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This Week at New Spirit – March 17, 2026

This Week at New Spirit Lutheran Church | March 17, 2026

This is the first “This Week at New Spirit” post we are putting online. This weekly email will replace the monthly newsletter. In these posts you will find a brief weekly reflection from me, a quote or summary from the previous Sunday’s sermon, upcoming Sunday information, a highlight of our life together, upcoming events, and more. We have found that many are simply not reading the monthly newsletter. Our hope is that by breaking down the information that would have normally been in the newsletter into more manageable pieces more people will be better informed.

From Sunday’s Message

“Pastor, are you saying that Jesus says the kingdom of God belongs to the lowest rung of society? To people that we so often try to Alienate and push away and ignore and are vulnerable and are abused, are nameless. Yes, but it’s not me saying it, it’s Jesus saying it.”

Link to Sermon Blog: Jesus Welcomes the Vulnerable

This Sunday at New Spirit

  • Scripture: John 8:2-11 and Matthew 23:23
  • Theme: The good news is. . .rooted in justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
  • Worship Time Reminder: Sundays at 10:00 AM (in person and online)

Come and Hear the Good News of Jesus! This Sunday we gather around God’s Word with a reminder that grace meets us in real life. Whether you’ve been at New Spirit for years or are thinking about visiting for the first time, you are welcome here.

Life at New Spirit

One of the regular themes I have heard since my time at New Spirit, and truthfully since I have been involved in the church, communication is often something that can be improved. As we know how we communicate changes over time. There are many suggestions and “systems” out there for church communication. It can seem overwhelming! Here is the overview of communication will now flow at New Spirit, and as always, we may need to modify to make sure we are being as effective as possible with our communications.

Our main communication channels will be:

  • Website – Information hub.
  • Social Media (Facebook and Instagram) – Photos, event updates, etc.
  • Weekly Email – Primary communication for members.
  • Sunday Spoken Announcements – Brief highlights of past events and immediate opportunities/needs, these are also included in the livestream service.
  • Sunday Bulletin – Primary printed communication source.

I am looking for folks that are willing to help oversee and manage the communications of New Spirit. If you are interested in this effort please contact me. – Pastor Hartman

Upcoming Opportunities

  • Holy Week Schedule –Holy Week is March 29 – April 5.
  • March 29 – Palm/Passion Sunday, Worship service at 10:00 am.
  • April 2 – Maundy Thursday, 6:00pm worship service.
  • April 3 – Good Friday, our evening service at 6:00pm, Tenebrae worship service
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday, Worship service at 10:00 am.

Prayer Requests (Partially from ELCA Prayer Ventures)

  • “For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:8-9). Lent can feel dark and dispiriting when we reflect on human inadequacy and Jesus’ suffering and death, but the promise that we are children saved by the love of the risen Christ is good news. Give thanks and praise to God!
  • Pray that the Spirit will guide and inspire those across the church who are planning the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, as well as the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event, the tAble event for youth living with disabilities, and the Young Adult Gathering.
  • Pray for leaders who serve on the ELCA Church Council as they gather to enable and support our church for doing God’s work in the world with thoughtfulness, integrity, respect, and through partnerships with denominations and organizations that share a common vision.
  • Pray for New Spirit Lutheran Church that we may continue to be God’s presence in our part of Tucson. May we continue to follow where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
  • Praise God for our siblings in Christ around the world who are of the same loving Creator, redeemed by Jesus Christ and united in a global community of faith nourished and sustained by the Spirit. Pray that God will help us discover new ways to work together, share resources and nurture leaders to share the gospel and serve our neighbors in need — everywhere.(To be part of the email Prayer Chain contact Nancy in the Office or Brenda Feller. The email Prayer Chain is where specific individual prayer requests are distributed.)

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