GAF - GCFA welcomes first Latino President of UMC Foundation - March 2010

General Council on Finance and Administration and the UMC Foundation celebrate the election of Oscar Luis Garza of Humble, Texas, who was recently nominated as president of the United Methodist Church Foundation (UMCF) Board of Directors for 2010. Garza follows Rev. Don Underwood, senior pastor of Christ UMC, Plano, Texas, as president.
Garza is believed to be the first Latino to lead the board of a United Methodist foundation. He serves as a leader in his home congregation of Cypress Trails UMC in Spring, Texas, and on the Core Leadership Team of the Texas Annual Conference.

The love of United Methodism runs deep through his family tree. His father, Oscar O. Garza IV served as treasurer of the Rio Grande Annual Conference and currently serves as treasurer of Metodistas Associados Representando la Causa de Hispano-Americanos of The United Methodist Church (MARCHA). The senior Garza was an original member of the General Council on Ministries GCOM) (1972-80) and later served on the board of the General Council on Finance & Administration (GCFA) (1980-88). Oscar Luis followed in his father’s footsteps serving on the Audit & Review Committee of GCFA (1992-2000).

His mother, Rosa Elva Garza, has served her local congregation, district and conference in many ways and was a director of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) for eight years.

“Oscar is the quintessential servant leader,” says Byrd Bonner, executive director of the UMC Foundation. “He brings an energy and passion to policy decisions of our board that is contagious. He loves the Church.” Oscar Luis brings a unique blend of his deep faith and his expertise to the board table.

We are excited to have this great leader of our Church as board president and are grateful to be a continuing part of this great family’s tradition of service.

The United Methodist Church Foundation is recognized as a financial steward building a financial legacy for the making of disciples of Jesus Christ.

Please encourage your congregation to support the General Administration Fund apportionments at 100%.

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