This Advent, we enter a season of holy reflection in a series called Toward the Light: Where God’s Story Meets Our Own. Each week we will explore how God is at work in the lives of the people in Scripture—and in our lives as well—through particular pattern of movement: From-Through-To. Our stories are full of moments when God leads us from one way of being or believing, through an experience or season that shapes us, and to a transformed place of hope, courage, or joy.

This Advent, we enter a season of holy reflection in a series called Toward the Light: Where God’s Story Meets Our Own. Each week we will explore how God is at work in the lives of the people in Scripture—and in our lives as well—through particular pattern of movement: From-Through-To. Our stories are full of moments when God leads us from one way of being or believing, through an experience or season that shapes us, and to a transformed place of hope, courage, or joy.

This week we hear Elizabeth’s story—a movement from shame, through God’s gracious blessing, to deep and lasting joy. Her experience invites us to notice where God’s grace is meeting us in hidden or tender places. In every season, God’s grace leads us toward joy and belonging.

As we worship, our services will follow this same movement of “from–through–to,” inviting us to listen deeply, notice where we have been, and watch for the light of Christ breaking in—guiding us toward God’s promised future.

• Presiders: Pastor Sean Avery
• Assisting Minister: AbieLiz L.
• Liturgist: Pastor Elsa
• Children's Message: Kelly M.
• Readers: Sarah D. & Nancy H.
• Pianist: Nancy W.
• Communion Assistant: Jim H.
• Altar Care: Lori S.
• Acolyte: Peter W.
• Cross-bearer: Noah B.
• Gifts-bearer: Jack S.
• Ushers: Karen P. & Sue W.

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.

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Joy Lutheran Church as we gather to welcome the good news of Christ’s birth with wonder and community. Join us at 5:30pm for an all-ages service designed to engage children and adults through storytelling, song, and candlelight. At 8:00pm, gather outside around a bonfire for a candlelit service that invites joy and celebration under the winter sky. Fifty percent of our Christmas Eve offering will support the Chugiak–Eagle River Food Pantry. All are welcome – came as you are and share in the joy of Christmas!

Come join Pastor Sean for a simple pancake breakfast & Christmas sing-along. Come as you are - even in pajamas!

If anybody is willing to bring their griddles for us to use we would appreciate it!  

We have a few items that have been collected from the sanctuary. If you are missing a little girls purse, eye glasses or a bracelet, please contact Ericka in the office to identify so that we can get these back to their owners

If you’re looking for a way to get into the Bible in the new year, watch for the launch of a new Enter the Bible podcast in January. “The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary” will guide you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today.

Each episode of Bible in a Year will focus on one or two books of the Bible in fun, engaging, and authentic conversations between Luther Seminary faculty and guest Bible scholars who are experts on the book(s) in question.

The podcast will drop a new episode each Wednesday in 2026, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation. Each of the 52 episodes includes a brief overview of the book’s themes, authorship, context, and notable passages. 

Get ready for “The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary” and watch for your opportunity to subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

We are adding a little extra sparkle to our outdoor Christmas Eve service — and we need your creativity!

We’re inviting everyone to make and bring ice luminaries to set up in our parking lot to help create a beautiful, glowing winter wonderland.

Ice luminaries are simple, fun, and a great activity for all ages. Make one, make a few — the more the merrier! On Christmas Eve, we’ll place them around the church parking lot and watch as they shine together, reminding us of the light of Christ coming into the world.

Bring your luminaries with you to the service, and our team will help set them out.

Let’s fill the night with light, joy, and community!

See flyer for upcoming Grief Support Groups sessions at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

As we prepare (because it's never too early) for our Annual Ministry Celebration in February, we’re gathering photos from the past year to showcase the amazing moments and memories from our church family!

If you’ve captured pictures from any ministry events, gatherings, or special occasions, please share them with us. 

Deadline:We will take them through December
Submit to: admin@joy-lutheran.com (please include a short note as to what the photo is about)

Let’s celebrate all that God has done through our ministries this year—together!

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.

*Reminder that Sunday School does not meet on Brunch Sundays (2nd Sunday of each month)*

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.

*Reminder that Confirmation Class does not meet on 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. You can donate online via our webpage. 

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. 

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 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!

**Please note that there is no Sunday School or Confirmation class on Brunch Sundays

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!

We gather on the second Saturday of each month to take care of various tasks around the church. All are welcome to lend a hand—no experience needed! Coffee is ready by 9:00 AM, so come early, pitch in, and enjoy some fellowship.
For more information, please contact Nancy H.

 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.

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 

• Corrine F.  (for strength)
• Zoe D. (Kathy Huntington’s niece diagnosed with AML-Acute myeloid leukemia. Prayers for healing, strength, and peace)
• Judy (Christy Dailey's mom for strength and healing)
• Gina S. (strength while enduring brain cancer and difficult life decisions)
• Clarke H. (prayers for continued healing)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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

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.

We wanted to share a quick update—both Ericka and Pastor Sean have new email addresses!

Pastor Sean: pastorsean@joy-lutheran.com.

Ericka Stotlenberg (Church office): admin@joy-lutheran.com.

Thank you for staying connected and being part of the Joy community!

Blessings,
Pastor Sean & Ericka