In 2016, United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries extended expert recovery assistance in 21 countries, including the United States, to people whose lives were turned upside down by wind and water, wildfires and lead, earthquakes and radiation, drought and hunger.
Read MoreWritten by Connie Larkman
Two days before the Presidential Inauguration, a group of Tucson-area faith leaders came together to affirm sanctuary, claiming their communities as places of radical welcome for all. The day after the new administration took office on Jan. 20, advocates from participating United Church of Christ congregations rallied with the Women’s March, to protect the rights and dignity of all Americans. Today, with President Trump’s executive order that calls for construction of a wall at the U.S-Mexico border and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, The Good Shepherd UCC congregation remains committed to the effort to build a just world for all people.
Read MoreRight here in Arizona, the San Carlos Apache tribe has been fighting to protect sacred land against an extraction industry that will destroy land that is special for many reasons—sacred to the Apaches, fought for by environmentalists, and favored by rock climbers, birders, hikers and mountain bikers.
Please see the information on the 3rd annual March to Oak Flat, Feb. 16-19.
Read MoreAll across the Southwest Conference people marched in support of the Women's March on Washington by marching on their own capitol. Take a moment to view a few photos from around the conference of those who marched on January 21st. Click the link at the bottom to view supporting marches around the world.
Read MoreTake action to support peace in the Middle East..
Read MoreIMPORTANT: Social Justice stands in contrast to criminal justice. It’s the idea that people should work for the good of one another. Christians immediately think of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor .. those who mourn … the meek … those who are persecuted.” Muslims think of Zakat, one of the Five Pillars that requires charity and assistance to the poor. Jews think of Tzedakag and chesed, the obligation to perform charity and deeds of kindness. Social justice can be summed up in the world-wide concept of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Arizona legislature wants to ban this best of human impulses from all schools and universities.
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Check out upcoming events from our partners in ministry with the Arizona Faith Network. If you aren't a subscriber thier latest newsletter can be downloaded or clikc the AFN logo to checkout what else is going on...
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“The time is always right to do what is right.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoken decades ago, are as true today as they ever were. Moving into a new year, one that holds tremendous challenges and opportunities, your faithful advocacy is now more important than ever.
We are here to partner with you – to support you, struggle with you, celebrate with you and share your story as we work for justice and peace in 2017 and beyond.
Letter from Jim Moos, Executive Minister, Wider Church Ministries,Co-Executive, Global Ministries
While we focused on Bethlehem and the story of Christ’s nativity over Christmas, I was struck by the activity related to Israel/Palestine in the news. The United Nations Security Council resolution on settlements and the major speech by Secretary of State Kerry both focused on the reality and impact of the occupation. At the same time, it was obvious that the efforts of the United Church of Christ to work toward peace with justice in the Middle East are not going unnoticed, both positively by those who are partners in the quest for justice, and critically by those who see the conflict through different lenses.
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We Must Pray for Christian Unity – Together!
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on January 18th, the Feast of St. Peter, and ends on January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus: “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to participate in the opportunities offered to promote understanding. As we pray with our fellow Christians, we renew our commitment to work for the unity Christ expects from his disciples. The theme for 2017 Week of Prayer is “Reconciliation”
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WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT
January 11, 2017 • 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
This webinar will focus on the problem of intimate partner violence (IPV) in military populations. First, the speaker will discuss the etiology of IPV in Veterans, with a particular focus on how trauma may influence the ways in which we view and interpret our social world. This discussion will also focus on common risk factors for IPV, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, head injury, and substance abuse. Next, the discussion shifts to IPV intervention, with material on how to motivate Veterans to work on issues related to IPV and other violence, how to develop a positive therapeutic relationship, and how to build a cohesive group environment. Information regarding an example of an effective IPV program will be covered, as well as scientific evidence for the intervention.
Read MoreWith so many Central American Families arriving at the US/Mexico Border it is critical that Churches and communities of conscience step up and find ways to support and accompany Asylum families. The hope is that groups can begin to explore the possibilities and use this guide to help them think through the responsibilities and how they might move forward.
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The #StrongerTogetherAZ Peace Vigil is a peaceful vigil that is the kick-off event for the Safety Pin Nation™ movement in Arizona . This Peace Vigil is a way for like-minded individuals to gather together in solidarity, sing songs of peace and healing and share plans of positive community-based action.
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From Joan Brown, Executive Director Interfaith Power & Light:
"Could you consider signing this IPL letter regarding proposed EPA nominee? It is important to get faith leaders and voices of faith weigh in. Please pass along to others, this is so important for the future of clean, water, land and air.
"As you probably heard, Trump nominated Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt to lead EPA. He now needs to be confirmed by the Senate
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Take a moment to look over the year end newsletter from our friends at the Justice and Peace Action Network. Calls to Action, Events, and Resources are available to help your congregation join in the justice work and spread gods love to those in need.
Read MoreThe search is open for the next Director of the New Mexico Conference of Churches.
I hope that each of you reading this will take the time to review the search process/documents and to consider your circle of friends and colleagues. If you know individuals who are qualified and might be interested, please encourage them to apply. The Search Committee is eager to cast a wide net in order to find the right person for this position...
Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti on the morning of October 4 and in Cuba later that afternoon. It continues pounding the Caribbean and is making its way slowly toward the mainland United States. Winds of 135 miles per hour have caused flash flooding, mud slides and violent winds. Devastation abounds.
The United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are well situated to respond robustly to people impacted both in the Caribbean and within the United States. Global Ministries’ (UCC/Disciples joint ministry) partners are reporting devastation of crops and houses in the southern regions of Haiti. Read more...
Read More“There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire…” (Proverbs 30:15-16)
Dear Friends,
The land in Lesotho, at least here in the lowlands, never seems to have enough water. In the Maseru and Morija area we had two days of good rain in mid-October. But the skies have turned blue again and we’ve already had several days with baking temperatures in the low 90’s. The landscape looks very thirsty once again...
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From time to time the SW Conference office encounter folks who need a translator for one reason or another. We are collecting names of people who are willing to be part of this list of possible translators. If you are willing and able to help us, please identify your name, language, and contact info.
Read MoreThe UCC Disabilities Ministries Board of Directors has recently announced the release of an updated publication "Any Body, Every Body, Christ's Body: A Guide for Congregations, Association, and Congregations for Becoming Accessible to All." Becoming Accessible to All (A2A) is a response to the growing need for churches to become accessible for all persons with disabilities.
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