People of the Journey,

Over the July 4th holiday, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed into law, a budget package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” Though, I am afraid that there isn’t much beauty in it. Mostly, it’s brutal.

Thank you for a few minutes to share your thoughts about the Narrative Lectionary. 

In 2024, Christian ethicist, David P. Gushee wrote a book titled: The Moral Teachings of Jesus, Radical Instruction in the Will of God. At the Festival of Homiletics, Pastor Beth attended a workshop and a lecture led by Gushee on his book, and was inspired to bring it back to the New Journey community.

Thank you to the great crew of 25 who, after worship, efficiently prepared 200 sandwiches on June 22nd! You are making a difference!

New Journeyans who have signed letters in support of school meals funding, please take note of this item from the July 1, 2025 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Arizona (LAMAz.org) newsletter:

The Grand Canyon Synod congregations achieved a “three-peat win” in the friendly participation challenge across the five synods of ELCA Region 2.

Dear Church,

At the end of this month, July 28 – August 2, 2025, about 1,000 people will gather in the Phoenix Convention Center for our Churchwide Assembly– right here in the Grand Canyon Synod!

The ELCA is deeply saddened by the ongoing devastation caused by catastrophic flash floods in South Central Texas. In a heartfelt message, Bishop Sue Briner urges all to “pray, pray, pray for those who are still lost as well as the families of those who are lost, who have died, or who have experienced loss of home or property.”