Conference News

Rev. Dr. Sam Sawitski's passing

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Last Thursday, the conference office received the following news from John Houllette, moderator for Desert Garden UCC:

“Pastor Sam peacefully went to be with the Lord just before midnight last night. Time of death will be officially recorded as today, July 18. I don't know much else at this time.”

Memorial Service: Sunday, July 28, 3 p.m. at Desert Garden UCC. Clergy are invited to robe/white stoles and process. A reception will follow the service.

May Sam rest in the peace of God’s eternal light. May the saints and angels welcome him into the presence of God as a faithful servant of Christ. And may the hope that Jesus’ resurrection gives us comfort Alla, the Desert Garden church family, and everyone who knew and loved Sam.

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Youth Art Submissions for National Youth Event 2020

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Youth Art Submissions for National Youth Event 2020

From Rev. Trayce Potter, Minister for Youth & Young Adult Engagement:

We are looking for youth & young adults (ages 12–25) to submit original pieces of work to be used in the creation of worship materials for National Youth Event 2020.

The theme of the event is: Unite for the Earth! Unite for Justice! Unite in Faith!

Poems, prayers, song lyrics, devotions, reflections, drawings, paintings, and other pieces of art are welcome.

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Resolution adopted at SWC 2018 Annual Meeting opens a conversation and discernment process throughout the UCC

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Resolution adopted at SWC 2018 Annual Meeting opens a conversation and discernment process throughout the UCC

At the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Southwest Conference we adopted a prudential resolution to be sent to the 32nd General Synod of the United Church of Christ. Last week a committee of General Synod 32 considered our resolution and a similar resolution sponsored by the Southern California Nevada Conference. The two resolutions were combined after the committee added their wisdom. Delegates adopted the combined resolution titled Discerning, Articulating, and Resourcing the Nature, Purpose, Composition, Covenantal Autonomy and Definition of ‘the basic unit of life and organization of the United Church of Christ’ for the Twenty-first Century. 

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How to Mail Campers

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How to Mail Campers

Camp is coming up in just 3 weeks! Here's some handy camp information from our director, Jay Deskins:

Campers love getting mail at camp! It's a reminder from their family, church, and friends that they're remembered while at camp! It's great to send letters!

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Shine! Lighthouse - Connect with General Synod from afar!

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Shine! Lighthouse - Connect with General Synod from afar!

Keeping with tradition, the Local Arrangements Committee of the Milwaukee Conference is organizing several General Synod Social Justice Opportunities. All this year's projects are inspired by the Church's Three Great Love initiative.

The host committee is also encouraging Synod attendees to visually share ways, via the Shine! Lighthouse, that they are living into the UCC's Three Great Loves in their own communities.

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Executive Assistant to the Conference Minister position

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ICYMI: Eli Johnson is leaving the Southwest Conference staff. We’ve benefited from Eli’s many gifts and talents. He shepherded the conference through the transition to integrated digital communication and membership management. We owe him our thanks for expanding the office’s capacity to serve our churches by improving our efficiency.

Now we’re faced with the process of filling his position. Read on for the position description and application process.

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Eli Johnson leaving the conference staff

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Eli Johnson leaving the conference staff

The Southwest Conference bids Eli Johnson farewell with our good wishes as he leaves the conference staff to become Human Resources Trainer with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. Eli has served the SWC for more than three years, first in Relational Communications and then as the Assistant to the Conference Minister. 

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Hiring opportunities at Emmanuel Pines Camp

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Hiring opportunities at Emmanuel Pines Camp

Some of us love camp so much we just wish we could live there. If that’s you, or someone you know, read on for a message from our church camp site in Prescott, Emmanuel Pines Camp.

Unique opportunity for just the RIGHT person! Emmanuel Pines is a growing faith-based camp and we are on the hunt for our next amazing servant-leader team members 15 years and older! (Must be 18 or older for onsite housing.) Bring your personality, your ideas, and your skills and join us.

The all staff training/camp kick-off day is May 23, and we would love to secure most of our summer staff by that date! 

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Michael Curry, Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness

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Michael Curry, Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness

Dear Members and Friends of the Southwest Conference:

I bring you greetings in the name of our Still Speaking God. My name is Michael Curry and I am thrilled to serve the Southwest Conference as Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness.

My time as a member in discernment in the Southwest Conference began on February 13, 2014 and came to a close on February 13, 2019. During my time in discernment, I had a difficult time deciphering how God envisioned using me and the gifts that I bring to our shared table where I always hoped to be a voice to those who have been silenced and marginalized by the stigma of mental health challenges. I spent a lot of time thinking and dreaming about the ideal ministry setting for me never once imagining that I would receive and accept a call to serve on the Southwest Conference staff as Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness.

Read more about Michael’s new position, and find out how he can be helpful to you and your church!

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