Pastor Elizabeth Gallen
Pastor Elizabeth Gallen was called to serve New Journey Lutheran Church on February 16, 2021, and was installed as pastor on March 16, 2021. She completed her Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota with an emphasis in Congregational Leadership and Mission in May 2020.
Prior to stepping into her role at New Journey, Pastor Elizabeth served as a Youth and Family ministry leader in a Lutheran congregation in Southern California and currently serves as a board member of The Lydian Way, a faith-based non-profit in Saint Paul, MN.
She has a deep interest in the future of the church, and in developing spiritual practices that encourage and deepen communal response to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in the world. “We get to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, and the Holy Spirit is alongside us encouraging us to love, exercise creativity, and seek justice and peace in a broken world. I am thrilled to join the New Journey community and wonder together how the Holy Spirit is beckoning us forward to as emissaries of God’s love, justice, and peace.”
Pastor Elizabeth and her spouse, Stephen have been partnered for nine years and have two children: Amelia and Oliver. Their family is excited to join New Journey and grow in relationship with the congregation and broader community.
James Asmus
Jamie joined New Journey’s staff in June 2018. Jamie has church musician experience from numerous Episcopal, Catholic, and Lutheran churches. Jamie has lived and taught music in Sioux Falls, SD; Scottsbluff, NE; and Tempe, AZ.
He has been a music teacher for 31 years. In addition, he has also been a church organist and choir director (children, adults, and bell) for 39 years.
Jamie graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Education with a major in vocal music and a minor in organ.
Susan Brahs
Susan joined New Journey’s staff in February 2022. As the Communication Coordinator, she works to develop and produce all aspects of the church’s print and online communications and marketing. She has been an administrative and marketing assistant for over twenty years. She is originally from Raleigh, NC then moved to Phoenix, AZ.
In addition to work, she volunteers with the Arizona Humane Society, Society for Creative Anachronism, and is a co-leader of her daughter’s girl scout troop. For the past two years, she has also been a homeschool teacher.
Susan and her spouse, Donald have been partnered for fourteen years and have two children: Grace and Nathaniel, and four dogs.