The next Boundary Training will be held on Friday, November 17, 9 am to 5 pm, at the Southwest Conference office. $30 includes training materials and lunch. Any active or retired clergy or MID can register.
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Boundary Training for Clergy in Albuquerque
Clergy Boundary Training is scheduled for November 15, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque. Registration is available HERE. This is also a reminder that keeping current on clergy boundary training is a requirement for authorization of ministry in the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreSpiritual Formation at the Conference Level or – “What’s up with Lay Academy?”
A small but tenacious group has continued thinking and dreaming and talking about lay theological education in the Southwest Conference. Julie McCurdy from the Prescott congregation and I attended the Regional Theological Education Consortium gathering in Oberlin, Ohio last fall. We had an opportunity to see what other groups are doing regarding lay education, preparation for authorization, alternatives to traditional seminaries, and support for formation in local congregations.
Since November, conversations have continued and lots LOTS of questions have come about…
Read MoreInstallation service for Conference Minister Rev. Bill Lyons
(Note: If you are singing in the combined choir, call is at 1:30 pm.)
Updates on the Installation Service for Bill Lyons
All members and churches are invited to attend Bill Lyons's installation service at 3 pm on Sunday, October 15 at United Church of Sun City. Reception to follow
Read Morephotos from John Angiulo's Ecclesiastical Council
Congratulations to John on a unanimous vote to grant ordination! We are grateful for all the ways he continues to bless the Southwest Conference and the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreDon Nordlund's Celebration of Life Service
Don Nordlund's Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 4 PM at Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ, 4425 N Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Read MoreAnnuitant Visitor Program
The Annuitant Visitor Program seeks to provide an annual visit to over 6,000 retired clergy, missionaries, and their spouses/partners in the United Church of Christ. Through these visits, Annuitant Visitors serve as ambassadors for the Pension Boards’ benefits, communicate appreciation for a lifetime of dedicated service, and offer collegial support.
Read MoreSomething to celebrate!
Congratulations, Abby Atkins! Abby has been endorsed for the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).
Read More“…And I will give you rest…” Southwest Conference Annual Clergy Retreat - register now!
Active and retired clergy, specialized ministers, parish ministers, and members in discernment are invited to attend the SWC Annual Clergy Retreat held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, October 30 - November 1.
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Two opportunities for anti-racism training
Please sign up now for one of the anti-racism trainings coming up.
“As a condition of maintaining standing, all parish and non-parish active clergy and all retired clergy serving in active ministry will be required to complete anti-racism training by the end of 2017.”
Read MoreCompensation Guidelines for Authorized Ministers
Annual information update.
Read MoreBeing and Doing Church
A workshop on the nature and mission of the church: how it all began and where we are now...
Read MoreWISE Congregations for Mental Health Conference
"After the WISE (welcoming, inclusive, supportive, engaged) resolution passed at G.S. in 2015, we applied and received a Genesis Grant. That has led to the two conferences." - Alan Johnson
Chair, UCC Mental Health Network, invites us to the second Mental Health Conference.
Updated Southwest Conference Bylaws
The SWC Bylaws have been updated with the necessary changes following the 2017 Annual Meeting.
Read MoreLooking for 3 Great Loves Conference Coordinators
The Southwest Conference is looking for two people to serve both the conference and the national church as Three Great Loves initiative coordinators.
Read MoreThe Goodwin Fire and the SWC Disaster Ministries
The UCC Disaster Ministries and SWC Conference Disaster Ministries stand ready to support and assist your congregations and your communities in time of disaster. Because of the many first responders and agencies already equipped to assist with initial disaster relief, UCC/SWC Disaster Ministries helps congregations connect with those resources, but, focuses on assisting with the needs of long-term recovery.
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Loving Our Neighbors With Sanctuary
A RESOLUTION CALLING THE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE AND COVENANT PARTNERS TO ADVOCATE FOR IMMIGRATION JUSTICE AND TO OFFER SANCTUARY TO IMMIGRANTS
Read MoreA new SWC faith community: "It has to be beautiful."
Today the SWC is sharing the good news with you that a core group of people excited to begin a new progressive and open & affirming United Church of Christ congregation in Taos has gathered under the leadership of founding pastor Rev. Pamela Shepherd. This is her story of their beginning.
Read MoreSunday after Baltimore | by Rev. Barb Doerrer-Peacock, Acting Associate Conference Minister
I can tell you all the grand and challenging resolutions we tackled, all the breathtakingly inspiring worship and sermons from great speakers we heard, all the information from a denomination hard at work we received. But, what I appreciate most, perhaps, on this Sunday after Baltimore, are these three simple, new - yet very old - vessels that now shape us as a particular tribe of Jesus-followers. Our three Great Loves – Love of Children, Love of Neighbor, Love of Creation.
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