Extravagantly welcoming and affirming followers of Christ called to embody God’s unconditional justice and love. 

 
 
 
Conference Office News Blog
Stronger Together: A Word on Covenant
Stronger Together: A Word on Covenant

by Southwest Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. — Ecclesiastes 4:12

Thank you for your prayers during my recent health challenge.  That experience reminded me of how much we truly need one another. Covenant is not just a church word — it’s the sacred bond that carries us when life feels heavy and celebrates with us when joy overflows.

In the Southwest Conference, Covenant Relationships are the “C” in our CARES framework, and they are the foundation of everything we do. We are stronger when we walk side by side. We are braver when we hold each other accountable to love, justice, and mercy. And we are more resilient when we honor that no one is meant to walk this journey alone.

This month, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: Where am I being called to deepen my covenant — with God, with my congregation, or with the wider church? Sometimes covenant looks like showing up; sometimes it looks like speaking truth; sometimes it looks like simply sitting with one another in silence.

This is the work that makes us the Southwest Conference — a community bound not by convenience, but by covenant.

In my next message, we’ll explore how Accountability and Alignment help us walk in step with our values and keep us focused on the mission God has given us.

In Care and Covenant,

Dr. Toni

Read More →
Faith In Action Blog
What Does "Decentering Whiteness" Mean? Building a Shared Vocabulary for a Shared Journey
What Does "Decentering Whiteness" Mean? Building a Shared Vocabulary for a Shared Journey

Before we can begin a new journey, we need to understand the map. Two terms that are central to this work, and which are often confused, are "racial justice" and "decentering whiteness." While they are deeply connected, they have different focuses.

Click through to read more.

Read More →
Church News & Events
Jottings 9/2/2025
Church News
Jottings 9/2/2025
Church News

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Tag SWC and Wende on Facebook and Instagram to get our attention so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc and Wende is @yeswende.

Read More →
Church News

Links to Resources