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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. Leading the way is our
Bridge Builder Award recipient:
Bridge Builder Award: Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.
Pastor Emeritus, First Institutional Baptist Church – Phoenix
Dr. Stewart is a visionary leader whose decades-long ministry has shaped Arizona’s moral landscape. From fighting for civil rights and racial equity to building interfaith coalitions and championing justice in the public square, he embodies what it means to
live out faith as a force for transformation. His courageous leadership has united diverse communities around shared values of dignity, compassion, and hope exactly what “United We Rise” is all about.
This year’s gathering will bring together faith leaders, advocates, and community partners from across Arizona for a morning of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration. Seating is limited, and this event will sell out, so make sure you’re part of it.
📅 AFN Annual Gathering – “United We Rise”
📅 Tuesday, December 2, 2025 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Baháʼí Faith Community Center | 6910 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
🌐 Hybrid (in-person & live-streamed) | Bilingual (Spanish & English)
👉 Register now and join us in honoring Dr. Stewart and other incredible leaders.
Choose the option (in-person or online) that best supports your well-being, and be part of this transformative day.
👉 Sponsorship Opportunities have just been added! Look for the SPONSOR button.
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AFN MEETINGS
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, October 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
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AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Note: next Monday, Oct. 13, is Indigenous People's Day, so due to the federal holiday, there won't be a Monday Meditation. The sessions will resume on Oct. 20.
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Abuse in Later Life 101: Understanding and Responding to Abuse of Older Adults
Thursday, October 23, 2:00 - 4:00 pm MST via Zoom
The 2024 Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life will be providing training to faith-based leaders in collaboration with the
Arizona
Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) and
Safe
Havens.
A U.S. Department of Justice study reports that 11% of Americans 60 and older experienced at least one incident (physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional) of elder abuse in the past year.1 Often, these incidents go unreported, and older adults struggle to find
support. Many elder abuse victims and survivors turn to their faith communities for help. Learning how to respond is important so that victims of late-life abuse have the resources and support they deserve.
The Abuse in Later Life 101: Understanding and Responding to Abuse in Older Adults training is a 2-part series. Part 1 will be virtual via Zoom on October 23. The information you learn in this training can be passed on to your colleagues and students to help
raise awareness and prevent instances of elder abuse.
In this training, those attending will learn about resources to:
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Recognize the signs of elder abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
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Offer support, information, and referrals to victims and survivors.
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Know where to turn for assistance.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 101
Thursday, October 23, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center
455 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203
(also available via Zoom)
Join Arizona Faith Network for a special in-person learning session about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shared by local members, this session will offer an introduction to the history, teachings, and spiritual practices of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether you’re engaging in interfaith dialogue or simply curious about the faith, all are welcome to attend and learn.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 101 is an overview, explaining the basic concepts with personal interaction with others. At the end of this overview, you will have a better understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and
the relationship with other religions. This event will also be offered via Zoom - please indicate how you plan to attend when filling out the registration form.
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Letters for the Land -- Letters to the Editor Workshop
Monday, October 27, 6:00 - 7:00 pm MST via Zoom
Join Sierra Club and Arizona Faith Network for this letter writing workshop where you will learn the latest regarding what is happening to our public lands, get some tips on writing letters to the editor, and then try your hand at writing a letter.
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Rev. Katie Sexton to Be Honored — You’re Invited to Attend
We’re pleased to announce that Rev. Katie Sexton, Executive Director of Arizona Faith Network, is among those being recognized as a
2025 Local Hero at the Spotlight on Success Local Heroes Awards organized by
One
Community Foundation.
This celebration of individuals advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality across Arizona will take place:
📅 Friday, October 17 | 🕐 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Sheraton Grand Phoenix, 340 North 3rd Street Phoenix, AZ 85004
If you’d like to join in honoring these changemakers, including Rev. Katie, you’re warmly invited to attend. Tickets are on sale until Friday, October 10.
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Community Action Table: Stand Against State Violence
Friday, October 17, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Revolutionary Grounds Books & Coffee
4675 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
On October 17, Arizona plans to carry out an execution. Join
Death
Penalty Alternatives for Arizona (DPAA) at our Community Action Table to learn, connect, and take action. Actions you can take at the event include:
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sending a card with words of encouragement to someone on death row
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sending a postcard to Representative Nguyen to oppose expansion of the death penalty in Arizona
We're coming together as a community to stand for life, healing, and real public safety. Whether you stay for a moment or the full time, your presence matters.
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5 Day Silent Directed Retreat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery
October 26 - 31 (Sunday, 4 pm - Friday, 6 pm)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery
8502 W Pinchot Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037
Jesus needed quiet time to pray as he contemplated the reality of his days on earth. Is Jesus calling you to step away from the business of your life to pray and to reflect?
Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery is offering you the opportunity to come, to pray, to listen and to reflect with a spiritual director to guide you along the way. Your spiritual director is a companion on your journey toward seeking God. sharing your faith with
another and to pause long enough to see how God has been and is present in your life and to listen to how God continues to invite you to a deeper relationship.
Open to men and women. English and Spanish-Speaking Spiritual Directors are Available.
Fee: $500.00; Non-Refundable deposit of $150.00 at time of registration. (Scholarships available)
For more information or to register: Contact: srlinda98@gmail.com
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The coming week (today through next Tuesday) brings the following observances:
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Indigenous People's Day (Indigenous American) - Oct. 13
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Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah (Judaism) - Oct. 13-15
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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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