We have been blessed over the last couple of years to be surrounded by the art installation, An Aramaic Lord’s Prayer as we worship, hold our meetings, eat together, do yoga, and practice singing. This art will return to Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale on Monday, November 18. Words of deep gratitude to artist Jill Lawrence for allowing us to hold this work around us, even as we’ve discovered that it has held us over the last couple of years. It’s hard to imagine our worship space without the vibrant Crab Nebulae behind the altar, or the elegant heron and the dancing trees on our side wall. I have to admit that when I heard that it was time for this art to move on, my first thought … [Read more...]
Pastor Adele’s Message – September 30, 2019
Last week I visited two shelters in Nogales, Mexico, with a group from the Grand Canyon Synod. During New Journey's worship yesterday, I shared my experience.Here’s what I saw: women and children (a few men too) living in cement slab shelters while they wait for their numbers to come up for an asylum interview. In one of the shelters, bunk beds were stacked in each room and children slept of the cement floors. There was electricity only in the kitchen. Clothes were laid out on the roof top to dry. Paintings done by the children were fixed to the wall of the common room. Another shelter did have electricity so there were fans blowing in each room to move the stifling hot air. … [Read more...]
Pastor Adele’s Message – August 31, 2019
As many of you already know, the ELCA voted to be a "sanctuary church body" at the Churchwide Assembly in Wisconsin. You will hear me speak what it means and doesn’t mean in my sermon that follows this note. For a fuller explanation, click on this link: What Does Becoming a Sanctuary Denomination mean for the ELCA? You will likely not be surprised to know that I have heard two different responses to this action. In a nutshell, they go like this: “I am so proud of our ELCA for doing this;” and, “using the word sanctuary was a mistake.” So a couple of words about both responses and then an invitation. I, too, am proud of our denomination for publicly identifying with the plight of immigrants … [Read more...]
Pastor Adele’s Message – July 31, 2019
Often when pastors get together in summer months, they comment on how financial giving has dropped as people take vacation and their hope that once again this year giving will increase in the Fall to make up for the summer. I am happy to let you know that we have experienced no such drop this year. Because of your commitment and faithful giving, our income is slightly ahead of our expenses through the first six months of the year. Please take a look at the financial summary provided by New Journey’s Treasurer, Elaine Pameditis. Thank you for your regular giving that allows us to meet our expenses for the building in which we worship and the ministry that continues year-round. And thank you … [Read more...]
Pastor Adele’s Message – June 30, 2019
At the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly this past week, we learned of an outreach ministry of a congregation in Las Vegas that I’d like to share with you. It is called the Blue Stone Ministry. Here’s how it works: A congregation places little blue stones in their baptismal font. When members pass the font, they are invited to take a couple of blue stones and carry them at all times. When they meet someone, whether friend or stranger, who is having a difficult time in their life, they hand that person a blue stone and say the following: “Please take this blue stone and carry it with you. Let it remind you that God loves you and I love you (or care about you- if you prefer) and I will keep you in … [Read more...]