Tithing for Transformation
Pleasant Hill (TN) Community Church UCC received the introduction to the Southeast Conference capital campaign when it was in the early stages of considering its own building expansion campaign.  The result was a combined or “wraparound” campaign.  The Case Statement for PHCC UCC’s “Affirming the Mission” campaign affirmed:

“Combining the Southeast Conference campaign within our own PHCC UCC campaign is not only practical; it is also consistent with a primary commitment of our congregation: ministry beyond ourselves.”

The result is a commitment to tithe 10% of its undesignated campaign gifts to the SEC capital campaign.  The congregation was challenged to accept a Basic Goal of $68,000.  Instead, the pledge made was for “$75,000 … and we hope to exceed that amount.”

Affirming the Mission and Transforming Churches-Transforming Lives
fit together well.

Here are stories from a variety of other churches across the Southeast Conference.

Barbara Everett Travels to Sandy Creek United Church of Christ
What a privilege it was to worship with Sandy Creek United Church of Christ and thank them for their generous financial support for the Southeast Conference Campaign, Transforming Churches-Transforming Lives.  I was excited to have the opportunity to see Louise Cox and others whom I have known for so many years and who have been such important mentors to me.  The relationships we have formed through countless Conference meetings and women’s retreats have sustained us through some difficult times including the sorrow when some churches in Alabama and west Georgia decided to withdraw from the United Church of Christ.

Some, like Louise, had to choose between remaining members of the churches where they had spent their entire lives but to do so would mean severing the ties with friends around the UCC, or remaining part of the UCC by starting a new church.  They chose to remain part of the United Church of Christ and as a result Sandy Creak UCC was born.

This small congregation is a vital and welcoming community of faith.  I met several new members—new to Sandy Creek and new to the UCC and each one told of their love for this community through which they have experienced the love of God as never before.  Under the leadership of the Rev. Wayde Washburn, this is a church transformed and one that is transforming lives.  I thank God that they are a part of the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.  

Written by Barbara Everett, former Moderator of the Southeast Conference and member of the Campaign Steering Committee

Barbara Everett Enjoys Thanksgiving with Trinity Congregational
Trinity Congregational, United Church of Christ in Athens, Alabama is one of our historic churches founded by the American Missionary Association nearly 140 years ago.  It has been a constant and committed part of the UCC family in the Southeast. It is a rare conference or association meeting that does not have a delegation from Trinity, Athens in attendance and I cannot remember a single regional women’s meeting that was not made richer by the participation of sisters from Trinity.

Therefore, it was an honor to worship at Trinity the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I had the chance to thank them for their generous commitment of financial support for the Transforming Churches, Transforming Lives Campaign that will strengthen the mission and ministry of the Southeast Conference well into the future.

Under the leadership of The Reverend Gary Myers, this historic congregation continues the legacy of prior generations of African Americans who valued the distinctive witness of the United Church of Christ and who have committed themselves to extending and expanding that witness into the future.

Written by Barbara Everett, Former Moderator of the Southeast Conference and member of the Campaign Steering Committee.

Ginnie Nixon, Moderator of the SEC Conference, Traveled to Knoxville
"I was warmly greeted at Church of the Savior, UCC, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the work of the Southeast Conference and the national UCC are well-known."  The church used conference resources to facilitate a visioning renewal program, and it also has hosted both Alabama-Tennessee Association and Conference meetings.  Their minister, Rev. John Gill, serves on both the Southeast Conference Board and the Board of the national UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.  Both he and theAssistant Minister, Rev. Leslie Etheredge, lead the church in active participation in local justice and witness projects.  It was my pleasure to recognize the congregation’s generous support of $40,000 pledged to the Transforming Churches; Transforming Lives Campaign.

Debbie Spearman Visited with Pilgrim Congregational UCC
Campaign Follow up Director, Debbie Spearman traveled to thank Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Birmingham for their pledge to the Transforming Churches-Transforming Lives Campaign. Pilgrim pledged  $5,225 to the campaign. Accepting the certificate of thanks, was new senior minister, Janet Weidler. Worshiping together in their new church on 6th Avenue South in Birmingham was a special treat. Conference minister, Dr. Timothy Downs joined in for fellowship time after the worship service. Debbie commented, "the next time you are in Birmingham be sure to drive over to 6th Avenue South and view Pilgrim's beautiful new church home." Everyone is welcome!

Rev. Tim Downs Visited with First Birmingham Congregational UCC
October 24, Conference Minister Tim Downs worshiped with First Birmingham. In appreciation of their pledge of $24,000 to the Conference Campaign, Dr. Downs presented Rev. Dr. Rodney Franklin, pastor of First Birmingham, with a Certificate of Thanks, for their support.  Many thanks to Birmingham First for their generous pledge.”

“Whoever you are,
wherever you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here”

Deer Lodge Congregational Church UCC Greated Ginnie Nixon
Ginnie had the pleasure of awarding Deer Lodge Congreagational Church United Church of Christ a plaque of appreciation. Deer Lodge was one of the very first congregations to make their pledge to the campaign. Deer Lodge is a small church that has been serving this rural community on the Cumberland Plateau since it was a thriving coal-mining center.  This multi-generational family church has already paid its pledge of $5,000 to the Transforming Churches; Transforming Lives Campaign. I was greeted warmly by Moderator Farrell Kennedy and Pastor Rose Hermanot who both expressed their support for the mission and ministry of the Southeast Conference and their appreciation of both the award and visit.

Traveling East on I-20 from Atlanta was Debbie Spearman Conference Follow-up Director for the Campaign, visited the relatively new church to the Southeast Conference Columbia Garden of Grace UCC.  Her purpose on that November Sunday  was to thank them for their generous pledge of $20,000 to the Transforming Churches, Transforming Lives campaign.  This church that is small and growing voted UNANIMOUSLY to support the Conference Campaign.  Andy Sidden, Pastor of Garden of Grace states that they will conduct a 5 year joint campaign in their local church, meaning they will raise money to pay off their mortgage and 1/5 of what is raised will be pledged to the Conference Campaign. Thank you Garden of Grace. To read more about Garden of Grace’s decision, use the link below: Ready for Ministy Which God is Leading.