Conference News
For the first time ever, the United Church of Christ General Synod will gather virtually in 2021. The biennial gathering is moving entirely online next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Church of Christ Board made this historic decision this week after considering a number of factors.
Read MoreOf one child from Bethlehem, much has been written.
But what of Bethlehem’s other children?
John Indermark is a retired UCC pastor and writer living in Tucson, Arizona. John has authored a number of spiritual formation books published by Upper Room Books and Abingdon Press.
Read MoreDebby Stinton has been approved by the Committee on Church and Ministry 'A' to take the next step toward ordination, which is an Ecclesiastical Council. It will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, June 14 via Zoom.
Read MoreIf you are like us, you are sick to your stomach that camp isn't happening this year. But, that doesn't mean our children and youth won't be able to connect with each other! If you would like to get signed up for our Camp Alternative, DUCC @ HOME, please keep reading! DUCC @ HOME is free for all participants.
Each participant will have different opportunities for connection, depending on their ages.
We know this is NOT camp, but we hope that connecting youth with each other, trusted adults, and God will result in a positive experience for all during this pandemic.
Read MoreMany of our original NYE presenters are excited to be able to put together meaningful content that will be shared via the web and will include live chat features during and after each premier.
Read MoreWORLD PREMIERE DEBUT - "TOGETHER WE'RE STRONG"
This original song, written for NYE, is an uplifting symbol of unity in these extraordinary times. In it, we are reminded: we have wisdom, purpose, and youth. We are here for a time such as this.
Read MoreHow will faith be formed in the future? How and where will it be nurtured?
Who will be the teachers and mentors, how and what will they teach? Where will they learn it?
Read More“Everything I know about the situation in which we find ourselves tells me that we must continue the suspension of in-person church gatherings for the foreseeable future.”
Read MoreSupporting Our Clergy
Are you living with a mental health challenge/diagnosis? Do you need a confidential space outside of your setting or clergy circle? Are you yearning for a place to share your strengths and your struggles with symptoms?
The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is here to support you.
Below find information about two online support groups for clergy led by two of our board members.
From the Director....
Dear Friends of Emmanuel Pines,
I know our team has been in contact with many of you over the past month but I also want to personally reach out with an update. The health and safety of our guests and team members is of utmost importance to us… Please know that we miss you and we’re eager for the day where we can again serve you and your attendees with excellence in grace.
Read MoreAs we continue to explore new ways to be the church that people want in this time, your support of the Strengthen the Church offering on May 31 is now needed more than ever. The Strengthen the Church offering builds up the United Church of Christ by providing the financial resources to be a Spirit-inspired and world-changing Christian movement. Funding supports leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation; all strategies needed as we work through this current challenge and beyond. Conferences and the National Setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations.
Read MoreFriends, let us keep the family and friends of Emery Boepple in our prayers, including the members of United Churches Fellowship in Nogales. Emery passed away on Friday in Chandler where he was living, according to his pastor, Larkin Rossitter.
Read MoreBill’s follow-up notes from the clergy call on April 23.
Read MoreThe next live webcasts from the Insurance Board are “Financial Controls and Best Practices” and “Boundaries and Youth Ministry During COVID-19.”
Read MoreStart planning now for the future of your congregation. Are you already ONA? Our webinars will help you deepen your ONA commitment and learn best practices for church growth. Not yet ONA? Learn how to lead your congregation towards an ONA covenant in ways that build consensus, strengthen relationships, and reduce the risk of conflict. Our popular webinar series is the perfect stay-at-home activity for church leaders.
Learn more at www.openandaffirming.org/ona-webinars.
Read MoreThe UCC Opening and Affirming Coalition is hosting daily Morning Prayer from Monday through Saturday in our Zoom chapel. The time is 9 am MST. The 15-minute services are based on the ancient "Hours" of Christian prayer and include scripture, silence, intercessory prayer and Taizé chant. This is a great way to begin your day with centering prayer.
Every Sunday at 3 pm MST, the Coalition offers a service of virtual Holy Communion with music and a message.
Members of any congregation - ONA or not - are welcome to these services, which will continue as long as stay-at-home orders remain in effect.
Join us during the prayer times at zoom.us/s/5556624822.
Read MoreResources for church moderators and treasurers regarding church staff working from home, and more.
Read MoreOn April 21, 2020, the Arizona judicatory leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and The Episcopal Church jointly sent the following letter to Governor Doug Ducey:
Read MoreAn important update about camp and what we’re offering to camp families this year.
Read MoreThis year’s Disciples/UCC Church Camp (DUCC) will not be held June 15-20, 2020 due to the continuing health threats posed by COVID-19. This was a very difficult decision for us in both the Southwest Conference UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona, but we felt it a necessary one to maintain the safety of everyone involved, plus be good stewards of time and finances in this unprecedented time.
Read More
