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

 
 
 
Conference Office News Blog
Mentoring Future Church Leaders
Mentoring Future Church Leaders

by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Associate Conference Minister for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment

One of the greatest joys in my ministry and my new position with the SWC is witnessing someone discover their calling. Maybe it’s the young adult who unexpectedly leads a powerful prayer, the longtime church member who comes alive when organizing a church project, or the retiree who finds new purpose in teaching Bible study or group. (SWC Retired Clergy CoP-I’m looking at you guys!)These are the moments when we, as pastors, get to step into the role of mentor—encouraging, equipping, and walking alongside those whom God is calling into deeper service.

So often, leadership development in the church is reduced to filling empty positions: “Who can take over the finance team? Who will organize coffee hour? Who can step in to teach Sunday school?” But true mentorship isn’t about plugging people into roles—it’s about nurturing discipleship, helping individuals recognize their God-given gifts, and encouraging them to step forward in faith.

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Faith In Action Blog
Immigrants: Know Your Rights Training
Immigrants: Know Your Rights Training

Regardless of your citizenship or immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Join this webinar to learn your rights if you are approached by law enforcement – including local and state police, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and Border Patrol. The presentation will be given in English, with the option for live captions in Spanish.

Sign up here.

Hosted by ACLU of Arizona

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Church News & Events
Invitation to Desert Garden UCC’s ribbon-cutting ceremony
Church News
Invitation to Desert Garden UCC’s ribbon-cutting ceremony
Church News

With the desire to be good stewards of God’s beautiful creation, and the benefit of saving on their energy bills as they harness the abundance of Arizona sunshine, Desert Garden United Church of Christ recently installed a 47 kW solar array. With 114 panels, this solar system will save the church over $700K on energy bills over time that they will invest into their involvement with local social and environmental justice initiatives, such as those that support safe housing for those experiencing homelessness, zero-emissions transportation and hunger relief. 

On Sunday, February 23, join Desert Garden UCC, in partnership with RE-volv and Capital Energy, for a solar energy celebration. There will be food, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an opportunity to learn how to go solar at your home or nonprofit. The celebration will begin at after the 9:30 worship service. If not attending the service, please come around 10:15 to find a place to park.

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Church News

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