Happy New Year my fellow clergy-person! Last year, I achieved a significant milestone by earning my doctorate degree. Many of you know that my family traveled to Washington, D.C., to watch me walk across the stage and receive my diploma. My mother, who has been by my side at every graduation—kindergarten, high school, military, college, and seminary—was there once again.
With a smile, she quipped, “You’re a career student!” We both laughed, and I replied, “No, I just love learning!” That love for learning isn’t just a personal passion—it’s foundational to my calling as a clergy-person.
In a rapidly changing world, where both the church and society face evolving challenges, clergy must remain curious, informed, and ready to adapt. Continuing education is about more than earning degrees or completing workshops; it’s a spiritual discipline, a way to stay rooted in God’s word while discovering new ways to serve the people of God.
But continuing education isn’t limited to theology and biblical studies.
Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.
Read MoreDuring our recent Committee on Ministry A (COM A) meeting, a new standing rule was adopted to streamline the review and decision-making process for documents submitted for our consideration. This new rule will help ensure sufficient preparation and efficiency in addressing essential matters.
Standing Rule:
Effective immediately, all documents to be considered by COM A concerning Member in Discernment (MID), Transfer of Standing, Privilege of Call, and 3 or 4-Way Covenants documentation must be submitted to the Chair and the Associate Conference Minister (ACM) at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting date.
This change will allow committee members to thoroughly review the materials and come prepared for meaningful discussion and timely decisions.
Thank you for your attention to this important update. Please don't hesitate to contact me or the Chair if you have any questions or need clarification about this new process.
Read MoreIs your church considering sanctuary ministry? Ensure you’re prepared for the potential legal challenges ahead. Our upcoming webinar on January 16, 2025, Sanctuary: Legal Considerations for Faith Communities, will guide you through the potential risks and best practices.
Prevent pitfalls and strengthen your congregation’s protection – register today.
Read MoreAs pastors, we often encourage our congregations to pray. We remind them of the power of prayer, guide them in its practice, and even create space in worship to connect with God. We know prayer is essential—not just for our churches but also for our lives as individuals.
But here’s the question: while we call others to prayer life, are we making time to pray ourselves?
Read MoreWith heavy hearts, we share the passing of the Rev. Tulafono Maga, pastor of the First Samoan CCCTOLT of Wittman, AZ. Tulimalefoi, his wife, expresses her deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and the support she and her family received during this unimaginable loss. After 36 years of marriage, she is mourning profoundly but remains steadfast in her faith and for her family. Please continue to pray for Tulimalefoi and her family.
Celebration of Life Services:
Family Service: Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM
Final Service: Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM
Both services will be held at Toafa O Le Talalelei CCCAS Church Grounds:
26831 N 191st Avenue, Wittmann, AZ 85361
Condolences may be sent to their family home (please email Wende or Dr. Derrick for the mailing address).
Read MoreRemember to submit your 2024 remittances for OCWM and all special offerings by December 31.
Don't miss being 5 for 5 in 2024!
Shandrika will be in the office Monday and Tuesday, for those churches that are in central Arizona.
Read MoreAs the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the gift of community and shared ministry. It is with joy that we welcome Rev. Sabrina Jennings from the Heart of Texas Association-South Central Conference and Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling from the Florida Conference into our beloved Southwest Conference family!
Let us extend a warm Southwest Conference welcome to our new clergy colleagues! May we embrace them with open hearts, offering prayers, encouragement, and support as they transition into this new season of ministry.
Read MoreWednesday, January 15, 7:00 - 8:15 pm MST via Zoom
What was the Doctrine of Discovery? Why does it still matter? What is being done to repair its harms? Join Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and Vasu Bandhu, Buddhist monk and Interfaith Manager at Arizona Faith Network for a timely conversation about the destructive and ongoing impacts of colonization in the Americas.
We will begin the webinar with a guided meditation and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Register for Zoom information.
Read MoreLearn about the latest federal reporting requirements for churches and federal income tax changes for clergy—Live on Wednesday, January 15th at 10 am AZ / NM / El Paso time.
Get informed. Be prepared.
This event will be led by Elaine Sommerville, CPA, the author of Church Compensation, Second Edition and a Church Law & Tax senior editorial advisor. on January 15th at 12pm ET for a webinar equipping church leaders for tax season.
This exclusive opportunity is made possible by Church Law & Tax and The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc. Click through to learn more.
Read MoreEach year, we recognize that many clergy are pouring themselves into various ministry settings and often do not have the time and energy to invest in their personal financial wellness.
The Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative (MFVI), made possible through grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc., helps eligible UCC ministers develop a holistic approach toward managing finances, including reducing debt.
Practice self-care as it relates to your finances. Apply for MFVI 2025 Cohort before the December 31 deadline. Applicants will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Get the FAQs here. For questions, email MFVI@pbucc.org.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what makes an ordained minister? Is it seminary degree, the fancy robe, or perhaps an unusually robust collection of coffee mugs? Let’s take a humorous but accurate journey into the sacred calling of ordained ministry, guided by the United Church of Christ’s own Manual on Ministry.
Read More"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master." — Matthew 25:21
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Reverend John J. Allen, fondly known as Jack Allen. Jack passed away peacefully last Thursday. A beloved member of our community, Jack transferred into the Southwest Conference on February 14, 2023, and resided in Tucson.
In a recent conversation with his wife, Virginia Wyly, she shared that Jack deeply loved the United Church of Christ and its mission, which was central to his life and ministry.
Please hold Virginia and their family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God’s comfort and peace surround them as they grieve the loss of their loved one.
We give thanks for Jack’s life, ministry, and the ways he touched the lives of those around him.
Read MoreOur Annual Meeting planning team would love to hear your ideas! Please fill out the form. THANKS!
Read Moreby Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, ACM for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment
Last week, Dr. Toni, Dr. Gloria, and I attended AM21 (Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century) to help the conference staff hone our skills to become better servant leaders. This year's gathering, themed "Unraveling for Repair," was held in Tempe, Arizona, and provided a transformative experience that challenged us to reflect on how our ministries and leadership are evolving.
Read MoreThe Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ offers our deepest sympathies to the Rev. Ann B. Day and all who mourn the passing of Donna Enberg. We hold Ann, their loved ones, and all who grieve in our hearts and prayers, asking for peace and comfort during this time of profound loss.
Donna, along with her wife, Ann, created the UCC's Open and Affirming (ONA) program in 1987. Enberg continued as the program's treasurer for 20 years until her retirement in 2007.
Together, Ann and Donna were instrumental in developing the most successful and fastest-growing LGBTQ+-affirming church movement in the world.
Read MoreThe Church of the Red Rocks members invite you to the celebratory installation service for their new pastor, Rev. Dr. Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Clergy is invited to wear a robe and stole and join the processional.
Read MoreJob Description
Grant Director: Thriving Churches Initiative “The Journey Project”
NM Conference of Churches
3-5 years Temporary Position
Salary $54,600 per year with 5% COL raise each year, Fringe Benefits at 25% of salary added to salary per year.
Part-time: 25-30 hours per week
The Grant Director of The Journey Project will direct the Strengthening the Church Initiative for NM Conference of Churches until the end of the grant period 2027 or for extended period as approved by NMCC Board and the Lilly Endowment.
Click through for details.
Read MoreOn behalf of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada and the United Church of Christ in the U.S., we offer our prayers and support to the churches and people of South Korea at this uncertain time. We were deeply concerned when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol surprisingly declared Martial Law on December 3. However short-lived, President Yoon’s initiative to seize government control to use against political opponents was widely regarded as a self-serving act that threatened the entire nation with fear and instability.
Click through to read the full statement.
Read More“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11-12 (NRSVUE)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that God calls individuals into ministry not only to shepherd and teach but also to grow in their own faith and understanding. This growth is vital to equipping the church to navigate a changing world. As the Body of Christ, congregations have a sacred role in nurturing the continuing education of their pastors, ensuring they remain spiritually enriched, theologically informed, and practically equipped to lead with wisdom and compassion.
Clergy continuing education is not merely professional development—it is a spiritual investment in the life of the whole church. A pastor’s learning fosters vibrant preaching, deeper pastoral care, and innovative ministries that address the needs of the community. Whether through supporting sabbaticals, encouraging participation in workshops and conferences, or celebrating milestones in learning, churches have an opportunity to be active partners in their pastor’s growth.
Read Morepublished on Dec 4, 2024
Leaders of the United Church of Christ have written the following pastoral letter to the UCC community, offering reflection and an invitation on what it means to faithfully be Christ’s church in the present moment. The pastoral letter is also available to download here.
Read More
