Here’s a snapshot of our finances as of December 30. Thank you for your continued support of New Journey’s ministries and mission!

Happy New Year!
As we step into 2026, we want to make sure our church family stays connected. One of the best ways to do that is by keeping our church directory accurate and up to date.

This year, Gwen Rubenow has graciously taken the lead on updating the directory, and she needs your help! If you’ve had any changes—new address, phone number, or email—please share your updated information so Gwen can make sure everything is correct.

New Journey will need to select representatives to attend synod assembly, Thursday June 11 - Saturday June 13, 2026 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The assembly theme is "Rooted in God's Story."

Planning is underway for a Spring 2026 seminar at Living Water Lutheran in Scottsdale on Saturday, April 11, led by Dr. Karoline Lewis of Luther Seminary. More details to come!

We will again join with advocates across the nation in Bread for the World's annual Offering of Letters to U.S. legislators. The letter text will be available in the NJLC eNews in advance and, as always, individuals are welcome to write and send their own letters.

Lutheran Day at the Legislature: Monday, February 28, 9:30-1:30 (registration opens at 8:30). This is an opportunity to meet legislators, meet congregational LAMA liaisons, meet your LAMA policy council, and meet other Lutherans across Arizona who share a common belief that we are called through our baptismal covenant “…to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” 

This project, a collaboration of Grand Canyon Synod ELCA churches and our counterparts in the Pacifica, Rocky Mountain, Sierra Pacific, and Southwest California Synods, launches on Ash Wednesday, February 18. The challenge includes opportunities to receive a daily devotion to your email, to engage in weekly learning and.or action activities, and to contribute to ELCA World Hunger through Good Gifts. See www.lentenchallenge.org and sign-on today!

Northeast Valley Consortium partner New Covenant Lutheran is sponsoring a Feed My Starving Childrenpacking session at the FMSC facility in Tempe on Saturday, 1/24/26, 2:30-4:00. To make a reservation to attend go to: https://www.fmsc.org/group-results?group=New%20covenant.

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New Journey and our Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) partners support Arizona Faith Network (AFN) heat respite sites through our summer lunch packs. AFN provides this summary for the Summer 2025 project:

On Christmas Eve, the New Journey community and friends gathered to celebrate the gift of Christ’s love with carols, prayer, and candlelight. It was a beautiful reminder of God’s promise to be with us, bringing hope and peace even in life’s weariness. With hearts lifted, we rejoiced in the joy of Emmanuel—God with us!

The transition team has gathered input from 31 NJLC members and invited responses from over 20 others. We still hope to hear from 12–15 worship attendees who haven’t yet participated. All feedback will be summarized confidentially.

If you haven’t shared your input, please email cindi@njlc-fh.org, bigleyone@aol.com, or kris.bartanen@gmail.com to schedule a conversation or send your responses.

Join us on Sunday, February 1, 2026, right after worship for our Annual Meeting! This is a time to celebrate God’s work among us, reflect on the past year, and make decisions that guide our ministry forward.

As we step into 2026, we give thanks for God’s blessings and look forward with hope and joy. May this year bring peace, renewal, and love to you and your family.

Let’s continue shining Christ’s light together—growing in faith, serving our neighbors, and sharing God’s grace in our community.

✨ Wishing you a bright and beautiful New Year! ✨

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.