New Covenant Lutheran Church
15152 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-860-0169
E-Weekly Newsletter
July 28, 2022 - August 4, 2022
This Sunday: 
"Sent"
Matthew 5:14-16; 10:7-8


Good afternoon,

One week from Monday (08/08), the Preschool and Kindergarten will open for the first day of school. That means that we are getting ready for the new school year. A part of that preparation is deep cleaning and preparing the staff with training. I think that this is a great image for us as the body of Christ. As we await the coming of our Lord Jesus, how are we preparing? Do we need to do some deep cleaning – on a personal level? And of the many things that have helped to form us into who we are as children of God, what should we be practicing? Are there specific practices and teachings that would be helpful?
 
I think that we are ready and prepared for some deep cleaning and training as a congregation. Last week I shared with you our congregational values (thank you for filling out the questionnaire!). They are Prayer, Worship and Scripture – Integrity, Community, and Family. Why are these important and how can we practice them?
 
I believe that the book of Philippians is an entry into the most essential practices and teachings of Jesus which have been embodied in this letter that Paul wrote to the young churches in Philippi. Beginning August 14, we will begin a Series on the book of Philippians. Let’s take a closer look at our values, our mission and how the Holy Spirit is leading us. I have called this series, “I Rejoice…Now You Rejoice!” I hope you will join us for this look into the early churches.
 
Meanwhile this Sunday, we will finish up our series on the book, “Surprise the World.” Join us as we study the focus on the 5th principle, “Send!” If you want to read ahead, take a look at Matthew 5:14-16; 10:7-8 for this Sunday.
 
In the meantime, remember our call for letters for Ellie! Ellie Kalogeris, daughter of Chris and Becky will have open-heart surgery next Thursday, so bring in your letters of love, prayer and support for her! We will make sure that she gets them!
 
See you Sunday!
Pastor Steve




  • Prayers of thanksgiving that Aurien Preiss’ half-sister, Kayla Mertz's brain tumor has not grown or changed. She is still debating on surgery for relief of her back pain.
  • Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss' mom, is having continuing health issues due to aging. Prayers for improvement.
  • Erin Peterson, a friend of the Durkee's, is recovering from a mountain bike accident. Prayers for continued healing.
  • Continued prayers for Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, as he begins chemotherapy treatment.
  • Prayers for the family of Howie Wennes, including his wife Mary, and children, Steph and Tim,as they mourn his passing.
  • Prayers for strength and healing for the Stenehjem family following a bad car accident involving Mya, her Grandma Margie, and her Aunt Jan. Updates are being posted to https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/margiejanandmya
  • Jonathan Liebman, a friend of Jeff Allback, who had been struggling with ALS passed away last week. Prayers of comfort for the family and friends of Jonathan, including his wife, Debbie, as they mourn his passing.
  • Mary Cole's surgery went well! Prayers of thanksgiving and that she has a quick recovery.
  • Ellie Kalogeris is having open heart surgery on August 4. Prayers that the surgery goes well and she has a speedy recovery.
  • Darren, Laurie Gerlach's brother, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He began 8 weeks of radiation treatments today, July 28. Prayers for successful treatments.
  • Prayers for Ron and Phyllis Ostrand as they mourn the loss of their cousin, Cindy Katris.
  • Prayers for strength and continued healing for Bonnie Straley as she recovers from COVID.
  • Prayers for Bonnie Straley’s brother, Larry, who has Parkinsons; Len with diabetes, blood clots and depression; and Daphne and Cassidy who need God’s guidance. 
  • Dianne Shaw-Cummins had a successful surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. Prayers for continued healing following the surgery.
  • Cammy Dees was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. Prayers for continued improvement with her treatment plan.
  • Dana Engstrom, the preschool director, is battling Long COVID. Her parents are both unwell. Prayers for healing for her family.
  • Lol Walker, Patti and Nancy’s mother, is at home under hospice care. Prayers for her and her family.
  • Stephen Parrish, a family friend of Judy Shelton, is dealing with a brain tumor. Prayers for comfort and healing.
  • Gloria, Monica Cunningham’s mother, is struggling with her new living arrangement. Prayers for peace.
  • Continued prayers for Randall, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, as he continues his cancer treatment.
  • Bob, the husband of Ron Ostrand’s cousin Paula, had COVID and was hospitalized for 16 weeks. He is home on oxygen but not doing well with damaged lungs and a heart condition. Prayers for healing. 
  • Diane Springer, a friend of Amy Saunders, has recently been diagnosed with cancer. 
  • Roger Dunlap, Lorraine’s husband, has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. He is improving slowly.
  • Tracey, Ron & Phyllis Ostrand’s daughter, is suffering from depression. Prayers for relief.
  • Carl, a friend of Laurie Gerlach, has terminal pancreatic cancer. Prayers for Carl and Linda as they work with doctors to find the best treatment plan.