Meditation, Book Studies, and Bag Packing: AFN’s July Lineup
As triple-digit heat blankets Arizona, our partners at Arizona Faith Network (AFN) are mobilizing communities of faith to meet urgent needs and build deeper connections across traditions. This July, AFN invites us to serve, reflect, and grow through a powerful series of interfaith events and opportunities.
Pack Bags of Hope to Beat the Heat
On Sunday, July 20 from 3:30–5:30 p.m., AFN will host a Bags of Hope packing event at Community Christian Church in Tempe (1701 S College Ave). Volunteers will assemble Heat Relief Bags for vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness and heat exposure. Light refreshments and interfaith community-building are included. RSVP to attend or donate supplies—either in person or directly via Amazon Wishlists. Every bag packed is a life impacted.
Weekly Meditation for the Soul
AFN’s Monday Meditation continues each week at noon MST via Zoom, led by Interfaith Manager Vasu Bandhu and guest spiritual leaders. These 30-minute sessions provide a moment of peace and grounding as we begin our weeks in mindful reflection.
Connect with Local Clergy in North Scottsdale
On Wednesday, July 23, clergy serving faith communities in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek/Carefree area are invited to Know Your Neighbor, a relaxed lunchtime gathering at St. Anthony on the Desert (12990 E Shea Blvd). Enjoy meaningful conversations and deepen your local faith network. RSVP is required; lunch is provided.
Learn More About the Bahá’í Faith
Curious about the Bahá’í tradition? Join AFN’s Bahá’í 101 session on Thursday, July 24 from 5–6 p.m. MST via Zoom. This introduction offers a window into the Bahá’í community’s teachings, history, and spiritual practices. Open to all who seek deeper interfaith understanding.
Explore Justice Through Interfaith Book Study
Beginning August 20, AFN will host a 5-week Zoom book group on Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. This reflective space offers insight from the Hebrew prophets and modern voices working for justice, healing, and transformation. Sessions run Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m. through September 17.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
AFN continues to support Heat Relief Sites that have welcomed over 15,000 visits this summer. Your support—through volunteering, donations, or supply drives—can make a critical difference. Learn more and sign up at: www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/heatrelief
Additional Partner Event Highlight
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club is organizing an advocacy-focused campout at Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument September 26–28 to resist renewed uranium mining threats. This gathering will combine education, nature immersion, and interfaith dialogue around environmental justice.
To read the full AFN newsletter and stay up to date on events, programs, and advocacy opportunities, visit: