Annual Meeting

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More Than a Meeting: Finding Connection and Purpose at the Southwest Conference Annual Gathering

"What a meaningful time we had..." This sentiment captures the essence of the recent Southwest Conference (SWC) United Church of Christ (UCC) Annual Meeting in Albuquerque. More than a procedural event, it was a vibrant mix of important work, learning, and human connection for delegates from over 30 churches across Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX.

Attendees from First Church Phoenix UCC included Carol Turpen, Spencer Sperling, Rev. Susan Valiquette, Rev. Teresa Blythe, Commissioned Minister Gordon Street, MID Christopher Schouten, and SWC Moderator Brendan Mahoney. Their presence highlighted the link between local churches and the wider UCC. The gathering blended critical work on justice and governance with the essential need for fellowship, feeling much like a "family reunion”.

The Heart of Gathering: Why UCC Conferences Meet Annually

The UCC's covenantal structure binds local churches, conferences, and the national setting. Annual Meetings express this covenant, convened for business like review, action, and elections, but also explicitly "for inspiration and fellowship". This reflects the UCC's understanding of the church as both an organization and a spiritual community. Meetings aim "To equip the saints for the work of Ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12), strengthening local churches and leaders. Broad participation is ensured through delegates elected by churches, authorized ministers, and Conference leaders. The Conference Moderator, currently First Church's Brendan Mahoney, guides the proceedings.

Tending to the Work: Business and Resolutions at SWC
Delegates approved Conference leadership for the coming year and approved the budget. Another key function was adopting resolutions addressing "the moral struggles of our time". Two significant resolutions were approved:

1. Resolution: Churches as Safe Havens for Immigrants: Affirming churches as safe places for immigrants, aligning with the UCC's long-standing commitment rooted in scripture (Leviticus 19:33-34) and expressed through numerous General Synod resolutions.

2. Resolution: Speaking Out Against Genocide of Palestinians: Addressing the violence in Palestine and Israel, this resolution spoke out "against the genocide of Palestinians by Israel with U.S. backing", reflecting the UCC's commitment to a "Just Peace".

Equipping the Saints: Workshops for Chaotic Times

Reflecting the theme "Starting Where We Are: Creating Community in Chaotic Times", workshops provided practical tools. Some of the workshops were:

• Spiritual Self-Care in the Chaos: Led by Rev. Lynne Hinton, focusing on self-compassion and strategies for thriving amidst challenges, resonating with the UCC's emphasis on nurturing mind, body, and spirit.

• Immigration Law and Rights in 2025: Presented by the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, offering practical information on policies and rights, complementing the sanctuary resolution.

• Building Bridges, Not Barriers: “Calling In” for Understanding and Justice: Led by Christopher Schouten and the Decentering Whiteness Task Force members, this workshop focused on communication strategies like "calling in" versus "calling out" to navigate difficult conversations about justice issues constructively.

The Power of Presence: Fellowship and Connection

For Christopher, "honestly, the best part was just being together". Shared meals, worship, and conversations created a community fabric resolutions alone cannot. Meeting colleagues in person after years of screen interactions brought unique joy. This physical co-presence affirmed the value of face-to-face connection. The "family reunion" feeling reinforced bonds, reminding attendees they are "part of something much bigger than ourselves". In challenging times, "knowing we're not alone means everything", providing strength and resilience.

Our Connection: First Church and the Southwest Conference

First Church Phoenix UCC and the SWC share a close relationship, with the Conference office located on the First Church campus. First Church members actively serve in Conference leadership and committee roles, notably Brendan Mahoney as the current Conference Moderator, Loree Adams on COM-B (Conference-Local Church Relations), and Christopher Schouten as Personnel Committee member, chairperson of the Decentering Whiteness Task Force and founder of the SWC ONA Network. Gordon Street is not only is a Commissioned Minister on staff of the SWC, but he also serves on the Nomination Committee and is next year’s co-chair.

Conclusion: Carrying the Spirit Forward

The SWC Annual Meeting embodied the UCC's commitment to prophetic action and beloved community. Delegates handled governance, took courageous stances on justice issues, and gained new skills. Crucially, they experienced the power of being together – worshipping, sharing, and strengthening fellowship. The gathering equipped the saints and built up the body of Christ, fostering the covenantal connections vital to the UCC. Attendees returned with renewed energy and solidarity, reminded that embodying God's "unconditional justice and love" requires both public witness and community support, offering vital nourishment in chaotic times.

I loved being a delegate to the annual meeting of the SWC.

It was a time to connect with people I know from our church, reconnect with people from other churches, some I was meeting for the first time in person after zoom sessions, and meet people I had never met before. CONNECTING through conversation and food was a big part of the meeting.

We also WORSHIPPED and LEARNED together. I enjoyed singing with other delegates both in the pop-up choir (“ Draw the circle wide” song) and in general sessions and workshops.  Rev. Tracy Blackmon led us in “wade in the water” in her workshop which was a neat moment of unity.

I attended the “ Decentering Whiteness Task Force “ workshop on ‘calling out’ and ‘calling in.’  We learned what that means, how and when to use either tactic, and how to respond if we are called in or out. We worked in tables and small groups and practiced with some case studies. It was an important step in practical learning for our conference.

I also attended Rev Traci Blackman’s workshop on finding community within the chaos. She challenged us with Paul’s story of shipwreck on Malta. Asking us “what have we tried to throw overboard to save ourselves.” She emphasized that the same ship that broke apart also saved them. So just because our ship might have cracks, may be dealing with rough waters, it can still be a vessel to carry us forward.

We also did BUSINESS together administrating the work do the conference. We voted in a new budget, new appointees to committees, and two resolutions: one on immigration support and the other calling out U.S. involvement in the Israeli government’s genocide in Palestine. Both of these resolutions passed to be sent to General Synod.

I wrapped up my time by attending Sunday service at First Congregational ABQ where Pastor Sue Joiner led us and Rev Traci Blackmon preached again. It was awesome! It was great to see Clara Sims leading part of worship. I met her at General Synod in 2023 when she was in the process of defending her paper for becoming a reverend.

A big thanks to Emmy and Aaron Mullinex from ABQ church who showed great hospitality and carted me around town, taking me to choir practice, a movie, dinner, and return to the airport. I’d also like to acknowledge our own Rev Dr Myra Taylor and Rev Sue Joiner for leading the planning this year along with Wende Gonzales, SWC communications lead, and Shandrika McDowell, Rev Dr Toni Hawkins exec admin. They put a great conference together.

Fun, fellowship, learning, business, and worship was had by all!