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.

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. These gatherings celebrate Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and beloved community—a vision rooted in our call to love our neighbors and seek justice for all.

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. Blue Christmas services offer a sacred space of comfort, reflection, and hope for those who need light in the midst of darkness.

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. This Music for Food event combines music, fellowship, and generosity to support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM).

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

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

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.

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.

This document outlines our church's strategic goals and the key initiatives we will undertake to fulfill our mission and serve our community. Please click the buttons below to download the 2026 Proposed Mission Plan.

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

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

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

This Christmas, listen closely. The heavens are still whispering: “Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

The Rev. Yehiel Curry
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

We’ll be providing dinner for Family Promise at the Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 10. If you’d like to join us, we’ll gather at 6:00 PM. Your presence would make the evening even more special!

Questions? Contact Brenda Galindez.

The holidays are here, and we have so many ways to share love and blessings with others! 💕 Here’s how you can make a difference:

As we prepare the 2026 Mission Spending Plan, we kindly remind members to submit their financial pledge cards—if you haven’t already done so. Your pledges help us plan faithfully for the year ahead and ensure that our ministries continue to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our very helpful December New Journey pastoral transition listening circles!

In order to hear the voice of the congregation during this season of self-study, the Transition Team is offering a series of small-group opportunities called Listening Circles.

As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on all that God has accomplished through our mission and ministry. The Annual Report is our opportunity to celebrate the highlights and joys of our activities and share the impact our ministry has had on New Journey Lutheran Church, our local communities, and the world.

Mark your calendars! Our Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, immediately following the worship service.

This important gathering is an opportunity for us to come together as a faith community, celebrate what God is doing among us, and make decisions that shape our shared ministry.

Psalm 146 is the Psalm for the 3rd Sunday in Advent and reminds us of the hope that we have in the coming of Jesus-God in the flesh. 

Enjoy a Variety Show, browse the Artisan Gift Sale, and savor delicious refreshments as we come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas.