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.

Southern Conference Offices Will Reopen Monday, August 10th

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Southern Conference Offices Will Reopen Monday, August 10th -

The Southern Conference and all Association offices will reopen on Monday, August 10, 2026, ending our annual summer break.

Our staff look forward to reconnecting with our churches, clergy, and ministry partners as we begin another season of serving together.

Thank you for allowing staff this time of rest and renewal. We appreciate your continued prayers and partnership in ministry and look forward to all that God has in store in the months ahead.

We look forward to seeing you at each of your Association Meetings in October. Additional information will come soon for each meeting from each Association.

If you experience an emergency requiring immediate Conference attention that can not wait, please call Belinda Sledge at 336-558-4901 or email sledgebb@aol.com and leave a detailed message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

From the Youth Event to the Baptismal Waters:

Southern Conference Youth Continue Answering God’s Call

by Rev. Belinda Sledge

The impact of the Southern Conference United Church of Christ Youth Event did not end when participants returned home in July, it continued in the life of the church just weeks later.

On Sunday, August 2, two youth who attended the Southern Conference Youth Event publicly professed their faith through baptism at two congregations in the Eastern North Carolina Association, where Rev. Dannie Williams (Ed.D.) serves as Associate Conference Minister.

At Burchette’s Chapel UCC, Caitlyn Jones was baptized by Rev. Charlie Leath before family, friends, and the congregation. Across the Association at Oak Level United Church of Christ, Makayla Macon was baptized by Rev. Doug Wooten (D.Min.), marking another joyful celebration of a young life committed to following Christ.

For Southern Conference leaders, these baptisms are powerful reminders that youth ministry is not simply about planning events, it is about nurturing disciples whose faith continues to grow long after the weekend is over.

A Sunday Focused on the Next Generation

Burchette’s Chapel celebrated Youth Summit Sunday, welcoming Minister Jayden Watkins as guest preacher. Watkins, who also served as a speaker during the Southern Conference Youth Event, delivered an inspiring message entitled “Ready or Not, Here I Come,” based on Matthew 4:18.

Speaking directly to young people, Watkins reminded the congregation that God continually calls people into purpose, whether they feel prepared or not.

As a Church investing in Every Generation

following Caitlyn’s baptism, youth also heard an important community message from church member Tony Marrow, a member of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and former Chief of Police for the Norlina Police Department. Drawing upon his law enforcement experience, Marrow spoke candidly about the dangers of vaping, encouraging young people to make healthy choices and understand the long-term consequences of substance use.