Conference News

Invitation to join the Southwest Conference Anti-Racism Community of Practice - part 1

Are you someone who has done significant anti-racism work? Do you ever wonder – “How could I get better at recognizing racism when I see it?” “How could I get better at knowing what to do about it?” Then this Community of Practice may be for you. As a group of both lay and clergy UCC members we meet monthly on Zoom from September through May on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM Arizona time.

Each September we welcome new members who would like to be part of the work. You can apply to join this community of practice here.

Click through to see what some members of the group say about the experience.

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Do You Remember Your Call?

Do You Remember Your Call?

Attending General Synod 35 in Kansas City this past week was a good reminder of that for me. Gathering with so many faithful people around the theme “Into the Deep” rekindled my sense of purpose. The worship, the conversations, and the witness to justice all pointed back to the same truth: we are here because God called us. As the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson noted in her address to the church, the UCC is a “big tent.” We encompass a diversity of beliefs, theologies, and traditions. That’s what I love about the UCC. We don’t have to agree, but we are together because of the covenant they faithfully promised we made to each other that we will be together. Being with others who share this calling renewed my gratitude and gave me fresh energy for the work ahead.

I can still remember my very first General Synod. The gathering of so many people from the various expressions of the United Church of Christ: congregations, conferences, national staff, and global partnerships, all seeking to walk together in all God’s ways, made the Day of Pentecost come alive. It was like the rush of a mighty wind, a holy stirring that reminded me we are not alone in this call. The Spirit is still moving, gathering, and sending us out to be with others.

I also remember the moment that first stirred my heart toward ministry.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.

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SWC's Congregational Resilience & Revitalization Grant Application Empowered through the SWC C.A.R.E.S. Program

SWC's Congregational Resilience & Revitalization Grant Application Empowered through the SWC C.A.R.E.S. Program

The Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ is excited to offer the Congregational Revitalization and Resiliency Grant, designed to equip and empower congregations as they pursue holistic renewal, faithful innovation, and deeper connection with God, one another, and their communities.

This grant invites congregations to design projects that align with at least one component of the C.A.R.E.S. Program, a spiritually grounded framework for ministry rooted in Covenant, Advocacy, Rest, Engagement, and Spirit. Whether your congregation is seeking to deepen discipleship, respond to community needs, or experiment with new ministry models, this grant provides a sacred opportunity for revitalization with purpose.

Please note: The due date for applications is September 1, 2025. You may request $500-$3000 (this grant is not intended to fund capital campaigns, or repairs to facilities).

Go here to apply now!

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Divine Check-In

Divine Check-In

During our weekly staff meeting on Tuesday, our Executive Assistant, Shandrika, shared a thoughtful devotional she had written called “Divine Check-In.” It was a way for us to pause early in the week and reflect on how we’re tending to our spiritual health and sense of purpose from the beginning of the year until now! So Beloveds, as we enter July, we’ve already completed six months of 2025. It is a good moment to pause and ask ourselves: What is our divine check-in?

I don’t have to tell you that this year has been among the most challenging for our communities and the people we serve. Some realities in our community and this nation were once hidden from some but always visible to others. They have been brought into the open, and our souls weep and wrestle with consternation. We are faced with changes, uncertainty, and moments that have tested our resilience and faith; all the more reason to take time for an honest check-in with God and ourselves.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.

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A Conversation With Rev. Dr. Sarah TevisTownes

A Conversation With Rev. Dr. Sarah TevisTownes

“You’re all following Rev. Sarah on TikTok and Instagram, right? Seriously, click here and here and take care of that right now. Then come back and keep reading.

“All set? Welcome back.”

Settle in for this conversation between Dr. Sarah TevisTownes, pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque and Rev. Jim Keat, Minister of Digital Worship & Education at The Riverside Church and the Director of Online Innovation at the Convergence network.

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Two by Two

Two by Two

I had the chance this week to pick up the phone and call a few of our retired clergy in the Southwest Conference. As the SWC Associates Conference Minister and also their colleagues, I to say it felt good just to hear their voices. It is my belief that sometimes a simple check-in is all it takes to feel a little less alone. We don’t always have to solve big problems—sometimes it’s enough just to be present for each other. This caused a flashback of my military days!

Back when I was in the military, first the Army, then the Air Force, we never went out by ourselves. In the Army, you had a battle buddy. In the Air Force, you had a wingman. Those were not just nice titles. They meant you always had someone by your side. A battle buddy was there to make sure you came back safe. A wingman was there to keep watch, to cover you when things got rough. No matter how well-trained you were, you still needed that person you could count on.

This isn’t a new idea. It shows up in our sacred stories, too. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs. They didn’t head off alone to teach or heal. They went together. They depended on each other, and that was part of the plan all along.

Click through to read Dr. Derrick’s full article.

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Safe Communities Coalition

Safe Communities Coalition

The Disaster Resilience and Recovery Ministry is responsible for overseeing the Southwest Conference’s Relationship with Safe Communities Coalition (not to be confused with the national SAFE (Science and Families Engaging) Communities Coalition. Arizona Faith Network’s website describes this Coalition as: “… a bold, inclusive initiative uniting faith communities, advocacy partners, and historically marginalized groups to protect sacred spaces and ensure all people can live, worship, and gather in safety. Amid rising threats of violence and extremism, the Coalition serves as a proactive and unifying response. Together, we foster secure, resilient communities across Arizona through trust-building, strategic partnerships, and rapid action.” (We will seek to duplicate this format for New Mexico and El Paso churches in the Southwest Conference.)

Local Church Ministers have received a letter asking them to select a delegate from their church to participate in monthly meetings. If you have an interest in serving as a representative for your local church, please contact your minister.

Look for forthcoming information as we begin our work beside other faith based communities to keep sacred spaces safe and secure.

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