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.
Read MoreThe NM Conference of Churches is currently seeking a Conference Director who will work closely with the Board of Directors to expand the Conference’s role in our state. As a community of Christians, the ministry of the New Mexico Conference of Churches is to bring healing and hope to the people of New Mexico while striving to heed Jesus’ call for unity, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
Applications are being accepted through February 28.
View the job description here.
Read MoreFAITH FORMATION CERTIFICATE
The Advanced Faith Formation Certificate Program provides participants with the knowledge and skills to lead local congregation-based Faith Formation programs for all ages in the post-COVID world. Read more about it on their website.
Read MoreWould you like to support present and future ministers of the UCC?
COM A, the Committee on Ministry helps:
ministers who are moving into our area gain standing
those who are living here keep up boundary training and education
those in discernment progress towards ordained ministry
Read MoreWe are delighted to share that Emmy Mullennix, a member of First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque, NM, began her journey as a Member in Discernment with the Southwest Conference UCC on January 14, 2025.
This marks a significant step in Emmy’s discernment process as she listens for God’s call to ministry. Let us continue to surround her with prayer, encouragement, and support as she moves forward on this sacred journey. May she find wisdom, clarity, and joy in the path ahead!
Read MoreIn this three-part webinar, elders of the Afro-Christian tradition will share how the African Spirit of Ubuntu has sustained their lives, and why it offers a source of nurture for our souls at such a time as this. Each session will center on one value of Ubuntu as we discover ways to put our collective wisdom into practice.
Register
Read MoreThe Nominating Committee is on the lookout for talented individuals from churches within the Southwest Conference to join our various standing committees. Today, we're spotlighting the Finance Committee!
Are you interested in shaping the financial future of our Conference? The Finance Committee, led by our Treasurer (the ONLY executive board member who both sits on the board AND chairs a committee!), is dedicated to overseeing our shared financial vision. This vital team reviews financial reports, aligns with endowment goals, and makes recommendations on expenditures to the Board.
If you have expertise in accounting, finance, investments (especially regarding endowments), or legal matters, your skills would be a great asset to our Finance/Endowment Committee!
Read MoreFebruary is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements of Black leaders, reflect on the struggles for justice, and recognize how history still shapes our present. For the Church, this is more than a time of remembrance—it is a call to ask ourselves: Are we genuinely working toward racial justice, or are we standing on the sidelines?
Many of us think of racism as something obvious—hate speech, violence, or blatant discrimination. But racism also exists in quieter, more subtle ways.
Read MoreMay 1 - 3, 2025
First Congregational UCC Albuquerque
and Marriott Albuquerque
We are thrilled to invite you to our 3-day transformative gathering centered on the theme of “Starting Where We Are: Creating Community in Chaotic Times." This year’s annual meeting aims to equip clergy and church leaders with the tools, inspiration, and faith-based strategies to address today's pressing chaotic times. Together, we’ll explore how the church can lead in advocating for equity, compassion, and lasting change. Our 2025 event will feature a game night, an awards dinner (pack your Sunday Best), an installation service, and so much more!
We are excited to announce that our keynote speaker will be Rev. Traci Blackmon! You do not want to miss out!
Registration is now live! Early registrants will receive a free gift at check-in, so register by February 28!
Read MoreFrom the Convergence Weekly newsletter:
The last 11 days have produced a host of questions from congregations and synagogues regarding I.C.E. entry on property. We have curated these resources to assist you.
Read MoreAs part of the Southwest Conference’s ongoing commitment to accountability and shared ministry, I recently emailed all SWC church office staff requesting a copy of the clergy Call Agreement and Covenant Agreement. I encourage you to do so if you have not yet submitted yours. Beloved Church, ensuring these agreements are in place strengthens our covenantal bonds and reaffirms our commitment to faithful ministry in the UCC.
Understanding the distinction between Covenant Agreements and Call Agreements is essential to upholding the integrity of our shared ministry.
Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s article.
Read MoreFrom Chapman University:
The Office of Church Relations will hold our 41st Annual Founders Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025 and will bring a new format to the beloved tradition. Familiar faces from the Chapman community will tell true stories to the theme of Oops, I did it again! in a StoryHour coached and hosted by Rebecca Anderson, a storyteller and copastor of Gilead Chicago and Bethany UCC. This StoryHour experience will not only be a time of joy, mirth, and connection, but it will lead us into deeper understandings of our shared identities.
Click through for more details and registration link.
Read MoreJoin us as we celebrate 25 years of Our Whole Lives! Special guests will share historical context and we’ll look at where we hope the next 25 years will take us.
Register here.
Read MoreCurrently there is a position available on the Southwest Conference Personnel Committee.
The Personnel Committee is an important behind-the-scenes committee that meets approximately once a month when actively working on a project, and as needed if issues arise.
Having a background in human resources or people management is a plus. A key part of this role is the ability to evaluate systems and texts with the willingness to provide input.
The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Personnel Policy of the Southwest Conference and for the conduct of a periodic evaluation of all professional staff.
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Rich Doerrer-Peacock by email at rdoerrerpeacock@cox.net or Minister Gordon Street at gpstreet3@gmail.com.
If you're interested in serving on the Personnel Committee, please fill out this form. You can also use this form to recommend someone from your congregation or the SWC (with their permission). What better way to affirm your relationship with them than by volunteering them to serve? What an honor!
Read MoreAs a queer Black Christian, the phrase "created in the image of God" resonates deeply with me. It is a profound truth, yet it often stirs tension when I reflect on my experiences in the world and the Church. Genesis 1:27 boldly declares that all humanity is made in God's image, affirming that every aspect of our being reflects God's creativity, love, and purpose. However, for those of us living at the intersections of marginalized identities, this divine affirmation can feel overshadowed by societal prejudices and systemic inequalities.
I often ask myself: What does it mean to be created in the image of God when the world seems to devalue parts of who I am? How do others interpret this sacred truth? While I know my identity is God-given and precious, the reality of being judged based on race, sexuality, or gender identity remains a constant challenge. It's a painful reminder that even within faith communities, the fullness of God's diversity is not always embraced.
Click through to read the full article.
Read MoreHere are three lighthearted yet serious reasons clergy need self-care—and yes, the Manual on Ministry backs me up on this.
Read MoreThe 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 click here.
Read MoreThe 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 MoreThe 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 MoreWe 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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