Conference News
Can you imagine a church free of racism and a world where all people live without fear of violence or systems that harm God’s human creation?
The United Church of Christ invites you to Join the Movement toward racial justice as we answer God’s call to be an anti-racist church. Here, we will share stories and grow together, learning from one another to build a just world for all.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference has signed a lease on a new space and is listing "The 917" building for sale.
We'll be moving to new offices at the United Methodist Center at 1550 E. Meadowbrook Avenue. The UMC and SWC share mutual excitement and look forward to working together and extending our ecumenical ministry and relationship.
Our mailing address will be switching to a PO Box soon.
Stay tuned for updates.
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Advocates ask General Synod to embrace contemplation, rethink ‘Earth's rights.
Read MoreBelieving that as followers of Christ we are called to love and affirm all expressions of human gender and sexuality, the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network (MHN) declared its official commitment to being an Open and Affirming (ONA) Ministry of the UCC.
The designation was made through a covenant that was accepted by the ONA Coalition on June 2.
Read MoreRegistration is now open!
MODULE 1: Intro and Theology of Boundaries, Power & Vulnerability: Wednesday, September 8, 1-4 pm AZ / 2-5 pm NM & El Paso
MODULE 2: Interpersonal Relationships: Thursday, October 7, 1-4 pm AZ / 2-5pm NM-El Paso
MODULE 3: Work, Time, Resources: Tuesday, November 16, 1-4 pm
MODULE 4: Technology and Social Media: Wednesday, December 8, 1-4 pm
Learn more about each module and register HERE.
Meet the worship leaders!
Read MoreRev. Lynne Hinton, a member of First Congregational UCC Albuquerque, has been elected as Conference Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches, effective July 1, 2021.
Read MoreFrom July 11 – 18, 2021, Special Edition General Synod, will include powerful worship, not-to-miss keynote speakers, 50 workshops, youth programming and business sessions. Because it is 100% online, General Synod makes it possible for anyone to attend. Register today at generalsynod.org.
Read MoreThese open positions, one at Sun Lakes UCC and one at Sierra Vista UCC, are linked below for your consideration. If you are feeling the spirit nudge you toward one of these, please reach out to us in the office.
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Register today and join us for General Synod 33 – a fully virtual event. Registration provides you access to all aspects of General Synod, including worship, optional events, business, over 50 workshops, exhibit hall, keynote speakers and much more.
General Synod events will occur in the later half of the day to afford all an increased ability to engage. Registration is more affordable this year than it’s ever been!
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference is pleased to offer Best Skills Best Churches (BSBC/UCC), a certificate program offered in partnership with ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. The program is also open to MIDs, clergy, and lay leaders! Applications are being accepted online for the September cohort of 30 participants.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Read MoreThese resolutions and bylaws amendments were approved at Annual Meeting. SWC churches can use these links to the final documents in their implementation efforts.
Read MoreSomeone is trying to impersonate Bill. If you have received an email such as this, please report it as phishing and/or block the sender. The scammers continue to improve the ways they reach out, so please notice the strange language and incorrect email address. These small hints help to do a quick preview of untrustworthy senders.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference Executive Board voted at their May meeting to put the Conference Office building, 917 E. Sheridan St., on the market for sale. This decision comes after six months of discussion and discernment about Conference and staff needs, financial and facility stewardship, and overarching Conference mission.
“The pandemic taught us a lot about how we function as a staff and conference. We found we could work efficiently and effectively from home offices, but we greatly missed our in-person collegiality and creative collaboration as a staff. We do need a place, but we don’t need as large a space to work in and manage,” said the Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, Conference Minister.
Read MoreRegistration is open — be ready for this summer’s Special Edition General Synod.
Read MoreONA opportunities at General Synod: Love Feast and Coalition Choir. Plus more in this month's Ripples.
Read MoreMichael Curry has a new pre-recorded message, "My Honest Testimony" that is available for churches to use in worship.
If your church is interested, please reach out to Michael at swclayminister@gmail.com so he can make arrangements to be present for virtual worship and coffee hour.
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Some newsworthy items just won’t fit in The Loop and don’t belong on our website, but we want you to know about them. So we post them on the SWC Facebook page. Give us a follow! You might discover some things to share on your church’s page or your personal timeline.
Read MoreKindly find below the details for the following vacancies with UNHCR’s U.S. border team:
These positions are open to applicants through Friday, 14 May 2021, until 6:00PM EST. The UNHCR global jobs portal automatically closes at midnight local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the closing date. Given the time difference, the closing time is 6 PM Eastern Standard Time. Please carefully double-check the time difference to ensure that your application is accepted. Applications that are not received in the online system cannot be considered.
Read MoreOur panelists at Annual Meeting were phenomenal!
Rev. Marta Fioriti and Mandy Todd, partners in ministry at Black Forest Community Church in northern Colorado Springs, have provided recordings to their breakout sessions.
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