Northeast Valley Consortium partners invite you to learn, celebrate, and give. Join Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis on April 11 for Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple at Living Water Lutheran Church, enjoy the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona in concert on April 26 at Peace in the Desert Church, and support our communities through ongoing used and new book drives benefiting children and adults across the Valley.

Next week will be my last as Communications Coordinator at New Journey Lutheran Church, and I want to say thank you.

It has been a pleasure helping share the story of a community that cares deeply, shows up for others, and isn’t afraid to do things a little differently. I’m especially grateful that you trusted me to continue in this role even after I moved across the country — that flexibility and support meant more than you know.

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Photo by Bob Brewer onUnsplash

Dear friends in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of the risen Jesus.

We come to Easter this year in a world that feels, in many ways, unsettled—marked by uncertainty, division, and deep longing. And yet, this is not new territory for God’s people. Jesus lived, spoke, and moved among communities facing turmoil, oppression, and fear. Into that very reality, he proclaimed good news. Into that very reality, he brought healing, hope, and ultimately resurrection.

In his Easter message, Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope.

The Northeast Valley Consortium is funded for 16 weeks of summer lunch packs, June - September. Currently, New Journey's delivery dates look to be June 8, June 22, August 10, August 24, September 8 (the latter potentially with Inspiration Academy).

New Journey's quilters meet weekly, 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays. If you can tie a knot, you can join this friendly and supportive group. If you like to sew, come and choose some fabric to craft a quilt for the group to tie.

The time is NOW to make your donation to ELCA World Hunger! Donate here and use the Appeal Code ‘R2LENT2026’ to support significant need around the world, particularly in areas of conflict.

THANK YOU for continued contributions of small toiletries, as well as extra water bottles. Our latest collection will go to Lutheran Social Services, at their new location in north Phoenix, for refugees and other unhoused persons.

Thank you!

• 22  signatories for each of our 3/29/26 Fifth Sunday letters to Senators Gallego and Kelly, and to Representative Schweikert. Read more here: Bread for the World: We Speak Up to End Hunger

Northeast Valley Consortium members celebrated the Grand Canyon Synod 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge with a special Maundy Thursday worship service at Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center.

On Easter Monday, Pastor Tim, Susan Brahs, and Jamie Asmus will be away from their desks in order to honor rest after Holy Week and Easter.

In case of pastoral emergencies, please contact Pastor Tim at: (480) 761-9005.

Here’s a snapshot of our finances as of April 1. Thank you for your continued support of New Journey’s ministries and mission!

• Members: Ron Bigley, chair; Jane Stoss, Dorothy Schmidt, Pete Galindez, Deb Bigley, Kris Bartanen (with support of Pr. Phil Gustafson, GCS transition coach)

• Next task: Completing Mission Site Profile.

• No news from Synod yet on a possible second interim pastor.

The membership categories in NJLC’s constitution are determined by ELCA, in accordance with not-for-profit guidelines.

• Sunday, April 19, following worship

• Informational meeting: Proposal to share space with Fountains United Methodist Church

• This and further meetings will include, to the best of our abilities, electronic participation via Zoom

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!" (2 Cor 5:17)

 "Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed! Alleluia!"

For those first witnesses, this phrase was unsteady and unsure.  Could it really be true?  This is beyond the realm of reality. 

Our friends at Fountains United Methodist Church have invited us to join them for several Holy Week gatherings, and we’re glad to share the invitation with you.

You’re invited to the NEVC’s second joint Maundy Thursday worship service! Join us for a meaningful midday gathering featuring music, conversation, Holy Communion, simple nibbles, and optional footwashing.

As has become our tradition, New Journey members and friends will have the opportunity on Sunday, March 29, to raise our voices into the public square by signing a joint letter to our U.S. Senate and House representatives. This month, we will again join the annual, national Bread for the World Offering of Letters in support of addressing world hunger.

Reconciling in Christ is central to New Journey’s identity as an open and affirming church committed to equity, radical hospitality, and loving all people as God loves us.