General Synod 33 wrapped up yesterday! Here you’ll find links to news items from the week.
Read MoreGeneral Synod updates
Conference News
Our Whole Lives (OWL): upcoming sessions and a training event
Karen Richter is excited to share some new Our Whole Lives opportunities for students and facilitators. OWL is a set of comprehensive sexuality education curricula for multiple age ranges, focused on a set of core values: self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, and justice & inclusivity.
Read MoreReport to the church from the United Church of Christ Board, July 2021
Update from the national board meeting.
Read MoreNew mailing address for the Southwest Conference office
As we prepare to move to our new office location this month, please update your records with our new mailing address. Thanks!
Southwest Conference UCC
P.O. BOX 44968
Phoenix, Arizona 85064
Read MoreGeneral Synod this week!
Here are many things that the General Synod folks would like you to know about!
Read More
"The 917" is listed for sale
Visioning and Discernment Guide Plans for Using SWC Resources
“We are extravagantly welcoming and affirming follower of Jesus called to embody God’s unconditional justice and love in the world.” For more than ten months the Southwest Conference (SWC) Executive Board and our standing committees have been discerning how best to use SWC resources to live more fully into our mission. This discernment work came in response to the conference-wide SOAR visioning summit held just before the COVID19 unleashed its devastation in the U.S. While we have been responding to the pandemic, we’ve also been anticipating its impact, asking God’s Spirit to show us the way forward in a world and a Church we know will be radically different than anything we’ve experienced.
Read MoreJoin the Movement Toward Racial Justice
Can you imagine a church free of racism and a world where all people live without fear of violence or systems that harm God’s human creation?
The United Church of Christ invites you to Join the Movement toward racial justice as we answer God’s call to be an anti-racist church. Here, we will share stories and grow together, learning from one another to build a just world for all.
Read MoreConference offices are moving!
The Southwest Conference has signed a lease on a new space and is listing "The 917" building for sale.
We'll be moving to new offices at the United Methodist Center at 1550 E. Meadowbrook Avenue. The UMC and SWC share mutual excitement and look forward to working together and extending our ecumenical ministry and relationship.
Our mailing address will be switching to a PO Box soon.
Stay tuned for updates.
Read More
A Both/And Church
Advocates ask General Synod to embrace contemplation, rethink ‘Earth's rights.
Read MoreUCC Mental Health Network Designated Open & Affirming Ministry
Believing that as followers of Christ we are called to love and affirm all expressions of human gender and sexuality, the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network (MHN) declared its official commitment to being an Open and Affirming (ONA) Ministry of the UCC.
The designation was made through a covenant that was accepted by the ONA Coalition on June 2.
Read MoreUpcoming Healthy Ministry Module Trainings
Registration is now open!
MODULE 1: Intro and Theology of Boundaries, Power & Vulnerability: Wednesday, September 8, 1-4 pm AZ / 2-5 pm NM & El Paso
MODULE 2: Interpersonal Relationships: Thursday, October 7, 1-4 pm AZ / 2-5pm NM-El Paso
MODULE 3: Work, Time, Resources: Tuesday, November 16, 1-4 pm
MODULE 4: Technology and Social Media: Wednesday, December 8, 1-4 pm
Learn more about each module and register HERE.
Worship at General Synod 33
Meet the worship leaders!
Read MoreCongratulations, Rev. Lynne Hinton!
Rev. Lynne Hinton, a member of First Congregational UCC Albuquerque, has been elected as Conference Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches, effective July 1, 2021.
Read MoreChoose from 50 workshops at 100% virtual General Synod!
From July 11 – 18, 2021, Special Edition General Synod, will include powerful worship, not-to-miss keynote speakers, 50 workshops, youth programming and business sessions. Because it is 100% online, General Synod makes it possible for anyone to attend. Register today at generalsynod.org.
Read MoreOpen Positions at Sun Lakes UCC and Sierra Vista UCC
These open positions, one at Sun Lakes UCC and one at Sierra Vista UCC, are linked below for your consideration. If you are feeling the spirit nudge you toward one of these, please reach out to us in the office.
Read More
Don't Miss Valarie Kaur and Adam Russell Taylor at 2021 General Synod
Register today and join us for General Synod 33 – a fully virtual event. Registration provides you access to all aspects of General Synod, including worship, optional events, business, over 50 workshops, exhibit hall, keynote speakers and much more.
General Synod events will occur in the later half of the day to afford all an increased ability to engage. Registration is more affordable this year than it’s ever been!
Read MoreApply now for Best Skills Best Churches
The Southwest Conference is pleased to offer Best Skills Best Churches (BSBC/UCC), a certificate program offered in partnership with ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. The program is also open to MIDs, clergy, and lay leaders! Applications are being accepted online for the September cohort of 30 participants.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Read MoreResolutions and amendments from Annual Meeting
These resolutions and bylaws amendments were approved at Annual Meeting. SWC churches can use these links to the final documents in their implementation efforts.
Read MoreEMAIL SCAM ALERT
Someone is trying to impersonate Bill. If you have received an email such as this, please report it as phishing and/or block the sender. The scammers continue to improve the ways they reach out, so please notice the strange language and incorrect email address. These small hints help to do a quick preview of untrustworthy senders.
Read More