New Journey Lutheran Church eNews

An Instrument of God's Love for All

In Person on Sundays - 10:00 a.m.

Pastor’s Pen

Pastor’s Pen: December 2024

Advent is our opportunity to be counter cultural.

There is a tremendous amount of pressure on this time of year: buy all the gifts, deck all the halls, string all the lights, bake all the cookies, and attend all the holiday parties. Prior to the start of December, I caught myself adding a substantial list of holiday activities into my calendar so that my family gets to experience “the magic of the season.”

Pastor’s Vacation Notice

Pastor Beth will be on vacation the following dates:

December 15—Pastor Stoney Bowen Weiszmann will guest preach and preside.
December 25-January 3

Pastor Beth will return to worship on Sunday, January 5.

New Church Phone Number

We are excited to inform you that our church has a new phone number! Please update your records and feel free to reach out to us at:

New Phone Number:

(480) 761-9005

Reminder: Update 2025 Online Giving Through Vanco

If you make financial contributions through New Journey’s online giving platform, Vanco—thank you! If you made changes to your financial contribution for 2025, this is your annual reminder to update

Plumbing Maintenance Notice: Dec 9

Please be advised that there will be a plumber on site on Monday, December 9 to attend to some plumbing maintenance in our building between 9:00 am-12:00 pm.

Thanks for you understanding and patience.

Food for Kidz - Thank you for your generosity

Our New Journey Lutheran community made financial gifts on Food for Kidz Giving Day totaling $6,950! With the matching $2,000 donation, New Journey’s financial support totals $8,950.

Big Thanks for Grace Room Donations!

You definitely cleaned closets, cupboards, and drawers to produce six bins of clothing and small toiletries for the Grace Room. Our central Phoenix neighbors-in-need are most grateful!

Angel Tree Gifts & Delivery Needed

Thank you, also, to all those who signed on to bring gifts for our Imagine East Mesa family’s Christmas joy. Please return your wrapped gifts by December 15, with the “ornament” gift

Volunteer with the Hunger Leaders Network

New Journey is the only NEVC congregation not to have a representative to this Grand Canyon Synod group, which meets monthly by Zoom to share and coordinate hunger related work in our region.

Upcoming Advocacy Events

New Journey’s next letter-writing Sunday will be January 12, 2025.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMAz.org) priorities for 2025: (1) hunger, (2) civic engagement, with specific focus

Northeast Valley Consortium

The NEVC Steering Committee met on December 4. Agenda items included:

A consortial approach to the ELCA Region II 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge; an update on the water project at Navajo Evangelical Lutheran

Women’s Group “Hands to Hearts” Gathers December 16

The women of New Journey, “Hands to Hearts”, will gather Monday, December 16 at 10:00 am for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and updates on our outreach efforts.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Christmas message

In her Christmas message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls our attention to the word “joy” in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11).

Grand Canyon Synod's Advent and Christmas Hub

Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent & Christmas Hub! This dedicated section offers a wealth of worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to enrich your Advent and Christmas season.

Birthdays

1 - John Johnsen

3 - Joseph Laderach

6 - Sarah Naylor

11 - Josephina Ker

16 - Mary Mueller

31 - Ron Bigley

Anniversaries

7 - Nancy & Greg McGarry

December Staff Updates & Projects

Pastor Beth

Current Ministry Projects:
- Midweek Advent Bible Study
- Midweek Advent Worship & Soup Supper
- Annual Meeting Preparation
- Pastoral Care Visits
- Christmas Eve Worship

Pastor’s Weekly Schedule

Sunday - Worship and Office Hours

Monday - Office Hours by appointment

Tuesday - Office Hours by appointment

Wednesday - Home Office

Thursday - Sermon Writing & Worship Preparation

Friday - Sabbath

Saturday - Sabbath

Pastor Beth makes herself available for pastoral emergencies and desires to provide spiritual support and pray with you. In case of emergencies, please call or text her cell phone at (623) 340-9956.