Here is a quick highlight of what is happening around the life of the church right now.

We are in the heart of Holy Week. This is one of the most meaningful times of the year, and there is a lot happening behind the scenes. You will see it in the details. Worship elements coming together, musical notes placed where they need to be, signs going up at just the right time. All of it matters because it helps create space for you and our community to pause, reflect, and encounter God in a deeper way. We are preparing to welcome many people this week, some familiar and some new, all seeking moments of prayer, praise, and hope!

You may notice something new behind the Activity Center, next to the Sanctuary. One of our Eagle Scouts from Scouting America (previously BoyScouts) led a team to build a new raised garden bed in that space. If you walk out from the South Breezeway, you can see it taking shape. They also removed the garden in the Preschool Playground. This is just the beginning. Our Preschool and Girl Scout troops are stepping in to help grow a community garden there. It will become a place of learning, connection, and shared care.

We are also getting ready for an exciting next step. During the week of April 6, we will break ground on the parking lot and front lawn renovation. This project focuses on sustainability. We are planting trees and landscaping that can thrive in the Arizona heat with less water and less maintenance. Many of you know we have lost several trees over time. This is a chance to reimagine that space with long-term care in mind. The project should last about three weeks.

Heidi and Alice Bullock (Pastor Kristin's kids) are preparing to represent the United Methodist Church in Ireland this summer in the Global Young People's Convention in Dublin. Young people from all over the world gather every four years for this amazing event. In preparation, they are in regular meetings with other youth learning about the United Methoidst Church history, theology, traditions and and how to be leaders. 

Across campus, our Trustees and volunteers have been hard at work clearing, organizing, and improving storage areas. These quiet projects make a big difference in how we use our space. Thank you to everyone who showed up and pitched in. If you have a little time and want to help with ongoing projects, or just spend time on campus, we would love to have you. Reach out to the church office and we will connect you.

We are also holding many in prayer right now. If you want to stay connected to specific prayer requests and updates, you can find them on our church app. Many of you are already faithfully praying, and that matters more than you know.

It has been a joy to see people connecting in different ways. Monique stopped by for worship Sunday after first encountering us through Ashes to Go. Roger came in quietly one day just to pray, and now he is heading out again to travel the world. His journey begins in Japan and will take him through Scotland, France, and on to Tangiers. These moments remind us how people come and go through this place, each carrying a story.

As we move through Holy Week, remember that the Labyrinth and the Healing Prayer Garden are always open to you. You can walk, sit, pray, and listen. Sometimes the most important part of the week is simply making space to be still and notice where God is meeting you.