Knowing that New Journey’s current lease agreement will conclude at the end of this year, 2025 council members began to look at options.

New Journey's Communication Coordinator, Susan Brahs, has notified Council that she has accepted a new position, effective after April 10, which allows her to better meet her family's needs. We are immensely grateful for Susan's consistent and creative support of worship slides, eNews, social media, and other publicity for New Journey's mission over recent years.

To read the approved March 2026 Congregation Council Meeting minutes, click here.

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

Pastor Dominic Palacios, our transition consultant, will visit New Journey on March 21-22. He will conduct workshops on Saturday with Council and with the Call Committee.

Join us for a meaningful journey through Holy Week as we remember Jesus’ path from Jerusalem to the cross—and rejoice in the promise of resurrection.

Thousands of Arizonans lost SNAP benefits on March 1. Food Banks are working to fill the hunger gap. What can you do?

During the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, New Journey's red door contains weekly information on the six foci in Matthew 25: 37-41 "Lord, when did we see you?" . . . hunger, thirst, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Check out the possibilities to care for neighbors in need. 

Here’s a snapshot of our finances as of January 21. Thank you for your continued support of New Journey’s ministries and mission!

Transition Consultant Pr. Dominic Palacios will be at New Journey on March 21–22. On Saturday, he will lead two morning workshops—one with the Council and one with the Call Committee. He will preach at Sunday worship, followed by a presentation to the congregation on the next steps in the call process for New Journey’s next pastor. Please make plans to attend!

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. The primary topic will be the proposal from Fountains United Methodist Church for New Journey to share space on the FUMC campus.

We are still short of volunteers: a sixth council member, a church treasurer, and a second member for the Audit Committee. Please let Cindi or Kris know of your interest in any of these roles. All year-round, confirmed members are eligible.

“Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (John 4:28-29)

It is a curious phrase isn’t it.  She left her water jar behind and went back to the city.  The day didn’t end up the way it began. 

This past Wednesday, February 18, at 5:00 pm, our congregation gathered at New Journey Lutheran Church for a contemplative Ash Wednesday worship service. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of our journey into the season of Lent—a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Blessings on your continued journey through Lent.

"Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple." Presenter: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, Professor and Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary. April 11, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at LIving Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale.

Join us in Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters as we advocate for vital hunger‑relief programs; everyone is welcome to participate, and draft letters will be posted in the March 20 eNews and on New Journey’s Red Door.

Join the February 22 Pew Exchange as we welcome Living Water guests and connect with our NEVC partners, and mark your calendar for Maundy Thursday worship on April 2 at noon at Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center.

Join the 40‑40‑40 Lenten Challenge!
Hear Bishop Deborah Hutterer’s brief 2‑minute message inviting all of us into this meaningful Region 2 effort.

The Transition Team invites confirmed, year-round NJLC members who are interested in serving on the Call Committee for our next pastor to contact Kris Bartanen, kris.bartanen@gmail.com or Ron Bigley, bigleyone@aol.com. We seek to invite 2-3 additional persons to join transition team members in this important work. 

New Journey's transition report, approved by Council, has been transmitted to transition consultant, Pr. Dominic Palacios. Pr. Dominic will visit New Journey on Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, including Saturday workshops for council, transition team, and call committee; preaching on Sunday; and offering a presentation on the transition report and next steps to the congregation immediately following worship.

To read the approved February 2026 Congregation Council Meeting minutes, click here.

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

On February 1, 2026, our congregation joyfully installed the newest officers of the Church Council. Please join us in celebrating and supporting them as they begin their year of service: