Explore AFN’s Latest News, Events, and Mutual Aid Resources
Explore AFN’s Latest News, Events, and Mutual Aid Resources

Discover what’s happening across Arizona’s interfaith community in the latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter. Explore the new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, register for the 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, and find upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, meditation, and interfaith collaboration. Subscribe or share today to help build Arizona’s network of care.

The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…

  • For relief, recovery, and grief work following Tropical Storm Melissa, Typhoon Kalmaegi, and the Afghan earthquake…

  • For victims of political and police violence in Tanzania and Brazil…

  • For victims of the UPS plane crash in Louisville, KY…

  • For all who face food insecurity and hunger…
    For farmers and for food production…

  • For elections, political transitions, and all government employees and leaders…

  • For protection, justice, and human rights for all migrants…

  • In gratitude for all veterans and their service to the common good…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger

This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Advent Made Easy: Vero Communications Offers Ready-to-Go Advent Bundle for Churches
Advent Made Easy: Vero Communications Offers Ready-to-Go Advent Bundle for Churches

Prepare your congregation for Advent with Vero Communications’ Advent Bundle—a set of customized postcards, flyers, banners, and social media graphics designed to help you invite your community to worship. With a two-week turnaround, Vero creates professional, ready-to-use materials based on your church’s Advent theme. Learn more →

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
When God Says “Wait”: How ION Turned a Red Light into New Ministry
When God Says “Wait”: How ION Turned a Red Light into New Ministry

The Fall 2025 ION Newsletter explores how moments of waiting can lead to unexpected growth. From a new reentry video podcast to a faith-driven smartphone donation project, ION continues to connect returning citizens with hope and community. Read stories of transformation, fresh data insights, and updates from Arizona and Oregon in this inspiring edition. Read the full newsletter online or in this PDF.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardInside Out Network, PrisonComment
Faith Lens: How Jesus Handles Loaded Questions
Faith Lens: How Jesus Handles Loaded Questions

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Heather Hansen explores how Jesus responds to the Sadducees’ attempt to trap him with a question about the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38). Instead of arguing over details, Jesus redirects the conversation toward what truly matters: that God is God of the living, and that love and life—not power or status—define God’s kingdom.

In a world full of “gotcha” questions, we’re reminded to pause, breathe, and answer from a place of faith and love—trusting that God’s truth and grace endure beyond every debate.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates
Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has released a new “Congregation Constitution 101” webinar and PowerPoint designed for congregation leaders. The hour-long training explains how constitutions function, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to amend and update your congregation’s document. Watch the recording at vimeo.com/1129666826 or access materials at ELCA.org/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.

For additional help, see our related post: Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries

November is Native American Heritage Month. The ELCA invites our communities to honor Indigenous voices through two highlighted events: the 15th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium (online, Oct. 11–15, 2025) and the National Day of Mourning (Nov. 27, 12pm in Patuxet, MA). These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities for learning, remembrance, and solidarity. Learn more at elca.org/indigenous.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation

In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster Response, Here I Pod, Church and SocietyComment
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries

Food insecurity affects nearly one in four college students nationwide. In response, campus ministries across the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) operate pantries offering food, essentials, and compassionate support. These ministries reflect Christ’s call to feed the hungry and ensure all can flourish. Read the full article on Living Lutheran: That all may flourish — NECU pantries address food insecurity.

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ELCABrian FlatgardHunger, Living LutheranComment
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly

Reformation is more than an annual celebration—it is a living tradition calling us to embody grace, justice, and courageous discipleship in daily life. In this reflection, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson invites us to remember that the Spirit continues to stir reform in our communities as we advocate for change, love our neighbors, and allow faith alone, Scripture alone, and grace alone to guide us year-round. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran: My take: A living tradition — The Reformation was meant to be continued.

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ELCABrian FlatgardReformation Sunday, Living LutheranComment
Spirit in the Desert: November Highlights, Retreats & ThanksLiving Fest
Spirit in the Desert: November Highlights, Retreats & ThanksLiving Fest

Spirit in the Desert shares a full month of ministry highlights, including the Nov. 15 dedication of a new meditation garden honoring Jim Hanson, two Healing of Memories retreats (free for qualified veterans & healthcare workers), and the first-ever ThanksLiving weekend celebration Nov. 28–30 featuring music, worship, and a festive luau.

Explore upcoming online and in-person retreats, daily devotions, leadership formation, and year-end giving opportunities. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Join Women Across the Synod for the 2025 Convention in Phoenix
Join Women Across the Synod for the 2025 Convention in Phoenix

Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod for the 2025 Women of the ELCA Biennial Convention and Gathering on Saturday, November 8, at Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The day includes worship, speakers, and lunch for just $30. Special guests include Myrna Wells-Ulland, Pastor Jacqui Pagel, and Connie Phillips.

Register today at grandcanyonwomen.org/events.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrand Canyon WomenComment