Please welcome Rev. Janice Steele and Rev. Leslie Etheredge to our staff as our Bridge ACMs!
Read MoreWelcome our Bridge Associate Conference Ministers!
Conference News
Annual Clergy Informational Review
The Southwest Conference UCC Annual Clergy review form is available for all Conference Clergy to complete.
“The annual Information Review is a basic obligation to maintain good ministerial standing…” (United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry).
This survey is a means for authorized ministers to participate in the Information Review in order to uphold the covenantal relationship with their Conferences and Associations.
Please complete and submit this form by March 31, 2024.
Read MoreWelcome our new Executive Assistant, Adrienne Kaye!
We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our staff here at the Southwest Conference! Please join us in extending a warm Southwest Conference welcome to Adrienne Kaye, who has officially joined us as our Executive Assistant, effective February 6, 2024.
Read MoreCongrats to Rev. Clara Sims on her ordination!
What a joyful weekend! Enjoy these photos from Martha Phillips and First Congregational Albuquerque.
Read MoreUCC ONA Coalition spring and summer webinars
The Spring and Summer ONA Webinar Series was just announced! One per month will be offered (February-July) with some classic webinars as well as some new ones to address what we've heard ONA churches say they need support with. Save money by purchasing the series pass or register for them a la carte. Church pricing (based on church size) and individually priced tickets available for both a la carte and series pass.
Read MoreProtect Ministry Data and Computers: Important info from the Insurance Board
Cyber crime is on the rise, and cyber criminals love to seek out unsuspecting organizations. Safeguarding information can help deter theft, preserve privacy, and avoid lawsuits.
Everything from mailing lists and donation records to Social Security information to banking information may be kept in a church database or filing cabinet. Unsecured, this data and protected personal information, could make your attendees, donors, and employees vulnerable to thieves—putting both your ministry and them at risk. Carefully protecting data and information not only makes business sense, but it also can reduce the likelihood of crippling data loss, embarrassing public disclosures, and lawsuits.
Read MoreDr. Toni's travelogue
Dr. Toni has visited many SWC churches and attended several events this fall and winter.
In December, Dr. Toni preached at Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque, NM and at Black Mountain UCC, Scottsdale, AZ. She attended Common Ground on the Border held by The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita, AZ and Dr. Barb's service of release and retirement celebration at Desert Palm UCC in Tempe, AZ. She also participated in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in Scottsdale, AZ.
Coming up, she'll be preaching at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix, AZ and at Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ.
If you'd like her to visit and/or preach at your church, email her a request!
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UCC Webinar—Black History: Unsung Heroes of the Environmental Justice Movement
For Black History Month, the UCC will be celebrating past environmental justice leaders and their historic contributions to the movement. We will lift up and reflect upon the lives of champions for justice such as Dana Alston, Damu Smith, Hazel Johnson, and others. To fully appreciate their impact and legacy, we will hear from those in the movement who knew them. Featured speakers will include those who have been at the forefront of the movement: Robert Bullard, Vernice Miller-Travis, and Peggy Shepard. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 14th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
Read MoreBarb's retirement celebration photos
Thank you to all who turned out on Sunday, January 21 at Desert Palm UCC for the service of release and celebration of Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock as she retires from ministry!
Rev. Tina Campbell took many wonderful photos which we share with you here; if you have photos from the event and don’t mind sharing them, please email them to Wende.
If you weren’t able to attend in person, you may watch the video replay here.
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An important message from our Nominating Committee
Your Nominating Committee is working to provide clarity for the nominating process and the process for filling vacancies on your committees. Our conference relies on the dedication of individuals serving in crucial roles to oversee our operations and programs. The Nominating Committee is committed to identifying and placing people with the right skills and talents in these vital positions. We invite your assistance in this process.
Read MoreDirector of Children - Youth - Family Ministries
Song of Life UMC has an open position for their Director of Children - Youth - Family Ministries. Please see the job description here.
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Opportunity for MIDs...in Hawaii
There is a Service Learning Community for seminarians aged 20-25 to learn about the intersection of pastoral ministry in the declining mainline church, chaplaincy in homeless services, and international mission in historically colonized environments.
Click here for the information packet.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024: Arizona
The 2024 Arizona celebration will be held at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church at 8849 E Cholla St, Scottsdale. All are welcome!
Read MoreWeek of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024: New Mexico
The 2024 New Mexico celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held at First Presbyterian in Albuquerque, 215 Locust St NE.
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Early Bird Registration for CHHSM’s 86th Annual Gathering is Open!
Registration for CHHSM’s 86th Annual Gathering — to be held March 12-14, 2024, at the Live by Loews Hotel in St. Louis — opened Monday, Dec. 18. The hotel is located in downtown St. Louis’ Ballpark Village, adjacent to Busch Stadium and within walking distance of the new Arch riverfront, museums, and eateries.
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Looking ahead to 2024: Programs, projects and plans from UCC National Ministries
With the new year comes plenty of new plans for ministries throughout the United Church of Christ.
As an election year with pressing, ongoing advocacy issues, 2024 promises to be a year with many opportunities for getting engaged in faith-filled, spirit-driven work. The National Ministries are putting together a wide variety of programs, from finding ways to center the needs and perspectives of children and youth, to building community and movements for justice among congregations and people across the UCC and beyond.
Here are some of the highlights of what’s coming in 2024.
Read More2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Every year, Christian communities and churches join together to pray for the visible unity of the Church, faithfully abiding by the will of Christ, who prayed “that all may be one” (John 17:21) during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In much of the world, this Week of Prayer is commemorated from January 18-25. In other places, it is celebrated during the eight days preceding Pentecost.
See the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity events happening in our geographical area.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education Open to Everyone
Are you looking for an open-minded, online theological course where your doubts and questions are welcome?
Do you want to know more about Jesus speaking for justice and the poor?
Are you exploring authorized ministry?
Do you want a theological education by which you can begin, finish, or supplement a suite of courses already completed?
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. has a complete educational program for those seeking to be authorized ministers.
If you are theologically curious - individual courses, continuing education, and certificates are also available. Check out their offerings.
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New Bethany Fellows Director/Pastor Position Open!
From Bethany Fellows Board:
We are excited to announce the opening of the search for a new Bethany Fellows Director/Pastor to serve the Bethany Fellows ministry alongside Lead Director/Pastor, Rev. Melanie Harrell Delaney, and Bethany Congregations Director/Pastor, Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri. The position description can be found on our website.
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Youth Leadership Symposium 2024
Registration is now open for YLS 2024! This six month leadership symposium will prepare youth to lead in local congregations and support them in designing and implementing their own project for their home Church. This is not a leadership team, but rather a leadership lab where High School age leaders can explore their gifts, receive wisdom from other leaders, and imagine new possibilities for their local congregation.
Register at youthleadershipsymposium.org!
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