A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Endowment OpportunitiesA gift to an endowment fund is truly a gift that never stops giving — a spiritual investment in the people, ministries, and mission of Soapstone UMC that will endure for generations.
At Soapstone, we’re called to be faithful stewards of God’s blessings — caring for today’s ministries while investing in tomorrow’s. One way to do that is through endowment giving.
An endowment is a lasting fund where the principal gift is invested and only the earnings are used each year. Your gift continues to grow and give forever — sustaining the church’s mission for generations to come.
Leonard & Priscilla Fairley
Endowment
Honoring Bishop Leonard Fairley and the memory of his wife, Priscilla, this fund supports missions that serve children, particularly those focused on education, and efforts to eliminate homelessness and hunger among children. A gift to this fund helps change lives and open doors for a brighter future. Learn more here.
Stephen B. Curry Memorial Cancer Endowment
Established in memory of Steve Curry, whose faith and courage inspired all who knew him, this fund supports missions serving individuals and families affected by cancer. Administered by Soapstone UMC and St. Luke’s UMC (Sanford), the fund’s proceeds are shared between both congregations’ outreach ministries — ensuring that Stephen’s legacy of hope and compassion continues without end. Learn more here.
Laura Stern Heritage Endowment
Created to provide long-term support for our church facilities and grounds, this endowment ensures that Soapstone remains a beautiful, welcoming place for worship, ministry, and community for years to come. Proceeds are directed toward building improvements, maintenance, and expansion — helping relieve pressure on the general budget and ensuring our church home continues to thrive. Learn more here.
Charles & Linda Seymour Children’s Christmas Endowment
This joyful fund blesses children in need during the Christmas season, providing gifts, food, clothing, and housing through partner organizations. It’s a way to share the light and love of Christ with children who might otherwise go without — keeping the spirit of giving alive year after year. Learn more here.
Legacy Giving and Permanent Endowment Fund Committee
Soapstone UMC’s Legacy Giving and Permanent Endowment Committee provides management and oversight for our four endowments, as well as education related to planned giving and estate planning.
Additional responsibilities include publishing the Heritage Endowment Fund annual report. This annual report includes sections on the fund’s financial performance, projects selected by the Trustee committee, and a list of gifts/bequests made “in honor of” or “in memory” of the giver or of an estate.