When we join the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, we enter into multiple covenant relationships as individuals and as congregations. COM B is a SWC committee whose primary responsibility is to serve and assist congregations. We recently had the joy of receiving proposals for Revitalization grants. The goal of the grant money is to assist churches in moving beyond the status quo, and in creative and new ways, developing programs that will inspire church growth. Creativity and originality were encouraged, and we were delighted to receive well written, thoughtfully considered, and creative grants from congregations across the Conference. Congratulations to all congregations who submitted grants and who were awarded funds for their creative endeavors!
There were 10 projects that were awarded funds. Each recipient received $3,000. The following is a brief description of the projects. If you would like additional details about the projects funded we encourage you to contact the churches directly.
The Open Table Connection is an established and flourishing ecumenical young adult and campus ministry focused on the communities of the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. It is the only Open and Affirming campus ministry at the University of New Mexico. Historically the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) funded approximately 50% of the annual budget. The other 50% of funding came from donations from local churches and individuals. Currently (2024) the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA funds 25% of the annual budget. The 2025 funding percentage will be much lower. They plan to hire a Student Leader to support the pastoral work of Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres a United Church of Christ ordained pastor serving at The Open Table Connection. This will provide the time for an emphasis on fund development to sustain this ministry.
Black Mountain United Church of Christ is a small church that recognizes to grow requires a change in how they present themselves to the community and a change in what they offer to the community. They define themselves as an “older congregation with minimal social media savvy.” They plan to hire a marketing consultant/coordinator to provide the basic tools to launch an aggressive internet based marketing program.
First Congregational Church of Prescott youth education was negatively impacted during the COVID years, resulting in sparse attendance. In 2023, with support from the church as well as from the Southwest Conference, Sow The Seed Grant, they focused on building and growing their children’s education ministry. These efforts, while very effective, targeted the younger children’s age group from 3 to 12. This grant provides the funding to create a Youth Group Program offering ministry and community to their middle school and high school aged youth (11 to 19). This will create a comprehensive ministry for all the youth of their church.
“Desert Heritage Church is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community.” According to recent demographic data, there is a significant number of deaf and hard-of-hearing residents in their region who face challenges in accessing inclusive religious services and community support. Their project is to establish a Deaf Ministry which aims to create a comprehensive ministry that caters to the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing population within their congregation and the broader community. By establishing this ministry, they address these challenges and provide a supportive and enriching environment for this underserved population.
First Church UCC Phoenix started a program called Bird City Bike Coop. The Bike Coop is a safe space in which they fix up donated bicycles and distribute them to unhoused people and immigrants. They also support the cycling needs of the congregation through repair opportunities and cycling-related education and fun events. The funding provides supplies and resources to maintain and expand this program.
The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Sahuarita is part of a community wide project to address the needs of food insecure individuals who have received positive screenings for chronic disease risk or those with a current diagnosis. Through this collaboration with the Pima County Health Department and Federally Qualified Health Centers they will provide prescription food boxes to 120 individuals. This collaboration is “intended to pilot a coordinated approach to providing for healthcare assessment with linkages to providers, and healthy diets, while recognizing the compelling need to be respectful and culturally sensitive.”
Rincon Congregational reported they had been struggling with diminishing numbers over the last few years. Through their ongoing efforts to meet the needs of a diverse community and the arrival of their settled Pastor a little over a year ago, the energy of the congregation has grown along with attendance. The growing numbers include families with children. One need that has surfaced is for quality programs grounded in faith that occur outside of worship service. The grant funding will provide a one week long day camp ("Created in Love") during Spring Break for children in grades 1-5, within the Rincon community and the community at large. They are using art as a vehicle focusing on empowerment, inclusivity and liberation through artistic expression. This is part of their long term goal to fund a comprehensive Family and Youth Ministry.
Shepherd of the Hills Church, Phoenix like many congregations, has seen their membership diminish over the years. Using creative and heartfelt practices to meet the needs of their congregants they have had a Memorial Garden for burying human cremains since the 1970s. This is a sacred area that holds the memory of many of their congregants. In 2015, a decision was made to allow congregants to bring pets to church. They found that the animals have become just like many congregants, and relationships have been formed. They are using the grant funding to develop a Memorial Pet Garden, recognizing the importance of pets in the lives of their congregants.
United Church of Sun City received a Hybrid Church grant in 2021. Receipt of the grant funds made it possible to purchase audio/video equipment to share weekly sermons and music through social media platforms. Their records indicate an increase on the average of in-worship attendance by 33.3% and an average in online viewers over 16 states by 169% within the last year. This grant will be used to update and expand their A/V capabilities and offer a new visual experience which would include additional sound equipment, streaming capabilities and ultimately a live on-line worship broadcast and a stronger Social-Media presence.
Sun Lakes United Church of Christ is a small congregation of about 45 members. The congregation is passionate about music, recognizing the integral role it plays in their worship experience. Their plan is to revitalize their music ministry by hiring professional singers to support their Chancel Choir and strengthen their music offerings, making the worship experience more fulfilling for both the congregation and visitors. The goal is not only to enrich current services but to create an inviting and engaging atmosphere that encourages visitors to return and become members.