News Blog
Bread for the World Offering of Letters
Thank you!
22 signatories for each of our 3/29/26 Fifth Sunday letters to Senators Gallego and Kelly, and to Representative Schweikert. Read more here: Bread for the World: We Speak Up to End Hunger
Maundy Thursday
Northeast Valley Consortium members celebrated the Grand Canyon Synod 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge with a special Maundy Thursday worship service at Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center.
Office Closed for Easter Monday
On Easter Monday, Pastor Tim, Susan Brahs, and Jamie Asmus will be away from their desks in order to honor rest after Holy Week and Easter.
In case of pastoral emergencies, please contact Pastor Tim at: (480) 761-9005.
Financial Update - April 1
Here’s a snapshot of our finances as of April 1. Thank you for your continued support of New Journey’s ministries and mission!
Call Committee Update:
Members: Ron Bigley, chair; Jane Stoss, Dorothy Schmidt, Pete Galindez, Deb Bigley, Kris Bartanen (with support of Pr. Phil Gustafson, GCS transition coach)
Next task: Completing Mission Site Profile.
No news from Synod yet on a possible second interim pastor.
NJLC Membership Categories
The membership categories in NJLC’s constitution are determined by ELCA, in accordance with not-for-profit guidelines.
Join us at the next Congregational Meeting
Sunday, April 19, following worship
Informational meeting: Proposal to share space with Fountains United Methodist Church
This and further meetings will include, to the best of our abilities, electronic participation via Zoom
Pastor’s Pen
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!" (2 Cor 5:17)
"Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!"
For those first witnesses, this phrase was unsteady and unsure. Could it really be true? This is beyond the realm of reality.
Invitations from the Fountains UMC
Our friends at Fountains United Methodist Church have invited us to join them for several Holy Week gatherings, and we’re glad to share the invitation with you.
NEVC Joint Maundy Thursday Worship
You’re invited to the NEVC’s second joint Maundy Thursday worship service! Join us for a meaningful midday gathering featuring music, conversation, Holy Communion, simple nibbles, and optional footwashing.
Fifth Sunday Letter-Writing
As has become our tradition, New Journey members and friends will have the opportunity on Sunday, March 29, to raise our voices into the public square by signing a joint letter to our U.S. Senate and House representatives. This month, we will again join the annual, national Bread for the World Offering of Letters in support of addressing world hunger.
Reconciling in Christ
Reconciling in Christ is central to New Journey’s identity as an open and affirming church committed to equity, radical hospitality, and loving all people as God loves us.
Space Update
Knowing that New Journey’s current lease agreement will conclude at the end of this year, 2025 council members began to look at options.
Staffing Update
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.
March 2026 Council Minutes
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 Transition Update
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 Holy Week
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.
SNAP Setback for Arizonans
Thousands of Arizonans lost SNAP benefits on March 1. Food Banks are working to fill the hunger gap. What can you do?
What's Up with the Red Door?
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.