, and ensure that your wishes and values are known and honored at every stage of life. The Endowment Summary, Question and Answers, and the 2025 Annual Report documents provide more information on the Endowment Program. The MUMC Endowment Funds are managed by the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, which has served as a valuable resource and partner in establishing the endowment. The Foundation also provides detailed support to individuals who might want to make a gift to the MUMC Endowment. Additional resources are located on UMFWNC.org site.
MUMC Endowment

Forms

The Matthews United Methodist Endowment can be added in your financial planning at any time during your life. As people of all ages — from young professionals to seniors — plan for their legacy, giving to ministries of the Church can easily be included. The forms below will assist individuals who are planning or provide guidance to professionals who may be aiding you in this process.

Direct Gift Designation (For Current Gifts)
Estate Planning Designation

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Please Contact Me, I'm Interested in the Endowment Fund

Please complete the fields below if you have questions or would like to learn more about the Matthews United Methodist Endowment. One of our Endowment Team members will be in touch with you shortly!
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