Introducing New and Improved Boundary Training Modules!

July 27, 2024 in Conference News

To All Authorized SWC Clergy:

You asked for it and your Conference and Committee on Ministry has delivered. We’d like to introduce you to our new BT modules, facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Diane Weible. Dr. Weible is a former UCC Conference Minister that left Conference Ministry to start her own business to support churches and ministers. Dr. Weible states, “I strive to offer organizations and individuals support to form new perspectives and reach to the future of their mission, vision and goals.” We are blessed to have Dr. Weible working with the SWC for the next 4 years of this BT cycle (2023-2027). She will bring a strong level of expertise along with relevant, updated and applicable awareness and education for our clergy in these ever-changing times of doing ministry.

Clergy are required to take 9 hours (three 3-hour modules) to complete their BT requirement for this cycle. Dr. Weible constructed the Modules based on the Ordained Minister’s Code.

Faith Formation Practitioner certificate for lay and authorized congregational leaders

July 27, 2024 in Conference News

The lay and authorized congregational leaders can now obtain the Faith Formation Practitioner certificate through this new program. This initiative aims to assist the conferences and committees on ministry by providing a comprehensive course of study for lay ministry that is progressive, theologically sound, and based on the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.

Webinar on Ethical Non-Monogamy & the Bible

July 27, 2024 in Conference News

You’re invited to an insightful and thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Open and Affirming Coalition: "Navigating Ethical Non-Monogamy & the Bible: Open Relationships, Polyamory & More —A Conversation about Thriving in Diverse Family Constellations."

Write-A-Will Month Resources from National

July 20, 2024 in Conference News

The National Ministries of the UCC and the Pension Boards UCC partnered together to bring the resources of FreeWill to all the settings of our movement. www.freewill.com/ucc allows donors to write a legally valid will in about 20-minutes and prompts them to consider a gift to their local congregation, conference, the National Ministries, the Pension Boards, or another charity of their choosing. A charitable designation is not required for people to use this free service.

Free Dosia Carlson hymnals

July 20, 2024 in Conference News

From Janelle Tapphorn, the Marketing and Outreach Manager at Duet: Partners In Health & Aging:

We have a small supply of "UCC-friendly" hymnals "God's Glory II" written exclusively by the late Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson that we are giving away to any church interested in new songs for worship. There are 50 hymns composed by the late Rev. Dosia within this collection and offer progressive and thought-provoking lyrics for inspiration and worship.

There are 650 free copies available at our office; interested parties can contact me at (602) 274-5022, ext. 142.

Building Congregational Community Safety

July 20, 2024 in Conference News

How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for?

Register now for the upcoming 4-part training series, Building Congregational Community Safety, hosted by the United Church of Christ's Frontline Faith.

This series is hosted by Liberating Lineages Collective and the FaithINFO team at the National Ministry setting of United Church of Christ and is open to all faith traditions.

Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions, all towards practicing new ways of creating safety within our own congregational contexts.

Dates: August 19, September 9, 23, and 30

Time: 5-7 pm AZ / 6-8 pm NM/El Paso

Register Here!

We look forward to seeing you!

Open and Affirming Coalition National Gathering 2024

July 19, 2024 in Conference News

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.

UCC GMP calls for peace after assassination attempt on former President Trump

July 15, 2024 in Conference News

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.

A Pastoral Letter from our General Minister & President

July 15, 2024 in Conference News

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!

July 13, 2024 in Conference News

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.

An Invitation to Join the Anti-Racism Practitioners, a SWC Community of Practice Group

July 13, 2024 in Conference News

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.

UCC Polity and History course

July 13, 2024 in Conference News

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.

Write Your Will Seminar

July 12, 2024 in Conference News

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.

Shape Your Community's Response

July 12, 2024 in Conference News

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.

Ordination Service for Carlos Sosa

July 12, 2024 in Conference News

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!

Be Prophetic, Not Partisan: Navigating Do's and Don'ts for Churches

July 06, 2024 in Conference News

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!”   

Solidarity Sunday

July 06, 2024 in Conference News

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.

UCC Webinar: An Indigenous Translation of Scripture

June 29, 2024 in Conference News

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.

Excitement grows as the UCC goes “Into the Deep” for GS35

June 29, 2024 in Conference News, General Synod

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.'”

Become a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!

June 22, 2024 in Conference News

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!