New Journey Lutheran Church eNews

An Instrument of God's Love for All

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

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

As we celebrate this holy season, we extend our heartfelt wishes to everyone—both near and far—for a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

December Council Minutes

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

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

2026 Proposed Mission Plan

This document outlines our church's strategic goals and the key initiatives we will undertake to fulfill our mission and serve our community.

Financial Update – December 15, 2025

Here’s a snapshot of our finances as of December 15. Thank you for your continued support of New Journey’s ministries and mission!

Celebrate Advent and Christmas at New Journey!

The season of hope, peace, joy, and love is here—let’s gather and rejoice together!

Pastor Transition Listening Circles: We Still Want to Hear You!

The NJLC transition team (Cindy Brady, Ron Bigley, Kris Bartanen) has completed 7 listening circles involving 22 congregational members. Thank you! That means, however, we have about twice that many more sessions to go in order to have a strong representation among New Journey's range of members.

Thank You for Your Angel Tree Generosity!

Once again, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of New Journey Lutheran Church! Your heartfelt participation in the Angel Tree program made a real difference for families at Imagine East Mesa School this Christmas season.

Refugee Update from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

LSS-SW President and CEO, Connie Phillips, joined the December 15 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona monthly meeting to provide a status report. Highlights:

Community & Fellowship News

Cocoa and Carols: Supporting Navajo Lutheran Mission – December 21, 2025

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to Cocoa and Carols, a joyful sing-along on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Blue Christmas: A Gentle Space for the Weary and Grieving

The holiday season is often filled with joy and celebration—but for many, it can also be a time of grief, stress, or loneliness. If you’re feeling the weight of this season, you are not alone. This year, two virtual Blue Christmas services are available on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year.

MLK 2026: Gather, Pray, and Serve with the Grand Canyon Synod

We’re excited to share this post from the Grand Canyon Synod! Each January, congregations across our synod come together to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through worship, Gospel music, prayer, and acts of service.

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.

May the Light of this Christmas fill us with joy, gladness, and love, today and throughout the New Year.

Prayers for healing, comfort, friendship and love.

Daryl Bigley

Deb Bigley

Crystalle Ebbinga

Nancy Johnson

Joe and Jeannine Laderach

The Alan Lamb family

The Ann Lundeen family

Shirley Lundeen

Janet McCullough

Greg and Nancy McGarry

The Bill Peterson family

Neil Rosenthal

Terry Steven

Larry and Jan Tarnow

Merle and June Thompson

Sharon Vaughan

Roger and Beulah Westland

Mike and Carol Wilson

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.