The Southwest Conference is beginning the development of a new pastoral practice called Covenant Tending.
Covenant Tending is intended to address what we have identified as the “missing middle” between situational support and a formal fitness review. There are times when communication has become strained, trust has been weakened, or relationships need intentional care, but the circumstances do not call for disciplinary action or another formal Conference process.
Click through to learn more.
Read MoreJoin us as for a conversation with Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase, sex educator, organizer and advocate--about how providing great sexuality education is a way to resist authoritarianism. Dr. Bartlett-Chase has researched sex education policy, practice and controversy, and she is the founder and executive director of Honest Sex Ed Minnesota.
Register here.
Read MorePlease be vigilant about any email that appears to be from your clergy person or our conference minister or staff, asking you to take some kind of unusual action. A number of congregations across our conference and the country have been hit with an email scam. It involves making a fake Gmail (or yahoo, etc.) account in the minister’s name and then sending a request for gift cards allegedly from that minister to the congregation’s directory.
Read MoreThe Future of Faith Forum
Saturday, August 22
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
555 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
The Future of Faith Forum is a community-rooted initiative designed to equip faith leaders (Ministry, Lay, or otherwise) with the knowledge, compassion, and practical tools needed to support LGBTQ+ individuals — especially Black LGBTQ+ people — with dignity, understanding, and love. The We Are You Campaign knows that this plight is not our own, and we support other multicultural communities who believe in our Vision and Mission.
At its core, The Future of Faith Forum believes that faith and humanity are not opposites. They are partners. When faith leaders are informed, connected, and grounded in love, they become powerful advocates for healing, safety, and belonging.
Rev. Dr. Myra Taylor of New Hope UCC is among the panelists. More info and registration at this link.
Read MoreAll clergy and MIDs with standing in the Southwest Conference are invited to the 2026 Southwest Conference Clergy Retreat, November 16–18 at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson.
Ministry cannot thrive without rest—not simply time away, but intentional time to reconnect with God, with one another, and with the quiet places within ourselves that we too often overlook. When we neglect that space, we risk running empty while trying to lead others toward fullness.
Rest is not indulgent. Rest is part of how we honor and sustain the sacred calling we have received.
We invite you to retreat for a time that is not about fixing, producing, performing, or checking things off a list, but simply BEING.
Come for prayer.
Come for laughter.
Come for quiet.
Come for meaningful connection with colleagues.
Come for renewal.
And yes, perhaps even come to sleep in without guilt.
Ask yourself: What might it look like to truly rest in the presence of God, among colleagues who understand the joys and demands of ministry?
Come and see.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A CLERGY-ONLY RETREAT
Click through for the registration link.
Read MoreUCC ONA Coalition Executive Director, Rev. Derek A. Terry, passed away over the weekend. Rev. Derek had been involved in Coalition leadership for many years and our organization and movement have been made stronger and deeper because of his ministry. He lightened the burden of most everyone he met and his creativity, genuine love, and faithful spirit will not be forgotten.
Click through to read a "joint statement from United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, and the Open and Affirming Coalition Board Chair, the Rev. Kevin E. Tindell on the untimely passing of the Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition.
Read MorePATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is seeking an individual who shares our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service, and stewardship to fill our Executive Director role. The Executive Director is the community-facing point of contact for all activities related to our mission and educational services and reports directly to the PATHWAYS Board of Directors (BOD) or its designee. The individual filling this role will be expected to work collaboratively with the BOD, various committees, and the PATHWAYS’ Academic Council (PAC) to achieve strategic priorities and to deliver a student-centered educational experience responsive to the needs of our diverse learners and constituencies.
Click through for the entire job description and how to apply.
Read MoreThe Feast of Creation in Christ, also known as the Feast of Creation, has been officially added to the Revised Common Lectionary, with celebrations to begin in 2026. While the traditional date of the observance is September 1, its date in the RCL is the first Sunday of September in line with ecumenical custom and pastoral practicality. The addition was approved by the board of the Consultation on Common Texts by Raka, the ecumenical liturgical body that developed and curates the RCL, in coordination with the Feast steering committee led by the World Council of Churches in collaboration with various Christian world communions and the Middle East Council of Churches. This is the first time a new feast has been adopted since the release of the common lectionary in 1974.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings
Worship Resources for Creation in Christ Sunday
From Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith:
The Feast of Creation in Christ celebrates the role of God in creation and Christological creation care rather than generic nature or harvest themes. It also coincides with the start of the Season of Creation which begins on September 1st and runs through October 4th each year.
Below you will find an invitation to include the Season of Creation in your liturgical calendar as well as an Introduction to the Season of Creation.
Invitation to add the Season of Creation
Introduction to the Season of Creation
Read MoreClimate Hope Affiliates 101
August 19, 5:00 pm AZ / 6:00 pm NM & El Paso
How can we move beyond a narrow menu of familiar options when it comes to advancing change? What can we do after sending the email, attending the march, or casting the ballot? What can we do in community with others month after month to live out a calling to advance God's beloved community? These are some of the essential questions we seek to answer in Climate Hope Affiliates (CHA).
Join us to learn about how you can drive nationwide change through local action when it comes to addressing the interconnected crises of climate change and societal injustice. We have started 15 chapters across the country since we began last year. Already, we have participated in our first successful advocacy campaign when Congress rejected the Trump administration's proposal to cut the EPA budget by 55%.
In this webinar, we will cover the basics about how we affect change and how anyone can start a chapter in their community.
Register here.
Read MoreThank you to Rev. Bill Utke of Desert Garden UCC for passing along this information:
Mrs. Inis Clark, beloved spouse of Rev. James Clark (UCC, retired), was born into eternal life on July 22, 2026. She was born on November 29, 1938.
For eight years, Inis served as the OCWM Officer for the United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio, where she faithfully supported the mission and ministry of the wider church.
Inis and James recently celebrated the remarkable milestone of 68 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and faithful partnership.
Those who knew Inis remember her as a dedicated worker, gracious and welcoming to everyone she met, and someone whose warm hugs reflected her generous spirit. Above all, she cherished her family, delighting in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
We give thanks to God for Inis's life of faith, service, and love, and we hold James and all who grieve her passing in our prayers as they entrust her to God's eternal care.
Read MoreThe SWC staff is excited to have moved into our new space at:
3030 N Central Ave #405, Phoenix AZ 85012
Dr. Derrick was the first to finish setting up his new digs. The other offices are in progress!
Read MoreArguably the most popular resource that is sold by the United Church of Christ, the Desk Calendar and Plan Book is more than just a calendar. It’s a gateway into the life of the church, full of resources, important dates, liturgical calendars, and fun facts about the many different ministries and programs of the UCC.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UCC in 2027, a special cover of the Desk Calendar and Plan Book was released, featuring photos from the past 70 years highlighting the rich, storied, and diverse history of the denomination.
Learn more here.
Order here.
Read MoreTuesday, October 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Arizona Time)
First Church UCC, 1407 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Hybrid Event: Attend In Person or via Zoom
Register or become a sponsor today: arizonafaithnetwork.org/gather
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference staff is excited about our August 1 office relocation!
Our PO Box will remain the same, but our new office will be at:
3030 N Central Ave #405, Phoenix AZ 85012
Our new Executive Assistant, Gwynne, took some photos last week. Click through to view them all.
Read MoreInsurance Board Presents:
Partners in Stewardship: A Roundtable Discussion on Property Care, Risk Management, and Insurability
Thursday, August 20, 2026
11:00 am AZ / 12:00 pm NM & El Paso via Zoom
Register to attend this webinar by visiting this link. The Zoom has a limited number of live participants, and the recording will be posted on the Insurance Board’s webinar page.
Read MoreOne of the deep joys of ministry in the United Church of Christ is watching the Spirit call people into service from every corner of the church. Authorized ministry in our tradition is not reserved for those who follow a single path. It rises up wherever gifts, faithfulness, and the affirmation of a community meet. This season, the Southwest Conference celebrates three individuals whose callings have been recognized and affirmed: Eileen Wiard and Jerry Kennell of Taos United Community Church (Taos UCC), who have been granted Lay Ministerial Standing, and Davin Franklin-Hicks of Church of the Painted Hills UCC, who continues faithfully as a Member in Discernment.
Read MoreFor the third consecutive year, the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ is excited to offer the Congregational Revitalization and Resiliency Grant, designed to equip and empower congregations as they pursue holistic renewal, faithful innovation, and deeper connection with God, one another, and their communities.
This grant invites congregations to design projects that align with at least one component of the C.A.R.E.S. Program, a spiritually grounded framework for ministry rooted in Covenant, Advocacy, Rest, Engagement, and Spirit. Whether your congregation is seeking to deepen discipleship, respond to community needs, or experiment with new ministry models, this grant provides a sacred opportunity for revitalization with purpose.
There will be a webinar on August 3 to answer questions and assist the churches in the preparation of their grant. Details about the webinar are forthcoming.
Please note: The due date for applications is September 1, 2026. You may request $500-$3000 (this grant is not intended to fund capital campaigns, or repairs to facilities).
Click through for the application and resources on filling it out.
Read MoreBecause of Ministry…Financial Security and Self-Care Sustain the Call runs through August 31, and is specially designed for clergy, lay leaders, caregivers, and ministry employers who are navigating change and ministry demands with resilience.
Gain practical strategies and peer insights into how to sustain your call while balancing money, bi-vocational ministry, family, health and wellbeing, and securing retirement income with purpose and confidence.
See session descriptions here and register today!
Read MoreIn collaboration with African American Women in Ministry and inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, The Antoinette Brown Society gathers to embrace the M.O.R.E. God has for us. Identifying Ministry Opportunities, prioritizing the Relationships, Rest, and Resources necessary for the journey, and cultivating a standard of Excellence that honors our calling in every season.
The Antoinette Brown Society gathers at the State View Hotel in Raleigh, NC, beginning September 29 through October 2. The African American Women in Ministry group gathers at Franklinton Center at Bricks and Courtyard by Marriott in Rocky Mount, NC beginning September 30 through October 3. We are excited to share that there will be a joint day on October 1 where both groups will gather together at Franklinton Center at Bricks.
Read MoreThursday, July 30, 12:30 pm AZ / 1:30 pm NM & El Paso
We all know there is one room in a church filled with memories – from documents to old hymnals to whatever item found its way there and we know the temptation to throw it all way! But our Church records are more than just words on dusty paper; they are windows into the past that illuminate the history of a community and convey the mission of the church. Church records span the entire history of your church, and no matter the age, are important to be preserved. But knowing what to preserve can be daunting work, especially if those with institutional knowledge have moved on.
Join the Congregational Library & Archives' archivists Billy McCarthy and Zachary Bodnar for a program focused on the first tangible steps a church can take to begin organizing their existing records and ensuring the long-term preservation of the records they produce today.
Register now!
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