Here are three lighthearted yet serious reasons clergy need self-care—and yes, the Manual on Ministry backs me up on this.
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Open positions on the Executive Board
The Executive Board of our Southwest Conference has the privilege and responsibility to hold in trust the values, vision, and mission of our beloved conference. This trusteeship requires them to hold our property and SWC staff in their care. It requires the capacity to make policy, create committees, oversee accountability, call meetings, and serve congregations, agencies, and called servants within our conference. Their work is an awesome work for our awesome God.
Currently, there are three positions open on the Executive Board. If you are interested in serving the Executive Board, please contact Ken Heintzelman (ken@shadowrockucc.org) or Rich Doerrer-Peacock (rdoerrerpeacock@cox.net).
UCC Art Contest for Children and Youth
The UCC has officially launched its 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth. Our theme this year is “Planting Seeds of Hope.” We’ll accept art submissions from February 2nd to March 14th. Like last year, we will have winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian. (Last year's winner had two members of congress personally ask her for a poster of her artwork, so that they could hang it in their offices!) The winning art will additionally serve as the logo for UCC Climate Hope advocacy work throughout 2025.
Register now for your church to participate!
They’ll send you a PDF of the art contest page on which artists will create their masterpieces. We’re looking forward to seeing the amazing creativity and talent of our children once again.
Read MoreCelebrating the ministry and service of Rev. Dr. Anthony (Tony) Minear
The Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ joyfully celebrates the ministry and service of Rev. Dr. Anthony (Tony) Minear as he embarks on a new chapter of his pastoral journey. Dr. Minear has served within the Southwest Conference and brings a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and community.
Committee on Ministry A announces that Rev. Dr. Minear has transferred to the South-Central Conference of the United Church of Christ. While we will greatly miss his presence and leadership within our conference, we are confident that his gifts and vision will enrich his new community.
Let us join together in offering our prayers of gratitude for the work Dr. Minear has accomplished here and in blessing him as he transitions to this new role. May God’s guidance and grace continue to be with him as he serves with faith and dedication.
Read MoreStatement of Arizona Christian Bishops and Denominational Leaders
We wish to unite our voices to express our grave concern over America’s failure to update our immigration system and the threat of mistreatment of undocumented persons who are our neighbors and contribute to our communities. While we recognize the lawful right of nations to monitor and control their borders, we also recognize that in many ways our current US immigration laws do not uphold individuals’ rights to a dignified life, family unity, and safety. As immigration and migration are driven by complex factors, oftentimes resulting in life-or-death situations, the rights of those fleeing disaster, hunger, conflict, violence, or war are urgent and compelling. Therefore, grounded by the demands of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and love of our neighbors—our deeply held religious beliefs—we urge our elected officials and community leaders to stand with us to protect family unity and human dignity by refusing to participate in any deportation efforts which violate these most basic human rights.
Click through to read the full statement.
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Remembering Ruth Duck
Join Ruth Striegel as she talks with Dan Damon about the impact that the late Ruth Duck has had on church hymnody. Ruth C. Duck was an ordained UCC minister, a theologian, a professor of worship, and is most widely known as a hymnwriter. The New Century Hymnal has 14 hymn texts that she either wrote or adapted. She died on December 26, 2024. (Obituary)
Daniel Charles Damon is an internationally published writer of hymn texts and tunes whose work appears in many current hymnals. He is Associate Editor of Hymnody for Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, Illinois. In 2016 he was named a Fellow of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. Dan worked extensively with Ruth for many years, setting her texts to music, editing her hymn collections, and championing her work. He is uniquely positioned to talk about her as a hymn-writer and a person.
Saturday Sharing is a free, one-hour conversation at 12 noon ET / 9 AM PT that is open to all. Register to receive the Zoom link.
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Health and Human Service Sunday
from the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC:
Dear Friends,
Every year, the United Church of Christ designates a Sunday in January as the time to uplift the many gifts of the Health and Human Service Ministries across the church. This year, Health and Human Service Sunday takes place January 26, 2025.
Liturgical resources for observing Health and Human Service Sunday are now available on CHHSM's website. This year's materials were composed by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, and include all the elements of worship, plus the Health and Human Service Sunday logo and a series of graphics lifting up aspects of the liturgy. As in the past, this year’s group of resources also contains an optional meditation in the worship materials.
Especially now, it is worth remembering that the word liturgy means "work of the people," and this special Sunday is a way to celebrate the healing work of not only our CHHSM members, plus also the people on the frontlines of health care in our UCC and partner congregations.
May your new year be blessed with healing, hope, and a sense of togetherness.
In Peace,
The CHHSM Team
Creating Church
In every congregation we the people ARE the church but this is especially true in denominations with congregational polity. We don’t have bishops who tell us how to worship, how we must respond to a crisis or decide where our ministers will serve. Our conference gives us guidance and help in times of tension but decisions are made by local churches.
This means we have a more flexible structure that we are invited to forge.
Click through to read the full article by Rev. Tina Squire.
Read More2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea, near Constantinople in 325 AD. This commemoration provides a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common faith of Christians, as expressed in the creed formulated during this council.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 offers an invitation to draw on this shared heritage and to enter more deeply into the faith that unites all Christians.
The guiding biblical text for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 comes from John 11:17-27. The theme for the week, “Do you believe this?” (v. 26), takes its cue from the dialogue between Jesus and Martha when Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany following the death of their brother Lazarus.
The traditional period in the northern hemisphere for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18-25 January. In the southern hemisphere churches often find other days to celebrate the Week of Prayer, for example around Pentecost, which is also a symbolic date for the unity of the church.
The Southwest Conference will take part in two statewide services; one in Arizona and one in New Mexico.
Read MoreProphetic Preaching on Christian Nationalism
A 6-week online course beginning March 5, 2025
At a time when many of our progressive values are being threatened and undone - racial equity, inclusivity, social justice, human rights, pluralism, etc. - how can we tell the Good News in a way that is truly 'good'? Check out this brand new six-week course to help churches address the growing threat of Christian nationalism. Explore the distorted relationship between religion, race, and democracy that has been arising within conservative Christian circles throughout the last few decades.
This course is offered by the Project Proclaim Partnership of the Southern New England UCC with PATHWAYS funded by the Lilly Foundation. Other courses beginning in February and March can be found on the PATHWAYS website, pathwaystheological.org. Visit their website to sign up for this course or others.
Read MoreWhy Continuing Education Matters for Clergy
Happy New Year my fellow clergy-person! Last year, I achieved a significant milestone by earning my doctorate degree. Many of you know that my family traveled to Washington, D.C., to watch me walk across the stage and receive my diploma. My mother, who has been by my side at every graduation—kindergarten, high school, military, college, and seminary—was there once again.
With a smile, she quipped, “You’re a career student!” We both laughed, and I replied, “No, I just love learning!” That love for learning isn’t just a personal passion—it’s foundational to my calling as a clergy-person.
In a rapidly changing world, where both the church and society face evolving challenges, clergy must remain curious, informed, and ready to adapt. Continuing education is about more than earning degrees or completing workshops; it’s a spiritual discipline, a way to stay rooted in God’s word while discovering new ways to serve the people of God.
But continuing education isn’t limited to theology and biblical studies.
Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.
Read MoreImportant Update: New Standing Rule for Document Submission
During our recent Committee on Ministry A (COM A) meeting, a new standing rule was adopted to streamline the review and decision-making process for documents submitted for our consideration. This new rule will help ensure sufficient preparation and efficiency in addressing essential matters.
Standing Rule:
Effective immediately, all documents to be considered by COM A concerning Member in Discernment (MID), Transfer of Standing, Privilege of Call, and 3 or 4-Way Covenants documentation must be submitted to the Chair and the Associate Conference Minister (ACM) at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting date.
This change will allow committee members to thoroughly review the materials and come prepared for meaningful discussion and timely decisions.
Thank you for your attention to this important update. Please don't hesitate to contact me or the Chair if you have any questions or need clarification about this new process.
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Sanctuary: Legal Considerations for Faith Communities
Is your church considering sanctuary ministry? Ensure you’re prepared for the potential legal challenges ahead. Our upcoming webinar on January 16, 2025, Sanctuary: Legal Considerations for Faith Communities, will guide you through the potential risks and best practices.
Prevent pitfalls and strengthen your congregation’s protection – register today.
Read MorePastors at Prayer: Are We Making Time for the Sacred Pause?
As pastors, we often encourage our congregations to pray. We remind them of the power of prayer, guide them in its practice, and even create space in worship to connect with God. We know prayer is essential—not just for our churches but also for our lives as individuals.
But here’s the question: while we call others to prayer life, are we making time to pray ourselves?
Read MorePassing of the Rev. Tulafono Maga
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of the Rev. Tulafono Maga, pastor of the First Samoan CCCTOLT of Wittman, AZ. Tulimalefoi, his wife, expresses her deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and the support she and her family received during this unimaginable loss. After 36 years of marriage, she is mourning profoundly but remains steadfast in her faith and for her family. Please continue to pray for Tulimalefoi and her family.
Celebration of Life Services:
Family Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM
Final Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Both services will be held at Toafa O Le Talalelei CCCAS Church Grounds:
26831 N 191st Avenue, Wittmann, AZ 85361
Condolences may be sent to their family home (please email Wende or Dr. Derrick for the mailing address).
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Churches: 2024 remittances deadline
Remember to submit your 2024 remittances for OCWM and all special offerings by December 31.
Don't miss being 5 for 5 in 2024!
Shandrika will be in the office Monday and Tuesday, for those churches that are in central Arizona.
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Welcoming New Clergy Transfers to the Southwest Conference
As the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the gift of community and shared ministry. It is with joy that we welcome Rev. Sabrina Jennings from the Heart of Texas Association-South Central Conference and Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling from the Florida Conference into our beloved Southwest Conference family!
Let us extend a warm Southwest Conference welcome to our new clergy colleagues! May we embrace them with open hearts, offering prayers, encouragement, and support as they transition into this new season of ministry.
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Webinar: Engaged Buddhism and Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery
Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 - 8:15 pm MST via Zoom
What was the Doctrine of Discovery? Why does it still matter? What is being done to repair its harms? Join Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and Vasu Bandhu, Buddhist monk and Interfaith Manager at Arizona Faith Network for a timely conversation about the destructive and ongoing impacts of colonization in the Americas.
We will begin the webinar with a guided meditation and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Register for Zoom information.
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Webinar for Church Leaders: Mastering the 2025 Tax Season
Learn about the latest federal reporting requirements for churches and federal income tax changes for clergy—Live on Wednesday, January 15th at 10 am AZ / NM / El Paso time.
Get informed. Be prepared.
This event will be led by Elaine Sommerville, CPA, the author of Church Compensation, Second Edition and a Church Law & Tax senior editorial advisor. on January 15th at 12pm ET for a webinar equipping church leaders for tax season.
This exclusive opportunity is made possible by Church Law & Tax and The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc. Click through to learn more.
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UCC Ministers: Applications are Open for the Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative
Each year, we recognize that many clergy are pouring themselves into various ministry settings and often do not have the time and energy to invest in their personal financial wellness.
The Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative (MFVI), made possible through grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc., helps eligible UCC ministers develop a holistic approach toward managing finances, including reducing debt.
Practice self-care as it relates to your finances. Apply for MFVI 2025 Cohort before the December 31 deadline. Applicants will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Get the FAQs here. For questions, email MFVI@pbucc.org.
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