Our 2019 AM SWAG is earth-friendly!
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Conference News
UCC All-Church Read
Evicted, based on years of embedded fieldwork and data, points to eviction as a root cause of poverty. UCC congregations throughout the country are encouraged to organize book discussion groups around Evicted in ways and at times that best suit them and participate in the All Church Read.
Read MoreAnnual Meeting food truck menus
After 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 MoreReaching Into the Attic: Ancient Future Spiritual Practices
Many 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 MoreWhere Is God When My Church is NOT Growing?
presenter: 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 MoreHope Partnership and New Beginnings at Annual Meeting
Four 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 MoreFree 30-minute spiritual direction sessions during Annual Meeting
Curious 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 MoreMore than just loans
from 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 MoreHow Can You Support DUCC?
There are many ways to support DUCC (Disciples of Christ and United Church Church Camp)! Here are five of those ways!
Read MoreProposed bylaw amendments to be voted on at Annual Meeting 2019
Annual 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 MoreMeet the Annual Meeting pre-session guest speakers
On 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 MoreOne Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing® is the Lenten Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports disaster, refugee, and development activities. The suggested offering date for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering is March 31, 2019.
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Welcoming Lent
Sponsored by Ecumenical Institute for Ministry
Saturday, March 9, 3 to 8:30 p.m.
Covenant Presbyterian, 9315 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque
Register at EIMNM.net under Current Courses
Cost: $20 before March 1; $25 at the door
Read MoreSave the dates for DUCC CAMP!
What is DUCC Camp? Our new joint camp week between the Disciples of Christ and the UCC: DUCC (quack-quack!)
Read More2019 Confirmation classes for SWC youth
Sundays 2 pm-4 pm in February and March at the Southwest Conference Office, 917 E Sheridan St, Phoenix
Calling all youth of the Southwest Conference UCC! Targeted for students in Grade 8 & 9, though all YOUTH, aged 13-17 are welcome.)
Read MoreChurches Annual Reports 2018
It's time once again for this important effort that enables the United Church of Christ to maintain accurate and current information on UCC churches and ministerial staff, as well as provide information that will assist Conferences, Associations and the national ministries of the denomination to identify and understand trends in membership, attendance and other factors that will impact programs and policies.
If your church hasn't had its congregational meeting to approve your 2019 budget, the 2019 Pledge Form should still be sent in with estimates. If the final numbers change, please send me your revisions. The SWC can't complete its 2019 budget until we have pledges from all the churches, so it's vital that we at least have estimates from you to work with.
Read MoreDaily Devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
At THIS LINK you will find a pdf with Daily Devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This devotional was put together through a partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and The Episcopal Church USA.
Read MoreWidening the Welcome
Saturday, January 26, 12:30 - 2 p.m. at First Church UCC Phoenix
Michael Curry will be our speaker, sharing his experience at the National Widening the Welcome Gathering in New York and showing how we can incorporate this knowledge into our individual churches.
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Official Call to Synod
“I am officially calling all delegates, visitors, and friends of the United Church of Christ, to join us in Milwaukee Wisconsin for the 32nd General Synod, June 21-25, 2019!”
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