by Rev. C. L. “Curly” Stumb, editor

“We’re trying to be diverse, trying to live into diversity,” said Associate Conference Minister Tom Warren of the work of the Western North Carolina Association at its annual meeting. “But it ain’t easy,” he added.

Warren challenged the Association to be “Church,” not in the trending image of the country toward self-interest, but responding in quite an opposite way. “Covenant,” “Justice” and “Youth” surfaced as operative words of the day.  

Keynote speaker from Hood Seminary — Vergel L. Lattimore (D.Min., Ph.D.) — reinforced the cry for moving toward an alternative culture. “Let America be American again,” he said. Quoting Howard Thurmon, he added, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." He then offered two additional words to the meeting’s lexicon: “prophetic” and “advocacy.”

The meeting’s agenda boasted a rich tapestry of resources within the geographic bounds of WNCA and Southern Conference. Four partner ministry sites are celebrating notable anniversaries: Franklinton Center at Bricks (155), Johns River Valley Camp (90), Blowing Rock Conference Center (76), and Catawba College (175). “Call to Care” and “Youth advocacy” aired as reminders of SOC priorities from Rev. Edward Davis (D.Min.) and Rev. Belinda Sledge.

Given the impact of an oil embargo on U.S. neighbor Cuba (most residents of the entire island receive only a few hours of electricity a day as a result of this issue), WNCA received a humanitarian aide offering of medical supplies needed for the hospital in Santiago, and a monetary offering toward the same end. Rev. Tom Warren and wife Kim Miller have led the UCC Cuba Study Seminar for the past ten years and have cultivated a relationship with the Lavastida Christian Center and family in Santiago. The next trip is planned for January of 2027.

The Committee on Ministry reported two new church starts in the Association. “Beloved Community Charlotte" reached out to the Association for standing, and — note this second one — “Shalom Church de Santiago” is being recognized as a satellite church of Peace UCC, Greensboro as a first United Church of Christ congregation in Cuba. Also regarding COM’s report: a long standing UCC member of High Country Church has said to her congregation, “this is a big deal,” namely, that the Association ordained two persons in the past year — Sarah Parker and Steve Marks — and both of the High Country UCC.

Plus, WNCA treasurer Rev. Terry Parrish reported money in the bank to do good things with youth, justice issues and local church emergencies.