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S o u t h e r n...C o n f e r e n c e
U n i t e d...C h u r c h...o f...C h r i s t
e - N e w s l e t t e r / January 22, 2026
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Rev. Eddie Weathers addresses colleagues during a November 10, 2024 event at Union Chapel UCC when he thought he was retiring.
photo by C. L. Stumb
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Southern Conference Board off Directors Appoints Temporary Conference Minister
With gratitude and confidence, we joyfully announce that in the absence of Rev. Edward S. Davis (D.Min.), Southern Conference Minister, the Southern Conference Board of Directors has appointed the Rev. Eddie Weathers, former Eastern N.C. Associate Conference Minister to serve as Temporary Conference Minister of the Southern Conference.
Statement from Rev. Eddie L. Weathers
With deep gratitude and humility, I accept the appointment to serve as Temporary Conference Minister of the Southern Conference during the absence of our beloved Conference Minister, Rev. Edward Davis (D.Min.). I am thankful to the Board of Directors for their confidence and trust, and I step into this role with a spirit of service, collaboration, and faithfulness to the work before us.
The Southern Conference has long been rooted in relationship, resilience, and care for the whole church. Throughout my years of ministry as a pastor, chaplain, Associate Conference Minister for Eastern North Carolina, and servant leader, I have sought to build trust, strengthen connections, and walk alongside congregations through seasons of growth, challenge, and transition. It is in that same spirit that I accept this responsibility.
I look forward to supporting the work of the Board of Directors and assisting in carrying forward the goals of the Board’s newly appointed task force, helping to ensure continuity, stability, and thoughtful leadership during this temporary season. I am especially grateful for the faithful work of Rev. Belinda Sledge and the Call to Care Tour, which so clearly reflects the heart of our Conference through presence, listening, and meaningful engagement with our churches. I look forward to partnering with her in this work as we continue to strengthen and support congregations across the Conference.
Throughout my ministry, whether serving local churches, walking with congregations through renewal, or coordinating disaster response and wellness initiatives, my commitment has remained the same: to help build healthy churches, equip faithful leaders, and nurture unity across the body of Christ.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve once again in this temporary role, and I look forward to working alongside the Southern Conference Board, Association leaders, staff, clergy, and laity as together we continue the faithful work of the Southern Conference: rooted in care, guided by faith, and strengthened by our shared calling.
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Jennifer Pharr Davis speaks to winter youth retreat gathering at Blowing Rock Conference Center
photo by C. L. Stumb
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Winter Youth Retreat at Blowing Roick Conference Center grounds youth -- We are the Earth -- for their journey
by Rev. C. L. "Curly" Stumb
“I tell that story, because there are so many times when we are lost,” said Jennifer Pharr Davis to a winter youth retreat gathering at Blowing Rock Conference Center. Her story recalled a through hike on the Appalachian Trail after college. She encountered snow in the Smoky Mountains at a time before cell phones and GPS, and reminded listeners of what happens to the white AT trail blazes in the snow.
“Adventure,” she said, is “The exploration of unknown territory, beginning at the end of one’s comfort zone.” “While this exact phrasing is a modern blend, it echoes Mark Twain's famous sentiment that travel is ‘fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.’”
She created a process (including time in break-out sessions with Catawba College students) for youth to struggle with the “lost in life” questions, and more. “Where do you want to go?” she asked, and suggested some equipment for one’s pack. Another story revealed an uncomfortable challenge she encountered on the trail, of “being nice” or “being honest,” and after 2,181 miles on the AT, reflected on an introspective time from a view on the Balds of Roan Mountain, Tennessee. “Am I apart from this place I am viewing, or a part of it?” Her story has traction on the speaker trail because she chose the latter.
Among the texts she interjected into her adventure narrative was John 16:33B. “In this world there will be trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world.”
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Love… and Then What? A Visit to Land of the Sky UCC
by Rev. Belinda Sledge
On Saturday evening (January 17), I had the joy of sharing a meal and meaningful conversation at the home of Rev. Sara Wilcox, pastor of Land of the Sky United Church of Christ. I was joined by Rev. LaShauna Austria, Minister of Becoming + Belonging at Land of the Sky, along with members of both Rev. Austria’s family and Rev. Wilcox’s family. What began as simple fellowship soon became one of those sacred moments where conversation turns into calling.
As we sat around the table, Rev. Austria offered a thought that stayed with me:
“To love is not enough.” ...
As I prepared for my Call to Care worship service, I found myself returning to that moment and naming what had been forming in my spirit: love cannot stand alone. There has to be an "and."
For me, that word became "listen."
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Love and listen, as I pointed out to Rev. Austria, offering this as an answer to her statement.
As Pastor Sara had shared the story of her congregation with me, I realized that if I wanted the message to be truly heard, I first had to understand the heart of the church itself.
That’s when it came together: LAL — Love And Listen. ...
Land of the Sky United Church of Christ is an emerging, progressive congregation seeking to follow the still-speaking God. ...
Nowhere is this more evident than in Land of the Sky’s commitment to its micro-home community, created in partnership with BeLoved Asheville. The church intentionally ceded a portion of its land so that tiny homes could be built for neighbors experiencing homelessness. These homes are now complete and awaiting certificates of occupancy.
Land of the Sky’s witness extends beyond housing. Its campus at 15 Overbrook Place is home to multiple ministries and partners, including its sister congregation, Circle of Mercy. The space is shared intentionally with groups committed to creativity, care, and justice.
Read more / full article
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Connect with us about ministries you are passionate about in your setting. Let's tell our stories and change the world.
We also want to hear about church events, whether it be church and pastoral anniversaries or any other special occasion in your local setting. Please share them with the e-News editor.
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Miscellaneous News
A Southern Conference Calendar appears at the bottom of this e-News. If you are not seeing the calendar, look for a link -- "view entire message" -- to read the full News. Some internet service providers limit displaying the full content of newsletters.
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A Call to Minneapolis
Faith leaders answering history in a time of peril and possibility
(Editor's note: Thank you, Julie Peeples, for sharing. I received this invitation after last week's e-News publication, so participation appears to be at capacity. Information however, also lists opportunities to support this UCC event in Minneapolis. See links below.)
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Gaston County MLK Achievement Award given to Kings Mountain educator and faith leader
Town leaders, residents, and church leaders came together at the Dallas N.C. Historic Courthouse on Monday, January 19th, 2026, for a Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Event. Highlight of the program was the awarding of 2026 Martin Luther King Life Time Achievement Award to Ms. Shirlene Hoke, Minister of Music at First Congregational UCC, Kings Mountain, N.C. She is a retired school teacher, and has been a servant to many. Pearl Burris Floyd, a former N.C. State Senator, presented the award said, "She did everything she did without thinking of skin color," Floyd continued, "She acted not out of obligation or force but from a love so genuine and deep that she touched everyone around her."
Read more
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**A High Moment of Praise and Purpose:
Rev. Helen J. Burchette Ordained and Installed as Youth Pastor at Burchette Chapel UCC**
By Rev. Dannie Williams (Ed.D.)
The ordination and installation of Rev. Helen J. Burchette at Burchette Chapel UCC was a joyful and spirit-filled celebration of calling and community. The service opened in worship and was graciously presided over by Rev. Brenda Burton. Surrounded by family, friends, and clergy, Rev. Burchette was affirmed in her call as Youth Pastor, with the loving support of her pastor, Rev. Charlie Leath, and the Burchette Chapel congregation. Words of encouragement were given by The Reverend Raymond S. Watkins, Sr. Pastor of Mount Calvary United Church of Christ, Durham, North Carolina.
Read more
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Celebrating 9 Years of Leadership
Rev. Patricia Crawley-Ricks (D.Min.)
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Youth Ministry of New Macedonia Christian UCC, under the leadership of Rev. Patrice Smallwood, had the honor of celebrating Rev. Patricia Crawley-Ricks (D.Min.) during her 9th Pastoral Anniversary.
In a meaningful moment, the youth shared a letter and a token of appreciation on behalf of the Southern Conference, honoring her faithful leadership and lasting impact. The full letter presented during worship is available to read in the attached document.
Rev. Crawley-Ricks has been a strong supporter of youth, encouraging young people to lead with faith, purpose, and confidence. Her ministry shows young people that faith is active, loving, and connected to justice and service.
As we celebrated during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, we give thanks for her example of leadership, compassion, and commitment to both church and community.
The Southern Conference is grateful for her nine years of faithful service and looks forward to the continued impact of her ministry.
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Tammy M. Harvey-Stanzil. Ordination/Installation Service
February 8, 2026, 3:00 pm at the Melfield UCC, 2144 Melfield Drive Haw River, N.C.
All Clergy are asked to gather at 2:45 and to wear their black robes with red stoles
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Mennonite Action's national training tour will stop in Asheville
submitted by Greg Walker Wilson
Circle of Mercy, Asheville, N.C.
Saturday, January 24, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
By the end of that day we'll better:
- Understand the gravity of the moment, and help others understand.
- Prepare our faith communities: to give direct support, mutual aid and bring people into the movement
- Continue mobilizing and *practicing* for red line moments.
- Make the connection between ICE deportations and Palestine.
- Keep training ourselves with nonviolent action skills.
- Keep organizing. Tabling, talking to neighbors, going door to door and inviting people to participate in our work.
- Build a culture of faith-based courage.
Registration link is: https://www.mennoniteaction.org/tour.
Read more
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Rested in Christ / Renewal for Ministry
A retreat for clergy of the Southern Conference
February 24-26, 2026
St. Francis Springs Prayer Center
Stoneville, N.C.
Read more / updated details HERE
As a part of our SOC Call to Care initiative, we will be holding a conference-wide clergy retreat (open to all SOC clergy & MIDs) coming up February 24-26, 2026 at the Saint Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C. The retreat speaker will be Rev. Carlos Dawson, a passionate educator and spiritual mentor dedicated to nurturing individuals through holistic learning and personal growth. Cost will be $100 per person (includes lodging & meals). Single-occupancy rooms will be available off-site. Registration will be limited to the first 50 who sign up. The link to register will be posted on the soc-ucc.org website by Friday, with details of other presenters.
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Retired (and almost retired) Servants Retreat
May 4-6, 2026
Blowing Rock Conference Center
Retreat facilitator: Mary Luti,
UCC Stillspeaking Writers' Group
"Which makes me wonder, instead of always doing Communion as a Last Supper of broken body and poured out blood, why don't we eat more Suppers of resilient Awe together, more Snacks in the Locked Room, more Breakfasts on the Shore, more dinners in Emmaus, more astonished Feasts of the Forty Days?" Mary Luti, Do This, p. 168 (e-edition)
Read / download brochure with program overview.
Registration is now open ...
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Registration for 2026 Residential Camps is now open
Check out new offerings
HERE
Join Summer Staff at JRVC
HERE
Register for Mother's / Women's Retreat HERE
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In Memoriam
The Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Eastern North Carolina Association extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of
two faithful servants whose lives and ministries deeply impacted the church and community. We offer prayers of comfort to their families, congregations, and all who grieve their passing. We give thanks for their lives, leadership, and lasting legacy of faith. Read more
The Southern Conference also extends heartfelt condolences to Rev. Dannie Williams (Ed.D.) and his family on the loss of his beloved daughter-in-law. We hold you close in prayer during this tender time and surround you with love, strength, and comfort.
May these families feel the presence of God’s peace in the days ahead, and may the memories you hold bring warmth and light as you grieve. Please know that your Southern Conference family stands with each of you, offering prayers, care, and support as you walk through this season of loss.
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Words to Live By
by Alyson Breisch
Southern Conference Minister
for Health and Wellness
This past Monday the nation celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister, who advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation. He was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. As I read articles about his legacy over the past several days, I heard the deep wisdom in his prophetic words that spoke against violence:
- “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
- “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
- “Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. . . violence ends up defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.”
- “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”
- “History will record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people but the appalling silence of the good people.”
- “The time is always right to do what is right.”
- “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Nonviolence seeks to create an active way of life that builds love, friendship, community, and understanding. Take time today to reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s inspiring words and quotes about kindness, courage, and unity which stand the test of time. What is their message for us today?
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Participant in 2016 Cuba Study Seminar photographs MLK mural at The congregation of the Iglesias Bautista Ebenezer church and Martin Luther King Center in Mariano, one of Havana's 15 districts
photo by C. L. Stumb
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“When Justice Staggers, the Church Must Stand”
submitted by
Rev. A. Jerome Danage, Sr, (D.Min,)
Senior Pastor Providence UCC
Justice Minister of the SOC
Graphic (left) by Ken Sehested (PRAYERANDPOLITIKS.ORG)
A Reflection Inspired by the Justice Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In every generation, God raises voices that refuse to let the world grow comfortable with injustice. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those voices—steady, courageous, and unyielding in his conviction that justice is not merely a social preference but a divine requirement. His words still speak with startling clarity because the injustices he confronted have not disappeared. They have changed shape, changed language, and changed tactics, but they remain painfully present.
Today, we see injustice in the widening racial divide, in the erosion of voting rights, in economic systems that leave entire communities behind, and in the normalization of violence and hatred. We see it in the quiet places too—in the apathy that settles in when the headlines become too heavy, and in the temptation to believe that nothing can change. Dr. King warned us about that temptation. He wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He reminded us that we are bound together in what he called “an inescapable network of mutuality.” What harms one of us harms all of us. What diminishes one community diminishes the entire nation. And what the church ignores, the church eventually becomes complicit in.
King also cautioned us about the danger of silence. “The time is always right to do what is right,” he said—not when it is convenient, not when it is popular, not when it is safe. Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice ignored is justice undone. For Dr. King, justice was not a political slogan. It was a theological mandate. He believed that “love is the greatest force in the universe,” and that justice is simply love correcting everything that stands against love.
As we look at the injustices running rampant today, we cannot afford to shrug our shoulders or shake our heads. We cannot retreat into private faith or quiet spirituality. Dr. King’s words call us forward: “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but… because conscience tells him it is right.”
The inflection point of our country has positioned us for such a time as this, and ...
This is a moment for renewed commitment; As a conference, we must renew our commitment to justice, committing to pray with our eyes open, serve with our hands extended, and speak with our hearts anchored in truth. Because if we believe what Dr. King believed: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” And we believe what Scripture declares: that God Himself is the One bending it. Then we must have the courage to join Him.
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Sometimes You’ve Got to Be a Little Lost
by Rev. Jason Stump, Pastor
Oakland Christian Church, Suffolk VA
... Now here’s the scene from last Sunday afternoon, January 18th, 2026.
I’m on the chancel of St. Mark United Church of Christ in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for the Eastern Virginia Association of the UCC. I’ve been asked to read from the prophets—the ones who don’t pull punches. The ones who say things like, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
In the sanctuary are about 80 people; there are about ten white folks present. More than last year. ...
And there I am.
Standing on that chancel, waiting to read Amos and Micah, thinking two things at the same time:
How in the hell did I get here?
And
I am exactly where I want to be in this very moment.
If there is any place to honor and celebrate the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is in a Black church. And for a white person, that often includes feeling just a little lost.
How did I get there? The short answer is an old saying attributed to the 16th-century preacher John Bradford, spoken as he watched prisoners being led to execution: “There but for the grace of God go I.”
... The celebration went on. God was praised. Dr. King was honored. And hope was offered—real hope, not cheap optimism.
Read more / full substack article
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Tree partners (maple - left / oak - right)
Blue Ridge Parkway m.p. 290, Blowing Rock, N.C.
photo by C. L. Stumb
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UCC announces 2026 Climate Hope Art Contest
submitted by Sue Mueller
Lead Climate Hope Organizer, UCC
Art submissions will be accepted from February 6th to March 20th
The theme this year is “A Future with Hope.” Children and youth are invited to draw, paint, or color works of art that bring this theme to life. We will have winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian.
The theme, "A Future with Hope" comes from Jeremiah 29:11 and was the sermon scripture when the Rev. Jim Antal preached during Climate Action Commissioning Service.
Register your congregation now to participate!
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Located in front of Blowing Rock Library is "Jessie," a young girl reading a story book
photo by C. L. Stumb
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The James H. Lightbourne Jr. Scholarship was established to assist needy and deserving high school graduates and college students who are members of the United Church of Christ in the Southern Conference in achieving their educational goals.
Each scholarship applicant must be a member of a financially active church in the Southern Conference and enrolled for the up-coming fall semester as an undergraduate in a college/university, community college, or technical school. Please see the scholarship guidelines and application. The deadline for all applications is March 1, 2026.
submitted by Rev. Tanya Best
SOC Church Women President
Download application
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Orientation for Treasurers
shared by Ruth Edens
Director of Philanthropy
Southern New England Conference
Jan. 28, 7:30 pm ET
The presentation reviews basic aspects of the treasurer, financial secretary, and trustee roles in a local congregation. We will discuss creating a “financial dashboard” to help fellow board members understand the finances of the congregation, effective ways to record and thank donors for their gifts, and best practices around cash controls and cash management. Rev. Andrew Warner, CFRE, President of the Wisconsin Foundation UCC, will lead the presentation.
Register HERE
Download a list of other 2026 Stewardship Webinars HERE
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Our love offering to the world
March 15 - suggested offering date
One Great Hour of Sharing is a vital special mission offering of the United Church of Christ, connecting you to disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development efforts around the globe. When disasters strike or people are displaced, OGHS ensures immediate response and ongoing recovery. Your contributions help meet urgent needs and address the root causes of vulnerability, ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions for affected communities. Order 2026 OGHS materials HERE.
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Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners
Pray with Argentina
January 25, 2026
The collaborative work between the Evangelical Disciples of Christ Church in Argentina and Global Ministries has been a profoundly transformative experience. In this shared journey, communities are encouraged to dream and to respond to Jesus’ call to proclaim the Kindom with concrete words and actions. Educational projects, community support spaces, and pastoral ministries have found new tools and hope through this cooperation. This is a testimony of a church that goes forth, committed to justice, compassion, and God’s mission in Argentina and throughout the world. Read more.
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Blowing Rock Conference Center
photo by C. L. Stumb
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Save the Dates: Southern Conference Lenten Series / Read more
January 22 - February 1, 2026
UCC Cuba Study Seminar Read more / download flyer
January 24, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Saturday)
Mennonite Action's national training tour will stop in Asheville / Read more
January 25 (Sunday)
"Call to Care Tour" continues with Rev. Belinda Sledge, at Umstead Park UCC, Raleigh
January 25, 11:00 am (Sunday)
New Macedonia Christian United Church of Christ celebrates Pastor's Anniversary - Rev. Patricia Crawley-Ricks (D.Min.) celebrating 9 years. All are invited!
Download flyer with guest preachers
January 25, 7:00 - 8:00 pm (Sunday)
Southern Conference Youth Bible Study “Calling All Students - Let's Talk!” with Rev. Belinda Sledge.
You will use the same Zoom link each Sunday:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82852871663?pwd=iu6pSdNCSviKKiRFT7HTz052eVj54E.1
February 8, 3:00 pm (Sunday)
Ordination/Installation Service for Tammy M. Harvey-Stanzil will take place at the Melfield UCC, 2144 Melfield Drive Haw River, N.C.
February 24-26
A retreat for SOC Clergy at Saint Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C.
March 1, 10:30 am (Sunday)
First United Church of Christ (Hampton, Virginia) Celebrates 125th Anniversary
March 2 (Monday)
Deadline for submitting applications for scholarships from the Richard and Helen Brown Endowment for Church Leadership for the 2026–2027 academic year. Access the application here: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/106784.
March 12, 3:30 - 6:30 ET (Thursday)
Use above link for more information and/or to register.
May 4-6
Retired Servants Retreat at Blowing Rock Conference Center with Mary Luti (Still Speaking Writers Group) / Download brochure HERE
Registration is now open ...
June 18-20
Southern Conference Annual Gathering, Canterbury Schools, Greensboro, N.C.
July 8-10
Save the Date - “LOCK-IN: TURN THE FIRE UP — ONCE AGAIN!” - Southern Conference Youth Takeover 2026, Sonesta LoSo • 5700 Westpark Dr. Charlotte, N.C. Download "Save Date" flyer
August 10-14
Women in Touch (Children's Chapel UCC) Graham present "The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum" / A Motorcoach trip to Cincinnati area / Read more
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Subscribe to SOC e-News / add names here
ALL persons are invited and welcome to receive the Southern Conference e-News. To add names, submit by e-mail to editor: stumb@boone.net Please include 1) name, 2) e-mail address, 3) church or other affiliation, and 4) role in church, agency, etc. (i.e. council president). #4 category is optional, but helpful
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Lectionary Reading - Third Sunday after Epiphany
Year A - January 25, 2026
Johns River Valley Camp canoe trip on the Wilson Creek, taking shelter from a storm. [7-11-16]
photo by C. L. Stumb
follow Curly's lectionary posts on Instagram @stumbcl
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Southern Conference UCC | 336-222-8771
www.soc-ucc.org
252-B West Fifth Street, Burlington, NC 27215
Rev. Eddie Weathers | Temporary Conference Minister
Rev. Eddie weathers | eddie.weathers@yahoo.com
Belinda Sledge (Accountant & Financial Consultant) sledgebb@aol.com
SOC office support@soc-ucc.org
Rev. C. L. "Curly" Stumb | (e-News editor) stumb@boone.net
All photos by C. L. Stumb (unless otherwise identified) and used with permission
Copyright © 2026
Permission is granted for sharing stories and photos in the United Church of Christ network of denominational and congregational entities. Please credit writers and photographers when available.
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