Working Together in Faith, Trust, and Love

We Strive to Foster Faithful Witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will Shape a Strong UCC Identity with Effective Staffing that Equips and Empowers Local Churches, Clergy and Lay for Transformative Ministry and Growth.

The Call to Care Has Renewed Energy

Now, with Rev. Davis's return, the Call to Care continues with renewed energy and a shared commitment to the vision he set in motion. Those who helped carry that vision forward during his absence will continue the work alongside him, ensuring that our ministry of presence remains an important part of who we are as a Conference.

SOUND THE ALARM! ALL HANDS ON DECK!

Southern Conference Board Retreat Ignites a Renewed Commitment to Care, Connection, and Action

by Rev. Belinda Sledge

Edited for length. Read / download full article HERE

“Sound the Alarm!” was the charge from Southern Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Edward S. Davis. “All Hands on Deck!” was the response from the Southern Conference Board of Directors as they gathered October 23–24, 2026, for a retreat focused on strengthening leadership, transforming conflict, and renewing their commitment to the Conference's Call to Care initiative.

The message was clear: The time for simply talking about caring is over. It is time to put care into action!

Throughout the retreat, board members were challenged to examine not only how they govern, but how they connect, listen, lead, and serve.

From Conflict to Transformation

A significant highlight of the retreat was an engaging Conflict Transformation Training led by Steve Beck and Susan Smith, two experienced professionals committed to helping individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations and build healthier relationships.

Beck, with more than 40 years of experience in team dynamics and leadership, introduced the power of Positive Friction.

Smith, a North Carolina certified mediator, restorative justice practitioner, and Certified Christian Conciliator, brought her extensive experience in church conflict resolution, reconciliation, and restorative practices.

Together, their training reinforced a powerful lesson: Conflict does not have to divide us. With prayer, intentional listening, honest conversations, and a willingness to grow, conflict can become an opportunity for transformation. Board members were reminded that peacemaking is not a one-time event but a daily commitment requiring practice, patience, and perseverance.

More Boots on the Ground: The Call to Care Continues

Perhaps the most defining moment of the retreat came when Dr. Davis challenged every board member to recommit to the Conference's Call to Care initiative by going out to our churches beginning with visits to clergy.

Board member Gary Smith, who has been leading this initiative over the past year, provided a recap of the visits already made to churches over the past year at this year's Southern Conference Annual Meeting. These efforts have laid an important foundation, but Dr. Davis called for an even greater commitment.

Edited for length. Read / download full article HERE

We are the Hands and Feet of Jesus!

by Tania Stokes

Southern Conference Disaster Coordinator

Edited for length. Read full article HERE.

I recently had the privilege of participating in a disaster relief mission in Western North Carolina, serving communities still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.

This experience was a powerful reminder that being the hands and feet of Jesus means showing up, serving others, and sharing God’s love through our actions.

Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, leaving a path of destruction throughout the mountain region. Communities surrounding Asheville, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, and other mountain towns experienced catastrophic flooding, landslides, damaged homes, destroyed roads, and widespread power outages.

Although the storm has passed, the recovery continues. Western North Carolina remains in a long-term recovery phase, which may take anywhere from two to ten years.

During my mission, I had the opportunity to stay at High Country United Church of Christ, which opened its doors as a disaster relief host site in the fall of 2025....

I joined a wonderful group of volunteers, including Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel (D.Min.), CDRC for the Central Atlantic Confrence, and others who traveled from various areas to serve for the week. Each day presented a new opportunity to make a difference.

On Monday, we volunteered at a local food bank....

On Tuesday, we assisted a gentleman with installing flooring in his home....

On Wednesday, we assisted a local resident who was facing the difficult reality of having to move from her home because of extensive mold damage....

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel (D.Min.) for allowing me to join their volunteer group and participate in this meaningful mission. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to coordinating a mission trip in the future so that others may experience the blessing of serving in this capacity.

If you have never participated in a mission trip, I encourage you to consider doing so....

We are called to do more than speak about the love of Jesus. We are called to demonstrate it....

The need remains, the work continues, and the opportunity to serve is still before us.

A Brief Pause, A Powerful Return!

Southern Conference Youth Bible Study Returns November 8 at 7 PM!

With October filled with Association Annual Meetings, Youth Bible Study will take a brief pause and return Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 7 PM via Zoom for a special presentation on Faith in Action! Our guest Bible Study leader, Daniel Gregory of Exodus Missionary Outreach United Church of Christ, will share his personal story, the ministry of Exodus, and how Scripture connects to real-life challenges as it relates to youth issues.

We will also hear from Shinnsville UCC youth, who recently visited Exodus, as they share their experiences and lessons learned about faith and service.

Please help me spread the word! ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS ARE INVITED!

Remember, Southern Conference Youth Bible Study meets every 2nd and 4th

Sunday at 7 PM via Zoom and welcomes youth from every church and Association!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN VIA ZOOM

“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” — James 2:17

Come discover how faith moves beyond the church walls and into the world!