New research from the United Church of Christ* shows that on average ONA congregations have more members and healthier finances than non-ONA churches.

"One of the obstacles to congregations hesitating to begin their ONA journey is fear: the fear of losing members and income if the church votes to adopt an ONA covenant," says Andy Lang, the ONA Coalition's executive director. "But this latest research shows the opposite is happening: ONA congregations are attracting more members and reporting higher budgets than the UCC average."

The Southwest Conference is holding the family of Rev. Ann Calvin “Cally” Rogers-Witte in our prayers. Rev. Rogers-Witte died this afternoon after a brief illness.

Rev. Rogers-Witte served as Conference Minister here before becoming the Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries, a member of the Collegium, and an Officer of the United Church of Christ.

Exploring UCC History, Polity, and Theology is a curriculum resource for teaching, learning, and exploring how the UCC thinks, proclaims, works, equips, and engages each part of the denomination to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Use this with confirmation, adult small groups, retreats, new member courses, Committees on Ministry, conference boards, and other any gathering of folks who are curious about what it means to be a part of the UCC.

How It Works

Each learning session includes a facilitator guide, video, resources, and activities to help folks explore the unique history, governance structure, and theological commitments of the UCC. You can access all the lessons and resources through this site, as well as download any files you need.

Get started!

3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1 at The Good Shepherd UCC

Rebecca McElfresh has been approved by the Committee on Church and Ministry ‘A’ to take the next step toward ordination. Congratulations, Rebecca!

The Good Shepherd will host an Ecclesiastical Council on the afternoon of Sunday, December 1 at 3 p.m. to which all are invited.

Read her portfolio and ordination paper HERE.

Save the date: March 7, 2020, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Visioning for the Southwest Conference; all active clergy and MCVC reps are invited to attend.

The W.I.S.E. Conference safety coordinator, Carol Shipman, has requested volunteers to help with safety to ensure a successful event on November 2 at Church of the Beatitudes.

She needs seven volunteers for Saturday. Shifts are 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to work the entire day, as well.

At their annual meeting in Forest Grove, Ore., Central Pacific Conference delegates voted Sept. 28 to call the Rev. Tyler Connoley as their new leader.

Rev. Noel Andersen will receive the President’s Award at the NCC’s annual Christian Unity Gathering, which is being held at the Holiday Inn Hampton-Newport News in Hampton, Virginia on Monday, October 14. 

We are holding in prayer the friends and family of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Buckwald who died on Sunday, September 22, 2019.

Thursday, October 10 at 5 p.m., United Church of Sun City

Conference MInister Rev. Bill Lyons will share his reflections and photos on his Spanish immersion experience in Guatemala at United Church’s Fall Harvest Potluck. A couple of Guatemalan dishes will be served!

The event is open to the Southwest Conference. Save the date!

Stretching Beyond: Diversity in the Search and Call Process is a series of four story-telling videos that depict several scenarios for search committee reflection. These videos from the UCC’s Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team (MESA) broaden the search committee’s consideration of pastoral candidates by raising awareness of bias.

The videos are the result of General Synod's 2017 resolution for "Affirming and Supporting the Authorized Ministries of Under-represented Clergy in Local Congregations: A Call for Greater Representation and Economic Justice."

We are holding the family of Rev. Jim Rabb in our prayers. Jim died last night (9/17/19) after a short hospice stay. His sons, Jim and Ian, and his daughter, Kimsley, were with Jim the last week of his life and at the time of his passing. 

Bill spent the month of August in a Spanish immersion program in Guatemala. He checked in periodically with photos and reflections. Scroll down to view them.

We love receiving contributions from our churches! We also love to easily attribute those contributions to your designated givings. The easiest way is if you use the form on the website.

It's a fillable PDF that has been recently updated, so you don't need to keep a printed stock on hand! Fill in the form, print it out, and attach it to your contribution!

Call Liana if you have questions.

October 17-18, McCormick Theological Seminary, 5460 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL

All alumni and friends are welcome to attend this annual event. Register HERE. Download the brochure HERE.

Rev. Teresa Blythe is creating a national list of all the spiritual directors (clergy and lay) affiliated with the UCC. This list is designed for use in networking and resource sharing

September 13-14, 2019 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Albuquerque

Register now!