We mourn the loss of life of our brothers and sisters in Orlando and hold hope for healing and love for all the victims and their families and friends.
Read MoreCompassion: Orlando • From Sacred Space, Tucson
From PFLAG Sedona and Church of the Red Rocks
PFLAG, Sedona-Verde Valley is hosting an event this evening at The Church of the Red Rocks in Painted Cliffs Hall at 7 p.m.
It will be an open discussion about the horrible massacre in Orlando with a closing litany, candles, and prayer.
You are welcome to attend.
Larry Corbett
Interim Minister
Interfaith Ramadan Challenge via The Parliament of the World’s Religions
The Parliament of the World’s Religions cultivates harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities. Celebrating with our Muslim neighbors and honoring their traditions is a concrete way to cultivate such harmony. Beyond that, the traditions practiced by Muslims during Ramadan hold applications and lessons for people of all faiths.
Read MoreSouthwest Conference News
Bonnie McNair
On Friday June 17th, 2016 at 4:30 the Yuma Regional Medical Center will be hosting the Service of Ordination for Chaplain Bonnie McNair. The reception to follow will be held at Yuma UCC in Yuma, Arizona. You are cordially invited to attend, information can be found here!
Derrick Elliot
Lend your congratulations to The Rev. Derrick Elliot. On May 1st, 2016 Derrick was ordained at Casas Adobes United Church of Christ. He currently serves as a prison chaplain.
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Don Longbottom,
Designated Senior Minister at Church of the Beatitudes, who was called as the Designated Conference Minister of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ. As the Designated Conference Minister, Dr. Don will be responsible for the five Associations (nearly 80 congregations) in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Dr. Don's last Sunday at Church of the Beatitudes will be June 12.
Rev. Andria Davis, Associate Minister at Church of the Beatitudes, has been called to serve as Acting Senior Minister at Church of the Beatitudes until such time that a settled Senior minister is called. The COB staff is joined by Josh Reynolds, who will serve as Youth Director and Pastoral Assistant. Welcome Josh!
Pacific Northwest UCC Internship
A social justice ministry of the UCC Pacific Northwest Conference has openings for
YOUNG ADULTS in an eleven-month INTERNSHIP in Seattle.
The Justice Leadership Program invites young adults (ages 21-35) to make social change by working at the intersection of social justice and spirituality. This full-time internship features political advocacy and community organizing, faith-based service, and leadership development. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ Young Adult Service Communities Network.
For more information visit the justice leadership program website at justiceleadership.org.
Rincon Congregational UCC • Tucson AZ
In light of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Rincon hosted a service for Healing From Sexual Assault on May 4th. "In prayer, song and silence, we will gather as survivors of abuse, sexual violence and rape; spouses, family members, friends and allies. We are all people both in need of wholeness and with healing to offer one another. All are welcome." The aim was to "Break the Silence" surrounding not only victims but the topic of sexual assault in hopes of bringing us one step further along the road of healing.
KTIZO, Phoenix AZ
It's here! Our first book of the bible illustrated by the Ktizo kids. The story of Samuel and his calling is the first of many that we will illustrate and publish. The kids really engaged with the story and know it through and through now that they have illustrated each page. We are now going on to the calling of Saul to be King.
United Church of Sun City • Sun City, AZ
In celebration of Mother's Day United Church of Sun City took a moment to collect a few statements written by children about the Bible without correction or retouching. Here are a few..."The greatest miracle in the bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.", "Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption", "Moses died before he ever reached Texas"... and many more. Happy Mother's Day to all who's lives are filled with little bundles of creativity and joy.
Criminal Justice Update
Last week was pivotal - The Sentencing Reform & Corrections Act (S. 2123) is closer than ever to a vote.
Read MoreUCC releases faith-based tools aimed at ending gun violence →
The United Church of Christ is urging churches around the country to get involved in gun violence prevention, releasing a very personal video message from a local congregation that lived through a horrific mass shooting in their small community. “A Gun Changed My Beautiful Town," from the people of Newtown Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is a series of heartfelt reflections, based on their experience when a troubled young man took the lives of 20 children and six of their teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December of 2012, and how that changed their lives, and their viewpoint on guns in America forever.
URGENT: TELL GOVERNOR DUCEY TO VETO SB 1377
Dear Friends,
Please read and kindly respond to this call to action. We have received word that the Governor is considering signing a very strong Anti-Immigrant Bill, SB 1377. There is an action being planned tomorrow (Tuesday) at the capitol building and also it is important to call the Governor TODAY and let him know you urge him to VETO this bill.
Read MoreUCC Task Force opens survey to learn motivations on why people give.
A task force studying giving and philanthropy, made up of 18 people from across the life of the United Church of Christ, wants to examine some of the values and motivations on how people make decisions when donating to the church. The end goal is the creation of a proposed model of giving that would generate more resources for the mission of the UCC.
Read MoreDorhauer inspired, charged by three-congregation installation service.
As the religious landscape in the United States continues to shift, the United Church of Christ must lead from the front. That sentiment, shared and repeated during the weekend installation of the Rev. John C. Dorhauer, was underscored by the three-city progressive worship service for the ninth general minister and president, taking him coast-to-coast in a unique and unifying moment for the wider church.
Read MoreApril is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. While talking about sex in church or in a non-church ministry setting can feel difficult, talking about sexual assault can feel even more difficult. If we let 'difficult' or 'more difficult' keep us silent, however, we become complicit in nourishing a culture wherein abuse, exploitation, and wounding can continue. I invite you to break the silence, and to do what feels 'difficult' and 'even more difficult' in the name of compassion and justice, by speaking out in your ministry setting during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Read MoreUgandan Kids Choir at Shepherd of the Hills UCC Church
Come join us for an inspiring, uplifting performance by the Ugandan Kids Choir at Shepherd of the Hills UCC Church, 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd, Phoenix, AZ on Sunday afternoon, April 10 at 4 pm. This group of children ages 8 to 12 will delight us with singing traditional African songs, playing traditional instruments, and dancing in traditional African attire. The choir is a project of Childcare Worldwide, which has empowered children in developing countries since 1981. Invite friends and family, too.
Read MoreNews From The Churches
Desert Garden, Sun City
On March 15th, Desert Garden UCC hosted a CARD MAKING GET TOGETHER! Participants helped to create beautiful cards to celebrate the birthdays of members of their church family.
A Message from Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
After a deadly terrorist attack in Belgium during Holy Week, United Church of Christ General Minister and President the Rev. John Dorhauer remembered the victims in a call for prayer, and urged during this week of hope and resurrection that we all be instruments of God's peace.
Read MoreA Message From The Designated Conference Minister
Dear friends in Christ,
Grace and peace to you as we approach Holy Week.
As all of us gather together in worship on Palm-Passion Sunday, it's also a time to find solidarity in community. It is also a time to enter into the passion and suffering of Jesus on behalf of the world.
Read MoreLGBT leaders call for Phoenix city councilman to resign
PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) -
Local civil rights leaders and politicians are turning up the heat on Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski, calling on him to resign from office immediately.
Nowakowski has ignited outrage after he was seen in a video criticizing same-sex marriage and the right of transgender people to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
Read MoreUCC Musicians Association
The United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. is a self-supporting association of, by and for musicians serving UCC churches across the United States.
Read More