Author Archive for: ‘tbruno’
Hope Planned Out
Pearl Opel Thorpe lived in a small house near Utica Square in Tulsa. She was a collector of art, dolls, and hats. Preferring to be called Opel, she was a warm and eclectic woman who always dressed in bright, matching colors. She had that jovial sort of kindness about her; the kind where you felt absolutely welcomed in her presence. […]
Read More →Investment Summary as of April 30, 2016
U.S. stocks in the S&P 500 Index gained 0.4% in April for a YTD total return of 1.7%. International stocks rebounded as the U.S. dollar finally weakened. International developed market stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index were up 2.5% in April but are still down 1.4% YTD. The Diversified Fund and Endowment Investment Fund gained 1.0% for the month, just […]
Read More →Investment Summary as of March 31, 2016
After a historically negative start to the year, stocks rebounded sharply in March. U.S. stocks in the S&P 500 Index gained 6.8% in March to finish the quarter up 1.4%. International stocks remained under pressure with continued economic concerns regarding China and Europe. International developed market stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index were up 6% in March but were down […]
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What Comes Next?
May 20th, 2013 was a devastating day. Tornadoes ripped through Central Oklahoma and crippled thousands of people across our state. The First United Methodist Church in Moore found themselves at ground zero; there was so much need right in front of them. Many people had lost everything. They didn’t know where the next meal would be; they didn’t even have […]
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We Love You because He Loves You
Many of our local churches are constantly seeking how to attract younger families and how to raise more money. The Foundation developed ARISE, a one-day workshop held at our office in OKC. ARISE will get your leaders and members thinking, talking and praying about the future of the Church. Reaching Out Reverend Tish Malloy is the District Superintendent of the […]
Read More →Investment Summary as of February 29, 2016
After a historically negative start to the year, volatility continued into early February. U.S. stocks in the S&P 500 Index rebounded the last half of the February to finish the month relatively flat – declining 0.1%. Oil also rallied back above $30 a barrel. International stocks remained under pressure with continued economic concerns regarding China and Europe. International developed market […]
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The Miracle at Mtupili
Like many villages in Tanzania, the Masai people in Mtupili did not have access to running water. Making the dangerous 7 hour trek to the river and risking being eaten by crocodiles, the Masai people desperately needed a better source of water. The Foundation provided funds to support the drilling of a new well in Mtupili. Engineers calculated the location […]
Read More →Investment Summary as of January 31, 2016
Stocks are off to a rocky start for 2016. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 Index, and the Nasdaq Composite all had their worst 5-day start of a year in history. The economic slowdown in China continues to weigh on the global markets. The price of oil fell below $30 a barrel for the first time since 2004. Fortunately […]
Read More →Investment Summary as of December 31, 2015
2015 was a difficult year for investors. Weighing on the markets was speculation on if or when the Federal Reserve would raise rates (they finally did in December), significant declines in commodity/energy prices, a slowing Chinese economy, and a surging U.S. dollar that negatively impacts diversifying strategies to international stocks and bonds. U.S. stocks in the S&P 500 Index finished […]
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Jackie’s Story
Jackie Stafford suffered from over a decade of poor dental health and was unable to afford private dental care. Through some connections with Catholic Charities, Jackie found the dental clinic at Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO). She soon made an appointment and received much-needed treatment at a very affordable rate. (see nsookc.org) “Immediately when you walk in the door, they are […]
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