As the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the gift of community and shared ministry. With joy, we welcome Rev. Sharon Temple from the Heart of Texas Association–South Central Conference into our Southwest Conference family!
Let us extend a heartfelt welcome to our new clergy colleague. May we embrace her with open hearts, lifting her in prayer and offering our encouragement and support as she embarks on this new chapter of ministry.
Read MoreThe Nominating Committee is on the lookout for talented individuals from churches within the Southwest Conference to join our various standing committees. Today, we're spotlighting COM B (COVENANT) and the Nominating Committee (MATCHING).
Rich Doerrer-Peacock has all the As to your Qs—click through to read his answers to your burning questions!
Read MoreIn this turbulent time, one thing we as church musicians can do is use music that gives congregants the chance to channel their feelings into community singing. We know the power of music to move and soothe us. What powerful songs have people used in the past? What songs are you leaning into today?
Hymn writers Adam Tice, Ana Hernández, and Hannah Brown will join Board Member Ruth Striegel for a Saturday Sharing about the work they do to bring light to our hurting world. Come and be a part of the conversation!
Read MoreRay Phillips is a member of First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque. Here he shares his story about becoming active in the SWC, meeting many wonderful people, and he invites you to do the same by serving on a SWC Committee.
Please click through to read Ray's entire story!
As many readers of “In the Loop” know, Martha and I have been active not only in our church in Albuquerque but in the Southwest Conference of the UCC. Why would we get involved in the regional conference so soon after joining our church in Albuquerque? Partly because the Conference Minister of the Maine Conference of the UCC, Rev. Deborah Blood, alerted the SW Conference that we were on the way here and likely to be interested in serving at the Conference level. We got pulled in.
We on the SW Conference Nominating Committee, where I am completing my final term, strongly encourage anyone with an interest in working with wonderful people from elsewhere in our region to make a positive difference in how our churches, the Conference, and the national organization put into practice what we hold dear in our Christian faith. In this and recent issues of In the Loop we have been describing the various committees where there are opportunities to serve, and you will find a link that you can use to express your interest. I encourage you to do so. When I was invited to join the Nominating Committee, I was hesitant because I didn’t at that time know too many people beyond my home church. It has been an enjoyable learning experience and, as I leave it, I am making way for someone else to join. Will it be you?
Read Moreby Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Associate Conference Minister for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment
One of the greatest joys in my ministry and my new position with the SWC is witnessing someone discover their calling. Maybe it’s the young adult who unexpectedly leads a powerful prayer, the longtime church member who comes alive when organizing a church project, or the retiree who finds new purpose in teaching Bible study or group. (SWC Retired Clergy CoP-I’m looking at you guys!)These are the moments when we, as pastors, get to step into the role of mentor—encouraging, equipping, and walking alongside those whom God is calling into deeper service.
So often, leadership development in the church is reduced to filling empty positions: “Who can take over the finance team? Who will organize coffee hour? Who can step in to teach Sunday school?” But true mentorship isn’t about plugging people into roles—it’s about nurturing discipleship, helping individuals recognize their God-given gifts, and encouraging them to step forward in faith.
Read MoreThe NM Conference of Churches is currently seeking a Conference Director who will work closely with the Board of Directors to expand the Conference’s role in our state. As a community of Christians, the ministry of the New Mexico Conference of Churches is to bring healing and hope to the people of New Mexico while striving to heed Jesus’ call for unity, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
Applications are being accepted through February 28.
View the job description here.
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Would you like to support present and future ministers of the UCC?
COM A, the Committee on Ministry helps:
ministers who are moving into our area gain standing
those who are living here keep up boundary training and education
those in discernment progress towards ordained ministry
We are delighted to share that Emmy Mullennix, a member of First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque, NM, began her journey as a Member in Discernment with the Southwest Conference UCC on January 14, 2025.
This marks a significant step in Emmy’s discernment process as she listens for God’s call to ministry. Let us continue to surround her with prayer, encouragement, and support as she moves forward on this sacred journey. May she find wisdom, clarity, and joy in the path ahead!
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In this three-part webinar, elders of the Afro-Christian tradition will share how the African Spirit of Ubuntu has sustained their lives, and why it offers a source of nurture for our souls at such a time as this. Each session will center on one value of Ubuntu as we discover ways to put our collective wisdom into practice.
Read MoreThe Nominating Committee is on the lookout for talented individuals from churches within the Southwest Conference to join our various standing committees. Today, we're spotlighting the Finance Committee!
Are you interested in shaping the financial future of our Conference? The Finance Committee, led by our Treasurer (the ONLY executive board member who both sits on the board AND chairs a committee!), is dedicated to overseeing our shared financial vision. This vital team reviews financial reports, aligns with endowment goals, and makes recommendations on expenditures to the Board.
If you have expertise in accounting, finance, investments (especially regarding endowments), or legal matters, your skills would be a great asset to our Finance/Endowment Committee!
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February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements of Black leaders, reflect on the struggles for justice, and recognize how history still shapes our present. For the Church, this is more than a time of remembrance—it is a call to ask ourselves: Are we genuinely working toward racial justice, or are we standing on the sidelines?
Many of us think of racism as something obvious—hate speech, violence, or blatant discrimination. But racism also exists in quieter, more subtle ways.
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May 1 - 3, 2025
First Congregational UCC Albuquerque
and Marriott Albuquerque
We are thrilled to invite you to our 3-day transformative gathering centered on the theme of “Starting Where We Are: Creating Community in Chaotic Times." This year’s annual meeting aims to equip clergy and church leaders with the tools, inspiration, and faith-based strategies to address today's pressing chaotic times. Together, we’ll explore how the church can lead in advocating for equity, compassion, and lasting change. Our 2025 event will feature a game night, an awards dinner (pack your Sunday Best), an installation service, and so much more!
We are excited to announce that our keynote speaker will be Rev. Traci Blackmon! You do not want to miss out!
Registration is now live! Early registrants will receive a free gift at check-in, so register by February 28!
Read MoreFrom the Convergence Weekly newsletter:
The last 11 days have produced a host of questions from congregations and synagogues regarding I.C.E. entry on property. We have curated these resources to assist you.
Read MoreAs part of the Southwest Conference’s ongoing commitment to accountability and shared ministry, I recently emailed all SWC church office staff requesting a copy of the clergy Call Agreement and Covenant Agreement. I encourage you to do so if you have not yet submitted yours. Beloved Church, ensuring these agreements are in place strengthens our covenantal bonds and reaffirms our commitment to faithful ministry in the UCC.
Understanding the distinction between Covenant Agreements and Call Agreements is essential to upholding the integrity of our shared ministry.
Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s article.
Read MoreFrom Chapman University:
The Office of Church Relations will hold our 41st Annual Founders Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025 and will bring a new format to the beloved tradition. Familiar faces from the Chapman community will tell true stories to the theme of Oops, I did it again! in a StoryHour coached and hosted by Rebecca Anderson, a storyteller and copastor of Gilead Chicago and Bethany UCC. This StoryHour experience will not only be a time of joy, mirth, and connection, but it will lead us into deeper understandings of our shared identities.
Click through for more details and registration link.
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Join us as we celebrate 25 years of Our Whole Lives! Special guests will share historical context and we’ll look at where we hope the next 25 years will take us.
Read MoreCurrently there is a position available on the Southwest Conference Personnel Committee.
The Personnel Committee is an important behind-the-scenes committee that meets approximately once a month when actively working on a project, and as needed if issues arise.
Having a background in human resources or people management is a plus. A key part of this role is the ability to evaluate systems and texts with the willingness to provide input.
The Personnel Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Personnel Policy of the Southwest Conference and for the conduct of a periodic evaluation of all professional staff.
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Rich Doerrer-Peacock by email at rdoerrerpeacock@cox.net or Minister Gordon Street at gpstreet3@gmail.com.
If you're interested in serving on the Personnel Committee, please fill out this form. You can also use this form to recommend someone from your congregation or the SWC (with their permission). What better way to affirm your relationship with them than by volunteering them to serve? What an honor!
Read MoreAs a queer Black Christian, the phrase "created in the image of God" resonates deeply with me. It is a profound truth, yet it often stirs tension when I reflect on my experiences in the world and the Church. Genesis 1:27 boldly declares that all humanity is made in God's image, affirming that every aspect of our being reflects God's creativity, love, and purpose. However, for those of us living at the intersections of marginalized identities, this divine affirmation can feel overshadowed by societal prejudices and systemic inequalities.
I often ask myself: What does it mean to be created in the image of God when the world seems to devalue parts of who I am? How do others interpret this sacred truth? While I know my identity is God-given and precious, the reality of being judged based on race, sexuality, or gender identity remains a constant challenge. It's a painful reminder that even within faith communities, the fullness of God's diversity is not always embraced.
Click through to read the full article.
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Here are three lighthearted yet serious reasons clergy need self-care—and yes, the Manual on Ministry backs me up on this.
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