Positions in the SWC that are open as of March 23rd

• Secretary for the Executive Board and Annual Meetings

• COM A – 4 positions, preferably 3 of these be lay persons, but not necessary

• Finance and Endowment Committee – 1 position to fill a vacancy for 1 year

• Nominating Committee – 1 position

Needless to say, for all committees, preferably persons of color and those under 40 yrs. old

For more information, contact Rich Doerrer-Peacock at rdoerrerpeacock@cox.ne soon. Or fill out the form indicating your interest. The form can be found HERE.

We’re getting our ducks in order.

Thanks much for your careful and prayerful consideration,

Rich

Friday's opening worship at our Annual Meeting will include the installation of our Associate Conference Ministers, Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith and Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott!

ALL ARE WELCOME—if you're in Albuquerque you are welcome to attend the worship service whether you're attending the Annual Meeting or not.

By Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott

Last week, I was honored to officiate two memorial services here in Arizona. Shortly after, I traveled to Louisiana to attend my aunt's funeral—not as a pastor, but as a nephew, son, brother, and cousin. It reminded me that while we as clergy wear many hats—pastor, counselor, officiant, and comforter—the roles we hold within our own families can be the most difficult to navigate. In times of grief, we are called to lead and sit quietly with our sorrow, love, and loss.

Funerals and memorials are full of sadness, but they also bring moments of joy. We tell stories, laugh through tears, and remember what mattered most. In the South, we often say someone has "gone on to glory"—a phrase filled with sorrow and hope.

Prestemon Affirmed to Serve as AGM, Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Shari Prestemon heads to General Synod 35 to be elected as the next AGM for UCC’s Love of Neighbor Ministries.

The Board voted unanimously on March 7 to nominate Prestemon, who has been leading the Love of Neighbor Ministries, a ministry she’s guided for the last 13 months as its interim executive. The final step is confirmation of her candidacy by the 35th General Synod, July 11-15 in Kansas City, where she’ll need a 60% majority of the more than 700 voting delegates.

AGM for LoC Ministries Search to Begin Again After Synod

The search committee for the role of Associate General Minister for Love of Church did not identify a candidate to recommend to the United Church of Christ Board during their March 6-8 meeting.

“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to say, ‘No, we have not yet found the right nominee for this time and this place,’” said Julia Gaughan, UCCB chair. “I commend the Search Committee for their diligent and thorough work, and I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide this Board, this Church, and the future Search Committee in the process of discernment for the next Associate General Minister for Love of Church.”

Our theme, "Sacred, Seen, and Called: Living Our Truth, Embracing Our Light," is inspired by Philippians 2:15—a call to shine as beacons of justice, love, and affirmation.

 At a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing challenges, this gathering is more than a conference—it’s a movement. Together, we will:

• Affirm Our Faith – Worship in a space where all are fully embraced.

• Build Resilience – Engage in workshops and strategy sessions to counter discrimination and injustice.

• Celebrate and Inspire – Honor milestones in the ONA movement and shape the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church.

What to Expect:

• Dynamic speakers and workshops featuring faith leaders, activists, and theologians.

• Powerful worship celebrating God’s love for all people.

• A State of the Movement address from ONA leadership.

• Community connection and shared learning with ONA advocates nationwide.

In 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 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!

Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10 am NM & El Paso / 9 am AZ on Zoom.
This event is free and open to all. Register to receive the Zoom link. Register to receive the Zoom link.

The Southwest Conference joyfully celebrates Rev. Carlos Sosa, Pastor of Church of the Painted Hills, on his graduation with a Master of Divinity March 6, 2025!