Building on Dolly Parton's literacy work for kids, the Moon Rock Readers Book Club at Shadow Rock UCC is collecting new and gently used books for local elementary schools throughout September. Donations for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, especially early readers, picture books, graphic novels, and age-appropriate spooky stories, will help nurture a love of reading in young learners.
First Church UCC Phoenix received exciting news this week! They were unanimously approved by the UCC Disability Ministries and the Accessible to All Committee for designation as an A2A church! Congratulations and many thanks go to Deni Nordmeyer and Loree Adams for their commitment and perseverance these last 2 and 1/2 years as leaders of the First Church A2A committee pursuing this important designation. Deni says the work really began some 15 years ago when her dad, Robert Koth, raised the issues surrounding mental health with the congregation. And Deni credits Pastor Susan for her unwavering support of the process seeking A2A certification as critical to the successful designation of their community and their spaces as welcoming and accessible to all.
Save the date: Church of the Beatitudes UCC plans to celebrate Rev. Jim Meadows’ 50th Anniversary of Ordination on 11/8/26 during 10:30 am worship. All are welcome to join in worship and honor Jim for his Golden Jubilee!
Rev. Dr. Sarah Townes, Pastor and Teacher at Church of the Good Shepherd UCC, will present at the Love and Liberation Now Conference at Middle Church UCC in New York City (online) October 23-25.
It would be great if some folks from the Southwest Conference could attend online!
Register and learn more about the conference here. Southwest Conference members can use the code FRCPARTNERS at checkout to get 20% off in-person and online tickets.
From Bo Nash, Missions Chair for United Church of Angel Fire: ‘This church does amazing things! When UCAF heard about the challenges of feeding kids through the school lunch program at the local charter school you all made things happen in a BIG WAY! We were hoping to raise $4,000 to fund a portion of the program for the fall semester ... instead, we raised just shy of $13,000 in less than two weeks! Included in this newsletter is a thank you letter from Gina Bonner, the President of ALM Food Pantry. I encourage you to read it --- it will really warm your heart. Because of the generosity of this congregation, THE FOOD PROGRAM FOR THE WHOLE YEAR IS NOW FULLY FUNDED. I can't think of a more concrete example of "Divine Love in Action."'
Earlier this month, Congregational Church of the Valley welcomed five young people from the U-Turn group home for the first hands-on Foster Your Future (FYF) Cooking Class of the season. Participants learned basic meal preparation skills, shared a meal together, and received cooking utensils, crockpots, grocery gift cards, Bibles, and cookbooks to support their continued learning. The program is made possible through local fundraising efforts and a grant from the Southwest Conference. CCOV leaders expressed gratitude for the support, which helps equip foster youth transitioning toward independent living with practical skills and encouragement for the future.
Infusing Life into Your Worship Music
A conversation with Amanda Udis-Kessler and Rev. Dr. Peter Stickney
September 26, 2026 at 9:00 am AZ / 10:00 am NM & El Paso
Church musicians work hard to create excellent worship music in praise of God and in commitment to human well-being, but how can we make sure our music is life-giving as well as high-quality? Pastor, musician, and UCCMA chaplain Peter Stickney chats with pastor, musician, and UCCMA Director of DEI and Member Education Amanda Udis-Kessler about how they approach worship music in their dual roles as pastors and church musicians. Peter and Amanda are both committed to worship music being uplifting, restorative, humanizing, invigorating, and a powerful part of the overall worship service while also being accessible to all in attendance. Join us for a conversation about life-giving worship music that will also include plenty of time for sharing of ideas and resources among the gathered community.
Free and open to everyone. Register to receive the Zoom link.
As we navigate through the Season of Creation, explore the resources from Creation Justice Ministries LINKED HERE to celebrate this season, while supporting your congregation's creation care ministry.
Host a Video Screening to Help Launch a Climate Hope Affiliate
Right now, Climate Hope Affiliates across the country are screening a powerful 17-minute video about one community’s struggle against a massive, polluting data center. Recently, two volunteers in Billings, Montana, showed the video at their local public library, and afterward, 19 people signed up to help start a local chapter of Climate Hope Affiliates. Set up a meeting with Brooks to plan a similar event in your community.
Arizona Poll Chaplain/ Peacekeeper Virtual Mobilization & Unity Rally
Wednesday, October 7, 5:00 - 5:45 pm MST via Zoom
This virtual rally will bring together certified Poll Chaplains/Peacekeepers, individuals who previously registered but did not complete the training, prospective volunteers, faith leaders, and community partners as we prepare to serve our communities during this critical election season. The rally will inspire, energize, remind us why voting matters, clarify the critical role of Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers, share special voting issues in the state, share tools for reaching discouraged voters, answer questions for those who will serve; and share our post-election strategy to ensure all votes are counted.
Whether you are already certified, have started the process but have not completed the training, or are just learning about this movement, we need you to connect with others in the state committed to free, fair, and safe elections. REGISTRATION
A planned gift is a statement of hope and confidence in the future of the church. That’s why the Pension Boards and National Ministries are bringing together the UCC community for an upcoming Together for Tomorrow, Understanding the Power of Planned Giving webinar, which will be held on Tuesday, September 22 at 12:00 pm AZ / 1:00 pm NM & El Paso. You're invited to join and celebrate the inspiring stories of planned giving donors, explore current planned giving trends across the United States, and discover creative charitable planning opportunities that can benefit and sustain the ministries you cherish. Register here.
Election years put every pulpit and every pew in a bind. Stay silent, and you risk leaving your community without guidance when it needs it most. This five-day online summit is built for leaders and believers who refuse to choose between faith and courage. Details here.