Conference News

Entrance into the City

Entrance into the City

Now that Jesus has entered the city, we are walking with him into the most sacred days of our shared faith. Palm branches have been laid down, cloaks spread out, and hosannas shouted—but now, the road turns. Holy Week calls us not just to remember but to recommit.

As clergy, we are entrusted with leading communities through this week's mystery and meaning: from the intimacy of the upper room to the agony of the garden, to the final breath on the cross, and finally to the quiet, trembling hope of dawn at the tomb. This is no small calling, and we do not carry it alone.

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Finding Grace in Grief and Family

Finding Grace in Grief and Family

By Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott

Last week, I was honored to officiate two memorial services here in Arizona. Shortly after, I traveled to Louisiana to attend my aunt's funeral—not as a pastor, but as a nephew, son, brother, and cousin. It reminded me that while we as clergy wear many hats—pastor, counselor, officiant, and comforter—the roles we hold within our own families can be the most difficult to navigate. In times of grief, we are called to lead and sit quietly with our sorrow, love, and loss.

Funerals and memorials are full of sadness, but they also bring moments of joy. We tell stories, laugh through tears, and remember what mattered most. In the South, we often say someone has "gone on to glory"—a phrase filled with sorrow and hope.

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UCC Associate General Minister searches

UCC Associate General Minister searches

Prestemon Affirmed to Serve as AGM, Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Shari Prestemon heads to General Synod 35 to be elected as the next AGM for UCC’s Love of Neighbor Ministries.

The Board voted unanimously on March 7 to nominate Prestemon, who has been leading the Love of Neighbor Ministries, a ministry she’s guided for the last 13 months as its interim executive. The final step is confirmation of her candidacy by the 35th General Synod, July 11-15 in Kansas City, where she’ll need a 60% majority of the more than 700 voting delegates.

AGM for LoC Ministries Search to Begin Again After Synod

The search committee for the role of Associate General Minister for Love of Church did not identify a candidate to recommend to the United Church of Christ Board during their March 6-8 meeting.

“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to say, ‘No, we have not yet found the right nominee for this time and this place,’” said Julia Gaughan, UCCB chair. “I commend the Search Committee for their diligent and thorough work, and I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide this Board, this Church, and the future Search Committee in the process of discernment for the next Associate General Minister for Love of Church.”

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The Sacred Presence of Fellowship

The Sacred Presence of Fellowship

Visiting with clergy—whether they are actively serving, retired, or in transition—deepens our shared sense of calling. These moments remind us that ministry is not a solitary endeavor but a communal journey. Many of our colleagues, particularly those who are aging or no longer in active ministry, long for meaningful conversations and the assurance that they are not forgotten.

As we continue in our work, I encourage us to be intentional about reaching out.

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Welcoming Rev. Sharon Temple to the Southwest Conference

Welcoming Rev. Sharon Temple to the Southwest Conference

As the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the gift of community and shared ministry. With joy, we welcome Rev. Sharon Temple from the Heart of Texas Association–South Central Conference into our Southwest Conference family!

Let us extend a heartfelt welcome to our new clergy colleague. May we embrace her with open hearts, lifting her in prayer and offering our encouragement and support as she embarks on this new chapter of ministry.

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