2020 Annual Meeting of the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ
“Stories That Transform”
REVISED DATES; please read Plan C
9 am Friday, October 2 through 3 pm Sunday, October 4, 2020 | The Good Shepherd UCC, Sahuarita, AZ
DELEGATES: Churches with 500 members or less may have FIVE delegates. Ministers with standing in the SWC, members of the SWC Executive Board, and General Synod Delegates are Delegates in their own right.
RESOLUTIONS: In accordance with Annual Meeting Standing Rule; resolutions may be submitted to the Conference at Annual Meeting. Resolutions must be in the hands of the Executive Board, in writing, no later than the meeting of the Board preceding the Annual Meeting for approval for submission at the Annual Meeting.
TRAVEL COST REIMBURSEMENT: Conference Delegates and eligible Clergy with Standing may apply for travel reimbursement of up to $225.00 using the Expense Voucher form. (Pastors who have travel reimbursement in their Call Agreement are not eligible to apply for Conference travel reimbursement.)
This page is your one stop for all things Annual Meeting! We’ll update it as more information becomes available, so check back often.
ONLINE REGISTRATION is now open! Register before September 4 for the early price of $115 which includes a catered dinner on Friday evening and the banquet dinner on Saturday. The price will increase to $125 on September 5. Registration will close on September 18.
Vendors may register for the full event with both dinners ($100 table fee waived) OR for a vendor table only ($100) that does NOT include any meals or participation.
LODGING: The hotels in the area aren’t large enough to accomodate our entire group, so there is no block of rooms this year. You’re free to choose and book your lodging based on your taste and budget.
Follow THIS link for a list of nearby hotels.
Follow THIS link for a list of nearby Airbnb locations.
HOME HOSPITALITY: If you require home hospitality, please notify Wende after registering for the Annual Meeting. Event Staff will follow up to confirm details upon request. For additional information, contact the SWC office.
MEALS: Registration price includes a catered dinner on Friday and the banquet dinner on Saturday. Seating is limited at both dinners. We’ll continue the partnership of local businesses and food trucks to offer lunches for purchase. You’re invited to choose and purchase items based on your dietary and budget preferences from Gigi's Mexican Peruvian Fusion and Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro at the church during Friday's lunch. Other meals are “on your own.”
BANQUET MUSIC: Natalia Serna, aka La Muna, of Corazón Norte will perform before and during our banquet. Natalia is a Colombian-American songwriter and sociologist who has given much of her to walking with migrants, literally, on the trains through Mexico known as "La Bestia," through the mountains of Guatemala, and along the US/Mexico Border in the Sonoran Desert. Now she seeks to build community and plant gardens in Hermosillo, Mexico. Read more about her HERE.
BANQUET CATERER: Café 54 from downtown Tucson, Arizona, Café 54 is an eclectic bistro and an award-winning employment training program for adults in mental health recovery. Here’s a nice article about them.
WORSHIP: Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons will preach at Friday evening’s worship. Sunday morning’s sermon will be by Rev. Tracy Howe Wispelway.
BORDER IMMERSION TRIP: Pre-event on Thursday, October 1! No cost---just need to provide your own transportation to the border and buy your own lunch. We will walk across the border so people don't need to worry about driving across. Details HERE.
DEBORAH HILL’S ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL: TBA
Deborah Hill has been approved by the Committee on Church and Ministry ‘A’ to take the next step toward ordination. Her Ecclesiastical Council will be held via Zoom. More info here.
Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Insurance Board, United Church of Christ Church Building & Loan Fund, United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund, and United Church Funds.
Join us in a huge shout out of gratitude and appreciation for our amazing 2020 Annual Meeting Coordinator, Karen Richter. Her organization, attention to details, communication, and smiling presence have all been invaluable as we put together this year’s event. Thanks so much, Karen!
