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2024 AFN ANNUAL GATHERING
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AFN would like to thank the many people who made the
2024
Annual Gathering a success. We'd especially like to thank the
generous
sponsors and exhibitors who made the event possible and enabled people to connect with many important organizations and resources.
If you attended (either in-person or via Zoom), please help us improve our gatherings by completing a
brief
evaluation at this link. Whether or not you attended, we'd love to have your suggestions about possible keynote speakers and/or topics for next year's event, so please take a moment to submit them
using
this survey.
The following special awards were presented during the Gathering (click/tap
on the image below for a brief slideshow with more info about our awardees):
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Arizona Community Bridge Builder Award: Pastor Caleb Campbell. Founder of Disarming Leviathan
The Arizona Community Bridge Builder Award is awarded to an individual who has gone above and beyond to build bridges of connection between Arizona communities. -
Arizona Peacemaker in Action Award: Mufti Didmar Faja, Imam of the United Islamic Center of Arizona
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Arizona Peacemaker in Action Award: Lynn Davis, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council for Tucson & Southern Arizona
The Peacemaker in Action Award is awarded to individuals who help to build peace among Arizona communities. -
Above and Beyond Award: Rev. Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, Founder of The Faithful City
The Above & Beyond Award is awarded to a community member or members who go above and beyond to help further the work of justice, peace, and compassion throughout Arizona communities.
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Our office will be closed for the end-of-year holiday season from December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025. During this time, a team member will periodically check our main AFN email and voicemail for urgent matters.
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AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Start your week with some guided meditation led by Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu, AFN's Interfaith Manager, and guest leaders. Vasu Bandhu serves the Buddhist community as Bhikkhu (monk) in the Dhammapada Sangha (Zen Buddhism), assisting in the practice and teaching
of the principles, ceremonies and rituals.
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Embracing Stillness: An Interfaith Midwinter Gathering
Tuesday, January 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery
8502 W Pinchot Ave, Phoenix AZ 85037
Join us for a peaceful and reflective evening as we embrace the stillness of winter and welcome the light of the New Year. This interfaith gathering will bring together diverse faith communities for songs, meditations, sacred readings, and moments of unity.
Together, we will reflect on our shared hopes for love, peace, and renewal in the coming year. All are welcome. The program begins promptly at 6 pm. This is an outdoor event, so please dress accordingly.
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Webinar: Engaged Buddhism and Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery
Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 - 8:15 pm MST via Zoom
What was the Doctrine of Discovery? Why does it still matter? What is being done to repair its harms? Join Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the
Coalition
to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and Vasu Bandhu, Buddhist monk and Interfaith Manager at Arizona Faith Network for a timely conversation about the destructive and ongoing impacts of colonization in the Americas.
Just as many Buddhists rallied with many others in solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux in 2016 to oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline, practitioners seek authentic ways to be of service in our troubled times. Hear why engaged Buddhists are moved to join Christian
activists to challenge the legacy and harms of the Doctrine of Discovery. Sarah and Vasu will each share how their spiritual paths and practices inform their activism and invite webinar participants to join this growing movement.
The gathering will also touch on the status of
Apache
Stronghold s fight to save Oak Flat (Apache sacred land east of Phoenix) from destruction through development of a massive copper mine.
We will begin the webinar with a guided meditation and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
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Peacemaking in Divided Times
January 24 10:00 AM Tucson
January 26 6:30 PM Flagstaff
January 28 6:30 PM Phoenix
Further location details to be announced
Our country is facing one of the most divided times in its history, marked by deepening polarization and tension across communities. At this critical moment, we are honored to welcome
Rev.
Dr. Gary Mason, a world-renowned theologian and peacemaker from Belfast, who has dedicated his life to the work of reconciliation. Through examining his transformative work in Northern Ireland during the "Troubles" and his global efforts
in peacebuilding, we will gain valuable insights into a model for reconciliation that can be applied here at home.
Rev. Dr. Mason will share powerful lessons learned from navigating conflict, fostering understanding, and rebuilding unity in some of the most divided contexts. His work offers a compelling vision for what can be done in our communities today to heal divisions
and promote peace. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leader whose efforts have turned conflict into collaboration and hope.
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Join people of faith, faith leaders, and faith-based organizations in uniting to protect the sacred lands at the Great Bend of the Gila! This land holds deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for Indigenous communities. Sign on to the Interfaith
Call to Action to preserve these sacred spaces for future generations. Your voice is crucial in advocating for justice and honoring the sanctity of this land. Sign the letter linked below today and help protect this sacred site.
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Rapid Response Observer Training
Saturday, December 21, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Southside Presbyterian Church
317 W 23rd St, Tucson, AZ 85713
Tucson Rapid Response is being expanded by training more people to be Rapid Response observers. Observers receive emergency text message when there is a immigrant police stop or raid, and go quickly to the site to bear witness, provide support, gather information,
and document law enforcement behavior. Coordinated by Tucson Rapid Response.
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Winter's Light
Saturday, December 21, 7:00 pm
First Church UCC
1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Come to hear stories about light coming into the darkness of our lives. We have an excellent line-up of storytellers and some great music to add to this evening of Solstice art.
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2025 Light the World
Take children and friends to local giving
machines the novel way to swipe your card and LIGHT someone s WORLD.
Runs through New Years Day at Westgate s Entertainment District, Flagstaff s Heritage Square, and Gilbert s Water Tower Plaza
Charities include local food banks, Catholic Relief Services, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Gathering Humanity, Lifting Hands International, Childhelp, Days for Girls, etc.
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so that 100% of your contributions directly benefit global and local charities.
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Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and Advent Vignettes
Enjoy the outdoor
Christmas lights and Advent vignettes at the Mesa Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 East Main Street, Mesa (on the light rail line). Nightly through Monday December 30th
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National Day of Racial Healing Event
Saturday, January 18, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
YWCA Southern Arizona
525 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745
Join us at YWCA Southern Arizona for an inspiring day of connection, creativity, and community! Activities include poetry performances, family activities, educational panel discussion, cultural performances, essay contest, food and hospitality, and youth activities.
Registration isn't required for this free event.
Let s come together to build a more just and equitable future. The event is a partnership between the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson and the YWCA of Southern Arizona.
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Creation Summit
January 25, 8:30 - 3:00 pm
Saint Francis Xavier Parish
4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Join us for this opportunity to enter into prayer, reflection, and conversation on the environment and our call to be stewards of all of God s creation! Bishop John Dolan will open us in prayer focused on Care for God s Creation. Our opening prayer will be
followed by panels and small groups covering topics such as spirituality, the relationship between people and our planet, creating action plans, and more.
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The coming week brings the following observances:
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Winter Solstice 12/21
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Christmas (Christianity) - 12/25
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Feast of the Nativity of Christ (Christianity) - 12/25
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Hanukkah (Judaism) - 12/25 - 1/2
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Kwanzaa 12/26 - 1/1
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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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