Conference News

Communities of Practice for Clergy

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Communities of Practice for Clergy

The 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. 

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What if children didn't have to leave the sanctuary to belong in it?

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What if children didn't have to leave the sanctuary to belong in it?

Pray-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.

Register here.

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Introduction to Three-Way Covenants with Rev. Jeff Nelson

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Wednesday, 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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Rev. Jennifer Sowell Elected AGM

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Rev. Jennifer Sowell Elected AGM

The 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 the full article here.

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Free ONA Sunday Resources Are Here.

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Free ONA Sunday Resources Are Here.

Open 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.

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Strengthen the Church offering 5/24/2026

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Strengthen the Church offering 5/24/2026

The 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.

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Arizona Grant Notice

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Arizona Grant Notice

The 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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