Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury

Your partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.

In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2024Military, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment

The Role of Spiritual Readiness in Healing Veterans: A Be Connected Faith Gathering event

Join the Be Connected Faith Network as they explore the concept of 'spiritual readiness' with renowned expert, Dr. Harold Koenig, at the next online Be Connected Faith Gathering, Wednesday, 8/16/2023, 9am PDT/MST, 10am MDT. Click here to register for free.

In this PDF learn more about the importance of this essential quality in the lives of service members and veterans. Don't miss this opportunity to delve deeper into a theme that resonates across cultures and faiths.

Be Connected Faith Network: A Conversation with Pastor Brett Everett

In this video for the Be Connected Faith Network, Pastor Brett Everett shares the power the faith community has to deal with issues facing combat veterans and active duty service members, including dealing with forgiveness, guilt, anger, estranged relationships, depression, and PTSD.

A combat healing group is someplace where veterans can feel safe, share their stories, and find a healing of the soul.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 9, 2022Veterans, Military, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment

Be Connected Faith Network: A Conversation with Anthony Newkirk Ph.D.

In this video for the Be Connected Faith Network, Anthony Newkirk, Ph.D., shares how his spiritual journey helped him get back on his feet after childhood trauma, military service, and time in prison.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 9, 2022Veterans, Military, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment

Be Connected Faith Network provides faith-based support for veterans

Our synod is home to more than 500,000 service members, veterans and their families. If you need help or would like to help, we invite you to learn more about the Be Connected Faith Network which provides support and healing to our service members, veterans and their families through faith. Visit ConnectVeterans.org/Faith, read this PDF, or call their confidential support line at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387).

Chaplain reflects on service onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

A.J. Striffler, a Navy chaplain, served onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower last year. Because the ship avoided port to prevent spread of COVID-19, it set a record for the longest consecutive time at sea for any naval vessel. Read his letter in this post.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardNovember 17, 2021Military, Living LutheranComment

Rev. Aaron Fuller: Our Collective Healing on this Veterans Day

On November 11, 2021, the nation will observe Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to recognize veterans’ service in the Armed Forces, past and present.

Congregations across the ELCA have chosen to recognize veterans in worship. Others have chosen not to. Both choices are faithful expressions of people’s deepest convictions. I want to offer why all congregations should consider acknowledging veterans in their worship services around Veterans Day this year.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2021MilitaryComment

A prayer for federal chaplains and chaplain candidates

Ever-living God, strengthen and sustain federal chaplains or chaplain candidates for the U.S. military, Veterans Affairs hospitals and federal correctional institutions, that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people. Grant that together they may follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PrayersBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2021MilitaryComment

Be Connected Faith Network

Arizona is home to more than 500,000 service members, veterans and their families. Many of these valued members of our community turn to their faith for support, healing and connection.

That is why the Arizona Coalition for Military Families is partnering with members of the faith community around the state to build the Be Connected Faith Network. Read this post or this PDF or visit www.ConnectVeterans.org/Faith for more info.

A prayer for those in the armed forces

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that surround them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

PrayersBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2021MilitaryComment

Inaugural Faith Network quarterly meeting

Join us for the inaugural Faith Network quarterly meeting via Zoom: November 5, 2021, 10:00–11:30am MST. Register at bit.ly/BCFNMeeting. View a PDF for the event and an info PDF about the organization.

Clergy and volunteers are invited to attend to learn why and how the faith community can make a big difference for military-connected Arizonans.

Worship and congregation resources for Veterans Day

A worship resource for Veterans Day is available in PDF and Word formats and includes several prayers and hymn suggestions that may be incorporated in worship on the Sunday closest to Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Congregation resources for Veterans Day and care for veterans can be found on ELCA.org.

ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 2, 2021MilitaryComment

Military/Veteran Faith-Based Summit: June 9, 2021

Join us as we launch the Be Connected: Faith Network in support of Arizona's 500,000+ service members, veterans & their families. Be a part of bringing hope and healing to all at this Military/Veteran Faith-Based Summit, Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM MST/PDT. Click Here to Register. View PDF.

NewsBrian FlatgardJune 4, 2021MilitaryComment

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