This article is intended for church financial personnel. Feel free to read it, anyway, and rejoice or geek out with us about this new feature. Kudos to our finance staff person, Rev. Liana Rowe, who toiled for MANY hours to set up this new online form.
Read MoreConference News
Alternate anti-racism training program
Associate Conference Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock has approved an alternate online anti-racism training program, recommended by Rev. Rock Fremont, to count for the clergy anti-racism requirement.
Dismantling Racism training, which seeks to increase "racial understanding, healing and reconciliation" is offered by the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia.
Although there is no charge to take the training, pre-registration is required no later than one week in advance. Each class is limited to 25 people and runs for a single day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Read MoreBuilding Church Differently: Save the dates
September 17, 24, and October 1. Registration opening soon.
Read MoreMichael Curry: Virtual Sermon—updated
Michael Curry: Virtual Sermon Michael Curry, Southwest Conference Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness, has recorded a sermon to make it available to churches throughout the conference.
Read MoreCall for resolutions for Annual Meeting - due date extended!
Resolutions must be in the hands of the Executive Board, in writing, no later than the meeting of the Board preceding the Annual Meeting for approval for submission at the Annual Meeting. As of this writing, that date is Thursday, September 17, 2020.
Read MoreIssue Education for 2020
The 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 MoreBill Lyons' sermon available for download
Bill Lyons preached on hope and resilience on July 26 at United Churches Fellowship in Nogales, Arizona. You’re welcome to use it in your church’s virtual worship!
Read MoreBe on the tech team for VAM (our Virtual Annual Meeting)
We’ll need a tech team and tech stewards during our Virtual Annual Meeting happening on Zoom, October 2-4. If you’ve acquired some Zoom webinar skills this year (or are willing to be trained), please contact our Virtual Annual Meeting coordinator, Karen Richter.
Read MoreOWL About It: July 2020
The Our Whole Lives newsletter for July 23, 2020 plus updated resources.
Read MoreThank you, Rev. Jay Deskins
For the last two years, Rev. Jay Deskins has served as the full-time Regional Youth and Children’s Minister for the Christian Church in Arizona (Disciples of Christ). The Southwest Conference UCC has been fortunate to have him as a partner to lead a successful merging of our camping program with the Disciples camp. Jay also rose to the challenge, along with SWC Associate Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock, of creating and implementing DUCC @ Home, the virtual camp that was held with the Disciples.
If you would like to thank Jay, you may send a card to him at 917 E. Sheridan St., Phoenix, AZ, 85006.
Read MoreRegaining and Empowering the Concepts of Resiliency and the Wingman
By Chaplain, Captain Derrick Elliott, 355th Wing Chaplains
Rev. Derrick Elliott is Pastor at Desert Heritage Church in Mesa.
Read MoreDeep Dive: A Journey of Racial Conciliation
This program is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in deep and thought-provoking examination of internalized and systemic racism. It is an interactive endeavor, utilizing a variety of resources including films, books, exercises, and conversations that fully engage all participants. This training is tailored to inspire both personal and corporate change. It is the beginning of a journey that can lead to greater human understanding and conciliation.
Read MoreGeneral Synod 2021
Conferences received an update to share about General Synod 2021. More information will be coming in the months ahead.
Read MoreNYE 2020 Unite Through the Extraordinary - updated 7/22/2020
A Virtual Gathering July 25-26,2020
To a hip hop beat, virtual NYE will immerse youth in immigration, encourage creativity! We will gather on July 25 and 26 for online service projects (Sat), workshops (Sat) and a worship service (Sun) and hear from some amazing voices.
Read MoreUCC at ASU Zoom Events
UCC @ ASU is continuing to move forward with our campus ministry and is offering two Zoom gatherings in early August, one for all ages and one for college students.
Read MoreA video gift from Evans Bell Conversion
For anyone interested, here’s a short video clip that is a gift from Evans Bell Conversion for you to use as part of any virtual services you are doing. If you decide to use it, please let us know so we can watch too.
Thanks, Jack & Tom
Read MoreONA NEWS: Summer of Hope
Get details and links for webinars, pride events, Taizé Morning Prayers, and ONA Sunday services.
Read MoreBook Study: "Saying No to Say Yes" with Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Stephen Boyd
This book addresses why ministers should establish good boundaries and the facilitators believe it would be helpful in working with healthy Pastoral Relations Committees.
Read MoreCalling On All in Our Southwest Conference-Connect Us with Your ASU Students!!
Desert Palm United Church of Christ in Tempe and the Southwest Conference are working together to support and inspire ASU students with our UCC witness and faith.
We are making new connections and building relationships with students and faculty who have not previously been connected with the UCC. As we continue with this exciting new ministry we need your help to connect ASU students who are UCC so we can include them in all we are doing and in the formation of the organization. If you and/or your local church know an ASU student please connect with Andrew so we can connect with them! We are excited to not only include them in our ministry on campus, but to begin to be in connection now as we are working to support students who are sheltering and studying at home now and into the fall.
Read MoreBighorn Fire
Our UCC Insurance agent copied Conference MInister Bill Lyons on a message to one of our congregations prompted by the Bighorn Fire in Tucson. It’s good information to have regardless of your insurance carrier. So we’re sharing it with you along with some additional resources since we are all living in wildfire country.
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