AZC - Arizona Conference : Pacific Union Conference Westlake Village CA

AZC posts - 128

Arizona Churches’ Commitment to Debt-Free Ministry

(También español) One of the most joyous celebrations is when church members celebrate the final payoff of the church’s mortgage. It is a milestone that reflects years of dedication, faith, and generosity.

Women’s Ministries Honors Lynn Ortel

(También español) Lynn Ortel was honored at the Women’s Ministries Fall Retreat in October by Arizona Conference Executive Secretary Ray Navarro for her many years of service leading Women’s Ministries in Arizona.

Faith, Culture, and Community: Hispanic Ministries Convocation 2024

(También español) On September 14, the annual Hispanic Ministries Convocation was held at Carl Hayden Community High School in downtown Phoenix.

Men’s Religious Retreat at Camp Yavapines Fosters Brotherhood and Spiritual Growth

(También español) Given the opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and reconnect with their faith, their purpose, and each other, over 70 men from various walks of life arrived at Camp Yavapines for the Men’s Ministries Fall Retreat.

Camp Yavapines 2024

(También español) For the 300 campers who attended, Camp Yavapines offered more than just a break from the routine of summer life; it provided an environment where they could grow, learn, and forge lasting friendships.

2024 Fluted Rock Camp Meeting Continues Amid Storms

(También español) The Fluted Rock Native Camp Meeting, scheduled to take place at a picturesque rock formation near Chinle from August 23 to 25, had to pivot and move to the Window Rock church due to a forecast of storms, hail, and mud.

Arizona News - October 2024

Arizona Conference athfinders at the International Pathfinder Camporee

Neighborhood Evangelism Creates Friendships

(También español) The church in San Luis, Arizona, chose the nearby Bienestar Apartments to make friends and gain the trust of the local community.

A Summer of Transformative VBS Programs

(También español) In a world filled with 15-second reels, fast-paced glitzy storytelling, and character-driven multiplayer gaming platforms, traditional Vacation Bible School (VBS) might seem like an outdated format.

New Arizona Educators

(También español) As students file into their classrooms across the Arizona Conference, some are encountering new faces. In some cases, they are seeing a familiar face but in a different setting.

Bonnabel Ordination

(También español) Jose Pablo Chan Bonnabel never planned to serve as a pastor. However, as he now freely admits, “God had other plans” for him.

Ukraine Aid 2024

(También español) Paradise Valley church, in partnership with New Beginnings church and the Arizona Conference, recently sent a medical and pastoral mission team to Ukraine.

Native American Camp Meeting Meets Fundraising Challenge

(También español) Families from all over the Navajo Nation packed the Holbrook church on Sabbath, May 25, as part of the annual Native American Camp Meeting that took place at Holbrook Indian School.

Casa Grande Church Dedication

(También español) The journey to find a new home for the Casa Grande church was marked by self-discovery and challenges to be overcome.

Celebrating 105 Years

(También español) In April, Sahuarita church member Marjorie Holm celebrated her 105th birthday in the Green Valley, Arizona, community where she has lived for over 30 years.

Arizona NEWS - June, 2024

An interview with Daniel's Lion; Water Outreach; and Maranatha at Yavapines

Hispanic Ministries Evangelism Exchange

(También español) During the month of March, the Arizona Conference Hispanic Ministries Department participated in an evangelistic exchange with pastors from the Southeastern California Conference (SECC).

James Boundey Ordination

(También español) On Sabbath, April 6, Pastor James Boundey was ordained to the ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With his wife, Beth, and seven children by his side, Boundey received his official ordination commissioning from the administrators of the Arizona Conference.

2024 Arizona Conference Camp Meeting

(También español) The 2024 Arizona Conference Camp Meeting will take place June 7-15 at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona.

A Calling and a Mission

(También español) What is growth in a school? The obvious answer is increased enrollment; however, growth is much deeper.

Arizona NEWS - April, 2024

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing a relationship with God and preparing for His kingdom.

Arizona Young Adult Ministry Department Plans Events

(También español) Arizona Young Adult Ministry (AZYA) began 2024 with the first of several meet and greets on January 19 at the Tempe church.

Multilingual Convocation 2024 Embraces Diversity

(También español) The Arizona Conference Multilingual Ministries Department hosted its annual convocation January 26 and 27 at the Thunderbird Adventist Academy auditorium.

Parade of Lights Evangelism

(También español) On Dec. 9, 2023, nearly 50 people representing the Yuma Spanish church participated in the city’s Parade of Lights.

Arizona Conference Appoints New Directors

(También español) Three new Directors have joined the Arizona Conference.

Arizona News February 2024

The Joys of global service and a loving memory of a dear friend: Phil Draper

It’s My Very Own

(También español) When Pinal County Department of Child Services personnel step into a home and remove a minor, oftentimes that child is not allowed to bring anything with them.

Adventurers Have a Fun Day

(También español) On November 5, over 1,000 attendees representing 28 Adventurer clubs from all over Arizona gathered at Paradise Valley Park in Northern Phoenix to participate in the annual Adventurer Fun Day.

Belinda Orellana is New Literature Ministries Director

(También español) Arizona Conference Literature Ministries Director Belinda Orellana is excited about her new ministry.

Arizona News December 2023

Stories from Arizona Conference

Reconnecting with Church and God

(También español) I broke my parents’ hearts,” reflected Sharon Miller. “My life went upside down in the early 1980s, and I cut connections with the Adventist Church.”

50 Years on the Hill

(También español) When one paints a picture of a church’s history, the mural is comprised of many faces and stories. Such was the case during the 50th anniversary of the Kingman church.

Hispanic Ministries Convocation

(También español) The darkened auditorium quickly filled with guests as Elder Abimael Escalante welcomed the audience to the Arizona Conference Hispanic Ministries Convocation 2023.

Literature Evangelism and the ABC: A Passion for Ministry

(También español) I believe the strengths that we have brought together can enhance the ministries in our church,” said Sandi Bowman, literature ministries director for the Arizona Conference.

Arizona News October 2023

Creative Ministry in Sedona and Women for Women ministry at Tucson Desert Valley Church.

Stronghold International Mission Group Inaugurates Building

(También español) Cochise, Arizona, is not the first place one would think of when planting a new church. The quiet, dusty community is not the bustling railroad town of 3,000 people it was in the 1880s.

The Gathering

(También español) The Arizona Conference Women’s Ministries Team held their second annual “The Gathering” on Sabbath, July 29, at Thunderbird Adventist Academy.

Upcoming Events for the Week of September 18, 2023

Mark your calendar!

West Maui Fires: A Message from PUC President Elder Bradford C. Newton

Elder Bradford Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference, shares a special video message on the Maui Fire on August 8, 2023, and the far reaching impact on the church and members in Hawaii.

West Maui Fires

A Message from Elder Bradford C. Newton

Maui Wild Fires: Developing News

Image of Lahaina BEFORE the fire and a message from Pastor Erik VanDenburgh, President, Hawaii Conference

Synergy of Evangelism

(También español) On Sabbath, June 24, a large crowd gathered at the Salt River. With hundreds of people looking on as they floated by, 15 people were baptized by Pastors Ed Anderson and Don Bishop.

Commission and Ordain: Celebrating Sacred Callings

(También español) On Sabbath, June 17, Pastors Melanie Cruz and Mike Soto were officially welcomed into ministry for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Walking Through the Valley: Cosas Chaplain Ordination

(También español) My work as a chaplain is a constant reminder that Jesus walks with us in the green pastures as well as in the darkest valleys,” Chaplain Javi Casas said, reflecting on Psalm 23:4, which serves as the base for his ministry.

Woolsey Ordination

(También español) On May 13, 2023, Pastor Vince Woolsey was ordained as a Seventh-day Adventist minister by members of the Arizona Conference administration and members of the Mesa Palms church in Mesa, Arizona.

Pacific Union Selects New Vice President for Youth Ministries, and More, in Spirit-Led Exe

(También español) The Pacific Union Conference Executive Committee gathered for its quarterly meeting on May 18.

Sahuarita Welcomes “Pastor Mo”

(También español) Pastor Mawethu Zonke, “Pastor Mo,” was officially installed as pastor of the Sahuarita church in Sahuarita, Arizona, in January by Arizona Conference Ministerial Director Van Bledsoe.

Why Go to Summer Camp?

(También español) While this could still be the sentiment of many who attend youth camp today, this statement was written way back in 1936! Some things just don’t change, and enthusiasm for the summer camp program continues to inspire both campers and staff in 2023.

Chandler Churches Celebrates Growth

(También español) The church pews are full, the parking lot is full, and space is running out for the Chandler church—all problems that are “good” problems for a church to grapple with and discuss.

Songs of Prayer and Praise Through the Pandemic Years: The Glendale Sanctuary Choir

(También español) With God’s blessing, the Glendale Sanctuary Choir continued its ministry through the pandemic years.

THE BULLETIN - June 23, 2023

This week's stories are from Arizona, Northern and Southern California Conferences; and Adventist Health.

Chinle Church Survives Historic Flood

(También español) On April 21, snowmelt came surging down the Canyon de Chelly in Chinle, Arizona, and broke through a berm that was meant to hold back floodwaters.

Celebrating Graduates! AZC & HIC

Celebrating graduations! No matter the grade level, graduations represent an important and significant milestone in a person’s life, and we are here to celebrate and pray for blessings on their next steps!

THE BULLETIN - June 9, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Northern California and Southern California Conferences.

Retirees Evangelism in Southeast Arizona

(También español) Southeastern Arizona is a beautiful part of the Southwest’s high desert area, encompassing the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Whetsone mountains. Historically the land of the Apache and of mining interests, the area has now become a haven for retirees looking for a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, good weather, great hiking, and bird-watching opportunities.

THE BULLETIN - June 2, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Nevada-Utah and Northern California Conferences.

Arizona NEWS - June 2023

A Maranatha Banquet, Ministry News and Thunderbirds in the Arctic

THE BULLETIN - May 19, 2023

Conference News from: AZC, CCC, NUC, NCC, SEC and SCC.

THE BULLETIN - May 12, 2023

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:31 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms, mums, mommies, and mamas!

THE BULLETIN - May 5, 2023

News from the Conferences of Arizona, Central CA, Nevada-Utah, Northern CA, Southeastern CA and Southern CA

Arizona Ordinations Meet Needs Unconventionally

(También español) The typical path to ordination” would not describe the process for Pastor Ranison Kennedy and Pastor Alvin Schnell. While their backgrounds and life experience are dramatically different, both have a passion for ministry that has eclipsed their retirement years.

Thunderbird CNA Program Introduces Students to Patient Care

(También español) The Certified Nursing Assistant course at Thunderbird Adventist Academy encompasses every aspect of the school’s mission. “The program was created to give high school seniors an opportunity to gain medical knowledge, develop critical thinking, and experience patient care in a healthcare immersion setting,” said instructor Eva Gonzalez.

Arizona NEWS - April, 2023

Glenview Standard-based Learning, TAA Royals induct new members, TAA backpacking Trip and Yuma Strings

THE BULLETIN - April 14, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Nevada-Utah, Northern California, and Southern California Conferences.

THE BULLETIN - April 7, 2023

News from Arizona, Central CA, Hawaii, Northern CA, Southeastern CA, Southern CA, and NAD.

Prescott Friday Clubs

(También español) Something special is taking place on Fridays at Prescott Adventist Christian School in Prescott, Arizona.

THE BULLETIN - March 31, 2023

Arizona Ordination, Health Ministries event vs storm in the NCC, Youth revival at Simi Valley and Neonatal NP program at LLUH

Serving with a Heart Like Jesus

(También español) Sunday, January 22, was a special day for the women's ministries leadership of the Arizona Conference. Approximately 65 women from around the state convened at the Mesa Palms church in Mesa, Arizona, for a full day of fellowship and training.

THE BULLETIN - March 24, 2023

Details for the Memorial Service for Dr. William G. Johnsson and other Pacific Union News.

THE BULLETIN - March 17, 2023

Stories from the Pacific Union Conferences

Tempe Church Creates ASU Adventist Social Club

(También español) Opening doors for collegiate young adults is part of the ongoing vision for the Tempe church. Located adjacent to the Arizona State University campus and right across the street from the performing arts center, the church has often been a location for Adventist students to worship.

THE BULLETIN - March 10, 2023

Opening doors for collegiate young adults is part of the ongoing vision for the Tempe church. Located adjacent to the Arizona State University campus and right across the street from the performing arts center, the church has often been a location for Adventist students to worship. When Pastor Mike Soto became the pastor of the church in 2022, he brought with him a vision of continuing the outreach to the entire student body of the campus.

Serving, Pets, and Uniting Efforts

Stories today are from Thunderbird Christian Elementary (TCE) in Arizona and Pacific Union College (PUC). TCE students are learning to serve in a myriad of ways as well as treating veterans to furry cuteness!

Greenhouses and Music

Today's stories are from Verde Valley Adventist School (VVAS) and Yuma Adventist Christian School (YACS) in Arizona.

THE BULLETIN - March 3, 2023

Late last year, an organization called Streams of Light organized a massive outreach into much of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the objective of distributing The Great Controversy to as many families as possible.

THE BULLETIN - February 24, 2023

Family Ministries conducted its first area certification seminar for all church family directors, associates, assistants, and others who attended on Sabbath, January 21, at the Thunderbird Adventist Academy Student Center.

THE BULLETIN - February 17, 2023

Within just a few weeks of becoming an officially recognized group, Stronghold International Mission Group in Pearce, Ariz., conducted its first evangelistic meeting, “Our Great Hope Today.”

THE BULLETIN - February 10, 2023

Arizona Conference Christmas on the Streets The call went out in the middle of November for volunteers. “We are in need of food donations, servers, and...

Stronghold Evangelism

Within just a few weeks of becoming an officially recognized group, The Stronghold International Seventh-day Adventist Mission Group in Pearce, Ariz., conducted its first evangelistic meeting, “Our Great Hope Today.” Beginning in August, members of the group conducted house-to-house visits and distributed Spirit of Prophecy books, along with banana cake. The four-month preparation culminated in the Dec. 26-31, 2022, meetings.

Arizona Connect - February, 2023

It is a pleasure to share with Arizona constituents and friends the many wonderful things happening within our Conference. May you catch our vision for winning men and women, boys and girls to Jesus!

Christmas on the Streets

The call went out in the middle of November for volunteers. “We are in need of food donations, servers, and other volunteers,” the request read. “We are also collecting blankets, coats, socks, and hats for all ages to give to the homeless.”

A Close Call and Honor Roll Students

Saguaro Hills Adventist Christian School experienced a close call fire scare, and honor roll students were treated to a special trip.

Operation Christmas Child and Community Service Trip

At Thunderbird Adventist Academy (TAA) in Arizona students are serving others in various capacities—first, through Operation Christmas Child; next, through a community service day!

THE BULLETIN - January 6, 2023

2022 was designated as a Year of Evangelism. Over half of all Arizona churches participated in the evangelism effort. “Praise God that our church leaders and members are uniting their efforts to reach their communities with the gospel of Jesus,”

Fanning the Evangelism Flames: 2022 Year of Evangelism

2022 was designated as a Year of Evangelism. Over half of all Arizona churches participated in the evangelism effort. “Praise God that our church leaders...

Pacific Union Camporee: Hundreds of Pathfinders Give Their Hearts to Jesus

Approximately 3,700 Pathfinders descended on Lake Skinner near Temecula, Calif., for the Pacific Union Conference Pathfinder Camporee the first weekend of...

THE BULLETIN - December 16, 2022

This weeks stories are from the Arizona, Northern California, Southeastern California and Southern California Conferences. Also included is a story from Loma Linda University Health.

THE BULLETIN - December 9, 2022

Pacific Union Conference's former president, Ricardo Graham, was honored, with a Lifetime Achievement Award . . . and other stories.

Native Impact 2022: Three Conferences Partner with It Is Written

Six simultaneous evangelistic events, titled “Message from the Metal Man,” occurred across the Navajo Nation in a collaborative effort by three different...

Arizona Conference Black Ministries Convocation Renews and Inspires Attendees

After a two-year hiatus from regular in-person convocations, the 42nd annual Arizona Conference Black Ministries Convocation was a smashing success,”...

THE BULLETIN - December 2, 2022

Women's ministries at Payson church has been a great blessing to the church members and their community. First, the group organized a car care clinic.

Church Campout Baptisms

The Cottonwood and Sedona churches joined with the Grupo Hispano de Sedona for the first-ever district campout at Clear Creek, Arizona. The highlight of the...

THE BULLETIN - November 25, 2022

Arizona Conference Chandler Brazilian Church Members Bring a Friend On October 22, the Chandler Brazilian church enjoyed a wonderful Sabbath thanks to...

Farms, Ropes Courses, and Service Days

Today we bring you two stories from Prescott Adventist Christian School.Prescott’s Outdoor Club members are busy immersing themselves in a variety of...

THE BULLETIN - November 11, 2022

“Adventist education is a mission field,” said new Arizona Conference Superintendent of Education Chris Juhl. “We have to truly view ourselves as missionaries and be willing to be called by God and view the calling as just that—a calling.”

Arizona Conference New Superintendent of Education

Adventist education is a mission field,” said new Arizona Conference Superintendent of Education Chris Juhl. “We have to truly view ourselves as...

THE BULLETIN - November 4, 2022

The Cottonwood and Sedona churches joined with the Grupo Hispano de Sedona for the first-ever district campout at Clear Creek, Arizona.

Pathfinders

I have had the privilege of serving as coordinator for Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Youth Ministries for the Pacific Union since 2012. For the last 16 years,...

Ministry Tears Down the Walls

Five years ago, we started a free Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the Phoenix-Camelback church. It began simply with signs out in front of the parking lot...

THE BULLETIN - October 14, 2022

Arizona Conference Ministry Tears Down the Walls Five years ago, the Phoenix Camelback church started a free Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the...

THE BULLETIN - October 7, 2022

Arizona Conference Medical Aid to Ukraine War seems distant to this generation—an event that occurs on foreign soil. Once, not too long ago,...

Glenview Adventist Academy

October 6, 2022 Glenview Adventist Academy Stories from Glenview Adventist Academy - Glenview inducts seven of their students in to its NJHS and they...

Holbrook Indian School

October 6, 2022 Holbrook Indian School Holbrook shares the story of a student who found Jesus at camp meeting and also takes time to remember Kiarra Alma...

Medical Aid to Ukraine

War to this generation is distant—an event that occurs on foreign soil. Once, not too long ago, Ukrainians felt the same. But now Ukrainians have been...

Pacific Sunrise - October 4, 2022

School Gardens, County Fairs, Ukuleles, and Week of Prayer! This week we share stories from Cochise and Adobe schools in Arizona. Cochise studentslearn the...

THE BULLETIN - September 30, 2022

Arizona Conference Mission Trip to the Philippines This past July, Pastor Villamor Meriales and VicLouis Arreola III, vice president of Asian-Pacific...

Learn and Grow

The Seeds for Life Community Garden at the Page All Nations church in Page, Arizona, offers a creative evangelism approach that centers around connection and...

THE BULLETIN - September 16, 2022

Arizona Conference Learn and Grow The Seeds for Life Community Garden at the Page All Nations church in Page, Arizona, offers a creative...

Arizona SonShine

A volunteer conducts an eye exam in the vision department. Arizona SonShine held its seventh annual event in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on June 16 and 17,...

Holbrook Bus Accident

Tragic Bus Accident on August 28, 2022 Holbrook Indian School is mourning the loss of Kiarra Alma Gordon, a 17- year-old 11th-grader. Kiarra was a talented...

Pastors Ordained at Arizona Camp Meetings

Elder Jorge A. Ramírez (right) gives Pastor Adino Salazar Cienfuegos and his wife, Dianni, the official ordination certificate. Pastor Adino Salazar...

Teacher Commissioning: Thank You for Answering the Call

The Arizona Conference Education Department celebrated five educators during a special Teacher Commissioning Service that took place June 18 during Sabbath...

Arizona Camp Meetings

Lee Venden shares his message from the Gospel of John. Camp Yavapines is a beautiful respite from the heat of the lower valleys of Arizona during the summer...

Van Bledsoe Appointed Ministerial Director

Elder Van Bledsoe has accepted the appointment to become ministerial director for the Arizona Conference. This is a “new” position, having been created...

Ray Navarro Appointed Executive Secretary

Elder Ray Navarro has a passion for engaging people in a multi-sensory way. His interactive themes for the Junior department at camp meeting each year draw...

Native American Camp Meeting: Bridging the Gap

As with so many events over the past three years, the Arizona Conference Native American Camp Meeting has been on hiatus. The Native population took the...

Thunderbird Adventist Academy Celebrates 100 years

Celebrating 100 years of Adventist education in Arizona was the theme of the Thunderbird Adventist Academy alumni weekend this past April. It was even more special as all the honor classes that were missed from postponed alumni weekends in 2020 and 2021 were recognized in addition to this year’s honorees.

Bullhead City Church “Tears Up” Mortgage

Traditionally, when there is a mortgage burning ceremony at a church, a mortgage is burned. On April 9, the members of the Bullhead City church in Bullhead, Arizona, felt that their brand-new sanctuary should be fire free. Instead of burning the mortgage, Arizona Conference Treasurer Reggie Leach tore up the mortgage into as many tiny pieces as he could.

A Dream Come True

In the summer of 2021, while COVID was still pretty much in full swing, Sylvia Hayashi, health ministry leader at Desert Cove church in El Mirage, Arizona,...

Arizona Hispanic Evangelism Efforts

The Arizona Conference has designated 2022 as a “Year of Evangelism,” and the Hispanic Ministries Department has been actively engaging with its churches. Several of the churches have already held meetings in the first quarter of the year and have baptized new members.

Building Leaders Who Serve

My experience with Adventist education has revealed that we are called to provide “something better.” Of course, that something better is Jesus, but what does that mean for a family wanting an experience for their students that prepares them for the gap between now and eternal life? What should that look like, and how will we provide that for our students?

The Joy of Acceptance

During one of the difficult times our church was going through, one of the members confessed, "This class is the reason I'm still here." My husband and I...

Many Cultures, One Message, One Savior

“ Many Cultures, One Message, One Savior” is the motto of the Arizona Conference Multilingual Ministries department. That outlook was on display at a...

Adventist Women Pioneers

Georgia Anna Burrus was born July 19, 1866. Despite family opposition, she joined the Adventist church at age 16 and enrolled as a working student at Healdsburg College in California. She then taught in the Bible Training School in Oakland.

Top Tier Leadership

I have been involved in church work all my adult life. I was a taskforce worker. As an intern in Southern California, I ran a VBS and day camp for an entire summer without having conducted either one before. I worked briefly as an associate pastor and as a pastor. I’ve worked in communication and public relations at all levels of the church.