News Blog
ELCA responds to false accusations on X
In a message to the church, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton says that “despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church.”
January Staff Updates & Projects
Pastor Beth
Current Ministry Projects:
Annual Meeting & New Council Orientation
Presiding over the baptism of Gabby Gillam
Faith in Public Square: Meeting with Mayor Friedel (February 5) & Serving as LD3 Coordinator for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (February 10)
Lent Worship Planning & Study Preparation
Food Pack Support
Planned Vacation: February 11-13
Susan
Current Ministry Projects:
Supporting Annual Meeting
Social Media Planning
Digital Advertising
Food Pack Marketing Support
Jamie
Current Ministry Projects:
Choir Rehearsal Leadership
Worship Leadership
Worship Leader meeting (February 2)
Lent Worship Support
Stump the Bishop: February 2
Mark your calendars because on Sunday, February 2 Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer is joining New Journey Lutheran Church for worship and fellowship. Bishop Deborah will preach and preside over communion. Following worship, join us for a light lunch, fellowship, and relationship-building with our Synodical Bishop.
Join Us to Pack Food for Food for Kidz
Join our mission to fight hunger by volunteering to pack meals for Food for Kidz. Simply click on Packing Volunteer Sign Up to secure your spot and help us reach our goal of 240 volunteers.
If you’d prefer, contact Gwen Rubenow after church or by email at fhfoodpack@njlc-fh.org to have her sign you up.
Together, we can ensure no child goes hungry.
Toiletries and Shoelaces
The small basket is still available at the base of New Journey’s “red door” for your donations of small (unopened) toiletries from your travels, as well as toiletries or athletic shoelaces you might purchase along the way, for refugees processed through LSS-SW in Phoenix on their way to new homes across the nation.
Save the Date: Building Foundations Luncheon 2025
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest will host their annual “Building Foundations” Luncheon on February 27, 2025, from 11:30-1:00 at the Marriott Phoenix Airport. We’ll look forward to carpools to support New Journey’s participation in the luncheon.
NEVC unites for Lenten Challenge
Northeast Valley Consortium unites for ELCA Region 2 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge: Watch this space for news about how you can participate through a choice of accessible options in support of spiritual growth, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission water project, or other activities related to water – all framed by Isaiah 58:11, “a watered garden.”
(There’s good fun ahead!)
Lutheran Day at the Legislature
Lutherans and friends of Lutherans from across the state will gather at the Arizona Capitol in Wesley Bolin Plaza for a day of advocacy on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm to learn, to witness, and voice our common needs in the public square, activating our faith in love.
“I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening)” Book Study this February
The Christian Education team invites you to participate in an “all church read” of the book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations authored by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth A. Silvers and join us for discussion on the book’s content and learnings from a faith perspective.
December Council Meeting Minutes
To read the approved December Congregation Council meeting minutes, click here.
If you have questions, please contact any member of the Congregation Council.
Pastor’s Pen: January 2025
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”
-Jesus of Nazareth, Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:7
On January 21, at the inaugural interfaith service in the in the Washington National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Marianne Budde stepped into that massive pulpit and preached a sermon on unity.
UPDATED 2024 Annual Meeting & Report
We have updated the report to include some last-minute additions, specifically incorporating input from the Archives and Audit Committee.
Join us after worship on Sunday, January 26, 2025 for our 2024 Annual Meeting. During this meeting, we will vote on the mission plan, elect new congregation council members, and address other church business.
Bucket List for January 2025
January is a month of fresh beginnings and new opportunities. As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to set some meaningful goals and make the most of the winter season. Whether you're looking to embrace the cold or find cozy indoor activities, here's a bucket list to help you enjoy January to the fullest with our New Journey community.
Community Blood Drive
We are excited to announce Fountain Hills & Noon Kiwanis first community blood drive of 2025, taking place on January 24-25! This event is held in conjunction with the Rotary Health Fair at the Community Center on January 25.
Save the Date: Bishop Hutterer Visits NJLC on February 2
Mark your calendars because on Sunday, February 2 Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer is joining New Journey Lutheran Church for worship and fellowship. Bishop Deborah will preach and preside over communion. Following worship, join us for a light lunch, fellowship, and relationship-building with our Synodical Bishop.
Help Us Stay Connected in 2025!
As we welcome the new year, we want to ensure that our church directory is up-to-date so we can stay connected with each and every one of you. Your contact information helps us keep you informed about all the wonderful events, announcements, and activities happening in our community.
We kindly ask you to take a few moments to update your contact details for the 2025 directory.
Food for Kidz Volunteer Sign Up
Join us in making a difference by volunteering for the Food for Kidz event on February 26. Core Volunteers and Food Packer Volunteers are essential to the success of this event, helping with tasks such as unloading the truck, setting up tables, and packing meals.
Social Ministry Update | Jan 2025
Happy New Year! We're excited to share our social ministry updates for January:
5th Sunday Letters, January 12th
Family Promise Week, February 2-9
Northeast Valley Consortium
Arizona Faith Network
Please Check Expiration Dates
As we continue to support our neighbors through the Extended Hands Food Bank, we want to ensure that all donations are safe and beneficial for those in need. One important way you can help is by checking the expiration dates on food items before donating them.
Mission Support Thank You Video from Bishop Hutterer
Please watch this special thank you video from Bishop Hutterer. In this message, Bishop Hutterer expresses heartfelt gratitude for New Journey’s support and dedication to our mission within the Synod.