Our report to the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is posted at 2025 Assembly Mission and Ministry Stories — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA and the video is also available on our blog.

We are thrilled to invite you to the Ascension Ice Cream Party on May 23rd from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This event will be held at New Covenant Lutheran Church, and we can't wait to celebrate Ascension Day with you in the sweetest way possible!

This month, the Congregation Council is on break and will not meet for church business. The minutes from April’s Council meeting will be approved at the June 17th Council meeting and published in the June 20th eNews.

For questions, please reach out to Mike Wilson at mike@forensicphotog.com or Pastor Beth at pastorbeth@njlc-fh.org

In this week’s vlog, Pastor Beth shares her experience at the Festival of Homiletics, held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. She was among more than 1,000 preachers from across the U.S. and around the world, all gathered under the theme: 'Preaching to Heal the Divide.

Pastor Beth

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Summer Worship Planning

  • Attending the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15

  • Vacation May 16-19

  • Administrative Tasks

Susan

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Worship PowerPoints

  • Social Media & Advertising Planning

  • Website Updates

Jamie

• Current Ministry Projects:

  • Choir Leadership

  • Worship Leadership

  • Summer Worship Planning Support

May is a month of blossoming and warmth. As we move further into spring, it's an ideal time to explore new adventures and cherish the beauty around us. Let's make the most of May together!

Fourteen women were honored on Saturday, April 23 for completion of the educational program which builds skills, confidence, English language, and steps toward financial independence. 80% of proceeds from their handmade items – including clothing, artisan bags, jewelry, and greeting cards – go directly to the women, enabling them to gain their first spending money. Some items are available at etsy.com/shop/refugeemade and through pop-up boutiques hosted by churches or other supporting organizations. More information here.

Partnership Community House, 3421 N. Hayden Rd., affiliated with South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, serves folks in need on Mondays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.  Learn more here.

Northeast Valley Consortium participation was strong but, in the friendly competition, Lord of Life Lutheran of Sun City West topped our numbers. Results of the Lutheran Disaster Response fundraising for the water project at Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission are still being compiled.

Social Ministry Team votes to pack lunches during Sunday Fellowship time!

• Sundays: June 8 and 22, July 27, August 3 – all are welcome after worship; it usually takes just 30-35 minutes to pack 200 lunches.

May Donation Drive for Casa de la Misericordia

Throughout the month of May, we invite you to support Casa de la Misericordia by donating rice, beans, flour, or monetary gifts. Look for the donation wagon at church to drop off your food items.

We are thrilled to invite you to the Ascension Ice Cream Party on May 23rd from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This event will be held at New Covenant Lutheran Church, and we can't wait to celebrate Ascension Day with you in the sweetest way possible!

Join us on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:00 PM at The Fountains for a special evening of worship and service in support of Family Promise.

What a beautiful Easter celebration! Our church was filled with joy, music, and the warmth of community as we came together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

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