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SWC – In the Loop October 18, 2007
Attachments: To receive attachments mentioned in this newsletter, email office@uccswc.com. Please specify the issue date and the attachment(s).
WE ACCOMPLISHED THIS TOGETHER Please read the attached letter from the Rev. John Thomas, General Minister and President of the UCC, regarding the Pastoral Letter on the Iraq War—its delivery to Congress and his and the Rev. Linda Jaramillo’s arrest at the White House. Rev. Thomas says, “Our campaign will not end until the war ends, so we encourage your continued participation. We are still gathering signatures, and additional coordinated actions are being planned. Today, we make a special request that you act in support of legislation before the U.S. House that could affect hundreds of thousands of refugees now fleeing war-torn Iraq. With support of the UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries, Church World Service has mounted this advocacy effort.
JOYFUL GIVING TAKEN TO A NEW LEVEL On October 14, the Marshallese congregation nesting at the Church of the Painted Hills shared their music, their faith and their traditions with the CPH congregation. The occasion was the arrival of their new minister, Ham LeJohn. After the benediction of the worship service, the Marshallese choir marched down the aisle to the beat and music of an electronic keyboard singing "We Are Marching in the Light of God," each of them holding a small flashing light! They followed that with a hymn about the coming of the Gospel to their islands one-hundred and fifty years ago. And then the fun began as they demonstrated their tradition of singing and marching down the aisle to put money into the collection plate! They were singing a joyous song with a great dance beat, and they beamed as they filled that collection place in gratitude for CPH’s nesting their congregation! Then they invited everyone to join in. The joy that the Marshallese experience in their worship was definitely contagious! After that dance was finished, Pastor Ham and Carlson Takai handed the plate to Pastor Lee Milligan with their thanks. Pastor Lee thanked them profusely, and the two pastors hugged in an embrace of welcome.
UCC POLITY CLASS On November 9 and 10, the Rev. Clyde J. Steckel will be in the Southwest Conference to conduct the first of two classes on the history, theology, and polity of the United Church of Christ. Dr. Steckel is Emeritus Professor of Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities where he also served as Dean. This kind of class is a requirement for all individuals who are preparing for ministry in the UCC. However, anyone is invited to join the class. Class size is limited to 20. Registration deadline is November 1 (form is attached). These classes will be held at the conference office in Phoenix. Call the office if you have questions. Hours: Friday, Nov. 9, 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm Saturday, Nov. 10, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm with lunch at noon Cost: $150 per session, $300 total. Second session to be scheduled next spring If you are taking the class as a requirement, the SWC will reimburse travel expenses.
VITALITY BOOK AVAILABLE The ministers that are attending the Ministers Retreat later this month will be spending some time with author Anthony Robinson and reading his book Leadership for Vital Congregations. Rev. Robinson is a UCC pastor consulting with ministers and lay leaders who wish to revitalize their leadership style and become more effective leaders. In preparation for this retreat, the conference office ordered several copies of the book at a discount and have some extra copies available to others that might want to read it. Please call the office, 602-468-3830, to order a copy and have it mailed to you. Cost is $10 (retail $12).
PEOPLE NEWS The Rev. David Graham has been called as the new part-time Assistant Minister at the United Church of Christ in Sun City, AZ. The Rev. Pamela Hines began her ministry with First Congregational Church in Tempe, AZ, on October 1. The Rev. Valerie Garrick will begin an interim ministry at First Congregational Church in Prescott, AZ, on November 1. Pastor Ham LeJohn has arrived from the Marshall Islands to begin pastoring the Marshallese congregation in Tucson, AZ. Pastor Kemeto Risa has arrived from the Marshall Islands to begin pastoring the Marshallese congregation in Tempe, AZ. Rev. Dave Ragan will be installed as Associate Pastor for Programs with the Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ, on November 4 at 3:30 pm.
SWC CONTRIBUTES ESSAYS FOR NYE 2008 Maren and Maria Tirabassi are collecting stories from each of the UCC Conferences to be published for the National Youth Event to be held at the University of Tennessee July 24-28, 2008. Barb Doerrer-Peacock and Brittany Wideman wrote the stories for the Southwest Conference. The assignment was to write a brief anecdote or essay on how God touched you during the teenaged years. The Tirabassis’ project has received lovely pieces – lifting up God's presence in nature, God's presence in ethical decision making and particularly God's presence through a mentor or spiritual guide. Barb and Brittany’s stories are attached.
YOUTH RESOURCES The United Church of Christ offers a wide range of resources to support the work of local churches in youth ministry. The following books are part of a resource list titled “Best Resources for Youth Ministry” developed by Local Church Ministries/Worship and Education Team.
**The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster **Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens edited by Dorothy C. Bass and Don C. Richter - free Leader’s Guide **Blessing New Voices: Prayers of Young People and Worship Resources for Youth Ministry by Maren C. Tirabassi **Words For The Journey: Letters to Our Teenagers about Life and Faith by Martin B. Copenhaver and Anthony Robinson.
The entire list may be accessed through the United Church of Christ website, www.ucc.org. Click on “Church Stuff,” Click on “Youth,” Click on “Resources.”
If you have questions about these resources or other education resources for your church please contact one of the Southwest Partners in Education listed below: Northern or Central AZ: Susan Wadell 602-993-0050 or Dana Bender 602-264-1221 Southern AZ: Carol Wilson 520-296-9332 New Mexico or El Paso: Juanita Marken 505-268-2765
THANKSGIVING ALIVE! HAS EARLIER DEADLINES The Thanksgiving Alive! 2007 mailing went to youth and churches the first week of October. Due to special circumstances this year, the deadlines are earlier, and it will be essential to meet them. Information, registration form, covenant and medical forms are also available on the SWC website: www.southwestucc.org. Early registration, for which there is a less expensive price, is October 29. The late deadline is November 9.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY EVENT This Congregational Vitality Event is for all church leaders! It will be held February 1-2, 2008, at the Ontario (CA) Airport Marriott. Success Stories from First Congregational Church of Randolph, MA, Rev. Laurene Beth Bowers, and First Congregational Church of Oakland, CA, Rev. Ama Zenya and Rev. Lenise Pinkard, will be featured.
Also: The Congregational Vitality Initiative Rev. David Schoen, Evangelism Team Leader, Local Church Ministries Starting to Be a Multicultural Church Rev. Eric H. F. Law, Kaleidoscope Institute and author of numerous books Web Sites that Invite People to Church David McCollough, Webmaster, Cathedral of Hope, Dallas TX
Other topics: Diversity and Choice in Worship offerings Holy Conversations – Learning to talk about our faith Roundtable with UCC Multicultural Churches – what can we learn from them? Roundtable with UCC New Churches– what can we learn from them?
Watch for the Flyer and Registration in late October/early November
PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR FOR UCC PLAN PARTICIPANTS If you are not yet retired, but over age 55 and a participant in the UCC Pension program, please put February 19, 2008, on your calendar. That is the date that the UCC Pension Boards will host a Pre-Retirement seminar at the Southwest Conference office. This event is designed to provide members, clergy and lay, with important information to help make the transition to a new stage in life as easy as possible. The seminar is offered at no cost to you and there is a $100 stipend available to offset travel costs. You will be receiving more information as the time draws nearer.
A SABBATH INVITATION Come to a “Called Back to the Well Clergy Day Apart” on November 19th. All ministers are invited to a monthly day apart at the Norbertine Center in Albuquerque. The next Clergy Sabbath will be Monday, November 19th, continuing the third Monday of each month. We will begin at 9:30 am and end by 4:00 pm. Cost for the day is $25 and includes lunch. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. You may choose to attend one day or all of the days. There will be some time for us to gather as a group and time for you to spend in silence. Bring your journal. An RSVP would be appreciated. Contact Sue Joiner for more information: mailto:sjoiner@samaritancc.com or call 505-332-8020.
EDEN PROFESSOR NOMINATED TO HEAD NCC The Reverend Dr. Michael Kinnamon, Allen and Dottie Miller Professor of Mission and Peace at Eden Theological Seminary, has been nominated to become the new General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, also known as the NCC. Upon ratification of the selection in November, Dr. Kinnamon will assume his new responsibilities in January 2008. Michael Kinnamon is widely regarded as a leading voice in the ecumenical movement both nationally and in the global church, and within his denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). At Eden, Professor Kinnamon has taught courses in the global and local mission of the church, the history and theology of the ecumenical movement, peace and justice, interfaith dialogue, modern theology and literature from around the world.
CHRISTIAN PEACE WORKSHOP Arizona Christian Peacemakers is offering a program for learning, practicing, and experimenting with nonviolent options for our lives and for a sustainable, just, and peaceful world on November 9 and 10 in Glendale, AZ. Cost is $50 per person. Application deadline is October 29. For more information, visit www.azcp.org.
NONVIOLENCE TRAINING The Arizona New Sanctuary Movement responds to calls for NonViolence Training! When: Saturday, October 27, 2007, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Where: UFCW Hall, 2401 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix What: Learn nonviolent and de-escalating responses to aggressive actions. Two classes will be conducted simultaneously in English and Spanish. Please pre-register by contacting Rev Liana Rowe, Arizona Coordinator, New Sanctuary Movement, at divineconomy@yahoo.com or call 602-692-4813.
THE SPIRIT OF WATER: DRAWING FROM HOLY WELLS This Caring for Creation event sponsored by Arizona Ecumenical Council will begin with a storytelling concert at Community Christian Church on November 9 at 7:00 pm and continue with a workshop on November 10 at Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. For more information see the attached flyer.
HEXALOGUE Hexalogues, open theological discussions among six religious traditions, are sponsored by the Arizona Ecumenical Council & Desert Mission United Methodist Church. We invite you to listen and participate in a discussion on Christian Eschatalogy on October 21, 4:00 pm, at St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, 6715 N Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale. The theme is: Is this it? Christian Perspectives on the Last Days. The cost is $20.00 per person. Contact AEC to make reservations: 602-468-3818, fax 602-468-3311 or email aec@aecunity.net. Pay at the door or mail payment in advance to: AEC, 4423 N. 24th St., Ste. 750, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
HUMAN TRAFFICING SEMINAR Daniel G. Knauss, United States Attorney, District of Arizona, is conducting a special training seminar on Human Trafficking, “Look Beneath the Surface,” to be held at Glendale Community College on October 30, 2007. This free one-day training event will educate law enforcement, business, and community leaders on how to identify and report potential victims of trafficking. Space is limited and the registration deadline is October 23. Attached is more information and the registration form.
DIRECTORY CHANGES The 2007-2008 Southwest Conference directories were mailed on October 15. Already there are some corrections/additions: Pg. 6, Rev. Valerie Garrick, Interim Minister, First Congregational Church, Prescott Pg. 7, Pastor Kemeto Risa, Marshallese Ministry United Church of Christ Pg. 7, Oro Valley United Church of Christ Pg. 10, Pastor Ham LeJohn, Marshallese Ministry in Tucson Pg. 14, Fred Dare’s new email: fndare@Q.com Pg. 16, Graham, David (AP), United Church of Sun City Pg. 17, Robin Kreider’s new email: robinkreider @cox.net Pg. 17, Add: Main, Kay (RT), 6000 Shadow Ridge Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, 505-298-6251 (h), 505-288-0059 (cell), themaink@hotmail.com Pg. 22, Add: Green-Davis, Judy, PO Box 37158, Phoenix, AZ 85069, 602-371-0131, Jgreen-davis@cox.net Pg. 24, Main, Kay – moved to pg. 17 Pg. 28, Add to Annuitant Visitors: Bill Frost, 8322 E Fay Ave, Mesa, AZ 85208, 480-247-9937 Pg. 40, Add email to New Mexico Conference of Churches: nmcc@nmchurches.org
CALENDAR October 19, Turquoise Chalice Award Banquet, Albuquerque, 6:00 pm October 24, Boundary Training, Interchurch Center, Phoenix, 9:00-3:30 pm October 25, East Valley Clergy lunch, Monti’s, Tempe, noon October 25, Interfaith Dinner, Heritage Square, Phoenix, 5:30 pm October 26, Stewardship and Mission Interpretation, SWC Office, 9:30-3:00 October 26, Financial Oversight Committee, SWC Office, 3:00 pm October 27, Youth and Outdoor Ministry Committee, So. Mtn. Community Church, 10-3 October 28, Iglesia Sin Fronteras 3rd anniversary celebration, Juarez, 10:00 am/5:00 pm October 29-31, Ministers Retreat, Franciscan Renewal Center, Phoenix, 1:00 pm-1:00 pm November 4, Asphalt Gospel, Church of the Good Shepherd, Albuquerque, NM, 5:30 pm November 4, Installation of the Rev. David Ragan as Associate Minister of Program, Church of the Red Rocks, 3:30 pm November 8, COCAM, SWC Office, 9:30-3:00 November 9-10, UCC Polity Class, SWC Office, 3-8:30 pm Fri., 8:30-3 pm Sat. November 9-10, Christian Peace Workshop, Glendale November 9-10, Caring for Creation Workshop, AEC, multiple locations November 10, Executive Committee, SWC Office, 10-3 November 10, Justice and Witness Committee, SWC Office, 9:30-3:30 February 1-2, Congregational Vitality Event, Ontario, CA February 19, Pre-Retirement Seminar, SWC Office April 25-27, 2008, Annual Meeting at The Good Shepherd, UCC, Sahuarita, AZ
DATES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY AND SUMMER CAMPS Youth Council Retreat, Oct. 20-21, Shepherd of the Hills UCC Youth and Outdoor Ministry Committee, Oct. 27, South Mountain Church, 10-3 Gathering of Youth and Young Adults, Nov 11, Shadow Rock UCC, 5:30 pm Thanksgiving Alive!, Nov. 23-25, 2007, Church of the Beatitudes, Phoenix Senior High Tolerance Trip, Feb. 15-17, ‘08, Los Angeles, CA (This is the correct date.) Junior High Retreat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 2008 tentative, place to be announced Youth Rally, April 25-27, 2008, Sahuarita, AZ Super Camp for Young Juniors, June 15-18, 2008, Emmanuel Pines, Prescott, AZ Super Camp for Juniors & Junior High, June 15-20, 2008, Emmanuel Pines, Prescott, AZ Senior High Camp, June 29-July 5, 2008, Pine Summit, Prescott, AZ National Youth Event, July 24-28, 2008, University of Tennessee
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