Together with the Insurance Board, UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel will present a webinar on copyright compliance for churches on September 29. Click here to register.
Read MoreWebinar: Copyright Concerns for Churches
Conference News
Don’t Beg – Rethinking the Stewardship Sermon
Pastors will have the opportunity to attend Rev. Andrew's Bible Study, Don’t Beg – Rethinking the Stewardship Sermon on Tuesday, October 12th at 2:00 pm Arizona/ 3:00 pm New Mexico & El Paso. This Bible Study for pastors will think through options for sermons on Stewardship for a fall pledge campaign. It will be guided by Henri Nouwen’s observation, “Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging. Rather, we are declaring, ‘We have a vision that is amazing and exciting.’”
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Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar Starting Soon
Can fundraising be ministry? Can stewardship be spiritual?
The Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar this fall offers an opportunity for pastors and lay leaders to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promoting generosity in our congregations. We will draw on current research, seek guidance from the wisdom of scripture, and discuss the best practices in church-based fundraising. Pastors and leaders participating in this program will be equipped to lead an effective stewardship campaign and, more broadly, help their congregation reclaim generosity as a spiritual practice.
Read MoreCongratulations to Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros
Congratulations to the Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros. A resounding "yes!" was affirmed by delegates at a special meeting held recently to elect her as the next Conference Minister for the Kansas Oklahoma Conference/UCC. She will officially join them on January 1st, 2022.
Congratulations, Rev. Ceniceros!
Important address update for donations to UCC's national setting
The new address when sending contributions is:
United Church of Christ. PO BOX 71957, Cleveland, Ohio 44194
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Reminder: Upcoming Healthy Ministry Modules
Requirement for ALL clergy with Active Standing (both those who are EMPLOYED AND RETIRED). All four modules must be taken once between 2018 and the end of 2022. All four modules will be held one more time during the fall of 2022.
Read MoreEquipping the Saints
This Professional Certification in Community Engagement and Ministry is sponsored by the Memphis Theological Seminary - Center for Faith and Imagination. All course materials and classroom instruction are online.
Registration for the first class; Foundations and Theology of Placed-Based Community Building begins on September 7th. Registration ends September 3rd.
Read MoreOne application streamlines process for several JLCM grants
Apply today! One application streamlines process for several Justice and Local Church Ministries grants.
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image credit: Rev. Michael Bush
SWC COVID GUIDELINE UPDATES....and reflection from the wilderness
Acting Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock offers a pastoral word along with updated Conference COVID guidelines and the latest Staff Travel Policy.
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COVID-19 Response Team Conversation
Saturday, September 11th at 9:00 am Arizona / 10:00 am New Mexico & El Paso
We will be hosting a conversation with COVID-19 Response Teams from around the Conference.
This call will allow teams to come together and share learning, tools, struggles, and resource each other as we collectively move forward during the pandemic.
If your team is unable to make this call, it will be recorded and distributed after.
Read MoreEducational Opportunities
These opportunities are coming up soon, so take a look: Any of the antiracism trainings can count for the racial justice requirement for active ministerial standing.
Solidarity: Antiracism Training with Rev. Joan Crawford
Be the Healing Conference 2021 with Dr. Joy DeGruy
Discerning Whiteness—The Hidden Barriers
Heavenly Meetings; processes to Foster Healthy Engagement
Read MoreAnnual Campaigns 101
We have an exciting event coming up on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:00 pm Arizona/7:00 pm New Mexico & El Paso. Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer for OPTIC – Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity, & Communication at the National Office, will be presenting the Annual Campaigns 101: An Introduction to Stewardship for Pastors and Lay Leaders webinar.
This webinar is designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign and will explore ways to create an effective campaign. Learn more and register today.
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Now Available: Youth & Trauma Resources for Congregations
The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is pleased to offer a new set of resources to help congregations and other community-based organizations address the mental health effects of trauma on children.
Read MoreUCC at ASU August update
From Andrew Ponder Williams:
Every Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the month of August we are offering our new Zoom group for all young adults. We have young adults from across California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas signed up. We specifically are creating a space to support people just out of college who are looking for meaningful community and spiritual engagement.
Contact Andrew for more information: andrew@desertpalmucc.org.
For ASU specific ministry we have a full plan prepared for on-campus/in-person ministry this fall. We can't wait!!
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Upcoming SWC 7 for 7 Campaigns
These SWC special offerings are the “7 for 7” offerings that qualify churches for year-end recognition.
SWC Mission Fund Special Offering – Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 – Goal: $10,000
Sow the Seed Special Offering – Sunday Feb. 20, 2022 – Goal: $11,000
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Rev. Susan Valiquette installation
Hope to see you at First Church UCC Phoenix on Sunday, November 7 at 3 pm MST!
Read MoreUCC included in $5M study of COVID and the church
Documenting the Pandemic: UCC included in $5-million study of COVID and the church. See how your church can take part.
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UCC at ASU update
From Andrew Ponder Williams:
Every Thursday evening at 6:30pm in the month of August we are offering our new Zoom group for all young adults. We have young adults from across California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas signed up. We specifically are creating a space to support people just out of college who are looking for meaningful community and spiritual engagement. Contact Andrew for more (andrew@desertpalmucc.org).
For ASU specific ministry we have a full plan prepared for on-campus/in-person ministry this fall. We can't wait!!
Read MorePastors appreciate stewardship resources; ‘Rooted in Love’ now available for fall campaigns
How do you build an effective stewardship campaign? Ask a pastor who has done just that.
That’s what the United Church of Christ OPTIC team did when it came time to develop this year’s stewardship theme materials.
Read MoreUCC Mental Health Network Synod wrap-up and thank you
On behalf of the MHN Board of Directors and officers, I want to thank you for your support and prayers — we could not do this important work without a community of people who also believe in providing safe and loving places for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, neurodiversity, and other brain disorders.
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