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2025 AFN ANNUAL GATHERING
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Don’t Miss It: Celebrate Unity 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 building unity across faiths, cultures, and communities.
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Community Hero Award: Rep. Patricia (Patty) Contreras
Rep. Patricia (Patty) Contreras is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 12. originally from Somerton, a rural farm town in southwestern Arizona near Yuma, her family has been in Arizona for over 100 years.
Patty retired in October 2021 from the City of Phoenix after over 31 years of service to Phoenix residents, working in the Parks and Recreation and Human Services Departments.
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Among the issues important to Rep. Contreras are better support for public education, better services for senior citizens, and issues related to climate change.
Register now and join us in honoring Patty 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 Cherishing Creation Collaborative, Tuesday, November 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
-
Guest speaker Ken Clark will talk about the SRP Board elections
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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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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 6, 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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Reconciliation Ecology Fall 2025 Workshop Series
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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Mutual Aid Resources: Help Build Arizona’s Network of Care
In response to the disruption of SNAP benefits and disruptions of other federal funding, 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.
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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No Amazon for Advent Pledge
From the organizers: Join our pledge to reclaim this Advent season from consumption to community, hope, and renewal. We are inviting people of faith to take the lead by stepping away from Amazon this holiday season and stepping towards low-consumption means
of giving.
Although this will look different for each individual and each organization, our ethos are shared. We are choosing thoughtfulness, simplicity, and restraint. Whenever possible, we are prioritizing local businesses struggling to survive, nonprofits caring for
the vulnerable, and neighbors in need of compassion.
To see the full statement, list of resources, FAQ, an to sign the pledge, visit the website:
noamazonforadvent.com
If your organization would like to sign on as a partner visit this link:
No
Amazon for Advent Campaign Partner
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Christian Nationalism: Why Does It Matter to the Church?
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 – 8 pm
King of Glory
2085 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
Join us for a
thoughtful community conversation about Christian Nationalism—what it is, why it matters, and how we as people of faith and neighbors can respond with compassion, hospitality, and the truth of the Gospel. Our panelists, Rev. Caleb Campbell
and Rev. ellie hutchison, will lead us in exploring how followers of Jesus are called to engage in a divided world with grace, humility, and hope. All are welcome—invite a friend, bring your questions, and be part of this important conversation!
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Virtual Immigration Court Observer Training
Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 pm MST via Zoom
Desert Palm UCC will be hosting this virtual training, put together by Rev. Rich Doerrer Peacock and Beth Strano (Co-Founder and Executive Director of
Borderlands
Resource Initiative). The hosts invite you to share this opportunity with your congregations, networks, and anyone who might feel called to this ministry of presence and justice. Use the link below to register for the virtual session.
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17th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 23, 2:00 pm
The Fountains, a United Methodist Church
15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ
In the midst of rising Christian Nationalism, anti-Semitism, and renewed Islamophobia, this Fountain Hills tradition is more relevant than ever. Sponsored by the Fountain Hills’ Interfaith Alliance, a coalition of local faith communities and leaders committed
to embracing diversity and pluralism, this annual observance is an intentional interaction with our neighbors of other faith traditions as a positive witness to a world in conflict over religion. The service will include inspiring music, a time for conversation,
and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of being in face-to-face dialogue with those of different faiths and life circumstances.
This year’s theme is ‘Companionship on the Journey,’ celebrating how the gift of diverse hands and hearts not only makes the journey richer but our community more vital. Focusing on the metaphor of the Labyrinth, our gathering will culminate in an optional
guided Labyrinth walk led by certified labyrinth facilitator, Beth Dyer. Our shared community outreach this year will support Extended Hands Food Bank and everyone is encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items to contribute to our “Table of
Plenty” effort.
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"Samaritans" Documentary Viewing
Friday, December 5, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
First Church UCC Phoenix
1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a premier viewing of "Samaritans," a documentary on life-saving aid to migrants at the US-Mexico border featuring Rev Randy Meyer, Good Shepherd UCC, Sahuarita. Director David Damian Figueroa will be with us for the viewing. Please RSVP at the link
below.
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Walk4Unity: United Nations Human Rights Day
Saturday, December 13, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
ASU Chandler Innovation Center
249 E Chicago St, Chandler, AZ 85225
Walk4Unity commemorates United Nations Human Rights Day and is a celebration of our shared humanity and a call for human rights for all. The event begins with a short walk (less than one mile), followed by speakers, performances, and small group discussions
that encourage understanding across different backgrounds and experiences. A Community Exchange will offer FREE clothing and food, with donations welcomed. Free water, snacks, and event t-shirts (while supplies last) will be provided for those who participate.
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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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