by Karen Richter, 2020 Annual Meeting Coordinator
As (I hope) you’ve seen, the theme for Annual Meeting 2020 is Stories That Transform. This is maybe the most human, most exciting theme I’ve experienced over the last decade of annual meetings. Sharing stories, listening to the stories of others, crafting meaning and connecting events: these are the things that humans do. Over days, seasons, and lifetimes, these story activities form family, community, and culture.
So what better way to prepare for Annual Meeting and share ideas and experiences than a Southwest Conference Book Club! But here’s the rub… when you ask churchy, bibliophile people what they recommend to read, you can get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath and check out the recommendations below.
Read MoreNatalia Serna, aka La Muna, is a Colombian-American songwriter and sociologist who has given much of her to walking with migrants, literally, on the trains through Mexico known as "La Bestia," through the mountains of Guatemala, and along the US/Mexico Border in the Sonoran Desert. She will present some of her work and music as well as reflections on the movement of people and what we need to live and thrive.
Read MorePre-event on Thursday, April 23! No cost—just need to provide your own transportation to the border and buy your own lunch. We will walk across the border so people don't need to worry about driving across. Wear good walking shoes and bring a full water bottle, sunscreen, and a passport or government-issued ID (drivers license is acceptable). Participants should be able to do some light walking; the shelter in Mexico is about one-third of a mile each way. We will not be driving into Mexico.
Read MoreThe totals for the offerings collected at Annual Meeting are as follows:
Thank you for your generosity.
Read MoreThe 2019 Annual Meeting of the Southwest Conference UCC is in the books! Thanks to all who contributed to its success. In addition to the photos she took, Wende crawled through your Facebook accounts and found some fantastic pictures. Image credits to: Doug Bland, David Huisjen, Jay Deskins, Cindy Parker, Gordon Street, JJ Johnson, and Bill Lyons.
If you have photos that you’re willing to share, please send them to Wende. Email wgonzales@uccswc.org, or through the SWC Facebook page via Messenger.
Read MoreMoving the Mission of the Church through Powerful Questions
presented by Rev. Dr. Felix C. Villanueva, Conference Minister, Southern California and Nevada on Friday, April 5 at Breakout Session II during Annual Meeting
Read MoreOur 2019 AM SWAG is earth-friendly!
Read MoreAfter such a wonderful experience last year, we’ll continue the partnership of local businesses and food trucks to offer lunches for the 2019 Annual Meeting. You’re invited to choose and purchase items based on your dietary and budget preferences.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available and on the menu.
Read MoreMany people are searching for truth in new and unconventional ways. Emerging adults are open to the mystery of the Holy Spirit and eager to understand God in ways other than the traditional sermon. Join us to learn what you can pull from the church’s attic to increase engagement, grow your congregation, and have your say in the Ancient Future conversation!
Read Morepresenter: Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock, SWC Associate Conference Minister
This workshop will explore how God is indeed present, and can be found – with power and blessing for both individuals and congregations, in the midst of certain, common transformational spaces of experience
Read MoreFour Questions Every Leader Should Ask
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Gilberto Collazo, President Hope Partnership
Churches that are making a difference in their context have a clear sense of their mission and purpose. These are discoveries that happen when we engage in transformational work. What are the questions we need to wrestle with to go from being a church for “us” to a church living God’s mission into the world—questions that change the focus of how we use our resources? Come and learn from stories of congregations who have named a future story that reflects God’s mission in their communities.
Hope Partnership has worked with over 1,300 congregations within many different denominational contexts to help them engage in this important transformational work.
Read MoreCurious about the practice of spiritual direction and how it might enhance your spiritual life? Visit the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction's table in the vendor hall at Annual Meeting 2019. You can sign up for a free 30-minute session with Karen Richter or Teresa Blythe at selected times during the event.
Read Morefrom Rev. Paul Bizer, Church Building & Loan Fund—look for him at Annual Meeting!
"Yes, we do loans. But we do a whole lot more, too! How can we help YOU build your church?"
Read MoreAnnual meeting delegates will be asked to approve amendments to the Southwest Conference bylaws at the 2019 annual meeting to be held in Phoenix, AZ on April 4th,5th, and 6th.
Current Southwest Conference UCC Bylaws do not facilitate the application of SWC Travel Pool assistance for use by local church representatives who are required to participate at the Southwest Conference Mission and Church Vitality Committee Meetings. On November 15th, 2018 the Southwest Conference Executive Board enacted the following Bylaw amendment pending ratification at the next duly scheduled meeting of the Conference.
Read MoreOn Thursday, April 4, the pre-sessions will be Local Church Growth Intensives with fascinating guest speakers from across the country. Get a sneak peek.
Read MoreAnswers to some frequently-asked questions about the upcoming Annual Meeting. Don't see your question/answer here? Email it to Wende at wgonzales@uccswc.org and we will answer it and add it to this post.
Read MoreAnnual meeting delegates will be asked to approve amendments to the Southwest Conference bylaws at the 2018 annual meeting to be held in Tucson, April 20th and 21st.
Read MoreA RESOLUTION CALLING THE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE AND COVENANT PARTNERS TO ADVOCATE FOR IMMIGRATION JUSTICE AND TO OFFER SANCTUARY TO IMMIGRANTS
Read MoreThe 2017 Southwest Conference UCC Annual Meeting was last weekend, May 5-6. An official report is forthcoming but for now, ICYMI:
Read MoreWhether you’re a seasoned Twitter user or are brand new to Instagram, you can follow and contribute to the conversation about (and during) the Annual Meeting on social media!
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