Conference News

Living in Covenant: Who We Are Together

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Living in Covenant: Who We Are Together

In the United Church of Christ, we do not organize ourselves around control. We organize ourselves around a covenant. That word can sound formal or abstract, but covenant is deeply practical. It shapes how we relate to one another as local churches, authorized ministers, Committees on Ministry, and the Conference. Covenant is not a contract. It is not a hierarchy. It is a promise to walk together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, the covenant is the way God chooses to be in relationship with God’s people. In Genesis, God binds God’s self to Abraham. In Exodus, God forms a covenant community at Sinai. In Jeremiah, God promises a new covenant written on the heart. Covenant is God’s way of saying, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” It is relational, mutual, and enduring.

Our life together in the Southwest Conference reflects that same spirit.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s article.

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What do we mean when we talk about covenant?

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What do we mean when we talk about covenant?

A few weeks, I emailed our clergy to remind them that the 2025 Annual Information Review will take place soon. In that message, I also noted the need for the Conference to have each minister’s three-way or four-way covenant on file. Preparing that reminder led me to pause and reflect on a simple but important question: What do we mean when we talk about covenant?

In the United Church of Christ, the word covenant sits at the heart of who we are. We use it often, sometimes so often that it can sound like familiar church language. Covenant is worth slowing down for, because it names the way we choose to live together as God’s people.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.

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YOUTH VOICES: BOLD FAITH Summer Youth Immersion 2026

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YOUTH VOICES: BOLD FAITH Summer Youth Immersion 2026

Do you have youth in your congregation who are ready to make their voices heard in the halls of Congress? Join United Church of Christ youth from across the country in Washington, D.C. this June for Youth Voices: Bold Faith, a week-long immersion in faith-based advocacy, justice, and community.

This transformative experience is a collaboration between the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy and UCC-NOWCYM (United Church of Christ Network of Wider Church Youth Ministries. Together, we’ll explore how our faith calls us to speak truth to power, stand up for what’s right, and work toward a world where all can thrive.

Participants will:

⭐️ Engage with leaders making change on Capitol Hill and beyond;

⭐️ Learn practical tools for organizing, advocacy, and public witness;

⭐️ Engage in Youth Leadership Development

⭐️ Build deep connections with peers who share your passion for justice and hope for the world.

Space is limited and individuals will be considered on an application basis. Youth who have just completed either 10th, 11th, or 12th grade by Summer 2026 are welcome to apply. Bring your courage, your convictions, and your voice. The world needs your leadership now more than ever. The application deadline is Sunday February 22, 2026.

Find out more here.

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Save the date for the 2026 Annual Meeting!

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Save the date for the 2026 Annual Meeting!

The Southwest Conference will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting April 23–25 at The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita, Arizona!

We’ve secured a block of rooms for the event at the Best Western for $130 per night (one king bed or two full beds), which includes a free breakfast. It’s located at 111 S La Canada Drive in Green Valley, an easy 10-minute drive down the street from the church.

Early registration will be available soon!

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Supercharge Your Congregations’ Communications: Media Training for Church Leaders

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Supercharge Your Congregations’ Communications: Media Training for Church Leaders

The Damascus Project

Zoom on Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3, 2026, 6:30-8 pm CT

We live in an “attention” economy in which media communication deeply matters. Yet our UCC congregations often lack basic education and training in how to meaningfully engage 21st-century media tools for communication.

This Media Training Course will equip church leaders, staff, and volunteers with the tools and confidence they need to share the church’s message of faith and hope effectively. The course covers topics such as media messaging, maximizing electronic and print communication, social media content creation, websites and digital storytelling, and online safety.

The course meets via Zoom on Tuesdays February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 2026, 6:30-8:00 pm CT. Thanks to grant funding, the Damascus Project can offer the course to lay people and clergy leaders at $50 per registrant, an incredible value.

Learn more and register here

The Damascus Project is the regional theological education ministry of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Conferences, United Church of Christ.

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Early-Bird Registration Open for The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit

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Early-Bird Registration Open for The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit

Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC

March 24-26, 2026

Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis

The theme is based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Take advantage of the Early Bird Special: Register by February 9 to lock in early bird rates – that's $100 in savings per person! CHHSM member organizations as well as UCC offices, churches, and ministries should register under "Member General Admission."

The Gathering will draw some 500 leaders from Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, and the UCC related health and human service associations for three transformative days of networking, thought-provoking keynote presentations, and exceptional education on best practices, innovations, and critical issues shaping health and human service ministries.

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A New Year: Presence That Grounds Us - 2026

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A New Year: Presence That Grounds Us - 2026

In this article, you’ll find: 

  • A reflection on the close of the Christmastide season and the beginning of a new year. 

  • The introduction of the SWC 2026 theme: Presence That Grounds Us. 

  • A reaffirmation of the Conference’s commitment to C.A.R.E.S. and walking alongside congregations and leaders. 

  • A look ahead to the Annual Meeting, the CARES Pilgrimage of Presence, and other opportunities for connection. 

  • A word of gratitude for the faithful service of Holly Herman and her role in sharing the stories of our churches. 

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Passing of Ruthanne Cochran

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Passing of Ruthanne Cochran

Ruthanne Cochran passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 16, 2025 in Annapolis, at the age of 91. She had moved to Maryland in August of 2024 in order to receive full-time care from her niece Nancy Reece.

Ruthanne's funeral and burial will be held on January 10th in Scottsdale, where she will be interred with Edward and Dwight. Here are the details:

Hansen Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery
6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

12:00 p.m. - Visitation

12:30 p.m. - Celebration of Life

Paradise Memorial Gardens
9300 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

2:00 p.m. - Graveside service

In accordance with Ruthanne's wishes, guests are requested to dress in color, with colorful shoes.  In lieu of flowers, she asked that a donation be made to a needy child atshoesthatfit.org.

The family has added pictures to a Google Photos album you can view here. 

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Epiphany and New Year’s Resolutions: So…How’s That Going?

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Epiphany and New Year’s Resolutions: So…How’s That Going?

A few days into the new year, many of us are already taking stock. Some resolutions still feel steady. Others may be wobbling a bit. That is often how beginnings go. We start with hope, meet real life quickly, and then discover what we truly need as we move forward. January 6 meets us right there, offering a moment to pause, breathe, and remember that God walks with us into this new year.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s article.

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Tax Webinar for Church Leaders on January 15

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Tax Webinar for Church Leaders on January 15

Are you up to date on tax changes? 

 Preparing for tax season is essential for church leaders, whose unique financial and housing allowances require specialized knowledge and up-to-date guidance.

The Pension Boards is pleased to partner with Church Law & Tax to help UCC clergy, lay workers, or employer organizations navigate the annual tax season with up-to-date information for the 2025 tax reporting year. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity at no cost to you.

  • Learn what church leaders need to know as they prepare for the upcoming  tax season.

  • Get expert insights on federal tax developments affecting churches.

  • Get information on changes prompted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

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Advent of Love: What’s Love Got to Do With It?

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Advent of Love: What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Tina Turner once asked, “What’s love got to do with it?” The question lands close to home for clergy and congregations, especially during Advent. We all are aware that ministry can move quickly this time of year.  Our calendars become filled, expectations rise, and the work can feel relentless. However, Advent pauses us long enough to ask what truly grounds all of it.

The love at the heart of Advent shows up in ordinary faithfulness. It takes shape in our relationships, shared leadership, and the life of our congregation walking together. Clergy live this love through steady presence, thoughtful preaching, and pastoral care offered in both visible and unseen ways. Congregations embody it through patience, generosity, and commitment to one another, even when the path feels uncertain.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s article.

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