Conference News
The time has come for me to step down as Conference Minister. My time with you concludes on November 30, 2022. A letter cannot adequately express the gratitude filling my heart for the talented, visionary, and courageous staff members and leaders with whom I have been doing this work. We have done difficult and wonderful things together.
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As a result of recent climate legislation, the federal government will soon pay churches for going solar. Learn more in this free webinar: bit.ly/BrightPossibilities
Read Moreby Rev. Dr. William M. Lyons, Conference Minister, Southwest Conference UCC
“Today we are giving thanks for each one of the faithful and committed church leaders and pastors who for more than 60 years have given themselves fully to the fiduciary tasks of FCCF. Well done, good and faithful servants!”
This sermon was preached at the final worship gathering for First Congregational Church of Flagstaff, September 25, 2022.
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Whether you are called to a pastoral role, a congregational or community leader seeking new skills, or a curious inquirer, PATHWAYS Theological Education Inc. has courses to expand your thinking, enhance your knowledge, and exhilarate your soul.
Read More4pm AZ time on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Sun Lakes Chapel for All Faiths, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, AZ
The Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ invite you to join in celebrating the Installation of Rev. Derrick Elliott as Pastor and Teacher of the Congregation. Pastor Elliott will be installed as the part time Pastor of Sun Lakes UCC and will serve a shared pastorate with Desert Heritage UCC.
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You’re invited to the third annual fundraiser to support the National Open & Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ and AllianceQ of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ!
When:
Saturday, October 15nd, 2022
4:30 - 6:30 pm AZ / 5:30 - 7:30 NM & EP
Where: This event will be hybrid with Zoom (link will be sent via email) or in-person at Parkway United Church of Christ at 2841 N Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131.
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States. In 2022, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” offering focuses on an economic justice. Most churches collect the offering on October 2, 2022 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time.
Read MoreWe're excited about having Sr. Lika Mejia as our guest on Monday, and taking a field trip with her on Tuesday down to Casa De La Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico! Rev. Randy Mayer of the Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita will be our well-seasoned guide over the border.
The clergy retreat planning team hopes that retreat attendees will consider accepting Sister Lika’s invitation to go on the Tuesday trip. We’re in relationship with this shelter as the Southwest Conference; immigration is the largest mission project of the conference. Out of all the UCC conferences, the SWC has the most engagement at the border. It’s an important place for us to talk about and do justice and it’s critically important for the SWC to have a knowledge base of what's happening and be in relationship with a project that’s claiming that.
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Registration is now open for the 2022 AFN Annual Gathering, which will be held as a hybrid event (both in-person and live-streamed) on Thursday, November 3rd, from 9:00 - 11:30 am. The theme is Weaving Unity with Threads of Justice and the event will be held on the campus of Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix (1875 N Central Ave).
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This is the third year the National Council of Churches is holding a virtual CUG, and this year’s event will again bear witness to the work that they are doing to provide advocacy and action that shines light upon critical issues and works in the public square toward solutions.
Read MoreKelly Kahlstrom has accepted a position as a Hospice Chaplain at the Tucson Medical Center. Congratulations, Kelly!
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Active and retired clergy, specialized ministers, parish ministers, and members in discernment are invited to attend the SWC Annual Clergy Retreat held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona. We'll begin with lunch at noon on Monday, October 31 and conclude at 3 pm on Wednesday, November 2.
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With joy, the SWC Executive Board announces that the 2023 Annual Meeting will be held in-person, in El Paso, TX on April 27, 28, and 29! After successfully hosting three online gatherings, we felt called by the Spirit to gather in-person to share, to celebrate, and to be in community with one another again. We appreciate the new knowledge and skills gained through our virtual efforts and look forward to re-building relationships and reconnecting in ways best done face to face.
Read MoreThe UCC Justice and Local Church Ministries now has available a common application for congregational grants for 2022. They are ready to receive applications.
Read MoreThe church of today. The church of the future. How can community-building bridge the gap between them?
That’s a driving question for next month’s United Church of Christ summit, “The Space Between: The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World,” held online Sept. 19-21.
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New offerings! See what’s coming up—spirituality, stewardship, media justice, and more.
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National Open and Affirming Gathering brought together ONA activists from across the country. For some, it was an opportunity to learn that the United Church of Christ is not yet “100% Open and Affirming.” With 35% of our congregations certified as ONA, we have both room and moral urgency to grow. For others, National Gathering was an introduction to new voices as we began to imagine together what our movement could become over the next fifty years.
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September 15th, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
(that's 10 am for Arizona, 11 am for New Mexico and El Paso)
Insurance Board is proud to present, “Creating a Culture of Safety in Your Ministry,” which is the theme of our upcoming Regional Workshops Series. With the various risks ministries face on a daily basis, such as: Active Intruder situations, Preventable Youth/Senior Abuse, Business Operations concerns, Financial Mismanagement and Cybersecurity threats, having a plan in place to mitigate these risks is critical. Join us and your local agent to learn more about how your ministry can build a culture of safety and take precautions to protect your congregation
Read MoreThe PATHWAYS Theological Education Board of Directors invites all questioning, curious people of faith to join their 6-week courses beginning Fall I (mid-August) and Fall II (beginning late September) (see website for details and registration links). The 12-week UCC Polity course runs three times a year beginning September 7, January 11 and May 17.
Read MoreJubilee is an introductory justice course for adults of any age who want to deepen their understanding of justice and learn practical organizing skills. Program participants meet weekly for skill and knowledge building workshops, spiritual reflection, and group discussion and support.
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