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"Therefore, since we
are surrounded by such
a great cloud of witnesses..."
- Hebrews 12:1
Rooted in Faith, Growing for the Future
For 204 years, Memorial United Methodist Church has stood as a beacon of hope in our community. This endowment is an extension of the faithfulness shown by generations of Methodists who built, served, and sacrificed before us.
By giving to the Chris Bryan Endowment, we honor that "cloud of witnesses" and ensure that our mission continues, unhindered, for the next two centuries.
The Legacy of Chris Bryan
In 2021, a small team was tasked with the goal of researching what it would take to create an endowment for our church. With help from the Florida United Methodist Foundation, the Memorial United Methodist Church Endowment was created at the end of 2022 with hope that doing so would be a legacy gift for future generations of the Memorial Church family.
The long-term vision for the fund is that earnings will be used to support missions, help fund capital project needs on the church campus, and provide scholarships for Memorial’s high school graduates going to college or trade school.​
A key member of the team was Mrs. Chris Bryan. Chris loved her church family at Memorial and valued its place and work in our local community. After her passing in 2024, the Endowment Committee suggested that the fund be renamed in her honor.
Today, the Chris Bryan Endowment is steadily building and has already begun its work - in May 2025, three scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors.
Ways to Give
Planned Gifts:
Invest in the long-term health of Memorial United Methodist Church by including the Endowment in your financial planning. These gifts often provide tax benefits while securing our campus and missions for years to come:
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A Fixed Amount: A specific dollar total.
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Specific Items: Designated property or assets.
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A Percentage: A portion of your total estate.
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A Residual Bequest: The remainder of your estateafter other obligations are met.
The 1822 Collective:
The 1822 Collective is a community of supporters dedicated to the immediate growth of our Endowment. This initiative allows anyone to become a stakeholder in our church’s future while helping us build a dedicated network of partners.
To join the Collective, simply make a gift in any denomination of 1822.
Whether it is a one-time gift of $182.20,
a significant contribution of $18,220,
or a recurring monthly gift of $18.22,
your generosity places you in our database of contacts for future updates and endowment news.
Giving Through a Will:
A simple way to support the legacy of Chris Bryan is through a provision in your will. You may choose to leave:
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Bequests:
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Designate a gift in your will or living trust.
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Trusts:
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Utilize Revocable Living Trus or Charitable Trusts.
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Life Estate Gifts:
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Donate property while retaining the right to use during your lifetime.
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Life Insurance:
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Name the Endowment as beneficiary of a policy.
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Gift Annuities:
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Receive fixed payments for life in exchange for a gift of cash or securities.
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For 204 years, Memorial United Methodist Church has stood as a beacon of hope in our community. This endowment is an extension of the faithfulness shown by generations of Methodists who built, served, and sacrificed before us.
By giving to the Chris Bryan Endowment, we honor that "cloud of witnesses" and ensure that our mission continues, unhindered, for the next two centuries.
Build a Legacy That Lives On:
Your generosity ensures that the heart of Memorial United Methodist Church beats strongly for generations to come. Whether you join the 1822 Collective today or include the fund in your future plans, you are providing the foundation for our missions, our campus, and our students.
To make a gift or discuss your giving options, please contact the church office:
Call: 904.261.5769
Or Email: Tom Ray, Endowment Committee Secretary tomray48@outlook.com