Conference News
Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff, Interim Conference Minister for the Illinois Conference, put this information together beautifully:
Applications for the United Church of Christ’s 2026 Justice and Local Church Ministries grants are now open. These grants are designed to support the mission and ministry of local congregations. The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
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Families with youth entering 8th or 9th grade are invited to explore Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive and age-appropriate sexuality education program co-published by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Classes begin August 30, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, with a parent/caregiver orientation on August 23. Learn more about the program, schedule, and registration here.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference has offered Communities of Practice for Clergy (COPs) for two years. Previous COPs have focused on general ministry, specialized ministry and antiracism. As we approach the fall of 2026, we are trying to determine the interest of clergy in continuing this offering. What we need to know:
Would you participate in a COP? (There is a $250.00 fee for joining a COP. The COPs meet once a month for 2 hours with the exception of December.)
Is there a specific area of ministry you would be interested if you joined a COP?
If you are not interested, would you please let us know why this is not an area we should focus on as a conference?
You can respond to these questions by clicking here.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated as we learn to provide resources to you that meet the needs of our clergy.
Read MorePray-Ground Forum
September 17, 2026, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
First Light Fellowship, 4111 W Innovative Dr, #108, Anthem, AZ 85086
Hosted by Woven — Weaving Children into the Life of Worship
What if children didn't have to leave the sanctuary to belong in it? Join presenter Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe at First Light Fellowship in Anthem, AZ for a full-day forum on pray-grounds — intentional, in-sanctuary spaces that make room for children to worship alongside the whole congregation.
Hear stories from real churches. Reimagine radical hospitality. Go home with something you can actually use.
$75/person; use code EARLYBIRD by 8/1 for $20 off
Registration closes 8/15.
Read MoreWednesday, August 5 | 12:30 – 2:00 pm AZ / 1:30 – 4:00 NM & El Paso
Ministers who serve local churches know the call agreement well, the document that spells out salary, benefits, and time away. Less familiar, but just as valuable, is the 3-Way Covenant. This separate document outlines the expectations that the Minister, the Local Church, and the Association or Conference hold for one another, helping to strengthen the relationships among all three.
Join Rev. Jeff Nelson for a basic overview of the 3-Way Covenant and a look at how it can benefit these important ministry relationships. Whether the term is new to you or you have heard it mentioned and wondered what it involves, this introduction offers a helpful starting point.
All are welcome. We hope you will join us.
https://ucc.zoom.us/meeting/register/YQMkX5SVSuy_n1-ITHa9iQ
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Join us for the 2026 Juneteenth Commemoration: In Troubling Times, Consult the Ancestors!
Juneteenth is a sacred day of remembrance and hope—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward justice. Today, we honor the legacy of those who fought for liberation and the ancestors who guide us still.
In these challenging times, the Racial Justice Ministries of the United Church of Christ invite you to gather in prophetic remembrance. Let us draw wisdom from the prophets of scripture and the modern-day leaders who inspire us to resist injustice and nurture a just world for all.
Thursday, June 18th | 12:30 pm Arizona, 1:30 pm New Mexico & El Paso
Featuring Rev. Dr. Velda Love, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay, and Rev. Trayce Potter
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June 10 Webinar: Join the Rev. G. Jeffrey MacDonald, award-winning journalist and UCC pastor in the Southern New England Conference, for an engaging discussion on why financial preparation and retirement readiness matter for clergy navigating diverse income streams.
Register now and join the Pension Boards on Wednesday, June 10 at 12 pm AZ / 1 pm NM & El Paso.
See session descriptions here and register today!
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Launching August 2026: PATHWAYS Environmental Justice Program
The PATHWAYS Environmental Justice Program equips faith-rooted environmental practitioners with theological grounding, place-based learning, and skills in advocacy and storytelling. Structured across three certificate levels and optional specialization tracks, the program connects local context with broader environmental justice efforts. Launching August 2026. Learn more at pathwaystheological.org.
Introducing the Old Testament (Dickinson/MBS) - Begins June 17 - REGISTER TODAY!
Using the student text Introducing the Old Testament from the Exploring the Bible Dickinson Series, Rev. Anne Robertson, author, as the foundation, this course introduces participants to the Old Testament as part of the Christian scriptural tradition. Participants who complete this course will be prepared to continue their Biblical journey with the New Testament course based on the other volumes in the series.
CLICK HERE FOR FALL 2026 COURSE OFFERINGS
Read MoreDr. Toni welcomes opportunities to visit and preach in congregations across the Southwest Conference. A simple invitation ensures her visit is both warmly received and thoughtfully coordinated with your church’s leadership.
To explore scheduling and availability, please contact her at thawkins@uccswc.org or call 480-997-5015.
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Due to the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, the Faith Formation Gathering will meet on June 1 (10 AM Arizona and 11 AM New Mexico and El Paso). The June gathering will resume on the fourth Monday of June, the 22nd.
We’ve invited some new people to the monthly meetings. If you know anyone interested in joining the group, please share this information with them!
Click through for the agenda and Zoom link.
Read MoreThe Rev. Jennifer Sowell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience, was elected to serve an unexpired term as the next Associate General Minister (AGM), Love of Church on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at a special meeting of General Synod 35, which officially ends a several year process that began at the end of 2023. Sowell’s election is a historic one, marking the first time in the denomination’s nearly 70-year history that leadership of the church is all women.
Read MoreOpen and Affirming Sunday is coming up on Sunday, June 28, and this year’s theme is “We Shall Not Be Moved: Rooted in Love, Justice, and Affirmation.”
Whether your church is newly Open and Affirming or has been living into this commitment for decades, we hope these resources help your congregation worship with courage, joy, and holy boldness.
Access the full Open and Affirming Sunday worship resources here.
Read MoreThe Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. By your generosity to this offering, you build up the Body of Christ.
Read MoreThe FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is established to provide funding to eligible nonprofit organizations that are at greatest risk of a terrorist attack or at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of the nonprofit’s ideology, beliefs or mission for target hardening and other security enhancements and activities.
Nonprofit organizations with one site may apply for up to $100,000 for that site. Applicants with multiple sites may choose to apply for additional sites up to a maximum of three (3) sites. Total amount for all sites for each Applicant may not exceed $100,000. If a nonprofit organization applies for projects at multiple sites, regardless of whether the projects are similar in nature, it must include a vulnerability assessment unique to each site.
Click through for more information and how to apply.
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Wednesday, May 27, 12:00 - 1:15 pm AZ / 1:00 - 2:15 pm NM & El Paso via Zoom
Join the Safe Communities Coalition as it hosts FBI Special Agent Dan Johnson to discuss how to manage internal security threats. This webinar will enhance threat awareness and reduce risks for internal threats within organizations. This workshop will help community and faith leaders recognize, assess, and respond to potential security concerns that stem from internal parties. RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION
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This past Saturday, May 9th was a special meeting of the Thirty-fifth General Synod, called by the United Church of Christ Board, in order to elect the next Associate General Minister, Love of Church.
This special meeting began with a time of worship, including a reflection from an ecumenical guest. After worship, the moderator team called the business meeting to order and proceed to vote on nominee Rev. Jennifer Sowell. Catch the recorded livestream this event here on the YouTube page.
Read MoreThe 2026 Annual Meeting of Members of The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc. will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, commencing at 2:00 p.m., ET, (11 am AZ / 12 pm NM & El Paso) for the election and re-election of Trustees and transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
How do I attend the Annual Meeting online?
On the day of the meeting, please log in to your Pension Boards account for instructions for joining the Zoom meeting.
How do I vote online?
The Annual Meeting Notice and Proxy Ballot below will mail to all those eligible to vote.
Click here to vote online (Note: You will need your seven-digit Pension Boards member ID.)
Voting will close at 5:00 p.m., EDT, (2 pm AZ / 3 pm NM & El Paso) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Monday, May 18 • Dinner: 5:15 | Worship: 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 • Symposium: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mesa View United Methodist Church, 4701 Montaño Rd. NW, Albuquerque NM
Worship and Symposium will be livestreamed
The New Mexico Conference of Churches and The Journey Project at NMCC would be delighted to have you join them for the symposium on Indigenous Justice & Christian Spirituality.
This event is free, including meals. But registration is required. Schedule and registration form here.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference (SWC) is seeking a highly capable and mission-aligned Executive Assistant to the Conference Minister, a trusted partner who will help advance the ministry and leadership of the Conference through exceptional administrative and relational support.
This is more than an administrative role. It is an opportunity to serve the wider church by supporting the daily work, priorities, and communications of the Conference Minister. The ideal candidate brings both professional excellence and a deep respect for the values, relationships, and rhythms of faith-based leadership.
Read the job description and see how to apply here.
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UCC musicians and clergy: Please check out the UCCMA website for more information about this exciting event in Columbus, OH, July 8 – 11.
The deadline for early registration is coming soon on May 15th.
Conference 2026: United in Spirit, Diverse in Sound will offer workshops, worship services, concerts, optional activities, and networking to church musicians and worship leaders. The First Community Church of Columbus, Ohio, which is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Disciples of Christ (DOC), will host the conference. Attendees will have access to a wide range of activities designed to refine musical skills and provide valuable resources and ideas for expressing God's Spirit creatively, especially during challenging times.
For more information or to apply for scholarships, contact Eric Dundore, UCCMA President, at ericdundore@uccma.org.
For complete information and registration, please visit Conference 2026.
For information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, visit uccma.org.
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