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.

Sharri Hackbarth, former member and friend of New Journey, completed her baptismal journey on May 25. We thank God for her life, faithfulness, friendship, kind heart, and support of New Journey’s development as a congregation over the early years.

f you weren’t able to attend the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly—or if you’d like to revisit some of the Spirit-filled moments—you can now watch full recordings from the gathering, held June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.

As we move through the summer, please note a temporary change to our eNews publication schedule. Instead of our usual first and third Friday releases, eNews will be sent out on the following dates:

• July 11 & July 18

• August 8 & August 22

Starting in September, we’ll return to our regular 1st and 3rd Friday schedule.

Thank you for staying connected and for your continued support of our church communications!

As the new school year approaches, we’re inviting you to help us support students and families in our community by donating school supplies. Imagine East Mesa has put together a list of suggested items that would be most helpful—but as always, any contribution is appreciated, and we welcome whatever you’re able to provide.

We’re stepping up our advocacy opportunities, based on ELCA, LSS-SW, Arizona Faith Network, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Arizona, and Bread for the World calls during this important legislative period. You may join all, some, one, or none of the letter-signings.

Joining in Northeast Valley Consortium support of Living Water’s Vacation Bible School mission project, New Journey delivered 90 books for children/youth, 51 books for adults, and 74 magazines.

Please join us for approximately 30 minutes after worship on Sunday, June 22 to prepare 200 sandwiches (approximately half ham & cheese, half PB&J). Your participation saves lives during our extreme heat season, already in full swing!

Our church choir will be taking a summer break and will return in September. We are so grateful for the beautiful music they’ve shared throughout the year, enriching our worship and lifting our hearts.

Just a quick note to let you know that SewJourners will not meet on Wednesday, June 26. The sewing machines are taking a breather, and the fabric is enjoying a well-earned day of rest!

Pastor Beth will be on vacation from Sunday, June 30, through Saturday, July 6. We pray this time offers her much-needed rest, renewal, and inspiration!

While she is away, we are grateful to have pastoral care coverage in place:

🗓 June 30 – July 6
📞 Emergency pastoral care will be provided by Pastor Anna Rieke. You can reach her at (206) 291-8841.

Let’s keep Pastor Beth in our prayers, asking for a peaceful and refreshing break!

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

We’re honored to share the 2023-2024 Annual Report from our mission partner, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest—a powerful reflection of compassion in action.

As members of the Grand Canyon Synod, we’re excited to join others in lifting up the ways God is at work in our congregations and communities. In anticipation of the 2025 Synod Assembly, ministries across the synod have shared stories of faith, service, and growth—all centered on this year’s theme, Build Up the Body (Ephesians 4:12–13).

June marks the beginning of summer—a season of sunshine, growth, and endless possibilities. It's the perfect time to embrace fresh adventures, soak in the vibrant energy of nature, and create unforgettable memories. Let’s make the most of June together!

On May 29, New Covenant Lutheran Church hosted the inaugural consortial Feast of the Ascension celebration, attended by two dozen-plus friends from Ascension, Christ the Lord, New Journey and New Covenent congregations.

The congregations of the Northeast Valley Consortium are invited to participate again in the Living Water Lutheran Vacation Bible School Mission Project Book Drive (June 16-20).