Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 2:00 pm (MST)
The memorial gathering will be available to watch live online at the Church of the Beatitudes website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
Read MoreA Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson
Conference News
$1.5M Southwest Conference Medical Debt Relief Campaign Begins on Ash Wednesday
The Southwest Conference is inviting all SWC congregations to join this campaign that will run from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
For every $1 raised, $100 of medical debt can be abolished. $10 abolishes $1000 of medical debt. $10,000 wipes out $1 million. Let’s raise $15,000 to abolish $1.5 million!
The members of Executive Board have pledged an initial $940 to kick this off. That’s already $94,000 of medical debt that can be wiped out for individuals, veterans, and families in our geographical area.
Will your congregation participate? Let us know you’re in so we can add your church to the list of participants.
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ONA News: Webinars, 1-Day ONA Experience
Whether your church is just beginning its journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant, or you've been ONA for many years, you'll find a webinar that meets your needs.
Also check out the Open and Affirming Experience, a one-day virtual conference with two tracks, one for not-yet ONA churches, the other for existing ONA churches.
Read MoreVideos from Wintertalk 2021
There was a lot of information covered and meaningful conversations held over this two-day event, so fortunately it was recorded!
Read MoreThe UCC has an opening for a Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer
Please use the link below to view the full position description and to apply. The application close date for this position is January 29, 2021.
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=3342438
Read MoreAmid pre-inauguration turmoil, UCC leaders suggest do’s, don’t’s
With a historic second impeachment of President Trump, security concerns around the upcoming inauguration of the incoming president, Joseph Biden Jr., and FBI reports of potential protests in state capitals around the country, how does the church respond?
UCC leaders, clergy and advocates offer both pastoral and practical ways to deal with the political turmoil.
Read MoreGuidance for Resuming In-Person Gatherings In Southwest Conference Churches
Decisions about resuming in-person gatherings in your church rest in your hands, not in the hands of government officials or of the Southwest Conference staff. This resource has been designed to be a starting point for meaningful conversation among your local church leaders as you develop your own protocol or policy for resuming in-person gatherings (worship, classes, working in the office). It reflects our deep and abiding love for one another and for our neighbors and highlights our common desire to nurture the health and welfare of the people in our congregations and our communities.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Dosia Carlson has died
We hold Bob Carlson and his wife Millie in our prayers; Dosia died on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Even two nights ago from ICU, Dosia continued to text family and friends to remind them of God's love and to encourage them to continue living in ways that show God's light and love. How like Dosia. She was a significance presence in the Church, in the life of the Southwest Conference, and for countless people whose lives were touched by her ministry.
Read MoreSave the date: UCC Just Peace Webinar January 27
The Just Peace Steering Committee will be hosting a webinar to invite Just Peace Churches (and those exploring becoming a Just Peace Church) to explore the important justice work ahead of us in 2021.
Read MoreOrdination of Debby Stinton
The members of The Church of the Palms and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ joyfully invite you to the ordination of Debby Stinton on Sunday, January 24 at 3 pm.
Read MoreRegistration is open for the webinar: Your Church Website and the New Visitor Experience
January 19, 2021, 12–1pm MST, presented by Maryle Malloy
Great church websites have one thing in common: they focus on the new visitor experience. We'll cover the key points every church website needs to engage new visitors and inspire them to learn more.
Resources: We'll send you away with several resources such as the eBook "Organizing Graphic Assets," which contains over 20 links to free graphic resources.
Read MoreCharles Mills, author of "The Racial Contract," to speak
Charles Mills is author of one of the books we read as part of the course "Deep Dive" for Sacred Conversations to End Racism. Time listed is Eastern Time; it will be 9–11 am Mountain Time.
Read MoreScholarships & Grants
The United Church of Christ offers scholarships for those preparing to serve the church. Applications close March 1.
Read MoreTransforming UCC.org
Updated UCC website offers much more than just a new look.
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SWC MIDs' First Sunday of Christmas worship service, 12-27-2020
The Members in Discernment, along with Associate Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock, have collaborated to create a worship service for the first Sunday of Christmas, December 27, 2020. The video is available in its entirety, as well as the individual components, for churches to download and use in their virtual worship and websites. The worship service will stream live on the SWC Facebook page at 9 am on Sunday, December 27.
Read MoreTax-free generosity opportunities
There are a new opportunities to be generous and reduce your tax liability through end-of-year giving: The Cares Act charitable giving benefit and tax-free gifts made directly to charitable organizations from IRA and other retirement accounts.
Read MoreThe Christmas Fund provides more emergency assistance in a year of COVID-19
An offering United Church of Christ congregations traditionally collect in December has become a lifeline this year for scores of clergy struggling with financial insecurity because of COVID-19.
Read MoreWebinar: Your Church Website and the New Visitor Experience
January 19, 2021, 12–1pm MST, presented by Maryle Malloy
Great church websites have one thing in common: they focus on the new visitor experience. We'll cover the key points every church website needs to engage new visitors and inspire them to learn more.
Read MoreCrowdsourcing a Southwest Conference Advent/Christmas song playlist
Wende Gonzales is curating a Spotify playlist of the Southwest Conference’s cherished Advent and Christmas songs by your favorite artists. Old and new, sacred and secular, joyful and melancholy.
To join this project, just email Wende with the song title, artist, and album (if known). Add a note (optional) telling us what you love about the song(s). If you’d rather not have your name attached to your thoughts about the song, please add the word “anonymous” to your note.
Read MoreIconic New York church gutted by fire
A mournful loss: An iconic New York church, home to one of the city’s first religious congregations, is gutted by fire.
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