Dear People of the Journey,

After nearly four and a half joyful years with New Journey Lutheran Church, I write to share that God is calling me into a new adventure. I have accepted the position of Campus Pastor at California Lutheran University, and our family will be relocating to Thousand Oaks, California. My final Sunday will be August 17.

From July 28 to August 2, 2025, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, for its Churchwide Assembly—a significant event that will shape the future of our denomination. Hosted by the Grand Canyon Synod, this assembly will bring together 845 voting members under the theme “For the Life of the World.”

Check on Your Neighbors—It Could Save a Life

In Fountain Hills, Arizona, summer heat isn't just a seasonal inconvenience—it can be a serious health hazard. With temperatures often soaring well above 100°F, it's crucial to stay cool, stay hydrated, and most importantly, stay connected with your community.

Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization working to encourage U.S. legislators to do all that they can to reduce hunger worldwide. 2025 is the 50th anniversary of Bread’s founding. For the past two years, New Journey has been a part of this advocacy with our 5th Sunday letters in March of 2024 and 2025, joining Bread’s annual “offerings of letters” to Congress.

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 28, AFTER WORSHIP: We will pack ~200 cheese sandwiches and ~200 PB&J sandwiches for First Church UCC – Phoenix heat respite center. We need 1-2 drivers to take lunch items to First Church, 1407 N. 2nd St., Phoenix (~35 minute drive) on Monday morning for 10:30 a.m. arrival. Please let Kris know!

New Volunteer Needed for New Journey Lay Representative to Northeast Valley Consortium Steering Committee

The Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC), established in late 2020, is a partnership of five ELCA congregations located in the northeast part of Phoenix collaborating in ministry for the sake of the gospel. At the end of 2025, Kris Bartanen will complete her second two-year term as NJLC lay representative to the NEVC Steering Committee so a new representative will be needed.

We are overflowing with gratitude! This week, Living Water received an incredible delivery—boxes upon boxes of books—thanks to the generosity of the Northeast Valley Consortium. Their donation of 4,649 books is a powerful reminder of what can happen when communities come together with a shared purpose.

This moving story was shared with our congregation by Pastor Adele, who continues to guide us in bearing witness to the struggles and hopes of our neighbors. As migrant shelters in Nogales, Sonora, grow quieter, the few families who remain are holding on to hope — for safety, for justice, and for a chance at asylum.

Churches Unite for Phoenix’s Heat Respite Project

The Grand Canyon Synod recently highlighted the inspiring work being done through the Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) and its second annual Heat Respite Project—a powerful example of faith in action.

Pastor Beth

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Leading “Moral Teachings of Jesus” Bible study on Wednesdays

  • Pastoral Care Visits

  • Supporting 2025 Mission Priorities as directed by Council

  • Administrative Tasks

Susan

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Worship PowerPoints

  • Social Media & Advertising

  • Website Updates

Jamie

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Worship Leadership

  • Summer Worship Planning Support

  • Vacation July 13

The ELCA is deeply saddened by the ongoing devastation caused by catastrophic flash floods in South Central Texas. In a heartfelt message, Bishop Sue Briner urges all to “pray, pray, pray for those who are still lost as well as the families of those who are lost, who have died, or who have experienced loss of home or property.”

Dear Church,

At the end of this month, July 28 – August 2, 2025, about 1,000 people will gather in the Phoenix Convention Center for our Churchwide Assembly– right here in the Grand Canyon Synod! Just as congregations come together for annual meetings, and synods host synod assemblies, our wider church – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the ELCA) – meets in a churchwide assembly every three years.

July is a time to grow in faith, build community, and enjoy God’s blessings. Join us this month for worship, fellowship, and fun church activities for all ages. Let’s make the most of July together!

The Grand Canyon Synod congregations achieved a “three-peat win” in the friendly participation challenge across the five synods of ELCA Region 2. More importantly, the 40-40-40 challenge raised $30,564 for water projects at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM.org) at Rock Point, AZ through Lutheran Disaster Response.

New Journeyans who have signed letters in support of school meals funding, please take note of this item from the July 1, 2025 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Arizona (LAMAz.org) newsletter:

Thank you to the great crew of 25 who, after worship, efficiently prepared 200 sandwiches on June 22nd! You are making a difference!

As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) prepares for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, one of the most significant moments will be the election of the next presiding bishop. This role is central to the leadership and spiritual direction of the ELCA, and the election process is both prayerful and participatory.

Dear church,

Today the U.S. Congress passed a budget package that will have a monumental impact on many in the country and on our ministries and communities. The scope of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is generation-defining and life-altering for many, with provisions that will harm the well-being of local communities and the lives of many individuals for decades to come.

To read the approved June Congregation Council meeting minutes, click here.

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

People of the Journey,

Over the July 4th holiday, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed into law, a budget package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” Though, I am afraid that there isn’t much beauty in it. Mostly, it’s brutal.