During our last weekly staff meeting, Rev. Dr. Toni led a devotion called “Who Cares?” It took me back to my childhood when I used to throw out that phrase without thinking. It was my way of saying, “It doesn’t matter.” But now, I hear it differently with a few more years of life behind me. “Who cares?” is not just a question. It’s an invitation for Who notices? Who shows up? Who carries the love of Christ into the places where it is most needed?

Rev. Dr. Toni reminded us that caring isn’t vague—it has shape and meaning. She gave us the framework of C.A.R.E.S:

C – Covenant Relationships: We commit to each other and to those we serve.
A – Accountability and Alignment: We keep our work true to our mission.
R – Resilience and Renewal: We remain strong through challenges and seek renewal along the way.
E – Empowerment through Education: We equip one another and those we serve with the tools they need.
S – Spiritual Formation and Service: We root our work in faith and serve purposefully.

Dr. Toni’s devotion reminded me that the Southwest Conference is not just six people working out of an office. The Conference is all of us: pastors, congregations, lay leaders, volunteers, and every person who shows up in our churches week after week. When we speak about the “Conference,” we are talking about a covenant community stretching across our geography and differences, united by a shared call to follow Christ in love and service.

The writer of Hebrews puts it beautifully: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NIV).

So, who cares? We do, the SWC! Not because it is easy or convenient, but because Christ first cared for us. As local churches, clergy and lay leaders, and the people of God in the SWC, we continue that care (C.A.R.E.S) worldwide.