With the holiday season approaching and the text/email scams that come with it. We wanted to remind you that Pastor Sean, Ericka and Joy Lutheran Church will never email or text you asking for money, gift cards, or favors. Please take caution during the holidays and every day!

Blessings,

Pastor Sean & Ericka

• Presider: Pastor Sean Avery
• Assisting Minister: 
• Readers: Karen P. & Sarah D.
• Pianist: Kathy H.
• Altar Care: Scooter B.
• Communion Assistant: Becky A.
• Acolyte: Arden P.
• Ushers: Scooter B. & Henry H.

*Bold and underlined names are unconfirmed volunteers

• Presider: Pastor Sean Avery
• Assisting Minister: Jim H.
• Readers: Nancy D. & Hazel S.
• Pianist: Kathy H.
• Altar Care: Scooter B.
• Communion Assistant: Karen J. 
• Acolyte: Jasper S.
• Ushers: Mark S. & Shontelle S.

We are always looking for volunteers, if you are called to serve in any way please contact Ericka at joylutheran@gmail.com for more information.

*Bold and underlined names are unconfirmed volunteers

We are in need of a few volunteers to  help move 10 tables from the narthex to Brause Hall for the Thanksgiving Blessings. Your help is appreciated!

What a blessing and honor it is that Joy Lutheran Church is able to be the host site for this amazing event. The distribution will take place on Monday November 25th 2pm-7pm. 

How can you help? 

Sign up to volunteer by either packing boxes, sorting food, or at the distribution itself by using the VOLUNTEER button below. 

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Dec. 1, so we'll need your help in putting up the big tree on Saturday, Nov. 30. Coffee will be on at 9am. We'll bring out the rest of the Christmas decorations, too; then add the ornaments and finish up on Sunday after the service.  Please note: There will be NO Saturday Work Group in December - this will take its place.

Beloved in Christ,

This week, the Board of Directors for the Joy Child Development Center (JCDC) made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily close the center for several months in order to reset and rebuild. After thoughtful discussion and prayer, the Board voted unanimously for a long-term closure to allow us the time needed to reassess, find an Executive Director, strengthen leadership and re-evaluate the operations of the center.

This decision comes after careful consideration of the challenges we have faced in recent months, and it is with deep commitment to the children and families we serve that we have chosen this path. Without an Executive Director we are not able to stay in compliance with all licensing regulations. Also, recent legislation eliminated some of the temporary solutions we had in place concerning the position. With the current interim Director going on maternity leave and having no other qualified staff to confidently maintain leadership and management, we decided to close.

The last several months have been difficult for families, staff, and Board members. The uncertainty and changing dynamics have caused stress for everyone.

Our goal is to reset, rebuild, and reopen JCDC in the spring with a new Executive Director and renewed energy on the Board. We know the need for childcare still exists in our community and we want to continue the Joy legacy of serving local families. In early 2025, we will begin developing a re-opening plan, reaching out to candidates for Executive Director, and spending time organizing and updating the center so it is ready. 

If you are interested in helping us achieve this goal and/or serving on the Board of Directors, please reach out to Pastor Sean.

In Peace,

The Rev. Sean Avery, Pastor

Heather Slocum, Council President

Chantal Hawk, JCDC Board President

Pastor Sean and Pastor Marcia will be offering a time of prayer to prepare for worship. We will meet in the sanctuary by the candle-lighting station. We will be using the meditation practice of Centering Prayer.

Please join us at 8:45am-9:15am and see how the Spirit moves!

Do you have  photos from events/minstries from Joy in 2024?? 

We would love to share your photos in our ministry packet. You can email them to: pastorseanavery@gmail.com or joylutheran@gmail.com

We are pleased and excited to announce that in the short time our Solar Panels have been up, they have produced almost a mega watt of power prior to moving into winter hibernation.  Dollar wise that is about $225 worth which would power an average house for a month, but the environmental savings in less fossil fuels burned is priceless.

Thank you again to all who committed their time, talents and energy into making this happen and we look forward to what is to come!

Open on the first Sunday of each month 1-3pm.

We are currently in need of boys and girls size 5 (pants and shirts)  Thank you all for your donations and help serving our community in this way, you are a huge part of the success of our ministry. 

Join us after worship for our church wide brunch following worship. All are welcome!

Please note that on Church Brunch Sundays there is not Sunday School (2nd sunday of each month)

Confirmation is a three-year program equipping young teenagers to engage more fully in their faith and say "yes" to God's good work in them. Students will study scripture and reflect with the pastor, youth leaders, and other adults in the congregation, learn about the Lutheran perspective on Christian faith, engage in service projects, and learn more about worship practices. 

At the end of the three years, students have the opportunity to affirm their baptism before the congregation  and then we throw a party to celebrate God's work of love and grace in their lives!

**Please note that there is no Confirmation on Church Brunch Sundays (2nd Sunday of each month)

Holy Grounds is a weekly gathering of high school youth at Jitters Café with Pastor Sean and other adult youth leaders. It’s an opportunity for fellowship, peer support, and faith formation before school hours over beverages at no cost to youth.

Please consider supporting this ministry with prayer and donations to cover the cost of beverages. 

Holy Grounds follows the ASD calendar, if there is no school on Monday, Holy Grounds does not meet. Please see the EVENTS page for up to date meetings. 

 Visit our website for information about our book club, including book titles, a full list of dates and locations.

Please join us!

Please contact the office on 907-694-9601 if you would like any more information.

Take part in Joy's newest group, Knit's of Joy, to knit and crochet much needed cold weather gear as well as prayer shawls for those who are sick or recovering. We will meet once a month (not mandatory) at the church to pray together and create beautiful items for our community. Annoucements will be made as to the date and time, as well as monthly themes.

If you have any questions click the Contact Laura button and she will reach out to you.

Community Meetings that take place here at Joy Lutheran Church. For more information please visit our website.

Narcotics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Alexis (Trudi's granddaughter, for strength for her studies)
• Layli (Trudi's granddaughter, for good decision making)
• People of Kotzebue (recovering from severe flooding)
• Dave Mitton (recovering from surgery)
• Kent & Victoria Rush, Wayne’s brother and sister-in-law (Kent is fighting cancer again.)
• Hegna Family (as they grieve the loss of Jonny).
• Julie Meyer (facing the uncertainty after suffering a stroke)
• Justin Dailey (Chris Dailey’s brother, for continued strength and healing)
• Bentson family (as they grieve the loss of Al Bentson)
• Reimer & Oistad family (as they grieve the loss of Gary)
• Lai Ming Reimer (as she recovers from a successful kidney transplant)
• Diana Flaherty (for pain and healing)
• Lisa Lind (healing, friend of Kristi Swain)
• Dick Prien and family (as they mourn the passing of Sharon)
• Stella Scamman (Kristi Swain’s aunt)
• Margie H. (for healing and recovery)
• Corrine Finnie (healing)
• Gwendolyn Roth (peace of mind and that she will know God is with her)
• Tom Clark (healing)
• For our active-duty military personnel, especially those serving in Alaska and our veterans.

Online: To sign up visit joy-lutheran.com/give

Cash/Check: You can place cash or check into the offering plate or send by mail.

Text-to-Give: Text "Give" to: (833) 685-5023

Joy Lutheran App: Coming Soon

Fred Meyer Community Rewards: Fred Meyer Community Rewards - Non Profit Organization BV101 Joy is enrolled in Fred Meyer's Community Rewards Program. You can link your Rewards Card to donate to Joy at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. Link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Joy Lutheran Church to earn a donation from Fred Meyer. If you do not have a Rewards Card, you can sign up for one at the Customer Service Desk of any Fred Meyer store.