All 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 MoreThis week I’ll be in New Mexico for the second half of the SWC clergy retreat. Picture a group of pastors trying to rest, reflect, and figure out which suitcase the snacks ended up in. I will be out of the office for a bit, but I’m still around in spirit; just with fewer emails and more time to breathe.
Retreats always seem to hit right when the holidays start rolling in. While folks are planning dinners and checking flight times, clergy are pulling out Advent materials, hunting for the extra candles, and hoping the office copier behaves at least until Christmas Eve. Stepping away for a few days helps me settle my mind before the busy season arrives.
Thanks for your patience while I’m gone. As clergy, we should look after each other, keep the church lifted in prayer, and try not to let all the committees meet on the same day. I’ll be back soon, ready for the season ahead, and probably carrying a few too many leftover retreat snacks.
Read MoreAll clergy and MIDs with standing in the Southwest Conference are invited to the 2025 clergy retreats! Attend either or both.
Ministry can’t thrive without rest. Not just time off, but intentional time to reconnect with God, with one another, and with the quiet places within us that we often overlook. When we neglect that space, we risk running empty while trying to lead others to fullness. Rest isn’t indulgent—it’s part of how we honor the sacred calling we’ve received. How do we take C.A.R.E.S. of our mind, body, and soul, tending to our well-being in ways that reflect our Covenant, Accountability, Resilience, Education, and Spiritual life?
We invite you to retreat for a time not for fixing, producing, or checking things off a list—but for BEING. For laughter, prayer, quiet, renewal, and maybe even sleeping in without guilt.
Ask yourself: What might it look like to truly rest in the presence of God, among colleagues who get it?
Register today.
New Mexico retreat registration
Arizona retreat registration
Read MoreIn addition to our annual Arizona retreat, this year we’ve added a retreat in New Mexico!
All authorized clergy are invited to participate in the retreat closest to them, or register for both, if you like!
New Mexico: October 28–30 at Ghost Ranch
Arizona: November 4–6 at Redemptorist Renewal Center
Travel scholarship application available here.
Read MoreOur SWC clergy RESTED and RESISTED at the 2023 Clergy Retreat!
Read MoreAll Southwest Conference clergy are invited to attend the 2023 Clergy Retreat!
Monday, October 31 at noon through Wednesday, November 1 at 11 am at Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona
Our theme is “Rest Is Resistance” based on the book of the same title by Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry. We hope you’ll come to the clergy retreat to be refreshed, renewed, and RESTED.
Read MoreWe're excited about having Sr. Lika Mejia as our guest on Monday, and taking a field trip with her on Tuesday down to Casa De La Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico! Rev. Randy Mayer of the Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita will be our well-seasoned guide over the border.
The clergy retreat planning team hopes that retreat attendees will consider accepting Sister Lika’s invitation to go on the Tuesday trip. We’re in relationship with this shelter as the Southwest Conference; immigration is the largest mission project of the conference. Out of all the UCC conferences, the SWC has the most engagement at the border. It’s an important place for us to talk about and do justice and it’s critically important for the SWC to have a knowledge base of what's happening and be in relationship with a project that’s claiming that.
Read MoreActive and retired clergy, specialized ministers, parish ministers, and members in discernment are invited to attend the SWC Annual Clergy Retreat held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona. We'll begin with lunch at noon on Monday, October 31 and conclude at 3 pm on Wednesday, November 2.
Here's the registration link.
Read MoreRooms are still available, both single- and double- occupancy, or you can commute if you live nearby or plan alternative lodging.
Visit the Clergy Retreat page to learn more and register. All registrations and payments must be received by Thursday, October 19.
Read MoreActive and retired clergy, specialized ministers, parish ministers, and members in discernment are invited to attend the SWC Annual Clergy Retreat held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, October 30 - November 1.
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