ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA
Four volunteers from CrossWalk, Phoenix, Ariz., traveled to Sonora, Mexico, with a trailer full of tools to help WELS’ mission in Mexico. The short mission trip, sponsored by WELS Kingdom Workers and WELS Humanitarian Aid Committee, allowed the volunteers to work on plumbing, electrical, and carpentry projects for the mission.

Arizona Lutheran Academy, Phoenix, Ariz., hosted the 2010 WELS National Choral Festival. More than 440 students from 21 WELS Lutheran high schools participated. On April 9, a pops concert was held, and each school’s choir performed individually. On April 10, the students sang the national anthem at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game. On April 11, the schools’ choirs combined to perform a sacred concert.

NEBRASKA
On March 20, Shepherd of the Mesa, Battlement Mesa, Colo., received the Service Organization of the Year Award from the local chamber of commerce. The congregation was recognized for its many youth-oriented programs and community service events. Mary Anderson, parks and recreation director, presented the award to (pictured from left): Bill Cornelius, pastor at Shepherd of the Mesa; Debra Cornelius; Sarah Lambrecht; and Adam Lambrecht, staff minister at Shepherd of the Mesa.

NORTH ATLANTIC
Members of Sure Foundation, Woodside, N.Y., rejoiced on Easter morning over the six confirmations and one baptism that were celebrated during the service. In addition, the attendance of 110 worshipers almost doubled the worship attendance from the year before. Sure Foundation’s entire chapel was filled, and the service was also streamed for worshipers in the church’s fellowship room.

SOUTH ATLANTIC
Our Savior’s, Port Orange, Fla., recently completed a renovation project that has added to its community visibility. One element of the renovation is a 57-foot-tall steeple. The congregation welcomed 75 visitors on Easter Sunday.

Happy anniversary!
SC—Atonement, Plano, Tex., celebrated its 25th anniversary on Apr. 25.

AZ-CA—St. Paul, Riverside, Calif., celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 2.

The district reporters for this month are: AZ—Frederick Casmer; MI—John Eich; NA—Harland Goetzinger; NE—Timothy Kemnitz; SA—Christopher Kruschel; SC—William Gabb.