Over one hundred church people from a mix of denominations, from all over the country - clergy and lay people  gathered at the Good Shepherd UCC and on both sides of the border. This Witness at the Border program is a response to the separation of migrant and asylum seeker families, and the public outcry for action to support these families, to stop the separations at the border, and place pressure on our elected officials to stop the violence perpetrated on this vulnerable population by our US immigration policies and practices.

First Church UCC is partnering with The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for the 7th Annual Multi-faith Food Drive to support two small food banks, the Cultural Cup Food Bank and Extended Hands Food Bank.

A service of communion on the Mexico side of the United States Border Wall on Tuesday, August 28, underscored the stark realities of current U.S. immigration policies and border militarization for more than 80 people of several faith traditions participating in the United Church of Christ’s Faithful Witness at the Border. Hours following that sacred vigil, a time of witness, with a demonstration at the U.S. Border Patrol Offices in Nogales, Ariz., as participants prayed for the detained children, their parents, border patrol agents and issued a moral demand — that families be reunited.

More than 100 people from seven Conferences in the United Church of Christ, joined by members of three ecumenical partner Churches, are converging on the border town of Sahuarita, Ariz., for several days of study and service around immigrant justice.

The Rev. Bill Lyons, Conference Minister of the Southwest Conference UCC, the Rev. Randy Mayer, pastor of the host church, Good Shepherd UCC, and a half dozen members of the National Staff welcomed a majority of the participants during a Sunday evening supper August 26, to talk through understandings of Border/Immigration Ministries, review current U.S. immigration policy, and to share an itinerary that includes a trip to Nogales, Sonora, Mex., a communion service at the Border Wall, and a walk along migrant trails in the desert.

Sanctuary
A new play by Milta Ortiz, directed by Marc David Pinate
Presented site specifically at Southside Presbyterian Church
317 W 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713

September 6-23, 2018

Based on real people and events, Sanctuary chronicles the Tucson birth of the 1980s Sanctuary Movement.

The FAQs for A Week of Faithful Witness at the Border have moved to a separate post. If you’re attending the event, be sure to check back often so you don’t miss any updates.

Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bridge & 8th Street, and Dolores Huerta Gateway Park

The weekend before San Francisco’s Global Climate Action Summit, the Peoples Climate Movement will lead a national mobilization for climate, jobs, and justice.

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.