New Covenant Lutheran Church
15152 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-860-0169
E-Weekly Newsletter
July 7, 2022 - July 14, 2022
This Sunday: 
"Changing the World, One Meal at a Time!"
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Last week I presented a challenge. This week in your prayers, ask God to reveal three people that you could bless. One person can be from your church friends, one needs to be from outside the church and the third one can be either/or. To bless people, you can share a word of affirmation, do an act of kindness to help them in some way (i.e., sweep the walkway of one’s house or babysit someone’s children to give them a break), or give an unexpected gift. These are the three options of blessing people. I’ll share with you a bit about my experience on Sunday, but I would love to hear from you as well. How is it going? If you haven’t done it yet, it is not too late to start. And if you want more background to this challenge, go to our podcasts and listen to last week’s sermon. (Podcast link)
 
This Sunday join us as we look at Michael Frost’s book, “Surprise the World.” This week we will focus on the theme of “Eat”. If you want to read ahead, look at Luke 14: 1, 7-14. Our theme will be “Changing the World, One Meal at a Time!” This is hospitality and one of the key methods that Jesus uses to share his gospel is by eating with people. The most receptive ones to this hospitality are the sinners and outcasts. What does that say to us as a church? I hope you will join me on Sunday in worship or online to explore this question.
 
The Board of Ministry has reviewed the new recommendations by the CDC for Maricopa County for increased masking requirements due to increased cases. The Board has taken the following actions:
1.     We are re-configuring the chairs to spread out once again to create more distance.
2.     We strongly encourage you to wear masks if you are at risk or feel safer with a mask on. Masks will still be optional. 
 
I am grateful for the opportunity to bless people this week and I hope that you will help to participate in this call to bless!
 
Pastor Steve

  • Prayers for strength and continued healing for Bonnie Straley, her grandsons Andrew and Aiden, and their parents as they recover from COVID-19.
  • 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.
  • Pat's granddaughter, Zoey George, broke her arm. Prayers for 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.
  • Maddie Levell -- prayers for healing and that her medications will work.
  • 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.