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.

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Our SOC Youth Retreat was a Success

- Our SOC Youth Retreat was a Success

WHEN FAITH BECAME MORE THAN A THEME

LOCK IN 2026 Leaves a Lasting Impact on Southern Conference Youth

by Rev. Belinda Sledge

“Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to believe God is still there.”

Those words, shared by Ariyanna Forney during the Southern Conference Youth Bible Study on Sunday, July 12, became the perfect reflection of what God accomplished through the Southern Conference’s LOCK IN 2026 Youth Event.

Days after returning home from Charlotte, Ariyanna confidently led the Southern Conference’s youth-led Bible Study, challenging her peers to grow closer to God through faith. Using Hebrews 11:6 and Matthew 21:21, she reminded everyone that faith means trusting God even when we cannot see the outcome. Her challenge was simple: “Spend less time on your devices and spend more time with God.”

For those who have watched Ariyanna grow over the past year, her leadership was inspiring. Once quiet and hesitant to speak, she now stood before her peers leading Scripture, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. She joins Justin, Marcus, Chase, Jasmine, and other youth who have stepped forward to lead Bible Study. Her lesson became living proof that LOCK IN did not end when everyone boarded the buses home—it continued in the lives of the youth.

Download text of this article HERE

The Table Was Wide Enough

By Rev. Sèkinah Hamlin

N.C. Disciples clergy and Advocacy Consultant for Global Ministries Sekinah

Last week, my 12-year-old son, Jackson, and I attended the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ Youth Event in Charlotte. I arrived both hopeful and prayerful.

I am am always deeply concerned about the theologies shaping our children. They are growing up up in a society marked by erasure, hatred, and a narrow view of the world. Biblical interpretations grounded in liberation, justice, and God’s care for oppressed people are often challenged or God's for are often challenged or dismissed. At the same time, even churches and organizations that consider themselves liberal or progressive do not always offer the deep hospitality our children deserve. our children deserve.

I I wanted Jackson to to experience a Christian gathering where he would be warmly welcomed, be welcomed, deepen his faith and relationship with God, and expand his understanding of the role God is calling him to play in our global community. The Southern Conference Youth Event felt like an answer to prayer.

As a Disciples of Christ minister, I recognized something deeply familiar: the welcoming Table. For Disciples, the Lord’s Lord's Table is not a reward for people who have everything ﬁ figured gured out. It is where Christ welcomes us, feeds us, and draws us into one community. During this event, that us into one community. During this event, that theology was not only preached. It was practiced.

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