Faith In Action

Help Someone Get a Break on Their Utility Bill This Summer!

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Help Someone Get a Break on Their Utility Bill This Summer!

Did you know the Power AZ program is aimed at helping moderate-income individuals and families with energy bills? Many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Getting a little help with their electricity bill could relieve a lot of stress.

This summer, the state of Arizona has set aside funds to help those “not-so-low income” households by adding a credit to their electricity bill. BUT, they have to apply!

The Department of Economic Security (DES) portal will determine eligibility for both Power AZ and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

This program will end soon, so we need your help to get the word out. Share this with your faith community.

Click through for links and flyers to share, as well as a Zoom link for how faith-based service groups and church staff can help.

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Voting Rights Under Attack

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Voting Rights Under Attack

Alert from Scottsdale Congregational UCC:

The U.S. Postal Service has announced a proposal to refuse delivery of mail-in ballots for federal elections in states like Arizona that haven't provided the federal government with a list of eligible voters. Such lists which would be screened for compliance by postal employees.

The rationale, according to the postmaster, is to prevent fraud, and ensure that “the right ballots are going to the right people.”

Click through to take action before July 2, 2026.

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Who Has Power Over Your Power?

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Who Has Power Over Your Power?

Energy Justice & The Arizona Corporation Commission

  • Sunday, July 19, 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

  • 5524 E Lafayette Blvd, Phoenix

The SAGE team at Shepherd of the Hills UCC will be holding their presentation and listening session on the Arizona Corporation Commission and you don’t want to miss it! By sparking conversations on this topic, we can learn and take meaningful action together, which is far more enjoyable than doing it alone. If you’d like to host a presentation in your own faith community, come see AZIPL in action!

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Action Sheet Spotlights Upside Down World of Values

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Action Sheet Spotlights Upside Down World of Values

After being part of the successful effort to defeat the Trump administration's proposed cuts to 2026 funding for the EPA, Climate Hope Affiliates is rallying again to beat back a renewed effort as the administration seeks to cut EPA funding by 52% while boosting military spending by 44%. To bolster opposition to EPA funding cuts, what leaders in your community might you bring with you the next time you meet with your local congressional office? Check out our most recent Climate Hope Affiliates Monthly Action Sheet.

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Take Action: Urge Your Congressional Leaders to Protect Public Lands Surrounding Oak Flat From Foreign Exploitation

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Take Action: Urge Your Congressional Leaders to Protect Public Lands Surrounding Oak Flat From Foreign Exploitation

Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07) introducing legislation to preserve public lands in the Chi’chil Biłdagotel Historical District that lie directly adjacent to the land that was transferred to Resolution Copper following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Her legislation directs the Secretary of Agriculture to preserve the natural condition of the public land and prohibit mining related activities including rights-of-way, toxic waste pipelines, road development, and related infrastructure on the public land in the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District.  

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to engage in government-to-government consultations with Indian tribes with ties to the Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District and enter into cooperative agreements requested by these Indian tribes to ensure access for traditional activities and preservation of sacred and cultural areas. The full text of the bill is available here.

“While I am deeply disappointed by the Ninth Circuit’s ruling, the fight to save Oak Flat does not stop here,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Thousands of acres of public land surrounding the transferred parcel remain at risk, and these lands are sacred to the Apache people. Congress must act to immediately preserve a site of immense cultural, spiritual, and natural significance. We cannot enable the destruction of Oak Flat by turning a blind eye to all of the disruptive mining infrastructure and toxic waste that will irreparably harm the surrounding lands.”

Click through to read the full article.

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You Are Not Alone: How the Southwest Conference Supports Your Journey

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You Are Not Alone: How the Southwest Conference Supports Your Journey

The Decentering Whiteness journey is not one you have to take alone. The Southwest Conference Decentering Whiteness Task Force (DWTF) is here to support congregations on this path. Whether you have questions, need guidance identifying resources, want assistance facilitating conversations, or wish to share feedback about your church's activities, we are ready to walk alongside you.

This is a collaborative movement, and our role is to empower you.

Here's how we support you:

  • Conference Support: We provide ongoing communication through our regular newsletters and “In The Loop” reminders, sharing suggested activities and reports from other congregations to keep you inspired and informed.

  • Clergy Involvement & Training: We offer Clergy Lunch & Learn calls specifically focused on integrating these efforts into preaching and pastoral care. These discussions with Conference leadership help ensure clergy are equipped to lead this work pastorally and theologically.

  • Guidance & Resources: The DWTF can help you identify suitable resource people, including outside facilitators, Sacred Conversations to End Racism (SC2ER) and ASDIC graduates, or paid experts as needed. We are a central point of contact for you to find the support you need.

  • Liaison Role: We want to reiterate the importance of designating a local church contact person or committee to liaise with the DWTF. This simple step ensures smooth communication and is the key to accessing the full spectrum of support we offer.

Your feedback on the program plan, resources, and your congregation's experiences is invaluable. We are building this journey together, and your insights help us all grow.

Final Call to Action: The most crucial step you can take today is to designate a person or a committee in your church to begin this work. Then, connect with the Decentering Whiteness Task Force to get started. You can find all the resources and contact information you need on the Decentering Whiteness section of the SWCUCC website.

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