Noting that the United Church of Christ is “among the whitest Christian denominations in America,” the church’s leaders are launching an assessment of “racial diversity, equity and inclusion” throughout the church.
The United Church of Christ Board of Directors announced the assessment in a Sept. 1 “letter to the wider church” and began seeking consultants to the process by posting a request for proposals at the UCC website. The letter was signed by UCC Board Chair Yvette Wynn and the three national officers of the church, the Revs. John Dorhauer, Traci Blackmon and Karen Georgia Thompson.
Read MoreThis year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities. The United Church of Christ’s history is rooted in supporting justice work and the Southwest Conference encourages all SWC churches to participate in this important cause. We invite your congregation to renew its commitment to Neighbors in Need on Sunday, October 4th. This date coincides with our Virtual Annual Meeting and an appeal will be made during the all-conference worship service that morning.
All of this year’s resource materials are downloadable here.
Read MoreWe’re picking up speed toward our Virtual Annual Meeting. See what you need to know.
Read MoreUnited Church Funds (UCF) announced that Brown Endowment grants of over $100,000 has been awarded so far this year to 13 United Church of Christ (UCC) conferences. These grants will allow these conferences to implement support programs and leadership development for authorized ministers who are addressing and responding to the crisis and trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and protests for racial justice.
The Southwest Conference wrote for and received a $10K grant from the Brown Endowment Fund to provide active authorized ministers with traumatic stress debriefing and support.
Read MoreRev. Liana Rowe will be retiring from her conference position as Administrative Assistant for Finance as of April 30, 2021.
Read MoreCynthia VerDuin is stepping down as SWC treasurer at the end of September.
Read MoreThis article is intended for church financial personnel. Feel free to read it, anyway, and rejoice or geek out with us about this new feature. Kudos to our finance staff person, Rev. Liana Rowe, who toiled for MANY hours to set up this new online form.
Read MoreAssociate Conference Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock has approved an alternate online anti-racism training program, recommended by Rev. Rock Fremont, to count for the clergy anti-racism requirement.
Dismantling Racism training, which seeks to increase "racial understanding, healing and reconciliation" is offered by the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia.
Although there is no charge to take the training, pre-registration is required no later than one week in advance. Each class is limited to 25 people and runs for a single day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Read MoreSeptember 17, 24, and October 1. Registration opening soon.
Read MoreMichael Curry: Virtual Sermon Michael Curry, Southwest Conference Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness, has recorded a sermon to make it available to churches throughout the conference.
Read MoreResolutions must be in the hands of the Executive Board, in writing, no later than the meeting of the Board preceding the Annual Meeting for approval for submission at the Annual Meeting. As of this writing, that date is Thursday, September 17, 2020.
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ D.C. Office, with the help of ecumenical friends and partners, created a page with videos and resources dedicated to making the issues crucial in the 2020 elections feel a bit more manageable. Hear what UCC and ecumenical faith leaders specializing in these issues have to say, find links to important sources, and check out our issue one-pagers for candidate questions and more! Check it out!
Read MoreBill Lyons preached on hope and resilience on July 26 at United Churches Fellowship in Nogales, Arizona. You’re welcome to use it in your church’s virtual worship!
Read MoreWe’ll need a tech team and tech stewards during our Virtual Annual Meeting happening on Zoom, October 2-4. If you’ve acquired some Zoom webinar skills this year (or are willing to be trained), please contact our Virtual Annual Meeting coordinator, Karen Richter.
Read MoreThe Our Whole Lives newsletter for July 23, 2020 plus updated resources.
Read MoreFor the last two years, Rev. Jay Deskins has served as the full-time Regional Youth and Children’s Minister for the Christian Church in Arizona (Disciples of Christ). The Southwest Conference UCC has been fortunate to have him as a partner to lead a successful merging of our camping program with the Disciples camp. Jay also rose to the challenge, along with SWC Associate Minister Barb Doerrer-Peacock, of creating and implementing DUCC @ Home, the virtual camp that was held with the Disciples.
If you would like to thank Jay, you may send a card to him at 917 E. Sheridan St., Phoenix, AZ, 85006.
Read MoreBy Chaplain, Captain Derrick Elliott, 355th Wing Chaplains
Rev. Derrick Elliott is Pastor at Desert Heritage Church in Mesa.
Read his article here.
Read MoreThis program is designed to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in deep and thought-provoking examination of internalized and systemic racism. It is an interactive endeavor, utilizing a variety of resources including films, books, exercises, and conversations that fully engage all participants. This training is tailored to inspire both personal and corporate change. It is the beginning of a journey that can lead to greater human understanding and conciliation.
Read MoreConferences received an update to share about General Synod 2021. More information will be coming in the months ahead.
Read MoreA Virtual Gathering July 25-26,2020
To a hip hop beat, virtual NYE will immerse youth in immigration, encourage creativity! We will gather on July 25 and 26 for online service projects (Sat), workshops (Sat) and a worship service (Sun) and hear from some amazing voices.
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