This Week at New Spirit
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
A message from Pastor Hartman
Dear New Spirit family,
On All Saints Sunday, we remembered people who shaped our lives and people whose absence we still feel. I also asked us to look around: the room was full of saints.
All Saints is not only about the people who came before us. It is about what we do with the time we have.
My great-grandfather’s family story about standing up to a line-cutter—who, according to the story, happened to be Al Capone—reminds me that courage often begins in ordinary moments.
This week, as we consider how we will care for our neighbors and sustain our shared ministry, I hope we will remember: we are continuing a story of love.
In grace,
Pastor Hartman
Sunday’s message: The Saints Are Still Here
We held grief and resurrection hope together, remembered the “great cloud of witnesses,” and heard a challenge: What are we going to do in the dash between the dates of our lives?
Read the sermon reflection on the New Spirit website when published, or join us as we continue the conversation at Bible study.
Thank you for Trunk ‘n’ Treat
Thank you to everyone who decorated, donated, baked, welcomed guests, shared treats, helped with logistics, and made our October 31 Trunk ‘n’ Treat possible.
Families enjoyed a joyful evening together despite the rainy weather.
We are grateful for the chance to offer our neighborhood a place of warmth, hospitality, and connection—and for new relationships that can continue beyond one event.
We Show Up: building a sustainable future
Generations before us invested in New Spirit so ministry could continue. That generosity helped make renewal possible. Now we have the chance to strengthen our financial future so our congregation can serve our neighborhood for years to come.
Over the past four years, New Spirit has relied on approximately $150,000 annually, on average, from supplemental sources including the endowment. That level of reliance is not sustainable.
Our four-year plan works toward closing that gap.
For 2027, the congregation-wide goal is to increase regular giving by 15–25%: approximately $28,000 in additional annual giving at the starting goal, with a stretch goal of about $47,000.
This is a goal for the whole congregation, not a request that each household increase its own giving by that percentage. Participation looks different for every person and family, and everyone belongs regardless of financial circumstances.
Commitment Sunday is November 15.
During worship, those who wish to participate will be invited to bring forward a Commitment Card. Please prayerfully consider what is possible for you.
We give as a response to God’s grace, not out of guilt or pressure.
Second Saturday Blessings: a Thanksgiving feast
Saturday, November 14, New Spirit is preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal for more than 150 neighbors.
The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, rolls, and pies.
We need people to prepare food and help make the meal possible.
Please use the sign-up sheet in the narthex or speak with Laurie Bernard.
If you are preparing stuffing or green bean casserole, ingredients will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 8.
Reimbursement is available for food purchases; please save receipts. Do not let the cost of ingredients keep you from volunteering.
Blessings in a Backpack: 400 children every week
New Spirit helps provide weekend food to 400 local children experiencing food insecurity.
Two raffles are opportunities to support this ministry.
Gift Card Raffle
Tickets are $1, and the drawing is November 15. Prizes include a $50 Fry’s gift card and two $20 First Watch cards.
Jim Click’s Millions for Tucson Raffle
Tickets are $25 or five for $100. The drawing is December 10, and the grand prize is a 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Roush Edition.
Tickets for both raffles are available through Laurie Bernard or Nancy in the church office. The Jim Click raffle must be purchased through participating charities.
A school supply need we are listening to
We continue conversations with local school staff about practical supply needs, including paper towels and toilet paper.
Thank you for responding when the need was announced.
(UPDATE: As we were preparing to publish this page it was confirmed that we have enough funding to fulfill this need!!!!!!)
Worship, prayer, and study
Sunday worship: November 8 at 10:00 a.m., in person at 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, and online.
Wednesday Pray Without Ceasing: 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study: 10:00 a.m.
You do not need to have all the answers to join the conversation.
Prayer requests
Please remember people who are mourning, children and families facing hunger, educators and students, those experiencing loneliness, our worship and music transition, and those without someone to pray for them.
You may send prayer requests through the New Spirit Pray without Ceasing webpage.
This week’s spiritual practice: Continue the Story
Continue the Story: Remember someone whose life shaped yours. Name the gift or value they passed on. Then carry it forward through one concrete act of love or courage this week.
One name. One story. One action.
New Spirit Lutheran Church
8701 E. Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, Arizona
Faith for Real Life
