The Deacon Order of the NC Conference offers a yearly grant to a deacon or diaconal minister in the Order. This grant is made possible through the Deacon Endowment Fund, which invites applications each year in two categories: the Judy Stephens Continuing Education Fund and the Good Samaritan Fund. The latter provides emergency financial assistance for situations that create hardships in the life of a deacon or diaconal minister. We are pleased to announce that Anna Gail Workman is our 2026 grant recipient from the Good Samaritan Fund.

As she explained in her application, “an upcoming serious surgery will mean at least six weeks without putting weight on my feet or legs…most of my time will be in bed with leg braces down either side. As a result, I will have either inpatient rehab or in-home care. We anticipate the extra costs for those six weeks will be beyond what we have insurance to cover.”

Assisting with Good Samaritan needs in Anna Gail’s case was our joy! It also brought joy to Anna Gail, who responded to the announcement, “Not only will this ease some financial burdens, but it made me feel surrounded by your love and good wishes. Some of you are folks I have worked with through the 60-plus years of ministry in the NCCUMC, and some of you are folks I look forward to meeting!”

You can help this important ministry grow through your gifts to the Deacon Endowment Fund. Gifts can be made using cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, real estate, trust, personal property, and business interest. You may make your gifts in honor or memory of loved ones or others you wish to recognize. Every contribution—regardless of size—makes a lasting impact.

You may give online at www.umfnc.org/give or by check mailed to United Methodist Foundation, Inc., 700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC 27529. Please note in the memo line NCC Deacon Endowment.