UCC Webinar: Reclaiming Our Democracy

November 23, 2024 in Faith In Action

After the election, commentators like Tom Nichols urged people to "stay engaged and make their voices heard at every turn.” But most still wonder how, and even if, they can make a difference between elections. What are the options?

(1) Protesting? Vital, but usually not the long game.

(2) Signing email form letters, which only 3% of Congressional staff says is highly effective? Just gestures.

(3) Taking a 2-year nap until the next election? Sadly, the preferred route for many.

Few know about (4) transformational advocacy which helps you change an issue while you also become changed in the process.

In his book "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," Sam Daley-Harris writes about people who have successfully brought about social change and personal transformation. Join us for this webinar as Daley-Harris shares his stories and wisdom gained from years of leading and coaching advocacy organizations such as Citizen's Climate Lobby, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Catholic Relief Services, and RESULTS.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on Wednesday, December 11th at 1 pm ET (11 am SWC time), still sign up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

Desert Palm UCC is the first A2A church in the SWC

November 09, 2024 in Faith In Action

This summer, the UCC Disabilities Ministries certified Desert Palm UCC as an “Accessible to All” (A2A) church. Our church is the first church in the Southwest Conference to attain this milestone. The achievement followed seven years of sustained work, two internal audits of our campus, educational outreach, and numerous meetings.

November 16th: Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training

November 09, 2024 in Faith In Action

On November 16th, Blessed Tomorrow and a range of denominations will offer a training that will equip attendees on understanding the climate crisis through a faith lens while considering its impacts and how we can advance solutions. Attention will be given to how to best communicate with others and become engaged in taking action.

Register now

The Cool Congregations Challenge

November 09, 2024 in Faith In Action

The Cool Congregations Challenge is an annual national contest to recognize congregations that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models. The contest is conducted by Interfaith Power & Light. The deadline for entries is December 15th, and the prize for each category is $1,000. Categories range from renewable energy to stewarding sacred grounds.

Learn more and apply.

Reflections on U.S. Presidential Election - Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson

November 09, 2024 in Faith In Action

Watch the message from Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, GMP of the United Church of Christ, inviting us to pause, pray, and prepare to live love boldly as we process the election outcomes.

"No outcome of the election would deter us from our quest for justice. As people of faith and followers of Jesus, our values and our commitments are not changed by the politics of the day. We remain called to be advocates for justice and to find ourselves providing solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced, those who find themselves living on the margins of our society, and those whose rights are threatened among us."

‘Our Faith Moves Us to Vote’

October 28, 2024 in Faith In Action

The current and four former General Ministers and Presidents call on UCC to vote faithfully and with love.

The group of UCC leaders collaborated to create a video addressing the pressing importance of voting with a lens of faith values as part of the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote campaign.

The historic message is given by the following Presidents and GMPs of the UCC:

Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, current GMP beginning 2023
Rev. John C. Dorhauer, GMP from 2015 to 2023
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, GMP from 2009 to 2015
Rev. John H. Thomas, GMP from 1999 to 2009
Rev. Paul H. Sherry, President from 1989 to 1999

Congregations are invited to share the video for Vote Faithfully Sunday on Nov. 3, and a bulletin insert is available to accompany it.

See more here.

Interfaith Election Eve Prayer Vigil

October 28, 2024

Monday, November 4th, 2024, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm on Zoom

Join people Arizona Faith Network and its organizational partners for a statewide interfaith prayer vigil for a safe and secure election. Leaders from various faith traditions will offer prayers for peace, unity, healing, and the well-being of our communities and nation. We invite you to participate in this sacred time of collective reflection and hope.

Event highlights include:

Blessing and Land Recognition

Prayers for peace, leadership, and unity

Reflections on civic engagement and the common good

Meditative music and moments of silence for reflection

All are welcome to join us as we unite in prayer for a just and peaceful election.

Spanish interpretation and ASL services will be provided.

Voting for a just world: UCC election resource roundup

October 19, 2024 in Faith In Action

All UCC election resources rounded up in one place.

UCC Webinar: What Is Owed—International Climate Debt

October 19, 2024 in Faith In Action

While developed countries disproportionately caused the climate crisis, developing countries have disproportionately suffered the consequences. As a result, a debt is owed. Yet, the opposite is happening as developing countries are the ones saddled with the crushing burden of debt payments. According to a report from the IMF and World Bank, 47 developing countries will pay $400 billion dollars to service their debts in 2024. With the risk of default, these countries are not able to devote the money needed to address the climate crisis. As the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Azerbaijan, we will focus on the enormous moral and financial issues at stake with climate debt.

Athena Peralta from the World Council of Churches and Karimi Kinoti from Edeni Platform will discuss these critical matters.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

UCC issues appeal for those impacted by widespread destruction of Hurricane Helene

October 06, 2024

The United Church of Christ has launched an appeal and opportunities to support recovery efforts following the devastating path Hurricane Helene has left across the Southeast United States.

The UCC Appeal for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts invites people to offer monetary contributions toward hurricane relief, and/or to join volunteer efforts with Crisis Cleanup phone banking – which allows people to remotely assist with connecting crisis need to relief services – and for assembling hygiene and cleanup buckets.

Learn More Here

Vote Faithfully Sunday (November 3): Worship Resources Available Now!

October 06, 2024 in Faith In Action

We invite you to join us in observing the Sunday, November 3rd as “Vote Faithfully Sunday.” This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our commitment to the common good, ground ourselves before Election Day, and prepare to vote as a community. You are welcome to use and adapt the materials available on our website for any ecumenical setting.

Check back on this page soon for an upcoming video from Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson!

Learn More Here

Our Faith Our Vote Resource Toolkit: Available for Download Now!

October 06, 2024 in Faith In Action

The United Church of Christ’s Our Faith Our Vote Campaign is designed to engage the faith community in elections. Our Resource Toolkit provides a wide-range of material ranging from:

💙 How to mobilize your congregation this election season

💙 Guidelines for faithful and respectful discussion on the issues

💙 Election centered worship resources

💙 Much, much, more!

Please use and share this toolkit to help center LOVE this election season. Let us together continue the UCC’s mission to welcome all, love all and seek justice for all!

Download the Toolkit Here

A Joint Statement on the Current Crisis in Haiti

September 28, 2024 in Faith In Action

GMP releases call to denounce hate, stand with Haitian community in Springfield: The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson responds to the recent rise in violent threats and harassment toward members of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, following widely spread, false narratives about Haitian immigrants. Read More.

UCC Webinar: Project 2025 as a Threat to God's Creation

September 28, 2024 in Faith In Action

Project 2025 is a compilation of policy proposals and a presidential transition project launched by the Heritage Foundation. The proposed policies would have far-reaching implications from bolstering the US military to cutting social welfare programs.

In this webinar, we will look specifically at what Project 2025 would mean for environment justice. Our panelists will include Xavier Boatright from the Sierra Club, Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Abigail Cipparone from the Advocacy Office of the United Church of Christ.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 9th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

Why Your Faith Matters When You Vote

September 21, 2024 in Faith In Action

Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 - 8:00 pm MST via Zoom

As part of AFN's "Voices of Faith, Votes for Justice" campaign, this online event will help faith attendees understand the intersection of faith and civic responsibility. It aims to foster a space for thoughtful reflection on how personal beliefs can align with values in the political realm, emphasizing moral principles, community impact, and long-term societal well-being. The webinar will be led by Canon Lisa Derrick.

RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION

Dr. Toni went to Washington!

September 16, 2024 in Faith In Action

Dr. Toni was honored to represent the Southwest Conference UCC in Washington, DC in support of Oak Flat- Apache Stronghold in their case before the Supreme Court last Wednesday.

Here are pictures of Dr. Toni with National UCC staff from the DC office and Cleveland office, with John Maddaus of First Congregation UCC - Albuquerque, NM, with other Arizona clergy, and with Rev. Dr. William Barber II, and a poignant photo of Wendsler Nosie.

Many people along with our indigenous siblings from around the country converged at the Supreme Court steps for prayer.

Please continue to join us in prayer.

Apache Stronghold‘s Visit to First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque

September 02, 2024 in Faith In Action

First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque, in cooperation with Albuquerque Mennonite Church, Monte Vista Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Interfaith Power and Light of New Mexico and El Paso, hosted Apache Stronghold on their prayer journey to Washington, DC, from Sunday evening, August 18 to Wednesday morning, August 21. Apache Stronghold, in turn, blessed us with their presence, prayers, ceremony, and message.

From the Southwest Conference, Dr. Toni and Rev. Tracy Howe will join other clergy from all over the country in a show of support.

UCC Webinar: Churches as Climate Refuges in Times of Trouble

August 24, 2024 in Faith In Action

As the climate crisis leads to more extreme weather events, faith communities can play a vital role as places of refuge and resiliency. For example, a house of worship with solar panels, battery storage, air conditioning, and an air filtration system can provide a place for community members to come during heat waves, power outages, or unhealthy air quality days. Faith communities not only can serve as drop-in centers, but they can also serve as evacuation zones, emergency shelters, and resource hubs in times of trouble.

In this webinar, we will learn more about the cutting edge of how faith communities are embodying a love of neighbor in very tangible and needed ways. We will hear from those leading the way in their local communities to make this happen with the help of government funding.

Even if you cannot make it at its scheduled time on Wednesday, September 11th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024

August 23, 2024 in Faith In Action

Join best-selling author and pastor, the Rev. Jim Wallis, in reflections on the current state of our democracy and his most most recent book, The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy.

This event is being co-sponsored by AFN, The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, the African American Christian Clergy Coalition, and Arizona Democracy Resiliency Network.

RSVP to the Phoenix event here.

RSVP to the Tucson event here.

Guidelines for Congregations and Clergy on Political Action

August 06, 2024 in Faith In Action

The Decentering Whiteness Task Force discussed something a bit outside of our normal remit: We thought it might be a helpful reminder to our churches to provide them guidance on church and clergy participation in politics in an election year.

In an election year, it is vital for United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations and clergy to understand how they can engage in the political process while adhering to legal restrictions. The UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries have outlined clear guidelines to help navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that faith-inspired political activities remain within legal boundaries.