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.

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.