Conference News
United Church of Christ leaders are sharing information with each other, listening to the latest data from world health organizations and taking directives from their local health departments to discern how best to take precautions as the coronavirus COVID-19 spreads across United States.
Borrowing from the Rev. Kaji Douša, senior pastor of the Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, the UCC is taking "a posture of awareness, not panic."
Read MoreAs we look at how we are responsive to the health needs of our local communities, many churches are making the decision whether to host worship together in person; or virtually to have connection digitally if not possible in person. Congregations are looking towards what their county health officials and local school districts are deciding, and often following suit.
This document serves as a resource for faithful tips and considerations for congregations.
Read MoreShepherding church communities through a global pandemic is uncharted territory, but Sojourners has been working quickly to provide the news, resources, and reflections to move us all through this — together.
Read MoreThis recommendation comes after much prayer and discernment, a zoom call with all of our pastors and chaplains who could be present on short notice, briefings from our disaster service coordinator, consultation with medical professionals in our churches, conversations with both our ecumenical partners in Arizona and New Mexico and with National and Conference Ministry colleagues across the UCC, and heeding the guidance from both the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control. It is grounded in my listening to our congregations’ leaders first. It speaks to you and not for you, in the spirit of covenant that we all give careful and prayerful attention to the words of one another in the Southwest Conference. That’s who we are as the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreSojourners' 2020 roundup of women faith leaders includes United Church of Christ Minister for Congregational and Community Engagement, Rev. Tracy Howe Wispelwey!
“The resilience and fortitude of women inspires me and the connections I observe among young women to their ancestors and future generations gives me tremendous hope,” says Rev. Howe Wispelwey.
Read MoreConsultations between Rev. Tracy Blackmon and the Council of Conference Ministers led to a decision this morning to POSTPONE the NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT, originally scheduled for July 22-25, 2020, until a future year.
This decision was not primarily a concern over the severity of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but it was based on being in an uncertain and changing time and facing a present deadline to financially finalize the contract with Purdue University. The CCM and national staff thought it prudent to postpone the event.
When future plans are made, we will let you know!
Read Moreby Karen Richter, 2020 Annual Meeting Coordinator
As (I hope) you’ve seen, the theme for Annual Meeting 2020 is Stories That Transform. This is maybe the most human, most exciting theme I’ve experienced over the last decade of annual meetings. Sharing stories, listening to the stories of others, crafting meaning and connecting events: these are the things that humans do. Over days, seasons, and lifetimes, these story activities form family, community, and culture.
So what better way to prepare for Annual Meeting and share ideas and experiences than a Southwest Conference Book Club! But here’s the rub… when you ask churchy, bibliophile people what they recommend to read, you can get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath and check out the recommendations below.
Read MoreFrom Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons:
Okay, I admit it. I’ve had a difficult time knowing when to fist bump, elbow touch, shake a hand extended to me, or accept a hug during my visits to our churches these last couple of weeks. It’s just plain hard to maintain a calm, non-anxious presence these days. And so I’ve found myself often needing to intentionally taking a deep breath and let it out, take another deep breath and let it out, in order to remind myself to “cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Read MoreOn the evening of Friday, February 28, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries released a Coronavirus advisory. Bill has put together more resources in this brief article.
Read MoreNatalia Serna, aka La Muna, is a Colombian-American songwriter and sociologist who has given much of her to walking with migrants, literally, on the trains through Mexico known as "La Bestia," through the mountains of Guatemala, and along the US/Mexico Border in the Sonoran Desert. She will present some of her work and music as well as reflections on the movement of people and what we need to live and thrive.
Read MorePre-event on Thursday, April 23! No cost—just need to provide your own transportation to the border and buy your own lunch. We will walk across the border so people don't need to worry about driving across. Wear good walking shoes and bring a full water bottle, sunscreen, and a passport or government-issued ID (drivers license is acceptable). Participants should be able to do some light walking; the shelter in Mexico is about one-third of a mile each way. We will not be driving into Mexico.
Read MoreAt our board retreat, we watched a video by Dewitt Jones; if possible, please carve out 18 minutes to watch this talk with breath-taking photos and possibilities – this video has over a million views – see why:
Read MoreApril 13-17, 2020, 8:30 – 5:00 (Begin at 10:00 on Monday, end at 2:30 on Friday)
at Presbytery de Cristo and Grand Canyon, 4141 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
L.E.S.T. is a five-day seminar to assist leaders in understanding how to engage conflict and move toward healthy communication that supports ministry.
$40 – covers workbook, snacks, supplies
View the brochure to learn more.
Read MoreDownload a chapter of Appreciative Inquiry: Organization Development and the Strengths Revolution, and a featured article on the generative nature of SOAR.
Read MoreDear Friends in Christ,
I have received many warm greetings from attendees throughout the state, who were deeply moved by the services held in your local communities, and it is all due to your commitment to living ecumenism.
We’ve posted photos from our Primary Celebration at www.MayAllBeOne.org, along with 2021 dates, a sign-up for our newsletter, and links to media reports on the WPCU, which I’ve also shared below.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you did to make the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2020 so meaningful to so many, and for all you do throughout the year to put the words of John 17:21 into action; That They May All Be One.
Yours in our Common Lord,
Rev. Rock Fremont, Chair
Arizona Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 7, the Southwest Conference is having a conversation that will determine the future of our shared mission and ministry for the next 3-5 years. You are an important voice in that conversation as:
Your congregation’s Mission and Church Vitality Committee (MCVC) representative
A member of one of the SWC’s standing committees
A clergy person in the Southwest Conference
Our facilitator, Jackie Stavros, literally wrote the book on building strength-based strategies that inspire innovation and engagement. At the end of the day, you will receive all of the data from our time together. And you will take home a method to use at church, at work, at school, at home, and in your communities to help you stay focused on positive opportunities that get results. Oh, and your voice will be one of the voices that shape the ministry of the Southwest Conference and crafts our preferred shared future.
Read MoreHave you wished to take retreat on Holy Island Lindisfarne off the coast of Northern England and one of the ancient "Thin Places" of the UK? Have you ever wondered how wisdom teachings from the East might help you practice Christian faith? Have you enjoyed “Water from an Ancient Well” or Celtic Journey? If you think "yes" to any of the above, you might enjoy this retreat. The retreat is filling up quickly, so reserve your spot soon!
Read MoreIn 2020 the Executive Board will lead the Southwest Conference in a SOAR visioning process, a profoundly positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, and leading. SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results and is intended to be a positive approach to strategic conversations that allows an organization to construct its future through collaboration, shared understanding, and a commitment to action. The focus is on what is the system doing well, what does the system want more of, and how do we move forward from positive images to positive action and results. SOAR leverages the Appreciative Inquiry paradigm to shift and amplify the energy and dialogue of stakeholders to strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results.
Read MoreRegistration is open for the UCC & DOC children's winter event!
Register now: https://docgeneralassembly.regfox.com/az-its-elementary-childrens-event
Read MoreYou may have heard about the transformative leadership initiative of the Pension Boards called the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI). NGLI equips, energizes, and empowers younger United Church of Christ local church pastors to build vibrant congregations that change lives and further God’s mission in the world.
NGLI is currently accepting applications for its 11th cohort and would appreciate your help in getting the word out. Notice to intent to apply is February 1—so please pass this information along quickly.
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