New Journey Lutheran Church eNews

An Instrument of God's Love for All

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

Congregational Council Update

Council Update: Navigating Our Transition Together

We want to keep our New Journey congregation informed and engaged as we move through this important time of transition.

On Tuesday, August 19th, our Church Council met with Pastor Phil Gustafson, our transition coach. Pastor Phil will be leading worship this Sunday, and following the service, he’ll host a conversation to share key insights and answer any questions you may have. We encourage everyone to attend and participate.

July Council & NJLC Special Meeting Minutes

To read the approved July Congregation Council meeting minutes, click here.

To read the approved NJLC Special meeting minutes, click here.

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

Pastor Beth’s Farewell

On August 12 and August 17, our New Journey Lutheran Church community came together to say goodbye to Pastor Beth, whose ministry has been a source of wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership.

Worship and Music Committee’s work continues…

On Sunday, August 24th after worship, we will meet to chose hymns for September and October. Those choices will be shared with Susan Brahs, our Communication Coordinator, so she can prepare the worship PowerPoints.

A Shoutout to New Journey—and a Call to Invite

Below is a recently shared newsletter article from the former bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, which features both Ron and Connie Schwartau—and includes a kind mention of New Journey as their winter church home.

Emergency Pastoral Care Available

During this time of transition at New Journey Lutheran Church, Pastor Anna Reike of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church is available to provide emergency pastoral care.

Let’s Fill the Bin for Our Neighbors!

“God’s work. Our hands.” is our annual day of service—a time to roll up our sleeves and show love to our community in simple, meaningful ways.

Fifth Sunday Letter Writing on August 31st

Support Affordable Housing. This is an advocacy call from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. Materials and a draft letter are posted on the Red Door at church, with the letter for Senators Gallego and Kelley, and Representative Schweikert, attached here.

Partnership Lunch Pack with Inspiration Academy

Updated Time!
Tuesday, September 2 at 8:30 a.m. (earlier than previously announced)

We’ll be packing lunch bags and making sandwiches for Heat Respite. Here’s what we need:

New ELCA Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, recently held in Phoenix, adopted a new Faith and Civic Life Social Statement, fulfilling a directive from the 2019 assembly. This important document offers guidance on how faith informs our engagement in civic life.

NEVC August Update

The Northeast Valley Consortium Steering Committee met on August 19.

Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission: Progress is beginning to be visible for the water project, supported by 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge funds through Lutheran World Relief, including the large cement pad for the chlorinated water tank to come. The food bank and kitchen at NELM are serving lots of people.

Grief Support Group at Living Water Lutheran Church

Grief Support Group at Living Water Lutheran Church
Have you lost a loved one recently or are still grieving a past loss? You are warmly invited to join this welcoming 8-week support group.

Community & Fellowship News

Growing in Faith: Diakonia’s New Courses Begin August 25, 2025

The Diakonia Program, a trusted ELCA ministry for over 40 years, invites you to plant yourself in good soil and grow through its newly updated curriculum starting August 25, 2025.

Prayers of thankfulness for these years we shared with Pastor Beth!

Her love, guidance, insight,faith, laughter and beautiful smile we will hold in our hearts. All the best to the Gallen family on their New Journey.

May God’s healing love bring comfort and peace.

Prayers for healing, comfort, friendship and love.

Daryl Bigley

Deb Bigley

Crystalle Ebbinga

The Hackbarth family

The Jacob’s family

Nancy Johnson

Joe and Jeannine Laderach

The Alan Lamb family

The Ann Lundeen family

Janet McCullough

Greg and Nancy McGarry

June Ninnemann

The Bill Peterson family

Tibby and Dennis

Neil Rosenthal

Larry and Jan Tarnow

Merle and June Thompson

Roger and Beulah Westland

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.