My top ten list of things for which I am thankful right now...

10. Two newly installed pastors, Matt Smith in Silver City NM and Sharon LIttrell in Rio Rancho NM.
9. An Executive Board and a Mission Planning Board who are very good at what they do.
8. A clergy retreat two weeks ago that gave me the opportunity to hang out with some pretty amazing pastors.
7. Two churches that, right now, are doing some amazing work and growing like crazy: Faith in Dewey and COGS in Albuquerque.
6. A Committee on Church and Ministry that takes its work very seriously and is building confidence with our covenantal partners.
5. A group of cherished friends and colleagues in the Council of Conference Ministers with whom working side by side is an honor.
4. A very successful Mission1 effort!
3. Barbara and Holly: enough said.
2. Mimi - who makes coming home every day a true joy.
1. The St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series.

Ecclesiastical Councils Three

Three Councils over 8 days; two churches; a couple hundred miles in between - but the same result each time.


Christ Hinkle

Alan Joplin

Beth Frigard


All successfully completed their Ecclesiastical Council. The first two were held at First Congregational UCC in Tempe, and the last one at Rincon UCC in Tucson.

We lift them each up in prayer as their new vocational careers in ministry begin. May it please God to bless them along the way.

It Is Official:

W. Mark Clark has been elected as the Associate General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.

Let me share our deep and profound joy for and pride in this child of the Southwest Conference.