New Covenant Lutheran Church
15152 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-860-0169
E-Weekly Newsletter
July 14, 2022 - July 21, 2022
This Sunday: 
"A Jesus Shaped Life"
Romans 1:1-6

Good afternoon, friends!

Yesterday, I received word that one of our former members, Howie Wennes had passed away. Howie and Mary were members here at New Covenant during my first 6 years. In 2001, he retired as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod and he and Mary moved to California, to be closer to family. Yes, for those who may not have been around during those years, Rev. Howie Wennes was my boss! But what a boss he was…
 
I remember having breakfast with Howie, the morning after I had interviewed for the call to New Covenant. He was gregarious with his laughter and encouraging with his words. He said that our children would love living here in the Southwest – where they could be outside all the time. How true his words were and how infectious his love was. Howie was always a faithful servant to God!
 
Mary is a person of great gifts and ability too! She is a highly gifted educator and an amazing advocate for justice. But now she needs our prayers, our love, and our support. Even if you never had the pleasure of knowing this amazing couple, I hope that you will pray for Mary, for their children, Tim and Steph and for their families.
 
Well, last Sunday I shared with you one of my favorite pastimes! Eating – but not just eating but eating with others. There is something sacred about a dinner table when we use it to invite others to join us to break bread together. This week, your challenge is to invite three people to join you at your dinner table. One person from the church, one person from outside of the church and then a third person who can come from the church or not. Let’s share what we are experiencing by blessing and eating with others.
 
This Sunday let’s look at Romans 1:1-6 as we focus on learning about Jesus. There are two reasons for us to learn about Jesus. One reason is to build us up spiritually. The second is to serve the world with the love of Jesus. But how can we serve Jesus to the world if we don’t know anything about him? Let’s take a look to see who we can learn more about Jesus.
 
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
 
Pastor Steve


  • Prayers for the family of Howie Wennes, including his wife Mary, and children, Steph andTim,as they mourn his passing.
  • 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. 
  • Jodi Levell's brother, Robert Levell Jr, passed away on Monday June 27th. Prayers for his wife, Marilyn, and family as they mourn his passing.
  • Dianne Shaw-Cummins had a successful surgery to remove a benign brain tumor and has also developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Prayers for continued strength, peace, comfort, and healing.
  • Cammy Dees was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. Prayers for continued improvement with her treatment plan.
  • April Rose Tiwana, Cleofe Hannon's sister, had surgery in the Philippines for a large ovarian cyst. Prayers for good news, comfort and healing.
  • Dana Engstrom, the preschool director, is battling Long COVID. Her parents are both unwell. Prayers for healing for her family.
  • Darren, Laurie Gerlach's brother, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is to begin radiation treatments soon. Prayers the treatments go well.
  • 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.
  • Cindy Katris, Ron Ostrand’s cousin, has multiple brain tumors. Two were removed, the third cannot be surgically removed and is cancerous -- she is undergoing chemo and radiation treatments.
  • Gloria, Monica Cunningham’s mother, is struggling with her new living arrangement. Prayers for peace.
  • Jonathan Liebman a friend of Jeff Allback has ALS. His health and abilities are getting progressively worse
  • Kent, a friend of Jeff Clarke and Debbie Campouris, is responding very well to cancer treatments.
  • 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.
  • Aurien Preiss continues to have elevated blood pressure. Prayers that her new medication will help.
  • Kayla Mertz, Aurien Preiss’ half-sister, is meeting with a neurosurgeon concerning back and brain surgeries. Prayers for discernment and the possibility for successful surgeries.
  • Carol McNulty, Aurien Preiss’ mother needs prayers for her care and help with dementia. 
  • 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.