A small but tenacious group has continued thinking and dreaming and talking about lay theological education in the Southwest Conference. Julie McCurdy from the Prescott congregation and I attended the Regional Theological Education Consortium gathering in Oberlin, Ohio last fall. We had an opportunity to see what other groups are doing regarding lay education, preparation for authorization, alternatives to traditional seminaries, and support for formation in local congregations.
Since November, conversations have continued and lots LOTS of questions have come about…
Read MoreAll members and churches are invited to attend Bill Lyons's installation service at 3 pm on Sunday, October 15 at United Church of Sun City. Reception to follow
Read MoreCongratulations to John on a unanimous vote to grant ordination! We are grateful for all the ways he continues to bless the Southwest Conference and the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreDon Nordlund's Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 4 PM at Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ, 4425 N Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Read MoreThe Annuitant Visitor Program seeks to provide an annual visit to over 6,000 retired clergy, missionaries, and their spouses/partners in the United Church of Christ. Through these visits, Annuitant Visitors serve as ambassadors for the Pension Boards’ benefits, communicate appreciation for a lifetime of dedicated service, and offer collegial support.
Read MoreCongratulations, Abby Atkins! Abby has been endorsed for the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).
Read MoreActive and retired clergy, specialized ministers, parish ministers, and members in discernment are invited to attend the SWC Annual Clergy Retreat held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, October 30 - November 1.
Read MorePlease sign up now for one of the anti-racism trainings coming up.
“As a condition of maintaining standing, all parish and non-parish active clergy and all retired clergy serving in active ministry will be required to complete anti-racism training by the end of 2017.”
Read MoreAnnual information update.
Read MoreA workshop on the nature and mission of the church: how it all began and where we are now...
Read MoreThe SWC Bylaws have been updated with the necessary changes following the 2017 Annual Meeting.
Read MoreThe Southwest Conference is looking for two people to serve both the conference and the national church as Three Great Loves initiative coordinators.
Read MoreThe UCC Disaster Ministries and SWC Conference Disaster Ministries stand ready to support and assist your congregations and your communities in time of disaster. Because of the many first responders and agencies already equipped to assist with initial disaster relief, UCC/SWC Disaster Ministries helps congregations connect with those resources, but, focuses on assisting with the needs of long-term recovery.
Read MoreA RESOLUTION CALLING THE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE AND COVENANT PARTNERS TO ADVOCATE FOR IMMIGRATION JUSTICE AND TO OFFER SANCTUARY TO IMMIGRANTS
Read MoreToday the SWC is sharing the good news with you that a core group of people excited to begin a new progressive and open & affirming United Church of Christ congregation in Taos has gathered under the leadership of founding pastor Rev. Pamela Shepherd. This is her story of their beginning.
Read MoreI can tell you all the grand and challenging resolutions we tackled, all the breathtakingly inspiring worship and sermons from great speakers we heard, all the information from a denomination hard at work we received. But, what I appreciate most, perhaps, on this Sunday after Baltimore, are these three simple, new - yet very old - vessels that now shape us as a particular tribe of Jesus-followers. Our three Great Loves – Love of Children, Love of Neighbor, Love of Creation.
Read MoreMissionary Scott Nicholson, a friend to many at Casas Adobes Congregational UCC, passed away recently. He led many tours for their members across the border and inspired their ministry, Needlework for Nogales Children (N4NC).
Read MoreDear SW Conference Friends and Colleagues,
I'm honored to be entrusted with filling in for Bill in order to allow him important time and flexibility for a good recovery. In spending the last week trying to get up to speed, I've been impressed with the thoroughness and ways Bill and our staff keep the bazillions of details well in hand. With their help, and your patience, I'm sure we'll be able to keep the work of our beloved Conference going for the next few months.
Read MoreThe suggested offering date is Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017.
Strengthen the Church (STC) is a special mission offering to reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard.
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