We have received word that Mark Behle, serving in Lesotho, Southwest Conference, will be visiting in the Southwest Conference UCC and the Arizona Region DOC November 1 – November 30, 2018. To schedule a visit with Mark in your church, please contact Al Beasley abeasley6@cox.net or (480) 516-6456. Al is coordinating Mark’s schedule while he is in the conference.
Read MoreConference News
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Jim Smith
Jim Smith, member of Oro Valley UCC and previously on COCAM, passed away on July 18, 2018, in Jacksonville, FL.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 1875 Farnsley Road, Louisville, KY. Interment in Hebron Cemetery.
Read MoreReminder to Clergy: Annual Information Review is due July 9
“The annual Information Review is a basic obligation to maintain good ministerial standing…” (United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry)
This document is a means for authorized ministers to participate in the Information Review in order to uphold the covenantal relationship with their Conferences and Associations.
Read MoreGeneral Minister and President Renomination Process
The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer will complete a four-year term as General Minister and President on August 1, 2019. In the fall of 2018, The United Church of Christ Board of Directors (“UCCB”), the body responsible for nominating the General Minister and President to the General Synod, will receive a report regarding the Renomination of Rev. Dorhauer from its Renomination Committee. The UCCB must then decide whether to recommend Rev. Dorhauer to the 32nd General Synod for “call by election” to a second term.
Read MoreNon-ratification of UCC constitution amendments
The SWC Executive Board has shared the decision of our conference delegates not to ratify the UCC Constitution amendments voted at General Synod 31. The decision, along with the thoughts our delegates asked to accompany their decision, were sent in a letter to the United Church of Christ Board this weekend.
Read MorePlease join me in prayer...
...for the losses of Polly Heinrich and Rev. Ross McGuire.
Read MoreCalled to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers
With increasing pastoral care needs in churches many congregations are looking for ways to train and include lay caregivers in their ministries.
Read MoreNathan Watts is approved for ordination!
Nathan Watts' Ecclesiastical Council was held on Sunday, June 3, and he was approved for ordination.
Read MoreUCC Series: History, Theology and Polity for Congregations and Committees
Each learning session includes a facilitator guide, video, resources, and activities to help folks explore the unique history, governance structure, and theological commitments of the UCC.
Read MoreCongratulations, Nathan Watts!
Nathan Watts has been approved for ordination, pending his Ecclesiastical Council to which you are invited to attend at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 3 at The Good Shepherd UCC .
Read MoreSex Offenders in Your Congregations: Recommendations and Best Practices
On Wednesday, May 23 at 11 a.m. AZ time / noon NM time / 2 pm Eastern, Heather Kimmel, UCC General Counsel, will be leading a webinar on Sex Offenders in Your Congregations: Recommendations and Best Practices sponsored and hosted by the Insurance Board.
The webinar is directed to Local Church pastors and lay leaders. It is open to anyone, including people/churches who are not participants in the Insurance Board program.
Annual Meeting 2018 is in the books!
Rincon Congregational UCC in Tucson opened its doors to over 200 delegates, visitors, and vendors this past weekend for Annual Meeting! We thank them for their radical welcome and warm hospitality!
Read MoreFood trucks at Annual Meeting!
We have three food trucks coming for Friday's lunch! Preview the menus here.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Barbara Doerrer-Peacock called as Associate Conference Minister for the Southwest Conference
Acting on the recommendation of the Associate Conference Minister Search Committee, the Executive Board has called Rev. Dr. Barbara Doerrer-Peacock as Associate Conference Minister for the Southwest Conference.
Read MoreSWC Announces Endowment Fund Manager
The Endowment Fund Management Committee and the SWC Executive Board are pleased to announce that the Southwest Conference (SWC) has entered an agreement with Bernstein Private Wealth Management (“Bernstein”), a unit of AllianceBernstein L.P (“AB”), to become our Endowment Fund investment manager," says Conference Minister Bill Lyons. "In this capacity, Bernstein will provide the SWC a range of philanthropic planning and investment services." Founded more than 50 years ago, Bernstein is a leading investment advisor to high-net-worth families and institutions, trusts, estates, foundations, endowments and pension plans.
Read MoreExecutive Board Recommends FY 2018-2019 Budget
The SWC Executive Board is recommending approval of a balanced budget for FY 2018-2019 which begins July 1.
Money follows mission. The proposed budget reflects a strong emphasis on strengthening local churches through revitalization efforts, money to support our new church start in Taos and for an additional new church start, and what Conference Minister Bill Lyons calls "futuring the church."
Read MoreBoard Recommends Against Ratifying UCC Constitution
Delegates to the SWC Annual Meeting will be asked to consider ratification of changes to the UCC Constitution. The Executive Board voted not to ratify the changes and is recommending that delegates also vote not to ratify the changes. Writing for the Executive Board, secretary Karen Richter explains the Executive Board's rationale.
Read MoreA Prudential Resolution
Examining, Articulating, and Resourcing the Nature, Purpose, Composition, Covenantal Autonomy and Definition of ‘the basic unit of life and organization of the United Church of Christ’ for the Twenty-first Century
Southwest Conference United Church of Christ
A Prudential Resolution
Submitted by the Southwest Conference Board of Directors
Read MoreWorkshops at the 2018 Annual Meeting
Cover your bases by spreading your church team throughout these offerings!
Read MoreAnnual Meeting Schedule of Events
Stay tuned for details!
Read More