Join a Community of Practice!

in
Join a Community of Practice!

A Community of Practice (COP) is a great way for clergy to connect and offer support to one another. It is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining excellent pastoral leaders for a lifetime of creative, effective service and has proven to be very effective in doing so. Being a minister in any setting is often a lonely job and the COPs encourage lifetime friendships, support and nurture as well as spiritual growth among the other 4 or 5 participants in each group.

We currently have three COPs in the SWC, accepting new members.

Read More

Shape Your Community's Response

in
Shape Your Community's Response

Disaster Readiness and Recovery Committee Meeting:

Would you consider yourself, particularly gifted in navigating challenging, situations and times or would you like to be a part of the team of people who develop how to respond during those times? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The Disaster Readiness and Recovery Committee will be instrumental in the design and implementation of a plan that will ensure the safety, well-being, and effective response of the churches within the Southwest Conference encompassing Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX.

Please reach out to Rev. Dr. JJ Flag at ACM-SCT@uccswc.org if you have interest in being a part of this very important work.

Read More

Excitement grows as the UCC goes “Into the Deep” for GS35

in ,
Excitement grows as the UCC goes “Into the Deep” for GS35

Excitement is mounting as the announcement that General Synod 35 rules and deadlines have been announced, calling United Church of Christ members to Kansas City in July of 2025. The theme of the gathering is “Into the Deep,” based on Luke 5:4, which says, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.'”

Read More

Become a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!

in
Become a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!

Do you have a heart for the Southwest Conference UCC and want to make a real difference? Become a Vital Involvement Partner (VIP)!

As a VIP, you'll dedicate one day a week (on a rotating schedule) to supporting our Conference office in downtown Phoenix. Your skills and energy will be instrumental in keeping things running smoothly.

Vital Involvement Partners (VIP) is a dedicated and enthusiastic Southwest Conference volunteer group focused on providing essential support to the conference office once a week on a rotation basis. The SWC VIPs are instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of office operations. This program offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, develop valuable skills, and contribute to the success of the SWC. As a Vital Involvement Partner, you will be recognized for your contributions and become an essential part of a collaborative and supportive community. Join us in making a significant impact through your dedication and involvement in the SWC.

Ready to join our VIP team or have questions? Contact Dr. Toni today at 602-468-3830 or thawkins@uccswc.org. Let's make a difference together!

Read More

Disaster Ministries team gears up for hurricane season — and beyond

in
Disaster Ministries team gears up for hurricane season — and beyond

by Donna Jackson | published on May 28, 2024

Get ready to batten down the hatches. Research indicates that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1, could be a doozy thanks to La Niña and increasingly warmer ocean temperatures.

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, which runs to Nov. 30, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries encourages congregations to have in place disaster preparedness policies, which include knowing who their Conference Disaster Response Coordinators are. (You can view the CDRC directory here.)

Formerly known as Conference Disaster Coordinators (CDCs), the recent addition of “response” to the name illustrates a renewed focus on better equipping, educating and connecting emergency volunteers and congregations to the resources available in a time of crisis.

“We don’t coordinate disasters. We coordinate the conference’s disaster response,” said Kevin Gehres, CDRC for the Columbus, Ohio-based Heartland Conference.

read the full article on the UCC website

Read More