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Extravagantly welcoming and affirming followers of Christ called to embody God’s unconditional justice and love. 

 
 
 
Conference Office News Blog
Would your church like a Sunday visit or sermon from Dr. Toni?
Would your church like a Sunday visit or sermon from Dr. Toni?

Dr. Toni welcomes opportunities to visit and preach in congregations across the Southwest Conference. A simple invitation ensures her visit is both warmly received and thoughtfully coordinated with your church’s leadership.

To explore scheduling and availability, please contact her at thawkins@uccswc.org or call 480-997-5015.

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Faith In Action Blog
Five ways churches can celebrate Pride Month: Resources to worship, witness, love loudly
Five ways churches can celebrate Pride Month: Resources to worship, witness, love loudly


by Kayla Berkey | published on Jun 2, 2026

The start of June marks the beginning of Pride Month, the month designated to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Alongside other riots, Stonewall was an influential moment of resistance in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights.

Now begins the season of Pride marches and festivals held in towns large and small across the country, where many United Church of Christ congregations build on the denomination’s long history of working for LGBTQ+ inclusion by offering a visible presence of God’s love for LGBTQ+ people.

The Rev. Bentley de Bardelaben-Phillips, team leader for UCC Education for Faithful Action Ministries, reflected as Pride Month begins, “It is meaningful to know that my church supports me the way God created me: Black, queer, beautiful, and pansexual/bisexual.” 

Click here for some resources and ideas for engaging with Pride within the sanctuary and beyond.

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Church News & Events
1 out of 21
Church News
1 out of 21
Church News

During the summer months at First Church Phoenix, the Unhoused Pantry closes, and First Church opens a heat respite cooling center in the Fellowship Hall, providing a cool and safe space where guests receive snacks, water, and relief from the daytime heat.

First Church, partnered with Grace Lutheran, is 1 out of 21 Respite Centers, and one of the very few that are open on Sundays, and allow pets and belongings. Respite means that community members are able to get some rest and fall asleep. Stop by, it's like nap time at preschool. 

Click through to read more.

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