As we enter the season of Lent, many of us seek ways to deepen our spiritual journey and connect more meaningfully with our faith. The Lenten Challenge offers a structured approach to this, focusing on four key practices that can transform our daily lives. Here’s how you can participate:

Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! www.lentenchallenge.org

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the journey through the season of Lent. It is the day ashes, in the form of the cross, are imposed upon our heads and we are reminded that we are “dust and to dust we shall return”. On this day, we hold in tension our mortality and the gift of new creation that God grants through the death and glorious resurrection of Christ.

Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting. We give thanks to God for the leadership of Cindi Brady, the Congregation President, and the whole council for their work in facilitating a good-spirited and productive Annual Meeting. The council approved the minutes from the Annual Meeting Minutes which are available for your review here

To read the approved Annual meeting minutes, click here.

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

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

Recently, I participated in a community theatre production of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. The production was directed by my former high school theatre teacher, and the cast included individuals ranging from ages 12 to 70. On a personal note, it was a delight to be immersed in the processes of character building, blocking, and engaging as a cast to tell a story.

We are delighted to share that Gabby Gillam was baptized at New Journey on January 26, 2025. It was a joyous occasion filled with love and community spirit. Here are some photos capturing the beautiful moments from that special day.

February is a month of love and reflection. As we move deeper into the year, it's a wonderful time to nurture relationships and celebrate the small joys in life. Here's a bucket list to help you make the most of February with our New Journey community.

Dear women of New Journey,

With regret, the February 17 Hands to Hearts Women’s Group is cancelled. Pastor Beth will be in touch by email to schedule a new meeting date in April.

Thank you for understanding.

The Lenten season, the Christian Education team invites you to join us on Wednesday evenings for Soup & Study.

Beginning March 12 at 5:00 pm, we’ll gather in the fellowship space for a community soup supper and a Bible study on the gospel of Luke.

The Steering Committee also discussed the potable water project at Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission at Rock Point; summer 2025 heat respite lunch pack planning (again supported by a generous grant from Ascension Lutheran); recent support (furnishings) for two families moving from episodic homelessness into apartments, in collaboration with the Paiute Neighborhood Center in Scottsdale; needs for support for teachers and food supplies at Casa de la Misericordia asylum shelter in Nogales; and the upcoming Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest "Building Foundations" luncheon on February 27 at Marriott Phoenix Airport (if you would like to attend, please contact New Journey's "connectors": Sharon and Harry Vaughn).

The Northeast Valley Consortium Steering Committee met January 29, 2025. The five congregations are collaborating to generate involvement in the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.

If you weren’t able to participate in the November Food for Kidz Giving Day, this Sunday will be another wonderful opportunity to financially support this important cause. Your contributions make a real difference in the fight against food insecurity both locally and globally.  This Sunday, with a $50 donation to Food for Kidz, you can purchase a walking stick, expertly handcrafted by Roger Westland.

We are delighted to announce that our church has partnered with a professional cleaning service to ensure our space remains spotless and welcoming. Starting this month on February 10th, a dedicated cleaning team will visit us every two weeks on Mondays at 9 AM.

Last Sunday, we welcomed Bishop Deborah Hutterer to our congregation. She shared inspiring stories about the global church, highlighting the impact of our mission dollars on the Lutheran Church in Senegal and Mexico. Her visit reminded us of the importance of our collective efforts and the far-reaching effects of our support.

Pastor Beth will be vacation on February 12th and 13th. She will be back at worship on Sunday, February 16th.

During her absence, if any pastoral emergencies arise, please reach out to Pastor Anna Rieke from Christ the Lord for assistance. Her cell phone is: (206) 291-8841

In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.”

Pastor Beth

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Annual Meeting & New Council Orientation

  • Presiding over the baptism of Gabby Gillam

  • Faith in Public Square: Meeting with Mayor Friedel (February 5) & Serving as LD3 Coordinator for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (February 10)

  • Lent Worship Planning & Study Preparation

  • Food Pack Support

  • Planned Vacation: February 11-13

Susan

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Supporting Annual Meeting

  • Social Media Planning

  • Digital Advertising

  • Food Pack Marketing Support

Jamie

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Choir Rehearsal Leadership

  • Worship Leadership

  • Worship Leader meeting (February 2)

  • Lent Worship Support

Mark your calendars because on Sunday, February 2 Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer is joining New Journey Lutheran Church for worship and fellowship. Bishop Deborah will preach and preside over communion. Following worship, join us for a light lunch, fellowship, and relationship-building with our Synodical Bishop.

Join our mission to fight hunger by volunteering to pack meals for Food for Kidz. Simply click on Packing Volunteer Sign Up to secure your spot and help us reach our goal of 240 volunteers.

If you’d prefer, contact Gwen Rubenow after church or by email at fhfoodpack@njlc-fh.org to have her sign you up.

Together, we can ensure no child goes hungry.