Christmas is the power of love: Renew your commitment to love with the coming of the Christ child.
Read MoreA Prayer of Peace, of Hope, of Love
Free introduction to antiracism classes for SWC members
Join us, free of charge, for an introduction workshop to Antiracism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDIC) Metamorphosis to better understand the ways race and racism operate in all of our lives. This workshop will give you greater clarity of thinking, strength of relationship, and effectiveness of action in addressing systemic racism
Read MoreChristmas Blessings to all
As we await the coming of the Christ Child, take heart in the hope, joy, light and love that Jesus brings.
Christmas blessings to all this holiday season from the United Church of Christ, and peace in the New Year.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. — New Courses Begin in January
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is pleased to announce the January term online, asynchronous courses that are accessible and affordable for curious Progressive Christians. All courses are designed with the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers at their core, and are helpful to anyone who wants to develop spiritual and leadership gifts for use in the church and the world.
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Healing for the Whole Family
Rev. Shea Darian invites your family to come and be inspired with practical ideas to help you create everyday sanctuaries and safe havens with the children and youth in your life.
Read MoreThe Christmas Fund invites joy in sharing community abundance
The Christmas Fund invites joy in sharing community abundance.
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At Christmas, a strong desire for a real and present peace
The United Church of Christ General Minister and President John Dorhauer shares his Christmas reflection with the wider church.
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Anti-racism workshops: No charge for SWC members
ASDIC Workshops offerings for the fall and spring; you can sign up for multiple workshops. Each workshop set has two sessions that are 3 hours long on two Wednesdays per month.
Read MoreGratitude and Care for our ministries together!
From Acting Conference Minister / Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock:
The Alliance of Associate Conference Ministers and the Council of Conference Ministers have witnessed the weariness experienced by our authorized ministers and have come together to offer a pastoral letter of care and concern for our colleagues. Grounded in the words from Matthew 14:23, the need for rest and renewal for our leaders who serve God’s people is uplifted. Also provided are resources for clergy and their congregational leaders to consider in making the space and time for clergy renewal. Both of these are in this post. We pray our words allow your exhaustion to be seen and hope to empower you claim the space for sabbath renewal.
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ONA ALERT: Daily Taizé Morning Prayer for Advent
From Open and Affirming Coalition, United Church of Christ:
With the lengthening night, Advent comes with hope. Our daily service Monday through Friday of Taizé Morning Prayer will celebrate the themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy and love. The 20-minute service begins at 9 am EST on Zoom and YouTube.
Read MoreNew Leadership Symposium offers Youth Training and Scholarships
Chapman’s Office of Church Relations, partnering with our beloved alum Lee Yates, is announcing a 6-month Youth Leadership Symposium to offer leadership education and mentoring that will build up the youth’s home congregation and, upon completion, make the student eligible for a half tuition scholarship at Chapman and TCU.
Read MoreTransition Team Report
SWC Moderator Rev. Susan Valiquette and the Transition Team provide information and transparency about the swift process of calling our Transitional Conference Minister.
Read MoreGiving Tuesday - November 29, 2022
Save the Date: Giving Tuesday is November 29th!
The UCC’s national setting Giving Tuesday donations will go to The Climate Hope Summer Fellowship Program. The Southwest Conference encourages donations to Casa De La Misericordia y de Todas las Naciones through the SWC portal. Is your church or organization participating in Giving Tuesday? Let us know!
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Growth Ideas from Thriving ONA Churches!
ONA NEXT is a powerful webinar that shares best practices we’ve learned from thriving Open and Affirming churches, including tips on marketing, communication, ministry and advocacy. Learn how other ONA congregations are attracting new members, building relationships with their LGBTQ+ neighbors, and making a difference in their communities.
Read MoreClergy Retreat photos and videos
Clergy retreat was eventful this year… a blessing of release for Bill Lyons on Monday, an amazing trip to Nogales to visit Casa de la Misericordia on Tuesday, and meeting our Transitional Conference Minister via Zoom on Wednesday!
Here are a few photos - for the full gallery (including videos) from Wende’s phone dump, go here.
Read MoreThe Group Exemption, Proving Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status, and Your Church’s EIN: What Local Churches Need to Know
Do you know about the United Church of Christ’s group exemption? Do you need to prove that your Local Church is tax-exempt? Do you know the difference between “nonprofit,” “tax-exempt,” and “501(c)(3)?” These terms, while often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings under the law, and come with different legal obligations. This post explains how these terms apply to your Local Church, how to prove your church’s tax-exempt status, and the importance of maintaining your church’s federal Employer Identification Number, or EIN.
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Advent sign for refugee / asylum solidarity
Display this 18”x24” plastic lawn sign in your church’s front yard, on the side of your building, or wherever you see fit to share the story of Jesus’ birth and proclaim to your neighbors that when we welcome refugees, when we welcome asylum-seekers, we are welcoming Christ.
Read MoreTalitha Arnold to preach on ‘Day 1’
The Rev. Talitha Arnold, minister of the United Church of Santa Fe, N.M., is the featured preacher December 4 and 11, the second and third Sundays of Advent, on “Day 1” with host Peter Wallace, the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program also accessible online at Day1.org and by podcast.
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ONA Coalition updates
Taizé Morning Prayer now on YouTube - and - correction to resources for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Read MoreWe joyously celebrate the news of the Transitional Conference Minister!
On behalf of the Transition Team and Executive Board, we joyously celebrate the news of the Transitional Conference Minister.
Having sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit and believing that God has called us to share in a mutual and common ministry in Christ, the people of the Southwest Conference, United Church of Christ, of the Executive Board (EB) voted to enter into covenant with Rev. Dr. Altonnette (Toni) Hawkins to become our Transitional Conference Minister (TCM) beginning January 1, 2023.