Duet is offering a free one-hour information session for faith communities interested in starting a congregational health program to promote health in body, mind, and spirit among their congregations.
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Disarm Domestic Violence
from Justice and Peace Action Network:
The deadly mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival on October 1st is yet another tragic reminder of the terrible toll taken by gun violence in the United States. Far less likely to make the headlines are the injuries and deaths that arise from the use of guns in acts of domestic violence.
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ | School of Americas Watch | Border Convergence
For those interested, we will be organizing a special UCC immersion experience before the SOAW Border Convergence that will include a desert walk with Samaritans, witness at Operation Streamline, theological reflection on border ministry and UCC strategic discussion on immigrant justice at a national level.
Read MoreRev. Traci Blackmon: It is up to US to stop gun violence
October 02, 2017
Written by Traci Blackmon
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:1-3
"The worst mass shooting in modern American history."
We’ve heard these words before. We’ve heard them far too often only to have the next mass shooting supersede the former. During the night, people attending an outdoor country music festival in Las Vegas unexpectedly found themselves assaulted by gunfire from the 32nd floor of the Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Early reports indicate this violence is the work of a lone, 64-year-old, white gunman equipped with multiple assault weapons. It is too early to know whether we will ever have knowledge of his provocation for this deadly act. It is too early to know what life experiences he may have had, or what propaganda he may have absorbed, that might have moved him from hateful thought to hateful action.
Read MoreStand with Puerto Rico
Three and a half million Puerto Ricans are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Flooding and mudslides have left millions without power, 40 percent without drinking water, and only 11 of the islands 69 hospitals in operation.
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Thanks expressed from Justice and Witness Ministries
Great news! Thanks to your tireless advocacy we were able to stop another congressional attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We know that the Graham-Cassidy bill would have been devastating for millions of Americans – especially seniors, people living with disabilities and children. Your prayers, phone calls, and letters made this possible.
Read MoreInterfaith Amicus Brief Filed at U.S. Supreme Court
The Southwest Conference UCC is one of 39 supporting respondents in an interfaith amicus brief that was filed this past Monday, September 18 by Morrison & Foerster LLP at the U.S. Supreme Court to express our opposition to the Executive Order banning entrance to our country by the nationals of six predominantly Muslim nations and all refugees.
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Holocaust program coming to community
Sheryl Bronkesh, chair of Generations After - Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix, is reaching out to area churches to tell them about a program available in the Valley - Willesden Read. This program is based on the memoir, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek. The program is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Phoenix Holocaust Survivors' Association, Generations After, and Scottsdale Community College.
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How many renewals can your congregation fund?
Support YOUR LOCAL DREAMERS. If you have asked "What can I do to help?" Here is your chance. Donate to help fund the final DACA renewals before October 5th.
Read MoreUCC Disaster Ministries' update
Please see the updates below on UCC Disaster Ministries’ efforts following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We are starting to hear from some of our conference churches and members about how they are planning to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery. Next week we will share some examples and creative ways people are offering to help. We encourage you to donate to UCC Disaster Ministries through your congregation
Read MoreSouthern Border Communities Coalition - Legislative Priorities
The nearly 15 million people who call the Southern Border region home are part of a vibrant community that contributes to and strengthens our nation. But for decades, border communities have endured hyper militarization to the detriment of our economy, our safety, and our dignity. It’s time for common-sense border policies that revitalize, not militarize, our communities, and do the following:
Read MoreCity of Phoenix Listening Sessions
To speak out that “less lethal” force is not acceptable when American citizens are acting within their constitutional rights, you may attend local listening sessions hosted by representatives from the police and mayor’s office who will be receiving questions and comments from the public.
Read MoreDACA Statement
The Conference Minister for the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, has issued the following statement regarding the administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.
Read MoreMake Peace Inevitable: Reflections on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 2017
As we mark Just Peace Sunday on Sept. 17, we share John Leung's sermon from August 6, which he kindly forwarded to us.
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Stand with Immigrant Youth!
Terminating DACA would mean turning our nation’s back on immigrant youth who are valued members of our communities. The consequences of repealing DACA would be severe and profound, as it would put the nearly 800,000 dreamers at immediate risk of deportation.
Read MoreFirst Sunday gathering for Taos UCC!
We pray God’s blessings in abundance on Taos UCC as they hold their first Sunday gathering!
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Southwest Conference Disaster Ministries
As we watch the devastation being wrought by Hurricane Harvey we join with many of our fellow Americans who are praying for and extending their concerns to those affected. Events of this scale are accompanied with immediate shock. But, it will be many days before we will begin to comprehend the full extent of loss of life and property damage (both personal and real). We assure you we will keep you informed about our UCC congregations impacted and how you can assist them and their communities. Phil Shea is your point of contact for the Southwest Conference, philipshea@justicestar.org or 602-663-5065.
Read MoreHurricane Harvey and UCC Disaster Ministries
UCC Disaster Ministries is already gearing up for long-term recovery work in the region.
Read MoreStatement on former sheriff Joe Arpaio's pardon
Having learned that the President has pardoned former sheriff Joe Arpaio, the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ stands in solidarity with our Latino neighbors, and we share their outrage. As a Christian and a person of faith, we denounce the president’s action as an affront to the worth and dignity of all human beings, particularly people of color and immigrants.
Read MorePhoto gallery from Tuesday night's prayer vigil and march
Thank you, Tom Martinez, Marilyn Rampley, and Barb Doerrer-Peacock for getting these fantastic shots.
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