An update from Michael Curry, Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness.
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Conference News
Camp 2021 Update
It is with sadness we need to announce that due to the uncertainties of COVID and the extended challenges of knowing when everyone will be able to get vaccinated, we will not be holding our Disciples-UCC Church Camp (DUCC) again this summer.
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One Great Hour of Sharing 2021
Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Art Ellersieck has died
We are holding the family of the Rev. Dr. Art Ellersieck in our prayers. Their pastor, Len Sylvester, sent this news...
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Dispelling Some of the Information About the COVID-19 Vaccine
by Lisa Dunbar, RN, BSN; parish nurse at United Church of Sun City
As a Parish Nurse, the pandemic of COVID-19 has certainly brought many challenges in focusing on the health of our congregation. Currently, the challenge is to help our members to understand, to make an educated decision, and to receive the vaccination.
I have found that the first hurdle is in educating our congregation. I have been able to put short articles in the church newsletter, and to send an all-church email that gave information about the vaccine. It focused on dispelling some of the misinformation being disseminated on the web.
Read MoreRev. Robert Koth has died
Friends, it is with both with sorrow and resurrection joy that we share the news that Rev. Robert Koth passed away the morning of January 18. As many of you know, Robert was a servant-leader in our conference during his "retirement" (he was more active than many of us are!) in his tireless advocacy of the differently-abled, those on the margins of society, and radical inclusivity and hospitality for all.
Read MoreGeneral Synod 33: Virtual!
To keep everyone safe, the 33rd General Synod will be held virtually. This means EVERYONE can attend! If you’ve always wanted to see our covenantal denomination in action- this is your chance! Save the Date: July 11-18, 2021. Bookmark the website: http://generalsynod.org/#UCCSynod
Read MoreArizona Clergy Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccination
from Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter:
On February 2nd, 2021 Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maria Cristina Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, confirmed on a call with faith leaders that clergy are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination under Phase 1B.
Read MoreAUCE's 50th Anniversary Event
The Association of United Church Educators (AUCE) is having a virtual event to celebrate 50 years of pastors and CE folks learning and growing together with the UCC!
AUCE members and friends are invited to help us celebrate 50 years and beyond with special guests, Rev. Molly Baskette, Melvin Bray, Mark Miller, and Walter & Kassie Runsabove.
All are welcome!
Click here for details and to register.
Read MoreHelp to reinvent the SWC logo!
It's time for an update! We want to reinvent our Southwest Conference logo with one that's colorful and symbolizes our values and geography.
Feeling creative? We're accepting submissions! Attach your artwork in an email to Wende. Please use jpg or png format, in 1080x1080 dimension.
We're excited to see your ideas!
Read MoreNew Southwest Conference Personnel Policies Manual
The Executive Board approved a new Personnel Policy Manual at its January meeting. We are sharing it with our congregations and members in the spirit of full transparency.
The document might also serve our local churches as a template for reviewing and updating their Personnel Policies.
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Topic: Continuing education for retired clergy
Retired Clergy Zoom Gathering: February 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM MST
Facilitators:
Rev. Jim Meadows (retired, long-time SWC settled and interim pastor)
Rev. Dr. Randi Walker (retired pastor and Pacific School of Religion church history professor)
Given what we actually do as retired ministers, how do we decide what kind of continuing education we need beyond boundary training?
How do we as retired clergypersons keep up to date on our continuing education requirements?
Read More2021 Progressive Theology Seminar
Confrontational Faith and Beloved Community: Rekindling Hope and Restoring Trust
Presenter Rev. Dr. Guy Nave
Two Presentations on Saturday, Feb 20th, 9:00am and 11:00am--Mountain Standard Time---30 minutes break
Fulfills two hours of SWC Continuing Education requirements.
Read MoreA Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson
Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 2:00 pm (MST)
The memorial gathering will be available to watch live online at the Church of the Beatitudes website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
Read More$1.5M Southwest Conference Medical Debt Relief Campaign Begins on Ash Wednesday
The Southwest Conference is inviting all SWC congregations to join this campaign that will run from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
For every $1 raised, $100 of medical debt can be abolished. $10 abolishes $1000 of medical debt. $10,000 wipes out $1 million. Let’s raise $15,000 to abolish $1.5 million!
The members of Executive Board have pledged an initial $940 to kick this off. That’s already $94,000 of medical debt that can be wiped out for individuals, veterans, and families in our geographical area.
Will your congregation participate? Let us know you’re in so we can add your church to the list of participants.
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ONA News: Webinars, 1-Day ONA Experience
Whether your church is just beginning its journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant, or you've been ONA for many years, you'll find a webinar that meets your needs.
Also check out the Open and Affirming Experience, a one-day virtual conference with two tracks, one for not-yet ONA churches, the other for existing ONA churches.
Read MoreVideos from Wintertalk 2021
There was a lot of information covered and meaningful conversations held over this two-day event, so fortunately it was recorded!
Read MoreThe UCC has an opening for a Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer
Please use the link below to view the full position description and to apply. The application close date for this position is January 29, 2021.
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=3342438
Read MoreAmid pre-inauguration turmoil, UCC leaders suggest do’s, don’t’s
With a historic second impeachment of President Trump, security concerns around the upcoming inauguration of the incoming president, Joseph Biden Jr., and FBI reports of potential protests in state capitals around the country, how does the church respond?
UCC leaders, clergy and advocates offer both pastoral and practical ways to deal with the political turmoil.
Read MoreGuidance for Resuming In-Person Gatherings In Southwest Conference Churches
Decisions about resuming in-person gatherings in your church rest in your hands, not in the hands of government officials or of the Southwest Conference staff. This resource has been designed to be a starting point for meaningful conversation among your local church leaders as you develop your own protocol or policy for resuming in-person gatherings (worship, classes, working in the office). It reflects our deep and abiding love for one another and for our neighbors and highlights our common desire to nurture the health and welfare of the people in our congregations and our communities.
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