Past Events

The Arizona Faith Network invites faith leaders and community members to a nonviolent prayer vigil on Sunday, January 25 at 4:00 PM outside the ICE Phoenix Field Office (2035 N. Central Ave, Phoenix). This vigil calls faith communities to public witness and prayer in response to harms connected to ICE enforcement, standing in solidarity with those under threat of detention and separation.

Clergy from many traditions will offer prayers and reflection. Participants should bring a candle, water, and wear clergy or justice-themed attire. Nearby church parking is available. Register and share with others here: bit.ly/azfaithfulwitness.

Diakonia graduates are invited to one of three regional fellowship gatherings this January in Henderson, Peoria, or Tucson. Hosted by the Growing In Faith/Diakonia Steering Committee, each Saturday event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) includes fellowship, a mini-course led by Diakonia instructors, shared lunch, and closing worship.

All graduates and instructors are welcome, and guests are encouraged. RSVP by December 31 to tinag963@gmail.com, including your chosen location and any dietary needs.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

Christians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM at Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix. Hosted by The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the Tanner Chapel congregation, this ecumenical service is part of a global observance prayed by churches worldwide.

Using worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the service offers a powerful opportunity to pray for Christian unity, deepen relationships across traditions, and witness together to Christ’s reconciling love. All are welcome.

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard “Dick” Glover, retired pastor and member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, who died on November 17, 2025. A Service of Life and Resurrection will be held Saturday, January 17, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship.

We invite the synod to hold Alice, the Glover family, and the St. Andrew community in prayer, trusting in God’s promises of baptismal grace, resurrection, and eternal peace in Christ.

Diakonia graduates are invited to one of three regional fellowship gatherings this January in Henderson, Peoria, or Tucson. Hosted by the Growing In Faith/Diakonia Steering Committee, each Saturday event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) includes fellowship, a mini-course led by Diakonia instructors, shared lunch, and closing worship.

All graduates and instructors are welcome, and guests are encouraged. RSVP by December 31 to tinag963@gmail.com, including your chosen location and any dietary needs.

The “Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations” workshop scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has been canceled.

Organizer Fred Nelson of the Inside Out Network is exploring the possibility of offering this training in an online webinar or alternate format in the future. Updates will be shared as plans develop.

Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, January 16–19, 2026, for Living Into a New Story. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and hymnist Sharon Reinbott, this retreat explores how science, Scripture, and earth wisdom can renew our faith and reshape our relationship with creation. Scholarships are available.

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church kicks off the new year with Jazz Vespers on Sunday, January 11. at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman with Todd Herzog and a reception to follow. After raising over $10,000 in 2025 and supplying more than 8,000 family units with food, the Music for Food ministry continues to unite worship, music, and service to neighbors in need.

Diakonia graduates are invited to one of three regional fellowship gatherings this January in Henderson, Peoria, or Tucson. Hosted by the Growing In Faith/Diakonia Steering Committee, each Saturday event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) includes fellowship, a mini-course led by Diakonia instructors, shared lunch, and closing worship.

All graduates and instructors are welcome, and guests are encouraged. RSVP by December 31 to tinag963@gmail.com, including your chosen location and any dietary needs.

Renew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and church leaders for a week of continuing education and renewal in the Arizona desert. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by experienced facilitators. Register here. Download event poster (PDF).

Registration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.

The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.