Today, and in the days to come, know that you are loved, you are valued, and who you are and how you show up in the world, no one gets to decide anything about it.
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Faith In Action
Embracing hope at Centro de Esperanza
by Dr. Kristina “Tina” Campbell
Few would argue that we are living in a time when we long for symbols of hope in our weary and conflicted world. Several congregations and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ have found hope in supporting the work of Centro de Esperanza in Sonoyta, Mexico.
Read MoreUrge the Department of Labor to Ensure Fair Pay for Workers With Disabilities
The Department of Labor now wants to know whether the public supports its proposal to phase out the Section 14(c) program and stop allowing employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage.
As Christians, we know that all human beings are created equal in view of God’s loving kindness, no matter what differences their bodies and minds may exhibit. To properly follow Jesus Christ’s call to love all, we must ensure every worker, including those with disabilities, receives a fair wage that enables them to live with dignity. We have a chance to support this critically needed proposal from the Biden administration—and let the incoming Trump administration know how important it is to make sure this rule goes into effect.
That is why the UCC DC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, as part of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition, sent a letter signed by multiple faith denominations and organizations to the Department of Labor in support of this critical rule. Now YOU have a chance to submit your comment by January 17th, for consideration by the Department.
It’s time to eliminate this discriminatory policy and implement stronger, fairer protections for all workers. Send your comment today!
Read MoreNotable MLK Day celebrations in New Mexico and Arizona
On Monday, January 20th, Arizonans and New Mexicans will join in the national celebration of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Arizona Faith Network shared notable celebrations in their recent newsletter; we've added some New Mexico events as well.
Read MoreEnvironmental Day at the Capitol 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Join with the Sierra Club, Chispa Arizona, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, AZ Youth Climate Coalition, AFN and many other groups for the annual lobby day at the Arizona Capitol. Meet with your legislators, hear from great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona Legislature. RSVP so that there will be enough materials & food, and so that you can be added to a team for legislative meetings. A bus transportation option is available for those from Tucson.
Read MoreAltadena Community Church UCC
Bring Hope to California Fire Survivors
From the national setting and Global H.O.P.E.:
When disaster strikes, the United Church of Christ responds. Together, we can show God’s love in action.
Thank you for standing with California’s communities during this time of unreal hardship. Your generosity will make a difference as 100% of your donation will go directly to disaster relief efforts.
The fires destroyed the buildings of Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ. See the update on their Facebook page. Please keep them in your prayers as well as their 15 members and close associates who have lost their homes.
To support the long-term recovery of those affected by the California Wildfires, click here.
Or use our SWC portal.
You can also mail a check payable to the Southwest Conference United Church of Christ, PO Box 44968, Phoenix AZ 85064-4968. Please be sure to note "California Wildfires 2025" in the memo section of your check. Our EIN: 86-0200170
100% of your donation will go directly to disaster relief efforts. Every gift matters. Please give today.
Read MoreWhat issues are top priority for you in 2025? Take the JPANet Audience Survey!
Take five minutes to fill out our audience survey so the DC Office can learn more about the issues you care about most, the communities you’re a part of, and how we can collaborate deeper with our network.
Read MoreClimate Action Commissioning Service
As we enter a year of critical importance in the struggle for climate justice, the UCC is holding a Climate Action Commissioning Service. Gather with us as we faithfully prepare ourselves to take action in the coming year. The theme for this service and for the UCC's 2025 Climate Hope Campaign is "Planting Seeds of Hope." Our preacher will be the Rev. Michael Malcom, the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People's Justice Council. Register to join us!
Read MoreFree MLK Day Virtual Party: Creative Peace
In the fight for justice and equality, creativity is a powerful tool. Art is more than beauty—it’s a voice, a protest, and a way to inspire change. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let’s come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, creativity, and connection.
🎉 Join Rev. Derek for the FREE Virtual Paint for Peace Party!
🗓️ Date: January 20, 2025 Noon-1:30pm ET
💻 Where: Online via Zoom (link emailed to registrants on Jan 19) Click here to Register!
🎨 Cost: FREE and open to all ages!
UCC Webinar: From a Toxic Media to a Toxic Environment
Media in our society can have a decisive influence on everything from elections to the quality of the very air we breathe. It can shape and inform the demands of a public and the political will of those in office. In short, a toxic media can lead to a toxic government and, literally, a toxic environment. This is evident in the influence that media conglomerates can have on matters as vital as the climate crisis.
In this webinar, our guest panelists will help us to understand our current media landscape, how it impacts the climate crisis, and what we can do about it. Our three panelists will include Allison Fisher from Media Matters for America, Elyse Martin from the Environmental Defense Fund, and Cheryl A. Leanza from UCC Media Justice.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register today!
Read MoreProtect The Caja del Rio
Please join us in calling on President Biden, Secretary Haaland and the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to make the Caja del Rio a National Monument. The Caja del Rio is one of the most remarkable cultural, spiritual, archaeological and ecological landscapes in the southwest. To learn more about the Caja del Rio check out this film. Here is an op-ed that Rev. Andrew Black wrote on Caja del Rio is HERE. In calling for a national monument, we will be joining the All Pueblo Council of Governors, Santa Fe County Commission, and Santa Fe Mayor.
As regional faith leaders, we are asking you to SIGN ON TO THIS LETTER.
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If you're looking for a sign to get more involved, this is it.
COMMIT TO JUSTICE IN 2025:
a program for church-goers, laypeople, clergy, anyone looking for tools and support in their journey to building a better world.
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February 14th: Valentine's Day Action
Participate in the UCC's nationwide day of action on Valentine’s Day as we urge members of congress to have a heart for climate, our children, and our children's future. Organize a team to visit the district offices of your congress members on February 14th. Involve the children and youth of your church in the visit! Learn more and register your church.
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Subscribe & Listen! The Fill the JAR Podcast is Up and Running
Beginning in 2024, economic justice efforts in the United Church of Christ were centralized under the banner of “Fill the JAR” – Jubilee, Abundance, Reparations – God’s economic justice.
Dedicated campaigns for churches are coming (stay tuned new year 2025!) and a Fill the JAR podcast was begun: conversations with colleagues and collaborators in this shared work of fighting for liberation, equity, and thriving while staying whole and thriving ourselves. There would be more episodes, but I (Rev. Seth Wispelwey, Minister for Economic Justice) welcomed a new baby and parental leave for a while!
For now, you can subscribe and listen to conversations with Dr. Sharon Fennema (Join the Movement), Hill Brown (Faith in Harm Reduction), and Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt (Environmental Justice)…and expect many more in 2025!
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UCC Webinar: Reclaiming Our Democracy
After the election, commentators like Tom Nichols urged people to "stay engaged and make their voices heard at every turn.” But most still wonder how, and even if, they can make a difference between elections. What are the options?
(1) Protesting? Vital, but usually not the long game.
(2) Signing email form letters, which only 3% of Congressional staff says is highly effective? Just gestures.
(3) Taking a 2-year nap until the next election? Sadly, the preferred route for many.
Few know about (4) transformational advocacy which helps you change an issue while you also become changed in the process.
In his book "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," Sam Daley-Harris writes about people who have successfully brought about social change and personal transformation. Join us for this webinar as Daley-Harris shares his stories and wisdom gained from years of leading and coaching advocacy organizations such as Citizen's Climate Lobby, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Catholic Relief Services, and RESULTS.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on Wednesday, December 11th at 1 pm ET (11 am SWC time), still sign up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
Read MoreDesert Palm UCC is the first A2A church in the SWC
This summer, the UCC Disabilities Ministries certified Desert Palm UCC as an “Accessible to All” (A2A) church. Our church is the first church in the Southwest Conference to attain this milestone. The achievement followed seven years of sustained work, two internal audits of our campus, educational outreach, and numerous meetings.
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November 16th: Ecumenical Climate Ambassador Training
On November 16th, Blessed Tomorrow and a range of denominations will offer a training that will equip attendees on understanding the climate crisis through a faith lens while considering its impacts and how we can advance solutions. Attention will be given to how to best communicate with others and become engaged in taking action.
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The Cool Congregations Challenge
The Cool Congregations Challenge is an annual national contest to recognize congregations that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models. The contest is conducted by Interfaith Power & Light. The deadline for entries is December 15th, and the prize for each category is $1,000. Categories range from renewable energy to stewarding sacred grounds.
Read MoreReflections on U.S. Presidential Election - Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
Watch the message from Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, GMP of the United Church of Christ, inviting us to pause, pray, and prepare to live love boldly as we process the election outcomes.
"No outcome of the election would deter us from our quest for justice. As people of faith and followers of Jesus, our values and our commitments are not changed by the politics of the day. We remain called to be advocates for justice and to find ourselves providing solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced, those who find themselves living on the margins of our society, and those whose rights are threatened among us."
‘Our Faith Moves Us to Vote’
The current and four former General Ministers and Presidents call on UCC to vote faithfully and with love.
The group of UCC leaders collaborated to create a video addressing the pressing importance of voting with a lens of faith values as part of the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote campaign.
The historic message is given by the following Presidents and GMPs of the UCC:
Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, current GMP beginning 2023
Rev. John C. Dorhauer, GMP from 2015 to 2023
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, GMP from 2009 to 2015
Rev. John H. Thomas, GMP from 1999 to 2009
Rev. Paul H. Sherry, President from 1989 to 1999
Congregations are invited to share the video for Vote Faithfully Sunday on Nov. 3, and a bulletin insert is available to accompany it.
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