Enjoy a joyful afternoon of music and community at the fourth annual Sing-Along of Handel’s Messiah, presented by The Arts at Ascension.

Hunger Advocacy in Action

New Journey’s Red Door now features updated ELCA World Hunger resources, including a report from Kris Bartanen on the 2025 ELCA Hunger Leadership Gathering held in Columbus, Ohio.

Highlights from the Gathering:

We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to drop off new, travel-size toiletries, including dental goody-bags. Our latest box was delivered to Circle the City on Thursday, October 16.

Join Us for a Family Promise Dinner – Thursday, October 23

We’re excited to support Family Promise once again by assisting with dinner on Thursday, October 23rd. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve families in need and share a warm meal together.

We give thanks for Bishop Deborah Hutterer’s faithful leadership and share that she will begin a sabbatical this November through January 2026. This time of rest and renewal is a common practice in church leadership, offering space for prayer, reflection, and reconnection with God’s Word.

If you’ve ever walked past the entrance of our church and noticed a splash of color on the ground, you may have wondered: What’s the story behind these painted rocks?

It’s time to solve the mystery—and celebrate the artist behind it!

Cindi Brady, Ron Bigley, and Kris Bartanen have begun their work as your Transition Team. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Registration is now open — and early bird pricing ends January 5, 2026!

Join Lutheran women from across the country for four powerful days of worship, Bible study, plenaries, and workshops designed to empower, restore, and inspire. This sacred space affirms our God-given worth and invites healing in a world marked by division and struggle.

This season brings two exciting opportunities to enjoy live music in Scottsdale. Whether you're looking for a rich orchestral experience or a joyful community sing-along, these concerts offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us for afternoons filled with beautiful music and uplifting spirit.

Hunger leaders from across the ELCA gathered in Columbus for a powerful weekend of worship, learning, and collaboration. The theme, inspired by Micah 6:8—Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God—guided our time together as we explored bold strategies for ending hunger.

We give thanks for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the twelve years she spent leading the ELCA. Take a look back on these fun and meaningful moments from her ministry.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Elected during the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the denomination’s history.

We are filled with joy and gratitude as we welcome Pastor Tim Hansen to New Journey Lutheran Church as our interim pastor, beginning November 1. His presence is a true gift during this time of transition, and we are excited to walk alongside him in faith and fellowship.

From September 18–21, leaders from across the country are gathering in Columbus, Ohio, for the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering—a powerful time of connection, learning, and action in our shared mission to end hunger.

New Journey Lutheran Church is partnering once again with The Fountains United Methodist Church to support Family Promise, a program that helps families emerging from episodic homelessness.

On Thursday, October 23, we’ll be assisting with dinner preparation and serving families currently in the program.

Although this message comes from the Rocky Mountain Synod, its words speak to all of us.

In response to recent acts of violence—including shootings at Evergreen High School in Colorado and Utah Valley University—Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni offers a heartfelt message of lament, solidarity, and hope. The message includes reflections from local pastors and worship resources to help congregations respond with compassion and prayer.

We are excited to announce that Pastor Dominic Palacios, New Journey’s transition consultant, will begin his work with us the weekend of November 15–16, 2025.

To read the approved September Congregation Council Meeting minutes, click here.

If you have questions, please contact any member of the Congregation Council.

Enjoy free concerts and support local missions! Ascension Lutheran hosts the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona—next concert: Symphonic Cinema, Oct. 12. Mount of Olives offers Jazz Vespers Sept. 14, benefiting their food pantry. Foxes, Wine & Wheat premieres Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles Sept. 12–13. Click for more details.

August 31, was a Fifth Sunday letter-writing day. New Journey members signed letters for delivery to the local offices of Senator Kelly, Senator Gallego, and Representative Schweikert, in response to two recent ELCA calls for advocacy on shelter for the unhoused and affordable housing issues.