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 baby items throughout the month of September. Thank you!
VESPERS at 6pm this evening: Join us for a mini concert featuring the Children’s Bible Choir and other musicians. Stay after and enjoy root beer floats and fellowship and games. Plan ahead for vespers October 3rd at 6pm and a concert by Freddy Jr on October 17th followed by a game night/social.
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.
Upcoming Sabbaths:
September 26. New Officers’ Dedication Sabbath
October 3. Communion Service
October 24. Baptism
Community Services: Thank YOU for a successful water bottles (and electrolytes) Drive. We donated 2,012 lbs. of water, and the AJ Food Bank is tremendously grateful!
AACS Computers: We have reached our goal for the computer fundraiser! Thank you so much, and may the Lord bless everyone who contributed to this cause.
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.
Baptism on October 24, 2026 (changed from October 17). Please see Pr. Lauran for anyone who would like to prepare for baptism on this date.
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 Women’s Ministry link on bottom of the home page then go to Upcoming Events and find the link to register.
Women’s Ministry save the dates: October 18th from 10am to noon for another fun event including our 3rd quarter Secret Sisters reveal and something new planned for 4th quarter for everyone who wants to join in building our community. On November 22nd we will have a picnic. Watch for more details coming soon. Be sure to check the church website Women’s Ministry link for updates and photos and other information.
Health Ministries Moment: Exercise is Medicine- Moving your body preserves the strength and vitality God gave you. Regular exercise lowers chronic disease risk, strengthens bones, improves circulation, and releases endorphins that reduce stress. Remember, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
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 every Wednesday at 2:45pm for our weekly prayer meeting at the fellowship hall. Thank you.
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 6 pm – From-the-Top Bible Study
Bible Study Meeting: Tuesday, September 22nd (6pm-7pm AZ) (6pm-7pm PDT) starting in Jeremiah 18
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 September:
Still Needed for September
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: $1,133.00
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
Administrative Assistant for Camp/Young Adult/Community Services Ministries
The Administrative Assistant is responsible to assist the Young Adult, Camp Ministries and Community Services Departments in fulfilling various responsibilities of planning and implementing conference-wide programs related to these departments. She/he is responsible for helping those who call or come to the department for assistance in a pleasant, tactful and friendly demeanor. They must be personable and possess sound judgment, self-initiative, organizational abilities, strong oral and written communication skills, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills while answering to multiple supervisors with minimum day-to-day supervision.
The qualified individual will possess well developed keyboard and general computer literacy skills. and knowledge of Apple products, such as Numbers, Keynote, Pages, Publisher, Adobe InDesign, etc. This candidate will also have a solid background of training and experience with graphic design and a familiarity with website management and social media expertise. They must be able to work with children ages 7-16 while living in a rustic, outdoor, high-altitude camp during the months of June and July. Please send your resume to Cindy Brown at cbrown@azconference.org
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.
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
Mens Retreat – September 18-20
Join the Desert Forge Men’s Ministry at Camp Yavapines for a weekend of revival and fellowship.
Register now at: https://www.azconference.org/mensministries
Phoenix South Mountain SDA Church – September 19 Join the Phoenix South Mountain SDA Church for their “Open Mic Night”. This evening is designed for young adults and adults to step outside of the traditional box, let their hair down, exhale, and worship freely through song, poetry, spoken word, music, testimony, and creative expression.
Chandler Fil-Am SDA Church – September 26
Join Chandler Fil-Am SDA Church on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 AM for a special Violin Concert featuring Sinead & Rigel Abcede, accompanied by Lymy Beth Toenies. Enjoy a beautiful time of worship through hymns and praises with strings. All are welcome! Come and be blessed.
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
Multicultural Women’s Retreat – October 9-11
Join Arizona Women’s Ministries for the 2026 Multicultural Women’s Retreat, October 9–11 at Camp Yavapines! Centered on the theme “My Hope Is in Jesus,” this special weekend will be filled with fellowship, encouragement, worship, and meaningful connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to come together and celebrate the beautiful diversity of women in our conference!
Tempe SDA Church – October 30 – November 1
Mark your calendars for our Tempe Church’s 80th Anniversary Celebration, October 30-November 1. Please join us for a weekend of services by former pastors, special music, history, meals, fellowship and praise with one another as well as former members.
Adventurer Fun Day – November 1
The Arizona Adventurer Club is having their annual Fun Day “Community Helpers”, in Thunderbird Academy. Registrations are through the Adventurer club directors. For more information please visit https://azsdayouth.com/adventurer-fun-day-2026/ Español/Spanish: https://azsdayouth.com/espanol-adventurer-fun-day-2026/
Romans Zoom Class – January 2 to April 25, 2027
Join us for “Romans: Setting the Captives Free”! Discover the powerful message of the Book of Romans and explore how its timeless truths can transform your faith and daily life. Led by Karl Wagner, this weekly Bible study offers an inspiring opportunity to grow deeper in God’s Word. Everyone is welcome—register today and be part of this journey!
Desert Cove SDA Church – October 4-28 & November 1-19
Daniel Prophecy Seminar with Pastor Ed Anderson – October 4-28 Sunday through Wednesday only at 7 p.m. then November 1-19 Sunday through Thursday at 7 p.m. Bring a friend and join us at 12400 W Desert Cove Road, El Mirage, AZ.
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.
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
Thunderbird Christian Elementary
Thunderbird Christian Elementary is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year! Discover Christ-centered education, academic excellence, and biblical values for students in Grades K–8. Tuition assistance and ESA funding are available. Apply today and be part of the mission: Training for Eternity!
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