Conference News

Insurance Board in Partnership with Disciples Church Extension Fund: Join Our Property Stewardship Roundtable Webinar!

Insurance Board in Partnership with Disciples Church Extension Fund: Join Our Property Stewardship Roundtable Webinar!

Insurance 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.

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Celebrating Three New Lay Ministers in the Southwest Conference

Celebrating Three New Lay Ministers in the Southwest Conference

One 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.

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Communities of Practice for Clergy

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?

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

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

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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