Conference News
We're looking for a volunteer to pick up our mail at our PO box, prepare and make bank deposits, and help with light administrative duties.
Our new office location is at 214 E Willetta, Phoenix.
If you're interested, please contact Dr. Toni!
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Mondays at noon AZ, 1 pm NM & El Paso
Start your week with some guided meditation led by Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu, AFN's Interfaith Manager, and guest leaders. Vasu Bandhu serves the Buddhist community as Bhikkhu (monk) in the Dhammapada Sangha (Zen Buddhism), assisting in the practice and teaching of the principles, ceremonies and rituals.
Read MoreAlongside Christian churches and Jewish synagogues, people from different parts of the world bring religions that are new to many Americans: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and many others.
Rev. Dr. Kathy Harvey Nelson invites you to this amazing level 1 course of Pluralism & Religion in North America beginning July 10 - register now!
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We encourage churches to celebrate June (Pride Month) in ways that best suit the culture and climate of your congregation! Resources in this article.
And don't miss the next installment of the ONA Spring/Summer Webinar Series! Click the headline for the full list.
Read Moreby Donna Jackson | published on May 28, 2024
Get ready to batten down the hatches. Research indicates that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1, could be a doozy thanks to La Niña and increasingly warmer ocean temperatures.
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, which runs to Nov. 30, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries encourages congregations to have in place disaster preparedness policies, which include knowing who their Conference Disaster Response Coordinators are. (You can view the CDRC directory here.)
Formerly known as Conference Disaster Coordinators (CDCs), the recent addition of “response” to the name illustrates a renewed focus on better equipping, educating and connecting emergency volunteers and congregations to the resources available in a time of crisis.
“We don’t coordinate disasters. We coordinate the conference’s disaster response,” said Kevin Gehres, CDRC for the Columbus, Ohio-based Heartland Conference.
read the full article on the UCC website
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The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center just added nine additional ONLINE one-day trainings, as well as one Mediation Skills Training Institute.
Upcoming Trainings:
Healthy Congregations, Jun. 19
Conflict Transformation Skills, Jul. 17
Mediation Skills Training Institute, Jul. 22-24
Restorative Conversations, Aug. 13
Conflict Transformation Skills, Sep. 12
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Our agency partner Insurance Board has an upcoming webinar on the topic of grants for ministries. This webcast will equip church leaders with the groundwork and knowledge to secure grant funding from experts in the field. Ministries will learn how to navigate the grant application with confidence, identify funding opportunities based on their church's needs, and understand the importance of developing a compelling proposal.
This webcast will take place on May 30th at 11 am (AZ time) / 12 pm (NM time)
You can access the registration page here.
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Are you a clergy person in the Southwest Conference? Did you know that we host a monthly clergy call via Zoom for our clergy to gather, be rejuvenated, and discuss the joys and challenges of ministry with each other?
If you have never been or maybe you haven’t joined in a while, we’d love to have you!!
Our monthly call takes place on the third Wednesday, but with respect to the Juneteenth holiday, our next gathering will take place on Wednesday, June 26th at 10 am AZ / 11 am NM/EP.
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Tuesdays from June 18 - July 9, 12:00 - 1:00 pm via Zoom
“Process theology is a worldview lens through which those of many faith traditions perceive the realities of the world. The world is inter-connected and continuously becoming through its interactions with others and God. We are response-able and responsible beings in the midst of this process."
Rev. Al Gephart, in collaboration with the Arizona Faith Network, invites you to a series of enriching Lunch and Learn sessions that promise to ignite your spirit and challenge your perspectives.
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Choral, handbells, organ, an opening concert, plus yoga, alternative worship, antiracism, women composers, deep listening and more.
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Auburn Theological Seminary is partnering with Aegis Trust to recruit 20 North American clergy and theological leaders to travel with them to Kigali, Rwanda this summer for the Listening and Leading: The Art and Science of Peace, Resilience, and Transformational Justice Conference July 25-28, 2024. Travel support and scholarships are available for interested clergy.
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The World Health Organization definition of mental health is “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community... it is a basic human right." The Mental Health Network W.I.S.E. program, (welcoming inclusive, supportive and engaged) provides a path for congregations, associations, conferences and nonprofit organizations to join to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being. Come learn how to become W.I.S.E. and hear the stories of those who have taken this journey.
Read MoreFrom the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition:
Join Us for #GiveOUTDay and Our #Pride Fundraiser!
We are excited to announce that the Open and Affirming Coalition is participating in #GiveOUTDay, the only national giving event for the LGBTQ+ community. This is our chance to make a real difference and we need the help of our amazing supporters to reach our goals!
Donations are now being accepted and every contribution counts. Not only do your donations directly support our work, but they also help us compete for Leaderboard prizes through friendly competitions with other LGBTQ+ organizations! These are thousands of additional dollars awarded to organizations with the most unique donors in their category. Your donation could be the one that helps us win!
Click the headline to see how to help.
Read MoreFaithINFO is partnering with Justice Leadership Program to offer 12 scholarships of up to 50% for their upcoming October Jubilee Cohort.
The Jubilee program is for adults interested in integrating faith and justice work into their lives in meaningful and transformative ways while gaining knowledge and confidence to do the work of justice within their congregation and community.
The small group cohort meets weekly for skill and knowledge building workshops accompanied by discussion and spiritual reflection.
Click here to learn more or watch our 2-part Nurture the Soul Webinar Series with the founders of the program.
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Register for Conference 2024.
July 10 – 13, 2024 in Greenwich, CT.
This is a chance to network with your colleagues in person, pick up some repertoire, sharpen skills and gain a perspective on various issues. Plus, enjoy some great entertainment! The presenters are outstanding. Put this event on your calendar if you haven’t yet and sign up.
Complete conference info.
Go straight to registration.
Read MoreFrom Arizona Faith Network:
At AFN, we understand the critical role that security plays in safeguarding our communities. That's why we invite you to fill out the form linked here to indicate your interest in staying updated on State and Federal Nonprofit Security Grants that could benefit your organization.
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God calls us into community. God desires for us a big, inclusive, expansive, welcoming community. One where "no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome." Our General Minister & President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson calls this a “big tent” community. God wants our congregations and our whole Christian movement to be a "big tent" where all can be genuinely welcomed.
The Strengthen the Church Offering supports congregations and initiatives that help us live into the United Church of Christ's "big tent" vision. Funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and renewal initiatives in existing congregations. Your conference and the national ministries work together to use these funds for projects that matter now and for the future of our movement.
Through this offering, we further our commitment to being a multi-racial/multi-cultural church that is accessible to all.
Please join with people across the UCC in promoting the Strengthen the Church Offering on May 19, 2024. You can find materials to promote this year’s Strengthen the Church Offering in your congregation at UCC Resources.
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Welcome and congratulations to our newly-elected Southwest Conference leadership!
Read MoreSupport Space Sessions for Pastors and LGBTQ+ Licensed and ordained UCC Clergy
Are you looking to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and gain support in a safe and affirming space? The Open and Affirming Coalition is hosting virtual support groups specifically tailored for UCC clergy!
There are two separate groups:
Pastors of ONA churches (all sexual orientations and gender identities welcome)
Licensed and ordained UCC clergy who identify as LGBTQ+
These sessions offer a supportive environment for you to connect with others, share your journey (if you'd like!), or simply listen and learn from your peers. You're free to participate at your own comfort level, and the drop-in format allows you to join for the entire session or just a portion.
Participation is free, but donations are always appreciated!
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Are you looking for an open-minded, community-oriented online theological course where your doubts and questions are welcome? Register for one course or complete a certificate program. PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. also has a complete educational program for those seeking to become authorized ministers. Check the website, www.pathwaystheological.org, to learn more about the program.
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