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: Ashes to Ashes

We have now officially entered into the season of Lent. It is a time or a season of our church year where we can ponder the significance of God’s love for us in this person of Jesus.

Church Council Update

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:

February 2026 Council Minutes

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

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

Transition Team

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.

Recruitment of Call Committee members

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.

Worship Update & News

Ash Wednesday

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.

The Region 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge is here!

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.

Northeast Valley Consortium Lenten Events:

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.

Prepare for New Journey's next 5th Sunday Letter-Signing on March 29:

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.

Register for the 2026 NEVC Faith Formation Event

"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.

Community & Fellowship News

Save the Date: Lutheran Day at the Legislature – February 23, 2026

Save the date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, hosted by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA). On Monday, February 23, 2026, Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the State Capitol for a day of learning, advocacy, and prayer.

Prayers of sympathy for Pastor Adele and her family on the death of her brother-in-law, Bill Peterson. May they find comfort and peace.

Prayers of joy and thanksgiving for Pastor Tim and Lisa on the birth of their grandson!

And prayers for Lisa’s father, Darwin, as he recovers at home.

Prayers for healing, comfort, friendship and love.

Daryl Bigley

Deb Bigley

Marge Bowlby, Ron Bigley’s Aunt

Karen Bowman

Steve Brady

Nancy Johnson

Joe and Jeannine Laderach

The Alan Lamb family

Janet McCullough

Greg and Nancy McGarry

Liz Peterson

Neil Rosenthal

Terry Steven

Merle and June Thompson

Hyunki and Norm Thorpe

Sharon Vaughan

Roger and Beulah Westland

Penny Zettler

God’s love and grace be with us 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 Tim’s Weekly Schedule

Sunday - Worship and Office Hours

Monday - Sabbath

Tuesday - Office Hours by appointment

Wednesday - Office Hours by appointment

Thursday - Sermon Writing & Worship Preparation

Friday - Sermon Writing & Worship Preparation

Saturday - Sabbath

Pastor Tim makes himself available for pastoral emergencies and desires to provide spiritual support and pray with you. In case of emergencies, please call or text his cell phone at (608) 695-7103.