Resettlement Resources: Global H.O.P.E. team offers grants, check-ins and other tools to churches resettling refugees.
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Faith In Action
JPANet: Include Community Violence Intervention In Build Back Better
Tell your Senators to work to make sure that community-based violence intervention strategies remain included and fully funded in the Build Back Better plan and to support swift passage of the bill.
Read MoreAnother update on HB 132
An update on HB 132, the Faith Letter you all added your names to, and where we are headed at this point, from Kurt A. Rager. Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM:
“Through our online signup option, and over two Sundays, just over 400 people have added their names as well. I'm continuing to send out the message that additional names will be accepted through the weekend, likely ending on Monday. Those 400 names come from 31 congregations across NM, of which only 13 were ELCA congregations. This is truly an ecumenical effort.”
Read MoreUpdate on New Mexico HB 132
We are working with our Lutheran Advocacy Ministry partners in New Mexico to pass NM HB-132. The SWC has signed the faith leaders advocacy letter and will continue to support the bill as it comes to the floor for debate. HB 132 is one of our top priority bills as it would greatly reduce predatory lending in New Mexico.
Read MoreOrganizing to pass the Predatory Debt Collection Act (Arizona)
The Southwest Conference Executive Board endorsed the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act on behalf of the Conference. We are partnering with Healthcare Rising Arizona - the organization responsible for the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act - to move this ballot measure forward.
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JPANet: February Newsletter
Read this month’s newsletter from the UCC’s Justice and Peace Action Network.
Read MoreARIZONA ACTION ALERT: HB2507: Religious Services; Essential Services Bill is Back
The Religious Services as Essential Services bill that we saw last year is back in a new form this year. The SWC has opposed this bill previously and has registered our opposition this time around too.
I am inviting you to consider opposing the bill based on the talking points included with this message. The bill legalizes discrimination of every kind and exempts religious organizations and leaders from almost all laws if they claim religious freedom.
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Reminder: AZ Legislature Putting Public Education at Risk
From Pima County Interfaith:
The Arizona legislature is putting public education at risk again. Please attend a new civic academy that will inform you about two critical issues happening NOW.
Read MoreUrgent Need for Signatures!
The Southwest Conference has signed on to this letter, working to change predatory lending laws in New Mexico.
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How is your church "Willing to Respond"?
Does your congregation desire to be more prepared for disasters, both to protect yourselves and to help your neighbors in time of need? Willing to Respond is for you!
This new and rapidly growing network is providing congregations with practical tools, training and relationships, including online resources and connection to denominational, ecumenical and other disaster response resources. It's simple to access and easy to register.
JPANet: Take a Stand Against Human Trafficking
Trafficking in persons is a crime against humanity and ultimately a sin. The violence done to the physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing of people who are forced into slavery is a violation of the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Read More"We’re Finally Inside"
From the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center (SFB-CRC):
After six years of dreaming, planning, and fundraising, SFB-CRC has already taken that first big step into the new facility under a temporary certificate of occupancy. Pantries have been stocked and food items are collected from six grocery stores. We are also providing utility assistance, SNAP sign-up, and assistance in avoiding eviction. 300 households have been served in the first week of January and up to 400 backpacks were distributed.
Read MoreIRC Welcome Center needs
Needs for donations, volunteers, and paid positions.
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JPANet: Support the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2022
Our faith tells us that each person bears the image of God and each person’s life is valuable. We are called to oppose violence and abuse and ensure the protection and safety of others.
Please join with us in contacting your Senators to tell them to support the bipartisan consensus reauthorization bill to safeguard and uphold the programs supported by VAWA.
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UCC Webinar—When Disaster Strikes: Faith Communities Responding with Equity and Justice
Because disasters often expose, widen, and exacerbate the gaps of pre-existing disparities, it is essential that communities of faith prioritize and hold fast in their commitments to equity and justice. This webinar will equip faith communities with the knowledge and awareness required to act in accordance with our values.
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Boundary training for ministry with refugees, Ramadan workshop series, and more offerings
from Irene Willis Hassan, MDiv, Minister for Refugee and Migration Ministries. Global H.O.P.E. – Humanitarian. Opportunities. Progress. Empowerment.
Here’s a list of upcoming offerings to help assist you as you continue in relationship with your new neighbors.
Read MoreDecolonizing Church: Black History Month Edition
January 31 –February 28
This course is for pastors, church planters, faith-based nonprofit leaders, seminary students, faith-based activists and organizers, religious educators, and congregational lay leaders.
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Storytelling and Racial Justice webinar
Share Stories, Open Hearts: Create movement toward racial justice. Join a webinar at 6 p.m. ET Jan. 19 to hear how sacred stories can inspire action.
Read MoreJPANet: January Newsletter
The Justice Peace and Action Network newsletter.
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A Call to Pray and Fast
Members of the Southwest Conference, let us unite in time of prayer and fasting. Voting rights are taking center stage this Martin Luther King Day weekend. Hunger strikes in Washington DC and in many local communities have begun in earnest with hope that nonviolent action will move politicians to heed the will of a supermajority of Americans who want voting rights protected by passing the combined Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Amendment Act.
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