Palm Sunday was a beautiful beginning to Holy Week as we gathered to remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. With palm branches in hand and hearts full of praise, our church family came together in worship and reflection.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day meaningful. Enjoy these photos capturing the spirit of Palm Sunday!

Dear church,

On this Easter Monday, we of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America join with people around the world in heartfelt grief at the death of Pope Francis, and we celebrate his life eternal in Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis served Christ’s church with wisdom, courage and humility. Throughout his pastoral ministry, he served as an instrument of God’s justice and peace for all people and the whole of creation. His commitment to the poorest people, in his native Buenos Aires and around the world, was ever present, even in his simple living.

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

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

Pastor Beth will be away from May 12 through May 19 for a time of continuing education and vacation. We pray this time brings her rest, renewal, and inspiration!

During her absence, we are grateful to have pastoral care coverage in place:

• May 11–12: Emergency pastoral care will be provided by Pastor Shari Bernau. Her phone number is (480) 473-8400.

• May 13–19: Pastor Judi Tyler will be available for any pastoral emergencies. Her phone number is (602) 509-7016.

Thank you for keeping Pastor Beth in your prayers as she takes this time for growth and rest!

In the fall of last year, guided by the Holy Spirit, New Journey’s council articulated a question for our community to consider, settle into, and wrestle with:

How is God guiding us, New Journey Lutheran Church, to navigate tension and polarization in our communities without being co-opted into bitter division, but to build a more trustworthy and loving society?

In light of the immense suffering faced by the people of Ukraine, we have decided to make a donation to Lutheran World Relief to provide much-needed aid and support. The situation is dire, and our hearts go out to those affected by the conflict. We believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference.

We hope that the members of New Journey will join us in this effort. Your contributions can help provide essential resources, such as food, shelter, and medical care, to those in desperate need. Every donation, no matter the size, can bring hope and relief to the Ukrainian people during these challenging times.

Thank you for your generosity and solidarity.

With gratitude,

Jan and Larry Tarnow

On April 3, Rusty Kapela and Lynn McKesson were married! Join us in celebrating their union and pray for their joy and love.

We are excited to share the dates and times for upcoming ministry team meetings:

These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to come together, share our progress, and plan for the future. Your presence and input are invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our community.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Here are the dates for end of April through early May

• Nominating Team—April 21st @ 4:00 pm

• Congregation Council —April 22 @ 1:00 pm in fellowship space

• Social Ministry—April 27 @ 11:30 am in fellowship space

• Stewardship Team—April 23 @ 4:00 pm by Zoom

• Endowment Team Meeting—April 30 @ 9:00 am in fellowship space

• Northeast Valley Consortium—May 6 @ 5:00 pm by Zoom

We invite you to read an inspiring article about the impact of your Mission Support on advocacy ministries in Arizona and Nevada. Every dollar shared strengthens ministry that transforms lives far beyond our sanctuaries.

While it seems like we could write our legislators about something just about every day, our next 5th Sunday letter signing is June 29. If you would like to suggest a topic, please be in touch with New Journey’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona liaison, Kris Bartanen.

In the meantime, step into voicing your opinion via one or more of this week’s alerts:

Mark your calendar for 8:30 am on Mondays, June 9 and 23, July 28, and August 4. While final numbers will be confirmed soon, at least 975 people died in 2024 due to Arizona’s extreme heat. Join us and our NEVC partners in life-saving work to prepare 13+ weeks of lunches and in providing vital water and electrolyte powder to neighbors in need.

Northeast Valley Consortium members celebrated the close of the Grand Canyon Synod 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge with a special Maundy Thursday worship service at Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center. Pr. Beth Gallen and Pr. Anna Rieke, Christ the Lord, officiated in the “luncheon-style” worship, including communion and foot-washing.

On Sunday, April 6, twenty-six quilts crafted by Sew Journers were blessed. Sixteen of these beautiful quilts found new homes with Native American Connections, while 9 quilts and 11 baby blankets were delivered to LSS-SW. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who sews, ties quilts, and donates fabrics – including gently used cotton sheets that make excellent quilt backs.

For years, Roger and Beulah Westland, have stewarded the creation of name tags for New Journey’s members and friends.

As a matter of hospitality and celebrating our congregation’s values of inclusion and welcome, they have ensured everyone is issued a name tag. Roger and Beulah have kept a watchful eye on new visitors, and if you visit more than once, a nametag will be waiting for you. We suspect this is because they know how vital it is to be known by our name. In a community of faith, knowing names is how we say: “you belong here.”

In her Easter message, Bishop Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a powerful, pungent substance used to offset the stench of death. But the substance also signified royalty. Eaton says we discover the promise of Easter in Mary’s act. “Instead of removing the stench of death, the substance anointed a royal king. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the usual cycle of life and death has been disrupted forever. Jesus' death and resurrection promises new life and brings us new life.”

Dear people of the Journey,

In early April, we expected to visit with Edison Brown in worship and to learn more about the impact of our ministry partnership in the greater Phoenix area with Native American Connection. Due to a medical situation, Edison was unable to be with us for the scheduled visit. He expressed his regrets over this, and offered to reschedule a visit with us.

On Easter Monday, Pastor Beth, Susan Brahs, and Jamie Asmus will be away from their desks in order to honor rest after Holy Week and Easter.

In case of pastoral emergencies, please contact Pastor Beth on her personal cell: (623) 340-9956

The Art of Enduring
For Holy Saturday

Image: Holy Saturday II © Jan Richardson

This blessing
can wait as long
as you can.

Celebrate the resurrection with joyful songs and shouts of "Alleluia!" 🎶

The Altar Guild invites you to bring fresh flowers on Easter Sunday. To dedicate flowers "in memory," email Pastor Beth asap.

Please avoid Easter lilies.

Friday, April 18, 5:30 pm

We invite you to join us tonight for our Good Friday Worship as we come together to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.