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Mutual Aid Resources: Help Build Arizona’s Network of Care
As SNAP benefits are reduced and federal funding disruptions continue to ripple through our communities, many of our neighbors are feeling the strain. In this moment, people of faith and conscience are called to act — to share what we have so that everyone
has what they need.
Arizona Faith Network has created a Faith
& Mutual Aid Resource Guide to highlight congregations, community organizations, and mutual aid groups offering support across the state — from food and cooling resources to pastoral care and safe gathering spaces.
If your congregation or organization offers any form of care or support, please take a few minutes to add your information here:
Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind — and that our shared compassion continues to light the way for Arizona.
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2025 AFN ANNUAL GATHERING
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Don’t Miss It: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering
The countdown is on for the Arizona Faith Network 2025 Annual Gathering, United We Rise, happening Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. This is our largest event of the year — and one you won’t want to miss.
This year, we are proud to honor extraordinary leaders who are building bridges across faiths, cultures, and communities.
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Peacemaker in Action Award: Gokhan Dorum
Gokhan Dorum is the CEO of the Sema Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to cultural engagement, community development, and spiritual enrichment. Through his faith-driven and compassionate leadership, Sema has become a bridge for dialogue and understanding among
Arizona’s diverse communities.
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Originally from Turkey, Gokhan holds degrees from Middle East Technical University and the National University of Singapore, with further research at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia focused on peacebuilding and inter-group conflict resolution. His international
experience and commitment to service continue to inspire efforts toward harmony, inclusion, and lasting peace through the Sema Foundation’s mission.
Register now and join us in honoring Gokhan and other incredible leaders.
Choose the option (in-person or online) that best supports your well-being, and be part of this transformative day.
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All are welcome at the following AFN commission and/or committee meetings. They are held online via Zoom, and you can RSVP using the links below. All times are MST.
AFN Social Justice Commission, Thursday, November 6, 8:30 - 10:00 am MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
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Join us for an extended two-part briefing: updates on criminal legal reform and what’s happening inside the
Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, followed by important updates for faith and community leaders on the growing hunger and SNAP crisis from
Ashley St. Thomas (Arizona Food Bank Network). We’ll also share AFN staff updates and close in prayer.
AFN Faithful Voter AZ (Voting Rights) Committee, Thursday, November 6, 2:00 - 3:00 pm MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
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Guest speaker: Dani Duarte, Arizona State Director of
VoteRiders.
AFN Cherishing Creation Collaborative, Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am MST via Zoom (Note the change of date to avoid conflict with Veterans Day) -
RSVP
for Zoom information
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AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Start your week with meditation led by Vasu Bandhu, AFN's Interfaith Manager, and guests.
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Reconciliation Ecology Fall 2025 Workshop Series
Seasonal Annuals – Saturday, November 8, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Trees – Saturday, December 13, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Meet at Santa Cruz River Heritage Project
1580 S Santa Cruz Ln, Tucson AZ 85713
This series allows for skill development while we perform land stewardship and explore the ideas of restoration ecology. Reconciliation ecology focuses on listening to the land and native plants and providing them with support to do what they do best (see last
post for more details). We will be learning about restoration terminology and concepts as well as actually removing some non-native species. Please bring water, a hat, and closed toed shoes. See you in the river!
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The Power of Hello: Situational Awareness Training for Community Gatherings
Monday, November 17, 12:00 - 1:00 pm MST via Zoom
Join the Safe Communities Coalition for a skill building workshop led by Secure Community Network’s Regional Director, David Humble. This workshop will help community and faith leaders recognize, assess, and respond to potential security concerns while maintaining
a welcoming environment. Learn how simple awareness and intentional engagement can enhance safety and connection at community gatherings. Together, let’s create welcoming spaces that are both safe and connected.
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Prayer Walk on the Arizona Trail
Saturday, December 8, 10:00 am
Picketpost Trailhead, Superior AZ
Join the Arizona Faith Network, Arizona Trail Association, and Arizona Interfaith Power & Light for a reflective morning of movement, prayer, and community in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Together, we’ll walk the Picketpost Loop Trail—a scenic route around
the base of Picketpost Mountain—offering space for gratitude, reflection, and connection across faith traditions.
We’ll begin with an interfaith prayer circle at 10:00 AM, followed by a guided walk at 10:30 AM, with pauses along the trail for moments of prayer, meditation, and conversation about our shared commitment to creation care and spiritual renewal. There will be
accessibility options, from a short walk on flat terrain up to the full 8.6 mile loop trail (see registration form for details).
This prayer walk is open to all faiths, traditions, and backgrounds. Whether you come seeking silence, companionship, or inspiration, you’re welcome to walk with us as we honor our sacred connection to the Earth and to one another.
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RE-Humanization Project Short Story Club
Tuesdays, biweekly at 7:00-8:30 MST via Google Meet
First group is Tuesday, November 18
Join in reading and discussing short stories on the themes of humanity and (re)humanizing to equip us as agents of God's love in a troubled world. All are welcome! Hosted by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix.
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Hike Red Butte
Sunday, November 23, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
RV8X+QJ Valle, AZ, USA
Join the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter in hiking Red Butte within Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument. We will be discussing threats to the national monument, uranium mining concerns, viewing Pinyon Plain Uranium mine from afar, and exploring how
people can get involved in defending this land!
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7th Annual Turkish Festival
Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, December 7, 11:00 AM to 4:00 pm
Sema Foundation HQ Office
325 North Austin Drive
#4 Chandler, AZ 85226
You’re warmly invited to join us for the 7th Annual Turkish Festival, presented by SEMA Foundation! Enjoy two days filled with authentic Turkish food, live music, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Discover the tastes of Turkey — from baklava
and gözleme to Turkish tea and coffee — and experience the vibrant traditions that bring communities together. Reserve a spot now!
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Position: Communications Officer
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) is seeking a talented professional to drive the external and internal engagement of our ecumenical, justice, and advocacy agenda. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and implement
strategic communications initiatives, from conception to execution, aimed at promoting our vision, mission, and values. The Communications Officer will be responsible for managing the organization’s overall communications and marketing strategy, including
written and verbal communications, media relations, and relationship building with key contacts in Washington, D.C.
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The coming week (today through next Tuesday) brings the following observances:
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Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Sikhism) - 11/5
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Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to AFN today! Your partnership makes our Arizona community thrive.
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