I grew up in the Black church, where Bible study was not optional—it was part of your formation as a young disciple of Christ. Wednesday night meant church, and Sunday morning meant you better have read your lesson. From a young age, I was taught that this "ancient book"—with all its violence, sex, joy, lament, and hope—was worth wrestling with. It still is.
Even now, after seminary and ordination, after years of pastoral ministry and justice advocacy, I remain rooted in the evangelism of the Bible—not evangelism as manipulation but as a deep sharing of the Good News. And that Good News still comes alive when we open the Scriptures with humility, curiosity, and courage.
In the Southwest Conference, we can be proud of how boldly and compassionately our churches respond to the call for justice. Whether it's advocating for the dignity of LGBTQ+ siblings, confronting white supremacy, promoting environmental stewardship, or standing in solidarity with migrants and asylum seekers, our actions reflect the heart of a Gospel that insists God's love belongs to all.
But I wonder: while we're in the streets, are we also at home in the text?
Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s latest blog post.
Read MoreThis webinar, hosted by the United Church of Christ Board will engage with the wider church about the proposed amendments to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws, which will be voted on at General Synod in July.
Register here.
Read MoreThe New Mexico Conference of Churches has a job opening for Conference Director. Read the job description here. The closing date for applications is June 13, 2025.
Read MoreThe Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support helps the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025. There are several downloadable resources available for use, including a leader's guide, bulletin inserts, media files, posters, and more.
Strengthen the Church is one of the 5 for 5 offerings!
Order resources here.
Read Moreby Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott
Beloved Church,
Every so often, the world pauses to watch white smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel. And last week, it did just that. Pope Leo XIV has been elected, and while that may feel like news from another corner of the Christian family tree, it’s a moment worth noticing—and reflecting on—even for us in the United Church of Christ.
We are not Catholic, of course. We embrace a covenantal polity, which means our various settings—local churches, Associations, Conferences, and the national setting—are bound together not by hierarchy, but by sacred promises to walk together in mutual respect and love. So, there are no cardinals in red robes. No Vatican. Our churches don’t wait for word from Rome before we make decisions. That’s part of what makes us who we are. But that doesn’t mean we’re disconnected. We are, after all, part of one Body.
So what does it mean for us?
Click through to read more.
Read MoreDear friends of the UCC Mental Health Network,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the UCC MHN wants to make sure you have resources to best equip you for a Mental Health Sunday! We are sending our PDF for Worship Resources for your Mental Health Sunday created by the UCC, UCC MHN, and United Church of Canada, as well as two videos to use during this time.
Although May 18 is Mental Health Sunday this year, we want to remind you that any Sunday is a great Sunday to focus on mental health!
One video by our chair, Bishop Allyson Abrams can be used to make an appeal to support the MHN and to become WISE congregations or organizations. The other video by Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund can be used to show the importance of caring for our youth and understanding their mental health needs. Please consider using both of these powerful videos during your worship services this month as we raise awareness about mental health challenges and mental wellness.
Thank you,
Bishop Allyson D. Nelson Abrams, PhD
Chair, UCC Mental Health Network
Read MoreThe UCC ONA Coalition has extended the early registration rate of $250 until May 15, 2025!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:Don’t miss your chance to save and secure your spot!
Theme: Sacred, Seen and Called: Living Our Truth, Embracing Our Light
Inspired by Philippians 2:15 – “...then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
📅 July 9–10, 2025
📍 Kansas City Downtown Marriott | Kansas City, MO
📍 Held just before the United Church of Christ General Synod
Read Moreby Dr. Kristina “Tina” Campbell
She’s the tattooed, recovering, straight-talking Lutheran pastor who years ago formed the church called for House for All Sinners and Saints. I have read her works for many years and have appreciated her no b.s. approach to theology found in many recovering communities. At the moment, she has taken to the road as a one-woman rebellion against the anxiety and despair that has engulfed many of us after our current election. She’s visiting all of the red states where she is holding revivals. She wants us to be revived from despair and self-righteousness, and encourages a posture of humility, curiosity, mercy and hope. She wants us to distance ourselves from our screens to gather and sing.
I knew I was excited that she was coming to Arizona but had no idea that she would fill a huge sanctuary with hundreds of kindred spirits who created an overflowing parking lot an hour before her remarks began. She has made real her belief that we need to exit the screen and gather in person to sing and laugh. I, for one, wanted to add a hallelujah to her emphasis on a return to humility and her firm belief that we are meant to be together in person.
Click through to read the entire article.
Read Moreby Dr. Kristina “Tina” Campbell
The world pauses to mourn the death of Pope Francis, the people’s Pope, who reminded us that compassion is our strongest power, that simplicity is a way of life, that education is intended for understanding, and that immigrants are our family.
He walked freely among the people, and I have the feeling that he was probably a lot of fun. As a Jesuit, he earned the highest possible education, and he used his knowledge and intellect to promote relationships and peace…never to gain power over others.
Click through to read the full article
Read MoreAs the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” This familiar phrase reminds us of that growth often follows seasons of change, reflection, and preparation. Ministry unfolds in much the same way. Clergy moves through seasons of active service and times of rest or redirection. The United Church of Christ embraces this natural rhythm by offering active and exempt ministerial standing, recognizing that ministry takes many faithful forms throughout a lifetime.
Read MoreRev. Karen Georgia Thompson offers a message of hope, joy, and triumph ahead of Resurrection Sunday.
Read MoreIn today’s social and political climate—when LGBTQ+ people are being targeted across the country—your church’s public commitment to welcome and justice is more important than ever. This webinar will walk you through the foundational steps to becoming an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation, or help you reinvigorate your existing ONA commitment.
The session will be co-led by Rev. Derek A. Terry, Acting Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition, and Barb Biedenstein, ONA consultant in the St. Louis area and long-time leader in Gateway ONA.
🎉 Special Offer:
The first 10 people to register using the code ONA20 will receive 20% off their registration!
Registration Fees:
Individual: $30
Small churches (75 members or fewer): $50
Large churches (76 members or more): $70
(Scholarships available—just reach out!)
A recording will be available for 45 days after the live event.
📝 Click here to register!
Let’s continue building a church that affirms, advocates for, and celebrates everyone.
Read MoreMeeting with others each month can provide each of us with ideas for worship, teaching, group studies, prayer groups, and weekend retreats. These new ideas and resources are not intended only for youth and children but are open to the needs of every generation.
Read MoreHonoring the 80th Anniversary of the 6 Million Jewish Lives Lost in the Holocaust
Sunday, April 27, 5:00 pm
Phoenix Symphony Hall
75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Join the Phoenix Holocaust Association in collaboration with the Phoenix
Symphony for a powerful community-wide Commemoration featuring:
Local Holocaust Survivors
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Keynote Address
Survivor Remarks
Annual Shofar Zachor Award
Symphony Quartet Performance
Music and Prayers
Information and registration here
If you would like to attend the Phoenix Symphony concert preceding the Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration, you can purchase tickets HERE.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Sunday, April 27, 2:00 PM | Symphony Hall
Those attending the Commemoration can receive 20% OFF concert tickets. The PROMO Code for discounted concert tickets will be sent by email after you register for the Commemoration. *Discount does not apply to previously purchased tickets.
Read MoreBeginning May 7, PATHWAYS offers The Bible as Guide: Going Green, a 6-week course in the Environmental Justice program. Using The Green Bible: New Revised Standard Version, your faith community’s hymnal, online discussions, a daily journal, and more, this course will explore how creation is at the heart of the Bible. What are the ways humans, as part of the web of life, impact all of creation negatively or positively? How does the Bible guide us as stewards of creation? How does the Bible’s story of creation intersect with concerns about climate change?
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
Read MoreNow that Jesus has entered the city, we are walking with him into the most sacred days of our shared faith. Palm branches have been laid down, cloaks spread out, and hosannas shouted—but now, the road turns. Holy Week calls us not just to remember but to recommit.
As clergy, we are entrusted with leading communities through this week's mystery and meaning: from the intimacy of the upper room to the agony of the garden, to the final breath on the cross, and finally to the quiet, trembling hope of dawn at the tomb. This is no small calling, and we do not carry it alone.
Click through to keep reading.
Read MoreFriday's opening worship at our Annual Meeting will include the installation of our Associate Conference Ministers, Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith and Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott!
ALL ARE WELCOME—if you're in Albuquerque you are welcome to attend the worship service whether you're attending the Annual Meeting or not.
Read MoreInsurance Board Presents: How to Plan for Emergencies in Your Church
Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 11:00 am AZ / 12:00 pm NM & El Paso via Zoom
Register to attend this webinar by visiting the link below. The Zoom has a limited number of live participants, and the recording will be posted on the Insurance Board's Online Learning page.
Equip your ministry for effective response and recovery during any emergency. Enhance your knowledge and boost confidence in planning efforts to safeguard your community.
Register here
Read MoreBy completing the four theological courses below and a project (which you design with the approval and oversight of a facilitator/supervisor), you will earn this certificate and be eligible for continuing education credits.
The project could be a curriculum design for your faith community, a sermon, a discussion group or another way in which you can share what you learned with your faith community.
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this certificate or other offerings.
Read MoreEvery two years, General Synod brings together faithful members of the United Church of Christ for inspirational worship, fellowship with friends (old and new), and public witness including through engagement with the business of the church. In July 2025, we are excited to welcome thousands from across the country for General Synod 35 in Kansas City, Missouri – and Nurture the Soul is helping to get you there by introducing a 4-part series that goes deep into General Synod and why we hope to see you all there.
Part 1 – General Synod 101 will help us better understand what Synod is and why it is so important that you show up! We’ll have a time for Q&A so you can ask the questions that’ll help you better prepare for our time together this summer.
Register here.
Read More
