Read the Open and Affirming Coalition’s latest newsletter HERE.
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Conference News
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Spiritual Care Providers Workshop
Rev. Derrick Elliott warmly invites spiritual care providers to a transformative three-session workshop, centered around values, communication skills, and spirituality.
Read MoreTwo Question Survey from the UCC ONA Coalition
“Our annual National Gathering is being planned for September 2024. Would you please take this two question survey to help us gauge interest in the event? That would greatly help us out while we plan. Thank you!”
Read MoreUpcoming MESA trainings
MESA continues to offer Zoom trainings on topics of interest. All trainings require advance registration; a confirmation email will then be sent to registrants with additional information.
Read MoreIsrael-Palestine Info from Global Ministries
A wealth of timely & rich resources available on the Global Ministries website specific to Israel-Palestine and the violence occurring there: Israel Palestine Archives - Global Ministries. The linked page lists various projects we support and our beloved partners & mission co-workers in Israel-Palestine, as well as current action alerts and statements released by our partners over the last several days. Viewing this page is a powerful reminder of the scale and depth of our relationships in the region, cultivated and nurtured over decades by Global Ministries and national setting staff. The UCC stands with our partners in steadfast prayer, vigilance, and advocacy.
Remember also to check the UCC website for updates and resources regarding the war in Israel- Palestine.
We hope this adds some light for our congregations and supporters.
Read MoreCISA Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar
Wednesday, November 1, 12:00 - 2:00 pm online
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) invites you to register for this two-hour, instructor led webinar to enhance awareness of and preparedness for potential threats posed by active shooters. CISA aims to enhance active shooter preparedness by empowering critical infrastructure owners and operators in pursuing a “whole community” approach by providing no-cost resources, tools, and training. This two-hour webinar provides information and best practices that supports and enhances emergency action planning capabilities applicable broadly across sectors and provides considerations to mitigate the impacts of an active shooter incident.
Read MorePastoral Support Committees Workshop - Not your Predecessors' PPRC!
Pastor/Parish Relations Committees have provided essential leadership in the life of a congregation. And the name has led to some confusion about the focus of their role. Come to this workshop as we explore what it means to become a Pastoral Support Committee - what it is and what it is not.
We'll be talking through and naming the priorities and commitments of a well-functioning PSC. National staffer Rev Tara Barber, who serves as your Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability on the MESA team, will share best practices from around the church and be prepared to answer your questions.
Open to pastors and lay leaders.
Read MoreUCC Webinar—Holy Heat Pumps
How we cool and heat our buildings is a significant part of how we address the climate crisis. When it comes to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, heat pumps are a crucially important technology in the transition away from fossil fuels.
This webinar will explain how heat pumps work and how government funds can be accessed by congregations for their purchase. We will hear a success story from a local faith community that installed both air-source and ground-source heat pumps. Finally, we will address frequently asked questions, such as, “What do you do with a building that has had radiator heating?”
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 25th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
Read MoreArizona Faith Network 2023 Annual Gathering
Tuesday, October 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
You are invited to help Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers at Arizona Faith Network's Annual Gathering! Join this diverse gathering as we work together to build bridges throughout Arizona and break down barriers of injustice as people of faith. Our dynamic Keynote Speaker, Tahil Sharma, an interfaith activist based in Los Angeles born to a Hindu father and a Sikh mother, will guide us on how to use our shared humanity and faith traditions to bridge divides.
Read MoreDuet's Family Caregiver Virtual Symposium
Wednesday, October 18, 9:00 - 11:30 am
Free of charge for family caregivers | $15 per person for professionals
Duet: Partners In Health & Aging is excited to bring you our annual virtual family caregiver symposium. We've invited two remarkable international speakers to help you discover practical strategies and tools to navigate your caregiving journey. Dr. Aaron Blight will explain how caregivers can improve their capacity by adapting to their loved one's ever-changing circumstances. Dr. Robert J. Wicks will discuss resilience, self-care, and the integration of psychology and classic spiritual approaches to maintain a healthy perspective.
Read MoreTech for Good: Artificial Intelligence Ministry
It’s Rev. Sarah TevisTownes from Church of the Good Shepherd Albuquerque!
Don't miss this discussion if you've been curious about using AI!
Read MoreNational Coming Out Day events: Virtual options!
Read more about these events:
Queer and Wonderfully Made Worship
LGBTQ Religious Archives Network Virtual Gala
Drag Queen Bingo - Hybrid Event
Read MoreOrientation session: A welcome to the Southwest Conference UCC
Saturday, October 14
10 am Arizona / 11 am New Mexico & El Paso via Zoom
The Southwest Conference leadership and staff are excited to invite you to an Orientation session for:
Pastors new to the SWC
New Church Starts
Churches re-engaging with the SWC
people who are interested in learning more about the Southwest Conference UCC
Pastor Appreciation Month is here!
PSA! Take extra good care of pastors in October! Show them love and appreciation ❤
Read MoreFlamy Grant will headline UCC’s National Coming Out Day virtual worship
Queer and Wonderful: Flamy Grant will headline UCC’s National Coming Out Day virtual worship.
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ONA Ministry Bullying Webinar
A conversation about how churches/clergy/family can understand and respond to bullying.
Join the discussion with Mitchel Leet (he/him) who is the Program Manager for Room for All (a faith-based LGBTQIA nonprofit equivalent to the Open and Affirming Coalition but serving the Reformed Church in America).
FREE but a $10 donation is suggested if you are able!
Read MoreDr. Toni and Wende at the DOC women's retreat
SWC staff Dr. Toni and Wende attended the Arizona Disciples of Christ annual women’s retreat in Prescott this past weekend. They enjoyed it immensely and hope to have many SWC women participate in 2024 when Dr. Toni will be the keynote speaker!
Save the dates: September 13-15, 2024 at Chapel Rock Camp and Conference Center in Prescott, AZ.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education - Online and Progressive
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc., invites you to consider its Progressive Christian theological education courses. PATHWAYS exists to offer a range of stimulating, accessible, and affordable online progressive Christian resources for church leaders, faith explorers, pastors, and those discerning various vocations and callings within and outside the church community. In PATHWAYS online courses, the class size is small!
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Churches Can No Longer Afford to NOT Go Solar
Churches will be hearing from the UCC national setting soon, informing them of federal government incentives that will cover 30% to 80% of a church's solar installation. For most churches that own their own building, it is now to their financial benefit to go solar, regardless of whether they need financing or options that require no upfront costs. Even churches with roofs that prohibit installations can explore parking lot canopies, ground mounted solar, or community solar gardens.
Check out this new UCC resource webpage to learn about the government incentives and an array of resources for going solar.
According to research done by a recent Yale graduate, 746 UCC churches have been identified as eligible for an additional 10% payment from the federal government for a solar installation because of the economic and environmental characteristics of their community. These churches will be notified of their eligibility.
Go explore the new solar resource webpage now!
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National Council of Churches 2023 Christian Unity Gathering
From the NCC President/General Secretary, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie:
The NCC staff is busily engaged in preparing for the much anticipated 2023 Christian Unity Gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, October 9–12. I invite you to join us and invite your friends and colleagues to join us as well.
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