When I was a child going to our Children’s Chapel, I would put my coins into a small church envelope for offering. As the years went by, the envelope got bigger and so did the coins going into it. Then it was checks into the envelope and today, it’s online giving.

Times change but not my commitment to give to my church home. I bless my parents for raising me to go to church and instilling in me a servant’s heart.

Dear New Journey Friends and Family, 

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 

With grateful hearts, we recognize the many gifts given to us and through us. God is guiding us together on this journey, and at New Journey, we continue to faithfully use our time, talent, and treasure in service to others. Let us reflect on how we’ve done so over the past year: 

Thanks to everyone who helped make Reformation Sunday special! Enjoy these snapshots from a joyful day of worship and community.

Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in an important weekend with New Journey’s Transition Consultant, Pastor Dominic Palacios. His visit is a key step in helping us envision the future of New Journey Lutheran Church and prepare for calling our next pastor.

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

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

Greetings, fellow sojourners!

I’d like to invite anyone who wants to learn a little bit about the upcoming Sunday lessons to stop by the church at noon on Wednesdays. It’ll be an informal time to look at the readings and talk about them together. You’re welcome to bring a bag lunch if you’d like.

Enjoy a joyful afternoon of music and community at the fourth annual Sing-Along of Handel’s Messiah, presented by The Arts at Ascension.

Hunger Advocacy in Action

New Journey’s Red Door now features updated ELCA World Hunger resources, including a report from Kris Bartanen on the 2025 ELCA Hunger Leadership Gathering held in Columbus, Ohio.

Highlights from the Gathering:

We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to drop off new, travel-size toiletries, including dental goody-bags. Our latest box was delivered to Circle the City on Thursday, October 16.

Join Us for a Family Promise Dinner – Thursday, October 23

We’re excited to support Family Promise once again by assisting with dinner on Thursday, October 23rd. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve families in need and share a warm meal together.

We give thanks for Bishop Deborah Hutterer’s faithful leadership and share that she will begin a sabbatical this November through January 2026. This time of rest and renewal is a common practice in church leadership, offering space for prayer, reflection, and reconnection with God’s Word.

If you’ve ever walked past the entrance of our church and noticed a splash of color on the ground, you may have wondered: What’s the story behind these painted rocks?

It’s time to solve the mystery—and celebrate the artist behind it!

Cindi Brady, Ron Bigley, and Kris Bartanen have begun their work as your Transition Team. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Registration is now open — and early bird pricing ends January 5, 2026!

Join Lutheran women from across the country for four powerful days of worship, Bible study, plenaries, and workshops designed to empower, restore, and inspire. This sacred space affirms our God-given worth and invites healing in a world marked by division and struggle.

This season brings two exciting opportunities to enjoy live music in Scottsdale. Whether you're looking for a rich orchestral experience or a joyful community sing-along, these concerts offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us for afternoons filled with beautiful music and uplifting spirit.

Hunger leaders from across the ELCA gathered in Columbus for a powerful weekend of worship, learning, and collaboration. The theme, inspired by Micah 6:8—Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God—guided our time together as we explored bold strategies for ending hunger.

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.