Thank you to everyone at New Journey Lutheran Church for your generous school supply donations to Imagine School in East Mesa. Your support helps students begin the year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. This is a beautiful reflection of our mission to serve others with love.

I want to share with you just a few highlights from the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, which was held for the last week in Phoenix. This is the official decision-making gathering for our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and it happens every three years. I was 1 of 845 voting members from across our ELCA. There were 10 of us total from our Grand Canyon Synod.

On July 30, 2025, Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected as the next presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Delivers Final Report at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

On July 31, 2025, Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton presented the Report of the Presiding Bishop during the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, marking one of her final official acts before retirement.

As summer fades and the school year begins, we gather to renew our faith, reconnect with one another, and prepare for what’s ahead. This month, we also say goodbye to our beloved pastor, whose last Sunday with us will be August 17. Join us for two special farewell opportunities as we celebrate their ministry and send them off with love and gratitude.

Perhaps you’re wondering what the ELCA has been doing to address recent Congressional actions on domestic and international programs supporting neighbors in need. A good podcast summary is: Here I Pod, Season 2 Episode 3: Generational Bills and August Recess Opportunities — Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.

ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 (the day after Labor Day), at 9:00 a.m. we will make sandwiches and pack lunch bags with the students at Inspiration Academy, at their school site (Shepherd of the Hills) for delivery by 11:00 a.m. for Wesley United Methodist Church heat respite center.

We need 6-8 volunteers to guide the students. We need 1-2 drivers to take lunch items to Wesley United Methodist Church, 750 E. Southern, Phoenix (~40 minute drive) on Tuesday morning for arrival by 11:00 a.m. Please let Kris know!

for New Journey Lay Representative to Northeast Valley Consortium Steering Committee

The Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC), established in late 2020, is a partnership of five ELCA congregations located in the northeast part of Phoenix collaborating in ministry for the sake of the gospel. At the end of 2025, Kris Bartanen will complete her second two-year term as NJLC lay

In this season of transition, your presence and gifts are especially needed.

The Worship and Music Team at New Journey Lutheran Church invites you to be part of shaping worship that is meaningful, relevant, and rooted in the gospel. We meet every 4–6 weeks to plan worship themes, select hymns, and choose words for worship that reflect the Spirit’s movement among us and our diverse community.

We’re writing to share an important update about New Journey’s leadership of the community food pack with Food for Kidz—one that will shape the future of our congregation’s mission.

After thoughtful consideration, the Congregation Council unanimously voted last month to bring the ministry of the food pack to a close. This decision reflects our long-term commitment to stewarding New Journey’s mission, recognizing that the physical, administrative, and fundraising demands of the program have stretched our community’s capacity.

As New Journey Lutheran Church enters a season of transition, we want to share an important update:

Sunday morning worship services will be going on hiatus from online streaming.

You’re invited to a special farewell gathering for Pastor Beth on Sunday, August 17 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Phil’s Filling Station Grill.

Please join us for a Special Edition Coffee Hour on Tuesday, August 12 at 9 AM as we gather to celebrate and say goodbye to Pastor Beth.

We are pleased to welcome Pastor Phil Gustafson, who will serve as New Journey’s transition coach during this time of pastoral transition. Transition coaches are leaders trained to work with congregations in the transition process. They work with a few congregations at a time and act as the main liaison between the Office of the Bishop and the congregations.

Pastor Beth Gallen’s last day at our congregation is Sunday, August 17. As we engage in the time of transition ahead of us, we ask that you read and reflect on the information below.  

These agreements are important as we all move forward into the future. They reflect the healthiest practice in congregation ministry and will serve both us and Pastor Beth as we continue to be the body of Christ in this world.  

Dear Beloved People of New Journey,

As I prepare to say goodbye, my heart is full of deep gratitude and tender joy. Serving as your pastor has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

Dear People of the Journey,

After nearly four and a half joyful years with New Journey Lutheran Church, I write to share that God is calling me into a new adventure. I have accepted the position of Campus Pastor at California Lutheran University, and our family will be relocating to Thousand Oaks, California. My final Sunday will be August 17.

From July 28 to August 2, 2025, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, for its Churchwide Assembly—a significant event that will shape the future of our denomination. Hosted by the Grand Canyon Synod, this assembly will bring together 845 voting members under the theme “For the Life of the World.”

Check on Your Neighbors—It Could Save a Life

In Fountain Hills, Arizona, summer heat isn't just a seasonal inconvenience—it can be a serious health hazard. With temperatures often soaring well above 100°F, it's crucial to stay cool, stay hydrated, and most importantly, stay connected with your community.

Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization working to encourage U.S. legislators to do all that they can to reduce hunger worldwide. 2025 is the 50th anniversary of Bread’s founding. For the past two years, New Journey has been a part of this advocacy with our 5th Sunday letters in March of 2024 and 2025, joining Bread’s annual “offerings of letters” to Congress.