Last Sunday, May 22, we celebrated the culmination of Andrew’s 12-year journey to ordination!
Read MoreCongratulations on your ordination, Andrew Ponder Williams!
Conference News
Resources for coping with news of traumatic events
Traumatic events often lead people to feel they have lost control of their sense of safety. Here are resources on how to help children cope with the frightening news and their reactions. A resource for adults is also included.
Read MoreConference Pilgrimage Cancelled...but God is doing a new (exciting) thing
We had some expected sadness when decided to cancel the event, but almost immediately it was followed was a explosion of new ideas and creativity around this theme. We immediately sensed God was doing a new thing, and leading us to a format that, rather than focusing ourselves on one trip at one time, that we were being led to empower multiple ways that many people and churches could experience and explore the meaning of Pilgrimage.
Read MoreO.W.L. (Our Whole Lives) for Older Adults fall program
Is there really that much for adults to learn (and un-learn) regarding sexuality? You betcha. Save these dates and watch for registration opening next month!
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Association of United Church Educators: resources and upcoming conference
Our deepest condolences to Rev. Ann Utke on the loss of her father
Ann Utke's father, John Ringelstetter died peacefully at Sharon Richardson Hospice on Tuesday, May 10th following a lengthy decline. He was a tremendous supporter of his daughter and son-in-law and their ministerial vocations.
Read MoreUCC@ASU Monthly Dinner Group
UCC at ASU has launched a new monthly dinner group for all young adults. They are keeping the groups small and eating outdoors to be mindful of pandemic concerns. Do you know an ASU student that might want this connection? Email andrew@andrewponderwilliams.com to find out how to get more involved and to be added to the group text.
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Strengthen the Church Offering: June 5, 2022 [resources]
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Read MoreUCC Board outlines search process for next GMP, creates webpage for updates
Do you want to know more about the process of calling the United Church of Christ’s next general minister and president? There’s now a web page for that.
The page here, on UCC.org, will be updated with information periodically from the United Church of Christ Board’s GMP Search Committee. In this letter to the wider church, Board Chair Cameron Barr expands on the search and call process for the UCC’s next general minister and president.
Read MoreCelebrating Pacific Islander & Asian American History Month
webinar: Thursday, May 12, 12:30pm AZ / 1:30pm NM/EP
May is Pacific Islander & Asian American History Month and the United Church of Christ is privileged to be affiliated with PAAM (Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries).
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Mental Health Sunday: Resources from UCC MHN
It is Mental Health Awareness Month and the UCC MHN wants to make sure you have resources to best equip you for a Mental Health Sunday!
Read MoreOrdination Service for Andrew Ponder Williams - with updates
May 22, 2022 4 pm AZ / 5 pm NM-EP
Desert Palm UCC, Tempe, AZ & Livestreamed
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes Psalm 118:23
Hold the date to celebrate with the Southwest Conference the ordination of Andrew Ponder Williams, who has been a member in discernment with Desert Palm UCC, Tempe. He has been called and is beginning his ministry as solo pastor of United Church of Christ of St. Johnsbury, Vermont in June.
Congratulations, Andrew!
Read MoreSWC Welcomes Co-Coordinators for Disaster Ministry
The Southwest Conference United Church of Christ joyfully announces the appointments of Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith and Rev. Tom Davis as Conference Co-coordinators for Disaster Ministry.
Read MoreJoin us for Spring ASDIC Workshops
Register today for workshops, dialogue circles, and programming in 2022.
We hope you will join us!
UCC Board Update on Search Process for Next GMP
The United Church of Christ Board (UCCB) has completed its preparations for the search for our next General Minister and President and the search committee is now actively beginning its work.
Read MoreAntiracism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDIC)
The SWC and Antiracism Study Dialogue Circles (ASDiC) have entered a 2 year partnership to provide antiracism dialogue experiences that build awareness, knowledge, communication across structures of domination, motivation and commitment. A conference-wide Intercultural Development Inventory IDI assessment will begin our work together. Email ASDIC at info@asdicircle.org to learn how your congregation can partner with them.
Read MoreIt's a celebration—Arizona Women's Hall of Fame to induct Rev. Dosia Carlson!
Join us as we celebrate and pay tribute to beloved Beatitudes Saint, the late Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson, recently nominated and selected to be inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame. Wednesday, April 27 | 3:00 pm MST
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Nollau Leadership Institute 2022-23: registration is now open
Registration for the Nollau Leadership Institute Class of 2022-2023 is now open. The program is a stellar opportunity for leadership development and continuing education, building skills applicable for church and beyond-the-church employment and nonprofit settings. The program is open to everyone – clergy, lay leaders, MIDs, pre-MIDs, anyone seeking professional and/or continuing education opportunities, and the list continues.
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ONA NEWS: Andy Lang Retires at the End of this Year
Dear Open and Affirming family:
I’m writing with the news that I will retire from my ministry as Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition effective at the end of this year.
Serving the Coalition for more than a decade has been the greatest experience in my life. When the United Church of Christ called me to public ministry nearly 30 years ago, I had no idea my path would take me to leadership in the Coalition. Along the way, I have been inspired, supported, educated and transformed by many in the church, especially by members of the Coalition’s Leadership Team, past and present.
Read MoreRev. Teresa Blythe appears on "Pew & Beyond"
Rev. Teresa Blythe, ordained UCC minister in the SWC, spiritual director, author, and blogger, recently was a guest on the Canadian podcast "Pew & Beyond" talking about her book, 50 Ways to Pray.
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