Apply today! One application streamlines process for several Justice and Local Church Ministries grants.
Read MoreOne application streamlines process for several JLCM grants
Conference News
image credit: Rev. Michael Bush
SWC COVID GUIDELINE UPDATES....and reflection from the wilderness
Acting Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock offers a pastoral word along with updated Conference COVID guidelines and the latest Staff Travel Policy.
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COVID-19 Response Team Conversation
Saturday, September 11th at 9:00 am Arizona / 10:00 am New Mexico & El Paso
We will be hosting a conversation with COVID-19 Response Teams from around the Conference.
This call will allow teams to come together and share learning, tools, struggles, and resource each other as we collectively move forward during the pandemic.
If your team is unable to make this call, it will be recorded and distributed after.
Read MoreEducational Opportunities
These opportunities are coming up soon, so take a look: Any of the antiracism trainings can count for the racial justice requirement for active ministerial standing.
Solidarity: Antiracism Training with Rev. Joan Crawford
Be the Healing Conference 2021 with Dr. Joy DeGruy
Discerning Whiteness—The Hidden Barriers
Heavenly Meetings; processes to Foster Healthy Engagement
Read MoreAnnual Campaigns 101
We have an exciting event coming up on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:00 pm Arizona/7:00 pm New Mexico & El Paso. Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer for OPTIC – Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity, & Communication at the National Office, will be presenting the Annual Campaigns 101: An Introduction to Stewardship for Pastors and Lay Leaders webinar.
This webinar is designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign and will explore ways to create an effective campaign. Learn more and register today.
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Now Available: Youth & Trauma Resources for Congregations
The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is pleased to offer a new set of resources to help congregations and other community-based organizations address the mental health effects of trauma on children.
Read MoreUCC at ASU August update
From Andrew Ponder Williams:
Every Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the month of August we are offering our new Zoom group for all young adults. We have young adults from across California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas signed up. We specifically are creating a space to support people just out of college who are looking for meaningful community and spiritual engagement.
Contact Andrew for more information: andrew@desertpalmucc.org.
For ASU specific ministry we have a full plan prepared for on-campus/in-person ministry this fall. We can't wait!!
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Upcoming SWC 7 for 7 Campaigns
These SWC special offerings are the “7 for 7” offerings that qualify churches for year-end recognition.
SWC Mission Fund Special Offering – Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 – Goal: $10,000
Sow the Seed Special Offering – Sunday Feb. 20, 2022 – Goal: $11,000
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Rev. Susan Valiquette installation
Hope to see you at First Church UCC Phoenix on Sunday, November 7 at 3 pm MST!
Read MoreUCC included in $5M study of COVID and the church
Documenting the Pandemic: UCC included in $5-million study of COVID and the church. See how your church can take part.
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UCC at ASU update
From Andrew Ponder Williams:
Every Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the month of August we are offering our new Zoom group for all young adults. We have young adults from across California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas signed up. We specifically are creating a space to support people just out of college who are looking for meaningful community and spiritual engagement. Contact Andrew for more (andrew@desertpalmucc.org).
For ASU specific ministry we have a full plan prepared for on-campus/in-person ministry this fall. We can't wait!!
Read MorePastors appreciate stewardship resources; ‘Rooted in Love’ now available for fall campaigns
How do you build an effective stewardship campaign? Ask a pastor who has done just that.
That’s what the United Church of Christ OPTIC team did when it came time to develop this year’s stewardship theme materials.
Read MoreUCC Mental Health Network Synod wrap-up and thank you
On behalf of the MHN Board of Directors and officers, I want to thank you for your support and prayers — we could not do this important work without a community of people who also believe in providing safe and loving places for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, neurodiversity, and other brain disorders.
Read MoreTap into our UCC General Counsel's wealth of knowledge
UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel now has a dedicated page on the UCC website. She's including a blog of her most-asked questions, and it already has useful information on it (leasing church property and copyright compliance). Check it out here.
Read MoreValerie Russell Lecture
Update from Michael Curry
“It is my heartfelt hope and prayer that as we slowly begin to heal and prepare to rebuild a life that was once comfortable and familiar to so many of us, that we will begin to find and feel a renewed sense of hope as we reenergize ourselves for the work of ministry that God is calling us into.”
Read MoreSaying "Goodbye" to the 917
Friday, July 23, the sale closed on our almost 10-year Southwest Conference Office building. We received our asking price of $850,000 with no contingencies from a local couple who owns temporary rentals in our Coronado neighborhood, and are wanting space for community gatherings and various meetings.
Read MoreGeneral Synod updates
General Synod 33 wrapped up yesterday! Here you’ll find links to news items from the week.
Read MoreOur 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.
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