The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes upcoming opportunities for digital security training, interfaith dialogue, public witness at the Capitol, and community events across Arizona. Highlights include a March 2 Digital Security Workshop, March 4–6 Training of Trainers in Phoenix, Interfaith Day at the Capitol on March 25, and multiple hybrid and in-person gatherings.
Read the full newsletter for registration links and details: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThis week, Bishop Hutterer will attend the Flourishing Communities conference in Tempe and the Conference of Bishops in Chicago, while synod staff continue preaching, hosting discussions, preparing for upcoming events, launching Assembly publicity and forms, and completing month-end financial and audit preparations.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on February 28.
Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 11 years on March 1.
Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 23 years on March 1.
Rev. Timothy Wright, who celebrates 42 years on March 4.
Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 37 years on March 4.
On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would rescind the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The ELCA, which previously testified in support of upholding the finding, has expressed profound concern and disappointment, calling this a “Kairos moment” for urgent climate action grounded in faith and science.
In its official statement, the ELCA affirms that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility and urges the EPA to restore protections that safeguard public health and future generations. Read the full ELCA statement and learn more about the church’s advocacy response here.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is offering multiple opportunities for faithful public engagement this season, including Prophetic Witness Campaign trainings (Phoenix Feb. 19), a Digital Security Workshop (March 2), Sacred Space visits, and an interfaith book study. AFN also issued an Action Alert regarding harmful legislation moving through the Arizona Legislature.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff attends Lutheran Day at the Legislature, (Feb 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM) as well as our first three Spring Gatherings in Phoenix, open to all:
Phoenix Area Spring Gathering: Desert Cross, Tempe, Feb 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Phoenix Area Spring Gathering: American Lutheran, Sun City, Feb 24, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Phoenix Area Spring Gathering: St. Andrew Lutheran, Phoenix, Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
For the evening gathering at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (6:30 pm), participants are invited to arrive anytime after 6:00 pm for light refreshments and informal fellowship prior to the conversation, as we will not have a post-gathering reception.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 32 years on February 20.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 17 years on February 22.
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 29 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, who celebrates 12 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 25 years on February 24.
Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 14 years on February 25.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 31 years on February 26.
Bishop Hutterer will preach at Desert Hills (Green Valley) and American Lutheran (Sun City) for Ash Wednesday and participate in the Region 2 SAM Summit. Synod staff will continue preparing for Spring Gatherings, advancing candidacy and congregational vitality work, exploring AI in ministry, and managing financial and operational responsibilities.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network invites clergy and lay leaders to engage in the Prophetic Witness Campaign (Phoenix training Feb. 19), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 11), and a wide range of interfaith and advocacy events throughout February and March. From immigration justice to climate action to spiritual grounding, AFN offers meaningful ways to live out our faith in the public square. Read the full AFN newsletter for RSVP links and details.
Read MoreDive into the 2027 Gathering’s theme, Imagine More! Based on Ephesians 3:20 (Inclusive), the Gathering will be a space for young people to Imagine More - love, welcome, joy, courage, and grace. To learn more about the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble, or the Young Adult Gathering, please visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Wendi Van Beek, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 1 year on February 19.
Read MoreIn the coming week, staff will be engaged in governance, formation, and preparation for the season ahead. Bishop Hutterer will meet with Synod Council, preach and gather with the congregation in Yuma, and continue one-on-one meetings, while staff advance work in youth leadership, candidacy, congregational vitality, generosity, communications, administration, and financial stewardship in support of the synod’s shared ministry and upcoming gatherings.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming advocacy meetings, faith-based trainings, and community events focused on immigration justice, voting rights, creation care, and interfaith collaboration. From the Prophetic Witness Campaign and Environmental Day at the Capitol to meditation, book groups, and leadership trainings, AFN continues to invite people of faith into meaningful, coordinated action across Arizona.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 5 years on February 6.
Rev. Mark Wickstrom, who celebrates 40 years on February 9.
Rev. Daniel Paulson, who celebrates 29 years on February 9.
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights powerful interfaith vigils for immigrant dignity, upcoming nonviolent prophetic witness training (January 28), and new ways to engage through the ReHumanization Project. It also includes advocacy opportunities like Environmental Day at the Capitol, ongoing spiritual formation, interfaith learning events, and urgent statewide needs such as food bank volunteers.
Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter to stay connected to faith-rooted action across Arizona.
Read MoreThis week’s updates highlight ongoing work in candidacy and formation, evangelism, generosity, governance, communications, and finance, as we prepare to welcome Bishop Hutterer back into shared leadership and ministry after her sabbatical.
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