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Joy Lutheran Church
NEW! Notes of Joy August 24th
SUMMER Office Hours

SUMMER Office Hours

Joy Lutheran Staff have moved into our Summer Office Hours.

Please note the deadline for Notes of Joy and Bulletin annoucements is now on Wednesdays. 

Sunday Worship

Sunday Worship

Sunday August 24th @ 9:30AM

For more infomation visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gZXkeR5olpncolw3jf6MfxVxMPH4Zg4E/view?usp=sharing

WORSHIP BULLETIN

Worship Volunteers

Sunday August 24th

  • Presider: Pastor Sean Avery
  • Assisting Minister: 
  • Readers:  Hazel S. & Karen P.
  • Pianist: Kathy H.
  • Altar Care: Nancy W.
  • Communion Assistant: Becky A.
  • Acolyte: Peter W.
  • Ushers: Lois L. 

Thank you for serving in worship. Your faithfulness and heart for God help create a space where His presence is felt. Our Sundays are truly blessed with servants like you.

Upcoming Events

Sunday School Begins September 21st!

Sunday School Begins September 21st!

Ages toddlers through 5th grade are invited to Sunday School after worship in Brause Hall. We use Godly Play - a montessori based curriculum that involves engaging kids in storytelling and lots of "I wonder..." questions that help them explore the mystery of God's presence, listen for God, and authentically respond to God's call in our lives.

Confirmation Begins September 7th

Confirmation Begins September 7th

Confirmation Class for youth in grades 6 and up begins on Sunday, September 7th! Please register using the link below. If you have any questions, reach out to Pastor Sean.

For more infomation visit:

https://joy.elvanto.net/form/83fe55cf-554f-41f8-a2db-61b1ed079e19

REGISTER HERE
Strategic Planning Update

Strategic Planning Update

Mark September 14th on Your Calendars!

As we look toward our 50th anniversary in 2025, we are beginning an exciting process of discerning God’s vision for our future. To guide this work, a team of congregation members with different backgrounds, experiences, and strengths has come together to lead the project. Their diversity will be a great asset as we reflect on where we’ve been, who we are now, and how we can continue to serve God and our community. Partnering with LEAD, an ELCA-affiliated organization, this team will help us develop a clear mission, vision, and set of goals for the years ahead. With prayer, conversation, and input from the whole congregation, we look forward to discovering how God is calling us to grow and thrive together.
 
Our team members are: Laura R,. Henry H., Betty, V., Jim H., Jayme G., and Pastor Sean. 
 
JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 14TH TO MEET OUR CONSULTANT, JESSICA, IN-PERSON AT JOY! 

 

NEWS

Opportunities to Serve: Ushers Needed

Opportunities to Serve: Ushers Needed

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve at Joy? We are currently in need of usher volunteers to help create a welcoming and organized environment during our services.

Whether you're ready to jump in or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect with you! Please contact Pastor Sean or Ericka in the church office for more information.

Thank you for considering how you can be part of the team that helps make Sunday mornings run smoothly!

Please bring your water in on August 31st!

Please bring your water in on August 31st!

SUMMER FUN: FROM SHORE TO FONT | Grab some water from your travels!

This summer let’s celebrate our baptism using the waters of Alaska! Grab a container from church and collect water from your travels: rivers, lakes, harbors, or the ocean. Label it with your name and location, then return it to Joy. We’ll filter it and, in the fall, pour each one into our baptismal font—reminding us that though we come from many places and stories, we are one in Christ. Let’s make a splash of connection and faith this summer!

For more infomation visit:

http://joy-lutheran.com/news/summer-fun-from-shore-to-font

Read More
Unveiling Revelation

Unveiling Revelation

A 10-week Group Study - Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Unveiling Revelation: A 10-Week Study

What if the Book of Revelation isn’t about fear—but hope?

Join us for a 10-week group study where we explore the Book of Revelation not through sensational headlines or end-times predictions, but through careful, theological, and faithful interpretation.

In this study, we’ll move beyond cultural assumptions and discover what Revelation really says about God, justice, resistance, and hope—especially for communities living through turmoil and uncertainty.

This study is open to all who are curious, questioning, or even hesitant about Revelation. Whether you've read it before or avoided it entirely, you're welcome here. If you've ever felt unsettled, excluded, or harmed by how Revelation has been interpreted or weaponized, know that this space is safe for you. Together, we’ll seek clarity and hope in this powerful text.

When: Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, beginning September 9th
Where: Narthex @ Joy Lutheran Church
Let’s demystify Revelation together—and uncover its surprising message of renewal, not fear.

All are welcome. No prior experience required. Just bring your curiosity.

 

For more infomation visit:

http://joy-lutheran.com/events/unveiling-revelation/2025-09-09

Read More
Big news from Joy CDC!

Big news from Joy CDC!

We are excited to share that we have officially filled two classrooms. We now have a preschool room for ages 3-5 years and a toddler room serving our sweet 19 month to 3 year old kiddos. With this momentum, we are ready to hire more staff and open another classroom.

We currently have four teachers working in classrooms with children and are recruiting additional teachers through Thread, Indeed, and on Facebook.

Our community has shared that toddler care is in high demand here in Eagle River, so we worked with licensing and got approval to convert one of our preschool rooms into a 2-3 year old transition classroom. Our goal is to have it ready by October 1.

If you know someone who would love to work in an inclusive, play-based program, please send them our way. And if you feel called to support us in another way, we’ve included an Amazon wishlist to help furnish this new classroom with appropriately sized furniture and developmental toys to meet the needs of our younger learners.

We are incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors and the Joy Lutheran Church family for believing in our vision and cheering us on every step of this reopening journey! 

With gratitude,

Justice Hansen and Brittany Worsham

JCDC Directors

For more infomation visit:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S13ANYO1TNMR?ref_=wl_share

Amazon Wishlist link

REOCCURRING EVENTS

Kid's  Closet | September 7th

Kid's Closet | September 7th

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. 

 

For more infomation visit:

https://www.joy-lutheran.com/get-connected/pages/outreach-service

Read More | Visit our Website
Knits of Joy  | September 10th

Knits of Joy | September 10th

Meets in the Narthex @ 5:45pm | 2nd Wednesday of each month

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Come be part of a welcoming group that meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month to create cozy cold-weather gear and heartfelt prayer shawls for those in need.

We gather once a month at the church (attendance is flexible!) to share fellowship, lift each other up in prayer, and use our hands to bring comfort and warmth to our community. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just curious, there’s a place for you here.

Contact Laura R. for more information—we’d love to have you join us!

For more infomation visit:

https://joy.elvanto.net/form/71217d1e-1ca5-4e56-8e38-eded9945a446

Contact Laura R.
Saturday Work Group | September 13th

Saturday Work Group | September 13th

9:00am | 2nd Saturday of each month

Our work group will take a vacation in July; look for us again August 9. For more information, please contact Nancy Hemsath. Happy Summer!

Church Brunch | September 14th

Church Brunch | September 14th

Following worship | 2nd Sunday of each month

Join us right after worship for a laid-back, potluck-style brunch. Bring a dish if you’d like—or just bring yourself! There’ll be plenty of good food and great company. Everyone’s welcome, so come hang out and enjoy some tasty bites with us!

Joy of Reading Book Club

Joy of Reading Book Club

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month (unless noted)

 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.

For more infomation visit:

https://www.joy-lutheran.com/pages/fellowship-fun

Read More | Visit our Website
Community Meetings Here at Joy

Community Meetings Here at Joy

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

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) CLICK FOR PRINTABLE FLIER

Narcotics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous 

For more infomation visit:

https://www.joy-lutheran.com/get-connected/pages/community-page

Read More | Visit our Website
Prayer Concerns & Requests

Prayer Concerns & Requests

  • The Hegna Family (as the mourn the passing of Marsha’s brother, Mark)
  • Kaela W. (strength and courage for on-going treatment)
  • Mark S. (revovering from surgery)
  • Alicia R (healing and strength)
  • Family of Linda Ernst, including David, Jessica, Donna, and Pete (Pete's aunt) who recently passed away. 
  • Jeanean, Kevin, Noah & family (at the loss of Jeanean’s Mom)
  • Layli (Trudi's granddaughter, for good decision making)
  • Dave Mitton (for strength)
  • 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)
  • 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 Linds family (friend of Kristi Swain)
  • Dick Prien and family (as they mourn the passing of Sharon)
  • Stella Scamman (Kristi Swain’s aunt)
  • Corrine Finnie (healing)
  • For all military members and their families, especially those serving in Alaska and our veterans
Ways to Give

Ways to Give

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.

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10111 E. Eagle River Loop Rd.
Eagle River, AK
United States 99577

907.694.9601

admin@joy-lutheran.com