The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual
Advancement and Understanding
St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation of Houston
ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND:
The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding was established in November, 2008 by members of the Ordinary Life class, who wished to honor their teacher, Dr. Bill Kerley. The fund is part of and managed by St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation of Houston, a permanent endowment fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Houston, Texas. Proceeds and earnings attributable to this fund will be available to underwrite educational activities and programs which further the lessons of Dr. Kerley’s own faith journey.
PURPOSE OF LECTURE SERIES
The primary purpose of The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding is to foster education that advances knowledge in the areas of
- the life and teaching of Jesus
- interpretations of/perspectives on the Bible
- the cultural matrix during the life of Jesus and the writing of the Bible
- contributions of various religions that can aid in our spiritual advancement
- spiritual practices that can bring us closer to God
- the principles of “Ordinary Life”:
- We suffer from wanting to be one up on life
- There is no life in negativity
- We have a moral obligation to be happy
- Our relationship to life's difficulties belongs to us
- We are what we think
- Life is wonderful
- Love is what changes the course of our world
- The fundamental purpose of life is emotional and spiritual growth
- There is only the present
- We get what we give
- We are 100% responsible for our lives
FORMAT
Use of funds from The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding may be in the form of facilitated retreats, lectures, panel discussions, or constructively-formatted open discussion. Lecturers and/or discussion leaders should be persons whose study and works typically serve the same purpose as this lecture series by presenting a positive and constructive understanding of one or more areas consistent with the purpose statement above.
Lecturers and/or discussion leaders may be thought leaders from a variety of backgrounds, as long as they present information and perspective that is respectful, relevant and thought-provoking. Activities would ideally be held on an annual basis but this time schedule may be adjusted as the endowment grows and funds permit.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Additional contributions from those wishing to further this work will always be accepted. Contributions to The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding should be remitted to:
St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation of Houston
RE: Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding
Attn: Rev. Shelli Williams
5501 Main Street
Houston, TX 77004
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about The Kerley Endowment for Spiritual Advancement and Understanding, St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation of Houston, or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, you may contact Rev. Shelli Williams at 713-528-0527 or swilliams@stpaulshouston.org.
