Following Jesus is a growing experience. New Journey presents educational opportunities that inform, inspire, and motivate church and community members. As a community of faith, we continue to learn from each other, from various perspectives.
Current Study
Soup & Study Schedule
Wednesday, February 21: “What is Lament?”
Dinner @ 5:00 pm
Study @ 5:30 pm
Wednesday, February 28: “Little Laments”
Dinner @ 5:00 pm
Study @ 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 6: “Laments from the Depth”
Dinner @ 5:00 pm
Study @ 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 13: “My Lament”
Dinner @ 5:00 pm
Study @ 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 20: “Our Lament”
Dinner @ 5:00 pm
Study @ 5:30 pm
Past Studies
WATER: How should we address an increasingly scarce resource?
New Journey Lutheran Church invites you to join us for fellowship and conversation about one of the most critical issues of our time: Water: How should we address an increasingly scarce resource?
Thomas Fuller observed: “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” How true indeed. Every day the media shares stories about conflicts and concerns related to water. How do we ensure there is enough to grow crops and supply our rapidly growing population? Who gets to decide how water is allocated? What will happen if the Colorado River goes dry?
We invite you to join us in conversation about these and other questions and meet your friends and neighbors for an afternoon discussion on Tuesday, October 17th at 4:30- 6:00 pm at Phil’s Filling Station, 16852 Parkview Avenue, Fountain Hills. This is an informal gathering and we invite you to share a beverage or snack while we sort out the role of water in our lives and perhaps consider not only the practical, but scriptural, theological ethical perspectives as well.
While advanced study isn’t necessary (there won’t be a test at the end of the discussion!!), we invite you to download some materials we have put together to help frame the issues. You can access them below and while you are there, check out the other projects and activities taking place at New Journey. We are an open and affirming community and you are always welcome to join us for worship or any other activity that we sponsor. We look forward to seeing you in October!
Resources to Review
Good Stewards of God’s Grace | January 2023
This fall & winter, we gathered to learn about the theological and historical background of some of the ministries of the Church and specifically, ministries of New Journey Lutheran Church. Over the course of four sessions, we will study the background and justification for the ministries of “Worship & Music, Stewardship, and Social Ministry”.
The Schedule is below:
Making Sense of Scripture: Understanding the Bible in its Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Contexts | March 2023
On Wednesday evenings in March, we journeyed through the historical, cultural and spiritual contexts of the Bible over a soup supper using David Lose’s book, Making Sense of Scripture. We explored questions such as: “What is the Bible?” “Is the Bible true?” “Where did the Bible Come from?” and “How can I read the Bible with greater understanding?”
We examined these topics, and had a good conversational journey along the way, as part of New Journey’s 2023 Lenten season. We met on the five Wednesdays of Lent, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 in person (with the option of joining us via Zoom) at 5:30 pm. We combined this study with a Soup Supper and then come together for a short Lenten Service at 6:45 pm.
While having a copy of David Lose’s book was not required, it is available in hard copy or digital copy by way of Amazon (print and digital) and Augsburg Fortress (print). There will be a limited number of print copies available at New Journey for use if you prefer not to purchase a copy.
Wednesday, October 26 at 10:00 am in person—Session One: “Why Do We Worship” using study materials from Augsburg Fortress’s Animate series.
Wednesday, November 2 at 10:00 am in-person—Session Two: “Lutheran Worship” exploring the development of early church worship practices, the pattern of Lutheran worship, and a Q&A session with New Journey’s Worship and Music Team.
Wednesday, November 9 at 10:00am by Zoom and in-person—Session Three: “Faith and Finances” with ELCA Foundation Gift Planner, Lisa Higginbotham. She will lead us through a study on the book “Faith and Finances”
Session Four: November 16 at 10:00am by Zoom only—Session Four: “Faith and Finances” with ELCA Foundation Gift Planner, Lisa Higginbotham. She will lead us through a study on the book “Faith and Finances”.
Wednesday, January 18 at 10:00 am by Zoom and in person—Session Five: “Social Ministry” to better understand why we engage this ministry activity.
Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 am by Zoom and in-person—Session Six: “Social Ministry” to better understand why we engage this ministry activity.
Good Stewards of God’s Grace | Past Classes
Making Sense of the Cross | March 2022
A group of about 12 people gathered in March around David Lose’s Making Sense of the Cross. We have been reading, exploring and discussing the Biblical and theological implications of the cross event and sharing how we have made sense of this central story in our lives. Marylou and Terry Steeden, who have been attending the study, shared this about the study below.
2022 Studies
What People Are Saying
“The Making Sense of the Cross study is certainly fascinating. David Lose does a good job of laying down the historical perspective of how Christians have tried to make sense of this difficult event over the ages and the world view that informed them. The ensuing discussions were insightful and thought provoking. Even though I have studied theology, I learned new things!”
— Marylou Steeden
“These are remarkable studies. So easy to understand, yet so challenging. Such an addition to faith development and spirituality. Even those of us who went to Seminary are learning because of the updated character of history, events and people, and because of the wisdom shown in choosing the illustrating examples. I am in love…”