WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR CHURCH
Welcome to Apache Junction SDA Church! We are glad you are here to worship with us today. Let me know if there is something special I can do for you and your loved ones, like pray, visit, phone call, or help in some way. I pray you feel the warm fellowship of AJ and the love of Jesus here today!
– Pastor Lauran
Overflow Parking: Is available in the LDS church parking lot next door and at the park on the west side of our church.
Fellowship Lunch Today: Join us after the service for a vegetarian meal in the Social Center (across the parking lot). Everyone is welcome! If you’re able, bringing a dish to share would be appreciated.
IMVO/Bags of Love: Come join us every Monday from 9am to noon. Please place donations in the large basket beside the guest book in the lobby. We collect stuffed toys throughout the month of August. Thank you!
NEW EMAIL CONTACT: Please update your contact information for all submissions for the bulletin, power point slides for church service, or for announcements. All such items need to be submitted via email to bulletin@ajsda.church by Wednesday at 9pm. Your communication team appreciates your help in keeping us informed so things run smoothly.
The Lower Division (Children’s) Sabbath School promotions will be on Sabbath, Aug. 22, at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary. Classes will end early that day to accommodate for the event. We need all grads, classmates, and families to please be on time for class!
In preparation for the August 22 Religious Liberty sermon, please read The Great Controversy, chapter 36, “The Impending Conflict.” For extra credit, read chapter 25, “God’s Law Immutable.”
There will be baptism on August 29. If someone is also preparing for baptism and want to join on that date, please let Pastor Lauran know. Thank you.
The ordination and dedication service of the new set of church officers will be on September 26, 2026. All officers are encouraged to be present.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY EVENT Sept 13th. We are finalizing plans for our next church women’s ministry event, it’s sure to be full of fun so save the date and watch for more details to come in the next couple of weeks.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY RETREAT at Camp Yavapines Oct 9th – 11, hosted by Arizona Conference. Registration deadline Sept 20th. Please see flyer on bulletin board or visit the church website and click Womens Ministry link on bottom of the home page then go to Upcoming Events and find the link to register. Contact Denise Peloquin or email to our new AJ Women’s Ministry email address womensministry@ajsda.church for more information or information about carpooling together.
AACS Student Chromebooks: AACS needs to upgrade student laptops to Chromebooks, so each child has reliable tools for learning, growing, and succeeding. Our goal is to raise $3,000, and every gift—large or small—brings us closer. Please mark your envelope “AACS Laptops.” Thank you for supporting Christian education!Recycling bin donations: Please only drop empty plastic water bottles and soda cans into the containers, do not drop anything else. If you can put your donations into plastic bags then into the bins, that is greatly appreciated by Bill and Laura who take them to be recycled. Your donations support Adventist education for our AACS students.
Music Survey: Peggy Douglas would appreciate if anyone with musical talents would kindly complete the Music Survey bulletin insert and return to her; you can hand to her as you leave church or set on the ledge of the audio/video booth for her to collect. Thank you for your willingness to serve God with your music talents.
Recycling bin donations: Please only drop empty plastic water bottles and soda cans into the containers, do not drop anything else. If you can put your donations into plastic bags then into the bins, that is greatly appreciated by Bill and Laura who take them to be recycled. Your donations support Adventist education for our AACS students.
Midweek Prayer Meeting: Join us in person every Wednesday at 2:45pm for our weekly prayer meeting. We have no 5:30pm prayer meetings indefinitely. Thank you.
Adobe Adventist Christian School K- 8 Open Enrollment for the upcoming school year 2026-2027. If you would like a tour or more information, please contact Robert at 480-216-9581.
Last Will and Living Trust Services. Please contact Pr. Lauran or the AZ Conference if you want to know more about making a Will or a Living Trust. Thank you!
Youth and Young Adult Bible Study (16 years old/junior year of high school to age 30): Every Thursday at 5:30pm. Please contact Khristian Davis with interest or questions: 480-334-0084.
Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program: Every Saturday at 9:30am. Please reach out to Duane Andersen for any details on how to join, call/text: 480-276-1689 Email: andersen77@msn.com
Small Groups for Bible Studies/Prayer Meetings: If you are interested in starting or participating in small groups to study together, please contact Pastor Lauran.
United Prayer in the Conference Room: Every Sabbath from 8:50-9:10am experience prayer in a different way. Open to all.
Worship Service
The church worship service is live streamed each Sabbath at 11 am on YouTube at this location:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDCJX487YNyhPQGk5Z0PxwQ/videos
Weekly Meetings with Zoom Links
Tuesday 7 pm – From-the-Top Bible Study
Bible Study Meeting: Tuesday, August 18th (7pm-8pm AZ) (7pm-8pm PDT) starting in Jeremiah 5
To join the Zoom meeting:
To join by phone call:
669-900-6833 or 253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 823 6798 1105
Passcode: 222945
Prayer Meeting via Zoom – Wednesday, 7:00pm
Our current study is through the book Maranatha by Ellen G. White. Everyone is welcome!
To join the Zoom meeting:
To join by phone call: 669-900-6833 or 253-215-8782
Meeting ID:853 3443 9023
Passcode: 681653
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR OUR CHURCH
2026 Church Budget Report:
Our AJ Church and school are totally dependent on your kind, liberal, and consistent financial support. Thank you for honoring God in giving to our church budget which pays for maintenance of our facilities, utilities, supplies, etc.
All loose offerings will go to the designated offering of the day per the Conference schedule. To donate to local church budget, use a tithe envelope to designate your offering.
Apache Junction SDA Church 2026
Local Church Budget $80,400.00
Monthly Budget: $6,610.00
Given in July 2026: $6,158.53
July Deficit: ($451.47)
Given in August: $827.90
Still Needed for August 2026: $5,782.10
Adobe Adventist Christian School 2026/2027 School Year
Received as of March 31, 2026: $63,635.22
Spent to Date March 31, 2026: $90,145.88
Investment for 2026: $1,083.00
Investment Project: Dine Adventist Radio has been selected as our Investment Project; if you do not have a project yet, please consider partnering with God to help spread the Gospel.
GNTV REMINDER: Donations for Good News TV must be made directly to them using one of these methods. More information in OTHER NEWS section below.
• Donate online https://donate.gnbn.com
• Mail: Good News TV, PO Box 12644, Scottsdale, AZ 85267
• Call directly at 480-264-1116 or 480-243-7777.
Would you like to make an eternal difference in the life of a child? — Consider making a donation to the Adobe Adventist Christian School. You can mark your tithe envelope accordingly.
Want to help a child receive a Christian education but don’t have $1,000 to send to the tax credit program? Look at your paystub, if you have AZ withholding, you could divert those dollars to a child’s education.
Online Giving — https://apachejunctionaz.adventistchurch.org and click on the ONLINE GIVING link.
Church Website: Please check our website- https://apachejunctionaz.adventistchurch.org
RESOURCES AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CHURCH
From Pastor Lauran: The following are part of my Pastoral Ministry. Please contact me to make arrangements or for more information.
1. Bible Studies / baptismal class here at church or in your home.
2. Prayers over the phone, please call or text (760) 421-7427
3. Home or hospital visits: Please let me know when and where.
4. Baby Dedications, anointing, communion (special cases), etc.
5. Other help or assistance within the confines of pastoral work.
Friendly Reminders:
1. Please refrain from eating inside the sanctuary. Let our kids have snacks after their Sabbath School in their classrooms.
2. Kindly remind everyone that there’s NO running, shouting or playing inside the fellowship hall. Thank you
From the Librarian: Looking for a good read, visit the library.Lots to choose from —- EGW books, theological/inspirational, SDA history, mission stories, Christian novels, Bible character stories, DVD are available too.
Church Bulletin – Deadline is 9 pm Wednesday. E-mail: bulletin@ajsda.churchor text/call Ellen Christensen, head of Communications, at 480-825-6407
Prayer Ministry Team: Contact Twila Perucci at ajprayerchain@yahoo.com or call her at 619-997-1947.
Bible Marking class: If you are interested in learning Bible marking, please contact Joyce Chilson.
Lower Division Sabbath School Classes:
Kindergarten: Ages 0 through kindergarten
Primary: Grades 1 – 4
Juniors: Grades 5 – 8
Earliteen: Grades 9 – 10
High School: Grades 11 – 12+
Free Listening Skills Workshop: A practical, grace-filled training that helps: Stop arguing and start listening with compassion, Understand and validate deep emotional pain, De-escalate tense conversations without losing your voice, Communicate the heart of Christ in your relationships. For more information contact: Duane Andersen Text: 480-276-1689 Email: andersen77@msn.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND OUR CONFERENCE
Arizona Conference Scholarship Clerk – Part-time non-benefited, 18 hours/week
This position works with the schools and donors to advertise the scholarship program, collect and process applications from potential recipients, track data and keep accurate records. The qualified individual is responsible for helping those who call or come to the department for assistance with a pleasant, tactful and friendly demeanor. This individual is personable and possesses sound judgment, self-initiative, organizational abilities, strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills while performing administrative and office support activities for Treasury supervisors with minimum day-to-day supervision. Power Point and Excel skills required, website revision skills helpful. Interested parties should submit their resume to Human Resources, attention Cindy Brown at cbrown@azconference.org
Maricopa Village Christian School (MVCS) – Full-time Teacher Aide Position
MVCS is seeking an enthusiastic, workforce-ready, committed team player to serve as a Teacher’s Aide to the Lead Teacher. The Aide reports directly to and is under the supervision of the Lead Teacher and ultimately the Director/Principal of Maricopa Village Christian School. The primary responsibility of the Aide is to assist the Head Teacher in the preparation, support and management of the learning environment. Classroom and student support responsibilities include assisting the Head Teacher with implementation of daily lesson plans; transporting students to and from school; breakfast meal service, overseeing play and structured activities, and other duties necessary to ensure safe and smooth school operations.
To Apply: Please submit your resume to Al Chatman at achatmanjr@icloud.com.
NOW HIRING: PART-TIME MUSIC & ART TEACHER
Thunderbird Christian Elementary School is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Part-Time Music & Art Teacher to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year.
Position Details:
• 4 days per week
• Approximately 6 hours per week
• Teach Music and Art to students in grades K–8
• Christ-centered school environment
Compensation:
Pay is based on education level and experience.
If you enjoy working with children and helping them develop their God-given talents through music and art, we would love to hear from you!
To Apply:
Please submit your resume to office@thunderbirdelementary.com
Chandler SDA Church – Bible Study Group
Genesis is more than a beginning—it’s a blueprint for life. Join Pastor Esther and Chandler SDA Church for weekly, life-transforming conversations that take a deeper look at Scripture and a deeper look at us. For materials and Zoom information contact: pastoresthergreen@gmail.com
Paradise Valley Church – Every Friday @ 6:30pm
The Paradise Valley Church is hosting the Lovewell Phoenix group plan with Friday Vespers starting at 6:30pm every Friday at 2727 E. Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Camp Yavapines
Plan a retreat at Camp Yavapines! Available weekends for guest rooms: August 21st, Labor Day weekend September 4, and September 11. Limited availability September 25th.
Paradise Valley SDA Church – August 8
Experience an inspiring and life-changing presentation with Paul Volk, Seventh-day Adventist speaker, author, and international health evangelist. Drawing from decades of ministry, biblical teaching, and health education, Paul combines practical wellness principles with the everlasting gospel, showing how physical mental, and spiritual health work together in God’s plan for abundant living.
Chandler SDA Church – Young Adult Sabbath School
“The L.A.B.” is now open every Sabbath. This is Sabbath School with an entire twist.
Each week we come together for meaningful conversation so we can:
• Learn
• Apply
• Become what we are discovering
We are not about hypocrisy, cliches, right answers, or empty debates.
We are about making practical sense of what doesn’t always seem to make any sense.
Join us. We start at 9:45am so we can get into it. Facilitated by Pastor Esther Green
Glendale Blood Drive – August 8th 10:00-2:00pm
The Glendale SDA Church (6801 N. 43rd Ave. Phoenix) will host a blood drive on Sabbath, August 8. The bloodmobile will be in the church parking lot from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code on the attached flyer (English and Spanish), or call Delrose Egwu at 623-846-3896. The Blood Drive Code: P2R64. For donor eligibility questions, call 877-258-4825. Donor tips: Stay well hydrated before donating. Eat Before donating (no fasting). Bring a photo ID. Women should eat iron-rich foods ahead of time. Donors may complete their health history on the day of donation using the Fast Track Health History Questionnaire Link: www.Vitalant.org/health. Donating blood saves lives!
Liberty & Health Alliance – August 16th
If you would like to purchase veggie food or Christian books, the Liberty & Health Alliance book mobile will be open every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month starting on August 16th from 2:00-5:00pm. It is located at the Paradise Valley SDA Church parking lot 2727 E. Cactus Rod, Phoenix, AZ.
Glendale SDA Church – August 21-22
The Health Ministries Department will be hosting a Medical Missionary weekend on August 21-22 with guest speakers Ernie and Kim Layon at the Glendale SDA Church located at 6801 N. 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85019. All are welcome to attend and learn more about medical missionary work.
African Camp Meeting – August 21-22
The Ubumwe SDA Church will host the 2026 Camp Meeting at 5020 N 23rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015. The theme for this camp meeting will be “Unity in Mission”. We are excited to invite you to come and experience the blessings of being united in Christ for His ministry.
Leadership Convention – August 28-30
We are excited to invite you to the 2026 Pathfinder & Adventurer Leadership Convention, taking place August 28–30, 2026, at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona. To view registration deadlines, class information, and pre-register, please visit:
Sabbath School Virtual Training – August 28-29
You knew us as Do It Together Sabbath School and we are now the Sabbath School Alive Conference. We even have our own website at nadsabbathschool.org!
Our inaugural conference is this August and registration is FREE. With over 27 presenters, speakers, and panelists—we are making this event spectacular.
Liberty & Health Alliance – September 4-6
Liberty & Health Alliance will be hosting a free medical clinic from September 4-6th in Phoenix, AZ and are looking for volunteers with medical experience as well as with no medical experience to help provide free medical, dental and vision care. For more information go to www.libertyandhealth.org or call (602) 888-6320.
South Mountain SDA October
Starting the month of October, the South Mountain SDA Church is inviting you to a series titled “Hope for Today, Hope Forever”. Every Saturday in October starts at 10:00am. Location: 200 W. Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85041
Thunderbird Adventist Academy
Thunderbird Adventist Academy registration for 2026-27 school year is now open. Apply at www.Thunderbirdacademy.org
Beacon Light Church – 1st Sunday of the Month
The Beacon Light Health and Temperance Department invites you to join them on Sunday morning hikes every 1st Sunday of the month.
Thunderbird Christian Elementary – Open Enrollment
Thunderbird Christian Elementary is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year 2026-2027. If you would like a tour or more information, please contact office@thunderbirdelementary.org or call/text 480-991-6705
2026–2027 Adventurer Secretary Packet
Starting a new Adventurer Club at your church or preparing for the new club year?
The 2026–2027 Adventurer Secretary Packet is now available. You can download it here: https://azsdayouth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-2027-Adventurer-Secretary-Packet.pdf
2026–2027 Pathfinder Secretary Packet
Getting ready for the new Pathfinder year?
The 2026–2027 Pathfinder Secretary Packet is now available. Download your copy here: https://azsdayouth.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-2027-Pathfinder-Secretary-Packet.pdf
We have also included a link to our 2026 calendar which is available on our website as well. Arizona Conference Calendar 2026: Microsoft Outlook – Monthly Style