One of the best predictors of success in life is education. It’s true in the United States; it’s true pretty much everywhere around the world. That’s why for the past fifteen years members of The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita, Arizona have been investing in the education of young people in Guatemala.

Rev. Talitha Arnold has been asked to be a presenter for an expert panel on the “Role of Faith Communities with Persons with Serious Mental Illnesses,” in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 12.

The Southwest Conference was one of the amici in this case.

Three weeks ago, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the so-called Sanctuary Cities Executive Order unconstitutional. The Court found that federal funding could be withheld only with congressional authorization, and that the Executive Branch may not refuse to disperse federal grants without congressional authorization. Such a withholding would violate the constitutional separation of powers.

Shepherd of the Hills is excited to announce their new partnership with Arizona State University Project Humanities, and host what they hope to be the first of many conversations.

Join the Revs. John Dorhauer and Traci Blackmon at this conference which shares the UCC’s vision for disability inclusion throughout the wider church. Plan to be in New York November 1-3, at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

The session is for anyone who would like to learn a bit more about the Compassionate (Nonviolent) Communication process.

The Global Climate Action Summit will bring leaders and people together from around the world to “Take Ambition to the Next Level.” It will be a moment to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of states, regions, cities, companies, investors and citizens with respect to climate action.

On September 8, 2018 People across the country will be gathering to demand bold action on climate, jobs, and justice. Faith Contingents will be a part of many of the marches.  Find below some of the IPL leading a group to their local Climate March.

Our 3 Great Loves writers team has created a special devotional series intended to be a complement for UCC congregations and individuals as they reflect on the seminal book by the Rev. William Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, The Third Reconstruction. May this reflection inspire not only awareness but responsive action to bridge racial divisions and truly live out God’s love by loving our neighbors. Download the devotional series.

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). The remaining two-thirds support local justice initiatives throughout the UCC.

Our Washington, DC team is now accepting applications for our Justice and Peace Fellowship. This 1-2 year position is a perfect opportunity for young leaders who are seeking to learn and work at the intersection of our faith, public policy, and our call to work for a just world for all. Applications are due by August 15th with an expected start date in September. Apply now and help us spread the word!

It can be tempting to disengage from the political process, but as people dedicated to creating a just world for all, we know we must be involved. Read Rev. Traci Blackmon’s invitation to participate in the UCC Our Faith Our Vote campaign and learn more about how your congregation can legally engage in the elections.

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend is Labor Sunday, a day to lift up workers and celebrate their contributions. It is also a day to commit ourselves to improving jobs and our economy so that all workers have wages, benefits, and work hours that allow them to live in the fullness of life – which is God’s intention for each of us.

This year, Just Peace Sunday will focus on the theme “Wisdom Cries Out!” based on the lectionary passage, Proverbs 1:20-33. Worship, learning, and craft materials will be available online making connections between our witness as a Just Peace Church and our particular concern at this time for those migrants fleeing violence at our border. 

On Thursday, August 9, Arizona Faith Network will be represented on a panel to speak about DACA. The purpose for the event is to raise community awareness of the imminent legal threat to DACA.

United Church of Santa Fe has been involved in border ministries for a number of years. They are an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation, and have had youth and adult service trips to the border (often partnering with Good Shepherd) since 2000.

If you register to vote online, be sure it is through a trustworthy site, such as Rock the Vote. 

voter registration deadlines:

Arizona: July 30, 2018

New Mexico: October 9, 2018

Texas: October 9, 2018

From Rincon's newsletter:

I am excited to share news of the church mission trip the week of December 9th to Puerto Rico with our UCC mission partners there.  UCC Disaster Relief Ministries is seeking groups from UCC churches to help church partners in Puerto Rico in recovery efforts from the two major hurricanes that devastated Puerto Rico last year.

The dates are set for CRR's next service trip to Guatemala to help build homes for people who are living in extreme poverty. They will be there the week of February 11-15, 2019; travel dates are still to be determined.

The trip will be organized in conjunction with Constru Casa (“Construct a House”) which is a non-profit organization very similar to Habitat for Humanity except that they address the needs of people who are very poor.