Listen and/or read Bill Lyons' sermon, "Recovering Our Moral Center", preached at Casas Adobes Congregational on October 8, 2017.
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Conference News
Seeking Southwest Conference Camp Director - application deadline extended to December 1
After reading through the job description, if you feel called to apply for the position of Southwest Conference Camp Director, please contact Acting Associate Conference Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock
Read MoreNew Arizona Faith Network position
The Arizona Faith Network board is now actively recruiting for the position of Ryle Grant Initiatives Program Manager.
Read MoreAnnouncement about SWC youth program - from Jeremy Bailey
Greetings Conference Members,
In years past the conference has had a lively and vibrant youth program with many different opportunities and programs for youth and young adults to engage with each other and the conference, providing service and developing their faith through community together. These programs were critical to my own faith formation and sense of a larger community of faith beyond just our local walls.
Read MoreDisaster Ministries Update and Opportunities
From Phil Shea, SWC UCC Disaster Ministries Coordinator
We are beginning to receive requests for volunteers to help recovery efforts following the hurricanes and wildfires. Expect more requests to come. For now there is a Disaster and Refugee job opportunity with the UCC and a request for volunteers in Texas. As always, please contact me if I can help you navigate your response.
Read MoreNewspaper coverage of Bill's installation
The story about Bill's installation, and the photo, got in the Sun City Independent.
Read MoreYouth and Outdoor Ministry Task Force
Calling all Southwest Conference folks interested in charting a course for our spiritual formation ministries into the future! We will have an organization meeting in Phoenix at the Conference Office on Saturday, December 2, 2-4 pm.
Read MoreACM Search Begins
Delegates at the SWC Annual Meeting adopted a budget envisioning a settled associate conference minister (ACM) would join the staff in fiscal year 2017-2018. The search process for that person is now beginning.
Read MoreJim Alexander's Ecclesiastical Council at Church of the Palms UCC
Jim Alexander has been approved by The Committee on Church and Ministry ‘A’ to take the next step toward ordination. The Palms will host an Ecclesiastical Council on the afternoon of Sunday, November 19, followed by a time of fellowship. Congratulations to Jim!
Read MoreSWC Conference Disaster Coordinator update
From Phil Shea, Conference Disaster Coordinator, Southwest Conference
Greetings fellow members of our SWC UCC Congregations,
It is a challenge to keep you posted about multiple disasters without overwhelming you.
Read MoreOne Body–Many Members One Spirit–Many Gifts
New Mexico Conference of Churches Invites ALL residents of New Mexico to a Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.
Read Morephotos of Bill Lyons' installation service
Enjoy photos of the Bill Lyons' installation celebration on October 15!
If you took photos and are willing to share them, please email to wgonzales@uccswc.org or tag them #SWCBill on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Read MoreFinal week to register for the 2017 Clergy Retreat!
Rooms are still available, both single- and double- occupancy, or you can commute if you live nearby or plan alternative lodging.
Visit the Clergy Retreat page to learn more and register. All registrations and payments must be received by Thursday, October 19.
Read MoreMCVC - please RSVP!
The Mission and Church Vitality Committee (MCVC) has a meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m.
We need to know how much food to order, so please RSVP to Eli via email or phone 602-468-3830 as soon as possible. Thanks!
Read MoreHurricane Update and Request
From Phil Shea, SWC Disaster Ministry:
A lot is happening at UCC Disaster Ministries domestically and globally. We would truly like to connect with you and your congregation regarding all you are doing and how you are responding as individuals and congregations. Read below the latest update from our Disaster Ministries Executive. In addition to your financial support and efforts to build kits, I would be most happy to help build volunteer teams now and into the future. What a great experience it would be if we had people from our churches joining together on teams to rebuild our neighbors' communities and at the same time share our experiences and stories from our varied congregations.
Read MoreJohn Angiulo's ordination and installation service
Sunday, October 29, 2017, 3 pm
Casas Adobes Congregational Church, Tucson
Clergy Retreat registration is re-opened!
More rooms are available at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson.
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Boundary Training in Phoenix
The next Boundary Training will be held on Friday, November 17, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Southwest Conference office. $30 includes training materials and lunch. Any active or retired clergy or MID can register.
Read MoreBoundary Training for Clergy in Albuquerque
Clergy Boundary Training is scheduled for November 15, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque. Registration is available HERE. This is also a reminder that keeping current on clergy boundary training is a requirement for authorization of ministry in the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreSpiritual Formation at the Conference Level or – “What’s up with Lay Academy?”
A small but tenacious group has continued thinking and dreaming and talking about lay theological education in the Southwest Conference. Julie McCurdy from the Prescott congregation and I attended the Regional Theological Education Consortium gathering in Oberlin, Ohio last fall. We had an opportunity to see what other groups are doing regarding lay education, preparation for authorization, alternatives to traditional seminaries, and support for formation in local congregations.
Since November, conversations have continued and lots LOTS of questions have come about…
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