The "First Nations Version" is an Indigenous translation of the Christian scriptures. It brings a fresh language to how these scriptures are conveyed and understood. Notably, a decolonized rendering of the sacred texts articulates a different understanding of how humans understand their relationship to both God and all of God's creation.
In this webinar, we will hear from three members of the translation council that produced the First Nations Version. Terry M. Wildman, who envisioned the translation, will be joined by Amy Allan and Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson.
Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Tuesday, July 16th at 12 pm AZ / 1 pm NM & El Paso, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording.
Register now!
Read MoreExcitement is mounting as the announcement that General Synod 35 rules and deadlines have been announced, calling United Church of Christ members to Kansas City in July of 2025. The theme of the gathering is “Into the Deep,” based on Luke 5:4, which says, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.'”
Read MoreDo you have a heart for the Southwest Conference UCC and want to make a real difference? Become a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!
As a VIP, you'll dedicate one day a week (on a rotating schedule) to supporting our Conference office in downtown Phoenix. Your skills and energy will be instrumental in keeping things running smoothly.
Vital Involvement Partners (VIP) is a dedicated and enthusiastic Southwest Conference volunteer group focused on providing essential support to the conference office once a week on a rotation basis. The SWC VIPs are instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of office operations. This program offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, develop valuable skills, and contribute to the success of the SWC. As a Vital Involvement Partner, you will be recognized for your contributions and become an essential part of a collaborative and supportive community. Join us in making a significant impact through your dedication and involvement in the SWC.
Ready to join our VIP team or have questions? Contact Dr. Toni today at 602-468-3830 or thawkins@uccswc.org. Let's make a difference together!
Read MoreWe'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!
Read MoreMondays 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.
RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION
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!
Read MoreWe 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
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreOur 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.
Read MoreAre 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.
Read MoreLunch + Learn: Process Theology
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.
RSVP FOR ZOOM INFO
Read MoreChoral, handbells, organ, an opening concert, plus yoga, alternative worship, antiracism, women composers, deep listening and more.
Read MoreAuburn 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Click Here to Register!
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.
Read MoreRegister 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.
Read MoreGod 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.
Read More
