A Life That Speaks Through Generosity
Reflections from Annual Conference and a Celebration of Extraordinary Generosity
…Let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.
— Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
In June 2010, I attended my first Annual Conference of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, although I had been a member of a UMC for twenty years. I was entering divinity school that fall and attending Annual Conference seemed like a good way to begin my education. Sixteen years later I have attended Annual Conference every June (except when the COVID-19 pandemic kept us away) and the education continues, holy conferencing is a blessing, and I am always better for the time spent with my fellow United Methodists.
Since joining UMF ten years ago, my time at AC has taken on an added dynamic of connecting with pastors and laity through our annual Partner’s Luncheon. We love this opportunity to host this special meal and celebrate the good things God has been up to through our work at The Foundation. This is our one opportunity each year to meet face-to-face with the pastors and laity of our partner churches. If you are reading this and have not yet attended this gathering, please let us know so we can be sure you are with us at next year’s luncheon.
Reginald Ponder Generosity Award
One of the highlights of the luncheon is the presentation of The Reginald Ponder Generosity Award. This award was created several years ago not only to honor Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Ponder and his wife, Carrie, for their extraordinary lifetime of generosity, but also to honor others who have shown a long history of generosity.
This year’s recipient, Mr. George Deaton, is a lifelong United Methodist, as is his wife of 67 years, Mary Beth. George and Mary Beth have been blessed with six children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The Deatons have been partners in serving others by founding and leading organizations dedicated to helping the less fortunate among us.
As a “dyed-in-the-wool” Methodist, George participated from an early age in the UMC. He attributes his dedication to Christ and Christ’s teachings to the pastors, teachers, and friends who have helped him grow in his faith. George and Mary Beth’s longest church membership has been at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh.
Professionally, George’s career includes work in the nuclear industry in Oak Ridge, TN, space efforts at NASA, computer networking and telecommunications industries at IBM, and the founding of George Deaton Consulting, Inc. In addition, George is an accomplished singer who performed around the U.S. and in Europe. Changing careers in 2002, George joined the United Methodist Retirement Homes as Director of Development and Church Relations. George “really retired” in 2020. Through all these roles and responsibilities, George has shown his dedication to Christ and Christ’s church, exhibiting extraordinary generosity and service. It was our great honor to recognize George at the 2026 Partner’s Luncheon. We were so glad his wife Mary Beth, daughter Mary Kathryn, and close friend and pastor, Allen Bingham were present for the luncheon.
At the Foundation, we strive to do well by doing good. That commitment, all to the glory of God, is beautifully reflected in the legacy embodied by the Ponder Award. Congratulations, Mr. Deaton, on being the 2026 Ponder Award recipient!
This article was submitted by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].