‘Peace, peace, there is NO peace in Minneapolis:’ MN Conference responds to fatal ICE shooting
Free Community Film Showing at Prescott First Congregational Church
216 E. Gurley Street, Prescott
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 3:00–4:30 pm
Faith Under Siege: Russia’s Hidden War Against Ukraine’s Christians
A compelling documentary exploring the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Christian communities and religious freedom, told through firsthand accounts and investigative reporting.
A brief introduction and optional discussion will follow the screening.
Weaving for Justice, in solidarity with eleven Maya women's weaving collectives in Chiapas, Mexico, holds sales of their hand-woven, embroidered and felted textiles in the atrium of First Christian Church Las Cruces on the third Saturday of each month from 10-3. All proceeds from these sales go back to the collectives. The weavers participate in what they call "the resistance." By this they mean they resist the efforts of powerful governmental and non-governmental entities to strip them of control of their lands, resources, and communities. The resistance movement was inspired by an uprising in 1994 in which indigenous people demanded rights long-denied them. From the beginning, they have wanted their movement to be for all: 'Para Todos Todo, Para Nosotros Nada' ('Everything for Everyone, Nothing For Us'). Check out their website.
From UCCMA (UCC Musicians Association) president, Eric Dundore:
In about 6 months, we will meet in Columbus, OH for our biennial UCCMA Summer Conference. Since the First Community Church in Columbus is affiliated with both the UCC and the Disciples of Christ, we have been working with the DoC’s music organization, the Association of Disciple Musicians (ADM), to include all their musicians in our conference as well. As sister denominations, the DoC and the UCC have much in common and can share our resources and ideas. We are very excited to welcome the ADM to this 4-day event from July 8 to 11, 2026, at the amazing facilities of the First Community Church in Columbus, OH. Personally, I would love to meet as many of our members and the new ADM folk as possible, so I hope that many of you will join us and help us welcome our siblings from the ADM.
Accessibility for All: First Church Phoenix will vote to become an A2A congregation at their annual meeting on February 22. To prepare for the community conversation, they are watching a series of suggested movies, starting on January 18.
Yesterday, SWC Associate Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott gave his sermon, "Wade into Calling: Baptized, Beloved, and Sent" as a guest preacher at Church of the Red Rocks.
Congrats to Rev. Dr. Tom Martinez, Senior Pastor of Desert Palm UCC, who has been accepted into the Walter and June Wink Fellowship run by Auburn Theological Seminary. The program is designed to encourage youth participation via storytelling, which brings together his interest in storytelling and Desert Palm's longstanding focus on children and Religious Education in general.
2026 Climate Hope Art Contest for Children and Youth
The theme for our fourth annual Climate Hope Art Contest is “A Future with Hope.” Children and youth are invited to draw, paint, or color works of art that bring this theme to life. We’ll accept art submissions from February 6th to March 20th. We will have winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian. Register your congregation now to participate.
Generations United Federal Credit Union is promoting its Christmas Club savings account as a way to reduce holiday financial stress by encouraging small, automatic deposits throughout the year. The account helps members avoid credit card debt and plan for holiday expenses with ease. Action: Consider opening a Christmas Club account now to prepare for next year’s holiday season.
From First Congregational Albuquerque: On January 17th, you are cordially invited to join the MLK Commission as we march celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. here in the city of Albuquerque. The March will begin at 10:00 AM at the UNM campus and end at Civic Plaza where the day will continue with a program.
First Church Phoenix is participating in the Phoenix MLK March on January 19, wearing their church shirts.
Monday, January 12 at 11am there will be a dedication ceremony for The Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson's Reflective Garden at the Beatitudes Campus. A reception will follow in the Multipurpose Room. All are welcomed to attend.
What does faith have to do with sex ed? Join us to hear why two faith organizations continue to partner to provide comprehensive, inclusive and faith-based sexuality education.