New Journey Lutheran Church eNews

An Instrument of God's Love for All

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

Vacation Notice

Vacation Notice: Pastor Beth

Pastor Beth will be on vacation from Sunday, June 30, through Saturday, July 6. We pray this time offers her much-needed rest, renewal, and inspiration!

Reminder: Narrative Lectionary Feedback Form

We’d love to hear from you! Your thoughts and reflections—especially about your experience with the Narrative Lectionary—are incredibly valuable to us.

This last fall, our congregation moved to the Narrative Lectionary to support our community's connection to and knowledge of the stories of scripture. By focusing on one story per Sunday, we hoped our community would come to notice the broad sweep of the Biblical arc as one story from Creation through the early Christian church.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share!

SewJourners Stitchcation – June 26

Just a quick note to let you know that SewJourners will not meet on Wednesday, June 26. The sewing machines are taking a breather, and the fabric is enjoying a well-earned day of rest!

Choir on Summer Break Until September

Our church choir will be taking a summer break and will return in September. We are so grateful for the beautiful music they’ve shared throughout the year, enriching our worship and lifting our hearts.

Heat Respite Lunch Pack II: Back to the Sandwiches!

Please join us for approximately 30 minutes after worship on Sunday, June 22 to prepare 200 sandwiches (approximately half ham & cheese, half PB&J). Your participation saves lives during our extreme heat season, already in full swing!

Thank you, Readers!

Joining in Northeast Valley Consortium support of Living Water’s Vacation Bible School mission project, New Journey delivered 90 books for children/youth, 51 books for adults, and 74 magazines.

5th Sunday Advocacy on June 29th

We’re stepping up our advocacy opportunities, based on ELCA, LSS-SW, Arizona Faith Network, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Arizona, and Bread for the World calls during this important legislative period. You may join all, some, one, or none of the letter-signings.

School Supply Drive

As the new school year approaches, we’re inviting you to help us support students and families in our community by donating school supplies. Imagine East Mesa has put together a list of suggested items that would be most helpful—but as always, any contribution is appreciated, and we welcome whatever you’re able to provide.

Summer Series: “Moral Teachings of Jesus” Schedule & Zoom Link

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.

Summer eNews Schedule Update

As we move through the summer, please note a temporary change to our eNews publication schedule. Instead of our usual first and third Friday releases, eNews will be sent out on the following dates:

Now Streaming: 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

If you weren’t able to attend the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly—or if you’d like to revisit some of the Spirit-filled moments—you can now watch full recordings from the gathering, held June 12–13 at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.

We especially encourage you to watch the bishop’s address from Bishop Deborah Hutterer (Time Stamp: Day 1 at 22.46), which offered a powerful reflection on our shared calling as the ELCA across Arizona, southern Nevada, and the Navajo Nation.

Life Passages: Sharri Hackbarth

Sharri Hackbarth, former member and friend of New Journey, completed her baptismal journey on May 25. We thank God for her life, faithfulness, friendship, kind heart, and support of New Journey’s development as a congregation over the early years.

Prayers of Sympathy and Healing

We offer our heartfelt prayers of sympathy and peace to the families of Sharri Hackbarth, following her long and courageous battle with cancer, and to the loved ones of Pat, a friend of Terry and Marylou, who also passed away from cancer.

We continue to lift up in prayer all who are recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. May God’s healing presence bring strength, peace, and comfort to:

Bill Peterson and his wife Ruth (Pastor Adele’s brother-in-law)
Deb Bigley
Roger Westland
Crystalle Ebbinga
Alan Lamb, brother-in-law of Shirley Lundeen

Our prayer list for comfort and healing

Daryl Bigley

Deb Bigley

Crystalle Ebbinga

The Jacob’s family

Nancy Johnson

Joe and Jeannine Laderach

Janet McCollough

Greg and Nancy McGarry

June Ninneman

Tibby and Dennis

Neil Rosenthal

Karl Sealand

Larry and Jan Tarnow

Merle and June Thompson

We are grateful for God’s love and blessings each day.

If you or anyone you know is ill or facing a challenging situation in the New Journey community, please fill out a prayer request on our website.

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.