Raise your voice and join Grammy Award-winning singer, choral conductor, and vocal activist Melanie DeMore for a joyful day of music-making at Shadow Rock UCC on Saturday, October 10. Learn 3- and 4-part songs by ear as Melanie leads spirituals, folk songs, originals, and more in a welcoming, no-experience-needed community sing. Registration is $25, and all are welcome. Arrive by 9:30 am; singing 10 am–3 pm. Drinks provided; bring your own lunch. A special storytelling-and-song worship service will follow on Sunday, October 11.
After a summer break, the Celtic Christianity Study Group returns to First Congregational Church Prescott on October 7 at 5:30 p.m. Inspired by John Philip Newell’s Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, this monthly gathering explores contemplative Celtic Christian spirituality through readings, reflection, prayer, sacred listening, and discussion. The group welcomes newcomers and meets at the church in Prescott and is led by FCCP member Michele McFadden and Laura Henry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
First Church UCC Phoenix invites the community to hear Dora Rodriguez, nationally recognized speaker, author, humanitarian, and advocate for migration justice, on Saturday, September 19, at 10 a.m. Rodriguez, a survivor of a tragic Sonoran Desert crossing in 1980, will share her powerful story of resilience, faith, and compassion. Founder of the nonprofit Salvavision and author of the award-winning memoir Dora: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, she offers a deeply personal perspective on migration, human dignity, and hope. This special event is an opportunity to hear an unforgettable story that challenges and inspires listeners to become agents of positive change.
Shepherd of the Hills UCC is pleased to host a Walgreens Flu Vaccine Clinic in our Fellowship Hall during our potluck on Sunday, September 13! If you or a family member would like to receive a flu vaccine, please fill out THIS FORM so they can estimate how many people will participate and how many free vaccine vouchers will be needed for those without insurance.
Spread awareness: 988 Day is 9/8! Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund reminds us that 988 Day on 9/8/26 is a day to raise awareness and “create positive buzz” about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This year’s theme is “988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough.” Get your free toolkit and help spread the word!
Dr. Toni delivered the sermon on Sunday, August 23rd at First Congregational Church, Prescott. The sermon was titled “The Space Between” very fitting as their beloved Pastor Jay plans to retire at the end of this year.
Looking for values-aligned church directories? Rev. Dr. Sarah Townes of Church of the Good Shepherd recently shared two online directories that may be of interest to Southwest Conference congregations. The Post Evangelical Collective's church directory helps people find congregations that share their values when traveling or relocating, while GayChurch.org connects individuals with LGBTQ+-affirming faith communities. Congregations that align with these missions may wish to explore being listed.
Desert Palm UCC is seeking a volunteer to help prepare its nursery for a new season. The volunteer will assist with developing a wish list of needed items and helping create a safe, comfortable, and inviting space for children. Those interested in learning more or volunteering can contact Rev. Erin Tamayo at RevErin@DesertPalmUCC.org.
Arizona voters will elect two of the five Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) commissioners this year. To help community members make informed decisions at the ballot box, Rincon Congregational's Justice and Witness Ministry Team will host an informational session on September 27 exploring the ACC's role in regulating utilities, setting rates, and overseeing Arizona's energy future.
Converging 2026: Sing Throught It! is offering a virtual experience. Experience CMP Converging: Sing Through It! from wherever you are with a virtual ticket. You’ll get:
Live access to all main stage sessions and to 4 workshops in that same space.
Live chat access and interaction with other participants.
The ability to ask questions in Q & A sessions after keynote addresses.
Access to recordings of all main stage sessions after the event for unlimited personal viewing.
Still on the fence about Converging: Sing Through It? Check out THIS VIDEO from Rev. Dr. Katie Hays on her experience last year. Grab a virtual ticket HERE. Learn more about Converging 2026: Sing Through It HERE.
