For existing ONA churches and congregations beginning their journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant, our Open and Affirming Experience: A Virtual Conference on February 27 will have something for you.
Read More![UCC@ASU Update](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/552a993ce4b0c842cdb585ad/1613868240995-5FPPEI3KQ9TLYJWWVK1W/UCC+at+ASU+IG.png)
Conference News
For existing ONA churches and congregations beginning their journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant, our Open and Affirming Experience: A Virtual Conference on February 27 will have something for you.
Read Moreby Andrew Ponder Williams, Campus Minister
We are delighted to share an update with our Southwest Conference friends. We are humbled and encouraged by the incredible outcomes we are experiencing despite the present challenges we all know so well. This partnership of the Southwest Conference and Desert Palm United Church of Christ is resulting in new and exciting ways for us to learn how to be the church in inspiring ways.
Students are very comfortable with and encouraged by our accessible virtual format and authentically inclusive theology and witness. Here are some highlights we want to share
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ Mental Health Network seeks Communication Consultant for 20+ hours per month.
Read MoreAn update from Michael Curry, Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness.
Read MoreIt is with sadness we need to announce that due to the uncertainties of COVID and the extended challenges of knowing when everyone will be able to get vaccinated, we will not be holding our Disciples-UCC Church Camp (DUCC) again this summer.
Read MoreThank you for your generosity and ongoing support of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
Read MoreWe are holding the family of the Rev. Dr. Art Ellersieck in our prayers. Their pastor, Len Sylvester, sent this news...
Read Moreby Lisa Dunbar, RN, BSN; parish nurse at United Church of Sun City
As a Parish Nurse, the pandemic of COVID-19 has certainly brought many challenges in focusing on the health of our congregation. Currently, the challenge is to help our members to understand, to make an educated decision, and to receive the vaccination.
I have found that the first hurdle is in educating our congregation. I have been able to put short articles in the church newsletter, and to send an all-church email that gave information about the vaccine. It focused on dispelling some of the misinformation being disseminated on the web.
Read MoreFriends, it is with both with sorrow and resurrection joy that we share the news that Rev. Robert Koth passed away the morning of January 18. As many of you know, Robert was a servant-leader in our conference during his "retirement" (he was more active than many of us are!) in his tireless advocacy of the differently-abled, those on the margins of society, and radical inclusivity and hospitality for all.
Read MoreTo keep everyone safe, the 33rd General Synod will be held virtually. This means EVERYONE can attend! If you’ve always wanted to see our covenantal denomination in action- this is your chance! Save the Date: July 11-18, 2021. Bookmark the website: http://generalsynod.org/#UCCSynod
Read Morefrom Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter:
On February 2nd, 2021 Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maria Cristina Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, confirmed on a call with faith leaders that clergy are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination under Phase 1B.
Read MoreThe Association of United Church Educators (AUCE) is having a virtual event to celebrate 50 years of pastors and CE folks learning and growing together with the UCC!
AUCE members and friends are invited to help us celebrate 50 years and beyond with special guests, Rev. Molly Baskette, Melvin Bray, Mark Miller, and Walter & Kassie Runsabove.
All are welcome!
Click here for details and to register.
Read MoreIt's time for an update! We want to reinvent our Southwest Conference logo with one that's colorful and symbolizes our values and geography.
Feeling creative? We're accepting submissions! Attach your artwork in an email to Wende. Please use jpg or png format, in 1080x1080 dimension.
We're excited to see your ideas!
Read MoreThe Executive Board approved a new Personnel Policy Manual at its January meeting. We are sharing it with our congregations and members in the spirit of full transparency.
The document might also serve our local churches as a template for reviewing and updating their Personnel Policies.
Read MoreRetired Clergy Zoom Gathering: February 18, 2021 at 1:00 PM MST
Facilitators:
Rev. Jim Meadows (retired, long-time SWC settled and interim pastor)
Rev. Dr. Randi Walker (retired pastor and Pacific School of Religion church history professor)
Given what we actually do as retired ministers, how do we decide what kind of continuing education we need beyond boundary training?
How do we as retired clergypersons keep up to date on our continuing education requirements?
Read MoreConfrontational Faith and Beloved Community: Rekindling Hope and Restoring Trust
Presenter Rev. Dr. Guy Nave
Two Presentations on Saturday, Feb 20th, 9:00am and 11:00am--Mountain Standard Time---30 minutes break
Fulfills two hours of SWC Continuing Education requirements.
Read MoreSunday, February 14, 2021, at 2:00 pm (MST)
The memorial gathering will be available to watch live online at the Church of the Beatitudes website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference is inviting all SWC congregations to join this campaign that will run from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
For every $1 raised, $100 of medical debt can be abolished. $10 abolishes $1000 of medical debt. $10,000 wipes out $1 million. Let’s raise $15,000 to abolish $1.5 million!
The members of Executive Board have pledged an initial $940 to kick this off. That’s already $94,000 of medical debt that can be wiped out for individuals, veterans, and families in our geographical area.
Will your congregation participate? Let us know you’re in so we can add your church to the list of participants.
Read MoreWhether your church is just beginning its journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant, or you've been ONA for many years, you'll find a webinar that meets your needs.
Also check out the Open and Affirming Experience, a one-day virtual conference with two tracks, one for not-yet ONA churches, the other for existing ONA churches.
Read MoreThere was a lot of information covered and meaningful conversations held over this two-day event, so fortunately it was recorded!
Read More