Registration for the 2024 National Gathering is NOW OPEN! Join them September 18-23, 2024 in Cincinnati, OH. You can register now at this link: 2024 ONA National Gathering Registration.
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Conference News
UCC GMP calls for peace after assassination attempt on former President Trump
by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson | published on Jul 14, 2024
Editor’s note: In the wake of the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, a pastoral letter was shared by United Church of Christ General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.
Read MoreA Pastoral Letter from our General Minister & President
The United Church of Christ strongly condemns the violence directed against former President Donald Trump.
Political violence has never been a solution to differing political beliefs and ideologies. As more details emerge regarding the shooting at the political rally for President Trump, we are horrified at the events which unfolded before us. With the former president injured and two dead including the gunman, we mourn this moment where violence is on display in the public square within our political arena.
Today, I join with other voices calling for peace in our political process. This violence is a threat to the democracy we value in this country.
As people of faith, we have the opportunity to be a part of civil discourse as we move through this time leading to another presidential election.
A commitment to peace must be a priority in the days to come. More information will emerge and regardless of that information, peace is possible. We can commit to ensuring peace and civility among us.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. O God, we are shocked and appalled at the attempted shooting of former President Trump. We pray for his recovery and pray for the families of those who died as a result of this act of violence.
May those who lost loved ones know the comfort of your embrace. Send your healing spirit upon those whose lives are affected by violence globally.
Let there be peace among your people, O God, a deep and abiding peace which brings an end to the glorification of violence and ushers in a just world as you intend for all. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister & President
United Church of Christ
Join a Community of Practice!
A Community of Practice (COP) is a great way for clergy to connect and offer support to one another. It is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining excellent pastoral leaders for a lifetime of creative, effective service and has proven to be very effective in doing so. Being a minister in any setting is often a lonely job and the COPs encourage lifetime friendships, support and nurture as well as spiritual growth among the other 4 or 5 participants in each group.
We currently have three COPs in the SWC, accepting new members.
Read MoreAn Invitation to Join the Anti-Racism Practitioners, a SWC Community of Practice Group
As we return to the Community of Practice work in September, we welcome anyone in the conference who has already done some anti-racism training but longs to go deeper and become more competent. The group meets each month on the second Thursday 5:30-7:30 PM Arizona Time by Zoom.
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UCC Polity and History course
PATHWAYS’ next 12-week UCC Polity and History course begins on August 28, 2024.
The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more.
To register or for more information go to UCC History and Polity on the website.
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Write Your Will Seminar
July 17, 2024 01:00 pm Arizona / 2 pm NM / El Paso on Zoom
The NMUCC and PBUCC partnered together to provide a free will-writing platform. The seminar will introduce you to this new tool for estate planning.
Why Do You Need a Will?
Protect What Matters - Ensure the safety and care of the people, pets, and communities you cherish.
Ease for Loved Ones - Offer your family clarity and reduce complications by detailing how your estate should be managed.
Consider your Legacy with a Planned Gift - Leave a mark with the National Ministries of the UCC, your conference, your church, the Christmas Fund of the Pension Boards, or another charity whose values and mission embody your hopes for the world.
Also available at no cost are advanced healthcare directive and durable financial power of attorney documents. You can begin on your own if you want HERE.
Or register for the webinar HERE.
Read MoreShape Your Community's Response
Disaster Readiness and Recovery Committee Meeting:
Would you consider yourself, particularly gifted in navigating challenging, situations and times or would you like to be a part of the team of people who develop how to respond during those times? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
The Disaster Readiness and Recovery Committee will be instrumental in the design and implementation of a plan that will ensure the safety, well-being, and effective response of the churches within the Southwest Conference encompassing Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX.
Please reach out to Rev. Dr. JJ Flag at ACM-SCT@uccswc.org if you have interest in being a part of this very important work.
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Ordination Service for Carlos Sosa
All are invited to the ordination of Carlos Sosa at 3 pm AZ time / 4 pm NM & El Paso time on Sunday, July 14 at The Church of The Painted Hills UCC either in-person or via livestream on their Facebook page!
Just go here and you should see the stream once it begins.
The Southwest Conference Facebook page will share the video afterward, too.
Congratulations, Carlos!
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Be Prophetic, Not Partisan: Navigating Do's and Don'ts for Churches
As we enter an election season, clarifying how we engage in politics is critical. Churches and clergy must abide by IRS guidelines to protect 501c3 (tax-exempt) status. It is critical that we are well informed about what we can (and can’t!) do as churches in the political sphere and particularly around the 2024 election.
Join a discussion with Heather Kimmel, the United Church of Christ’s General Counsel, and Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, on the “Do’s & Don’ts” for congregations around the election. This webinar is part of the Nurture the Soul series and the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote 2024 Campaign: “Vote with Love!”
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Solidarity Sunday
On Sunday, July 21st, Churches for Middle East Peace and its 35 member denominations and communions call upon congregations in the U.S. and worldwide to pray for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East as part of Solidarity Sunday.
CMEP will provide resources to shape Sunday prayers, worship, liturgy, and other aspects of Solidarity Sunday services, including videos from Palestinian Christian voices in the region. Resources will be ecumenically and politically diverse, allowing each community to shape their Solidarity Sunday around their own traditions and commitments.
Mark your calendars and encourage your churches to join us in this faithful call for comprehensive ceasefire and peace for all in the Holy Land.
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UCC Webinar: An Indigenous Translation of Scripture
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.
Read MoreExcitement grows as the UCC goes “Into the Deep” for GS35
Excitement 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 MoreBecome a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!
Do 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!
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Volunteer in the SWC office!
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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Monday Meditation
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 MorePluralism & Religion in North America course at PATHWAYS
Alongside 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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ONA Sundays, spring webinars, pastor/clergy support groups, and new merch!
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 MoreDisaster Ministries team gears up for hurricane season — and beyond
by 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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Continued Education from Your Home
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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