Beloved SWC,
On Wednesday morning, some of us woke up with joy, while others felt anxiety and uncertainty. Just as we gathered for our Arizona clergy retreat during this election season to hold space for prayer, reflection, and support, we recognize that many in our congregations are feeling a range of emotions.
Please know that you are in my prayers as you journey together in your communities in the days, weeks, and months to come. God has equipped and empowered us through the Holy Spirit to serve with faith, strength, and courage, even in times like these. We are ministers of reconciliation called to embody the teachings of Jesus, fostering love, unity, and justice.
Remember, God is still speaking. Let us rest in God’s presence and draw strength from the well that never runs dry, understanding that God is with us. May we take moments to pause, to “be still and know” that God is our present help and refuge in a time of trouble and sovereign. God is God and the best is still yet to come!
In peace, hope, and love,
Dr. Toni
Read MoreAs a show of Christian Unity and a plea for Peace during the election season, seven Christian denominations in Arizona are teaming up for a series of three prayer services.
We invite and encourage all to attend these services and to promote peace throughout this election season.
Hosted by:
The Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley, Regional Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona
The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer, Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe, Pastor to the Presbytery
Grand Canyon and de Cristo presbyteries
The Right Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Episcopal Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
The Most Rev. John P. Dolan, Bishop
Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut
Desert Southwest Conference, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins, Conference Minister
Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ
Read MoreAs we enter an election season, clarifying how we engage in politics is critical. Churches and clergy must abide by IRS guidelines to protect 501c3 (tax-exempt) status. It is critical that we are well informed about what we can (and can’t!) do as churches in the political sphere and particularly around the 2024 election.
Join a discussion with Heather Kimmel, the United Church of Christ’s General Counsel, and Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, on the “Do’s & Don’ts” for congregations around the election. This webinar is part of the Nurture the Soul series and the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote 2024 Campaign: “Vote with Love!”
Register Here!
Read MoreThis will be a 90-minute service that includes encouraging words from former General Ministers, Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry, Rev. Dr. John Thomas, and Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Black, as well as former Associate General Minister, Dr. Edith Guffey. We will also be led in Communion by former Executive Ministers of Justice & Witness Ministries, Rev. Bernice Powell Jackson, and Rev. Linda Jaramillo. Several full communion partners will join us as well. Rev. John C. Dorhauer will offer us all a message of hope.
Read MoreDo you need a safe community space during election week? From Monday, November 2nd through Wednesday, November 4th the Southwest Conference will be holding space on Zoom for those who desire a place for prayer, community, and contemplation.
Read MoreWith the climate crisis and the struggle against inequality, the younger generations have served as today's prophets in provoking a global reckoning of the dire situation faced. As the November 3rd elections approach, children and youth are raising their voices again with a moral urgency as they awaken us to how much is at stake. This webinar will present children and youth from ages 10 to 18 who have a message and perspective that needs to be heard before those older than them vote. Register now!
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ D.C. Office, with the help of ecumenical friends and partners, created a page with videos and resources dedicated to making the issues crucial in the 2020 elections feel a bit more manageable. Hear what UCC and ecumenical faith leaders specializing in these issues have to say, find links to important sources, and check out our issue one-pagers for candidate questions and more! Check it out!
Read More
