Join the Movement invites exploration of liberation with second-annual Abolition Advent Calendar. Learn more here.
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Conference News
SWC Annual Meeting Planning Coordinator position open
After bidding a fond farewell and sending well wishes to our Annual Meeting Planning Coordinator for the past several years, Karen Richter, we are now in need of another individual to plan, organize, and execute our Annual Meeting.
View the job description here.
Please pass it along to anyone you think would be a great fit! If that’s you, please apply!
Read MoreWatch: Trans Day of Remembrance vigil holds space, calls for solidarity
To mark Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), the United Church of Christ hosted a vigil Nov. 20 to collectively hold space for remembering the names of trans siblings — those known and unknown — who have been lost to violence.
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Conference Ministers share lament, commit to action for Trans Day of Remembrance
In observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20, the Council of Conference Ministers of the United Church of Christ have released a letter lamenting for and confessing to harm caused to trans and nonbinary youth and adults, as well as pledging a commitment to action and solidarity. Read it here.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education - Online and Progressive
“Affordable, Accessible, Awesome”
Are you busy with work, family, caring for others, standing up for justice but need a moment each day to deepen your faith and explore ways to hold on in a broken, fearful, too often violent world? We invite you to check out our online courses where community grows, questions arise, peace comes, and faith deepens. Courses offerings can be found on the website here. Now is a good time to look ahead to the 2024 course schedule and contact PATHWAYS with any questions you may have. Whether you would like to take one course or a whole program, PATHWAYS welcomes you.
Heidi Hulme writes, “I have never been one to do things “traditionally,” and PATHWAYS allowed me the opportunity to continue to prepare my alternative path to ordination, while allowing me to serve a church, and be a wife and mother. … I am grateful for this experience and education; it has blossomed my ministry, and changed my life.”
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NEW SCHOLARSHIP: The Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship Fund for Disabled Theologians of Color
The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) board is delighted to announce the creation of a new scholarship fund: the Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship Fund for Disabled Theologians of Color. This endowed scholarship will assist those who identify as people of color with disabilities in pursuing theological study at any level. By creating greater access to theological education, we hope that scholarship recipients will enrich the church through their engagement with disability, race, and theology.
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Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil
Plan to attend the Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil on November 20th, hosted by Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries.
Read MoreFranklinton Center Litany for Sunday Nov. 19 or 26 in celebration of 152 years
We invite all SWC congregations to share the following message and litany from the Board and Staff of Franklinton Center at Bricks during their Sunday worship services on Nov. 19th and 26th to commemorate the 152nd anniversary of the Franklinton Center.
Read MorePhotos from the 2023 Clergy Retreat
Our SWC clergy RESTED and RESISTED at the 2023 Clergy Retreat!
Read MoreSWC Nominating Committee seeks recommendations
Our conference relies on the dedication of individuals serving in crucial roles to oversee our operations and programs. The Nominating Committee is committed to identifying and placing people with the right skills and talents in these vital positions. We invite your assistance in this process.
Read MoreClara Sims' Ecclesiastical Council
Congratulations to Clara Sims on her upcoming Ecclesiastical Council!
Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 03:00 PM Arizona/New Mexico/El Paso
Register to attend on Zoom HERE. More details soon.
Read MoreCelebrating Our Ministers: A Grateful Tribute
A special message of acknowledgment and appreciation from our Transitional Conference Minister, Dr. Toni.
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Justice Leadership Program Workshop
The Justice Leadership Program invites you to attend some great fall workshops to build leadership skills and knowledge for the work of social justice.
Read More‘A new thing’: Thompson’s historic installation surrounded by multiple traditions, interfaith partners and joyful noise →
“God is doing a new thing. God is making all things new.”
If anyone doubted that this was a historic occasion, the Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley made sure they knew.
The theme of newness, as part of God’s promise, was woven throughout Hyde Riley’s sermon during the Friday, Oct. 20 installation of the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson as the United Church of Christ’s 10th General Minister and President.
The jubilant celebration — featuring a diversity of religious practices, a wide assembly of interfaith dignitaries and powerful, praise-filled performances — was held at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio, just a few miles west of the UCC’s headquarters in downtown Cleveland.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Barb Doerrer-Peacock announces her retirement!
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with a great mixture of sadness, readiness, and joyful anticipation of a new era of life, that I’ve discerned that it’s time for me to retire from my Associate Conference Minister position with the Southwest Conference.
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October ONA UCC Coalition News
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Spiritual Care Providers Workshop
Rev. Derrick Elliott warmly invites spiritual care providers to a transformative three-session workshop, centered around values, communication skills, and spirituality.
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Two Question Survey from the UCC ONA Coalition
“Our annual National Gathering is being planned for September 2024. Would you please take this two question survey to help us gauge interest in the event? That would greatly help us out while we plan. Thank you!”
Read MoreUpcoming MESA trainings
MESA continues to offer Zoom trainings on topics of interest. All trainings require advance registration; a confirmation email will then be sent to registrants with additional information.
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Israel-Palestine Info from Global Ministries
A wealth of timely & rich resources available on the Global Ministries website specific to Israel-Palestine and the violence occurring there: Israel Palestine Archives - Global Ministries. The linked page lists various projects we support and our beloved partners & mission co-workers in Israel-Palestine, as well as current action alerts and statements released by our partners over the last several days. Viewing this page is a powerful reminder of the scale and depth of our relationships in the region, cultivated and nurtured over decades by Global Ministries and national setting staff. The UCC stands with our partners in steadfast prayer, vigilance, and advocacy.
Remember also to check the UCC website for updates and resources regarding the war in Israel- Palestine.
We hope this adds some light for our congregations and supporters.
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