We give thanks for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the twelve years she spent leading the ELCA. Take a look back on these fun and meaningful moments from her ministry.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Elected during the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the denomination’s history.

We are filled with joy and gratitude as we welcome Pastor Tim Hansen to New Journey Lutheran Church as our interim pastor, beginning November 1. His presence is a true gift during this time of transition, and we are excited to walk alongside him in faith and fellowship.

From September 18–21, leaders from across the country are gathering in Columbus, Ohio, for the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering—a powerful time of connection, learning, and action in our shared mission to end hunger.

New Journey Lutheran Church is partnering once again with The Fountains United Methodist Church to support Family Promise, a program that helps families emerging from episodic homelessness.

On Thursday, October 23, we’ll be assisting with dinner preparation and serving families currently in the program.

Although this message comes from the Rocky Mountain Synod, its words speak to all of us.

In response to recent acts of violence—including shootings at Evergreen High School in Colorado and Utah Valley University—Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni offers a heartfelt message of lament, solidarity, and hope. The message includes reflections from local pastors and worship resources to help congregations respond with compassion and prayer.

We are excited to announce that Pastor Dominic Palacios, New Journey’s transition consultant, will begin his work with us the weekend of November 15–16, 2025.

To read the approved September Congregation Council Meeting minutes, click here.

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

Enjoy free concerts and support local missions! Ascension Lutheran hosts the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona—next concert: Symphonic Cinema, Oct. 12. Mount of Olives offers Jazz Vespers Sept. 14, benefiting their food pantry. Foxes, Wine & Wheat premieres Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles Sept. 12–13. Click for more details.

August 31, was a Fifth Sunday letter-writing day. New Journey members signed letters for delivery to the local offices of Senator Kelly, Senator Gallego, and Representative Schweikert, in response to two recent ELCA calls for advocacy on shelter for the unhoused and affordable housing issues.

THANK YOU all for generous support to the Summer 2025 Heat Respite Lunch Pack project. On Tuesday, September 2, New Journey partnered with Inspiration Academy students for a fifth and final lunch pack for this season. Nearly 40 students plus staff, and a couple of Shepherd of the Hills volunteers joined 5 New Journeyans in packing 200 lunches. Students had decorated the lunch bags in advance with colorful pictures, blessing messages, and stickers to brighten recipients’ days.

THANK YOU for your support to New Journey's Sew Journers! 28 quilts, blessed by the congregation on August 10, were delivered to Native American Connections to be received by persons moving into apartments.

We’re excited to share that starting this Sunday, we’ll be returning to Sundays and Seasons as our guide for worship. This means we’ll once again follow the rhythm of the Revised Common Lectionary—with a first reading, psalm, and gospel each week.

We’re excited to share that live streaming for worship has resumed at New Journey Lutheran Church! After a short break, we’re back online — helping our congregation stay connected, especially during this time of transition as we search for a new pastor.

To read the approved August Congregation Council meeting & Special Transition Meeting minutes, click here.

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

On August 12 and August 17, our New Journey Lutheran Church community came together to say goodbye to Pastor Beth, whose ministry has been a source of wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership.

The Diakonia Program, a trusted ELCA ministry for over 40 years, invites you to plant yourself in good soil and grow through its newly updated curriculum starting August 25, 2025.

Grief Support Group at Living Water Lutheran Church
Have you lost a loved one recently or are still grieving a past loss? You are warmly invited to join this welcoming 8-week support group.📄 Brochure included.

To sign up, contact Pastor Shari at 480-473-8400 or pastorshari@lwlcaz.org.

The Northeast Valley Consortium Steering Committee met on August 19. 

• Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission: Progress is beginning to be visible for the water project, supported by 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge funds through Lutheran World Relief, including the large cement pad for the chlorinated water tank to come. The food bank and kitchen at NELM are serving lots of people. 

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, recently held in Phoenix, adopted a new Faith and Civic Life Social Statement, fulfilling a directive from the 2019 assembly. This important document offers guidance on how faith informs our engagement in civic life.