Rev. Lynda Ferguson of Asheboro, NC has been chosen to receive the 2021 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award from Boundless Impact. Rev. Ferguson is being awarded for her leadership in creating inclusive and welcoming congregations, and her legacy of breaking down boundaries in communities across NC where she has served as pastor. “Pastor Lynda is an advocate for people on the margins, building friendships across racial and socio-economic divides,” said Cindy Thompson, executive director - Boundless Impact.  “Rev. Ferguson works selflessly and tirelessly to make church a community where everyone is loved and accepted, where all people feel a sense of belonging. Her servant leader’s heart and willingness to roll up her sleeves and contribute to any project she is passionate about has inspired me and many others in ministry.”

The Ray of Light award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify Boundless Impact’s vision of building thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable, will be presented to Rev. Ferguson at the inaugural ImagineHub Summit on June 3, hosted by Boundless Impact. Presenters will be board members of Boundless Impact: Felix Muriithi, Past Chair; Tom White, Chair; and Dennis Carroll, who also serves on the ImagineHub Steering Committee. “As a young child, I was taught by my parents and the Methodist church I grew up in, to reach people on the margins and to go across boundaries – this is what my heart is” said Ferguson. “I am tremendously humbled and honored to be selected for the prestigious Eberhart Ray of Light Award, knowing we still have so much work to do in the great state of North Carolina and across the world to bring about justice and to love one another as Jesus taught us to do.”

Rev. Ferguson grew up in Mt. Holly, N.C. and holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, Clemson University and Duke University, and always pulls for the Tar Heels. She serves as Senior Pastor for First United Methodist Church in Asheboro and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and leads an ImagineHub site called Lydia’s Place, which will offer shelter, skill-building and support to women and children in the Asheboro community. Pastor Lynda also serves in several leadership positions within the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church, including as a delegate to General Conference, Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and as a board member for Wesley Community Development Corporation.