Notes of Joy for February 1st
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Joy Lutheran Church
Notes of Joy for February 1st
Office Hours

Office Hours

4th Sunday after Epiphany

4th Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday February 1st @ 9:30am

For more infomation visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqImVIb9hYrolsfnEnxREUc6MJElb8A7/view?usp=sharing

Worship Bulletin

Worship Volunteers

Sunday February 1st

  • Presiders: Pastor Sean Avery
  • Assisting Minister: 
  • Children's Message: 
  • Readers: Karen J.  [open]
  • Pianist: Nancy W.
  • Communion Assistant: Jan O.
  • Altar Care: Nancy W.
  • Acolyte: Arden P.
  • Cross-bearer: Peter W.
  • Gifts-bearer: [open]
  • Ushers: Karen J. & [open]

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.

Don't Miss These!

Don't Miss These!

Strategic Planning Update

Strategic Planning Update

Last Focus Group This Sunday February 1st after worship

As part of our Strategic Planning process, we are holding focus groups to intentionally listen to the voices of our congregation. These conversations are an important way for us to understand why the survey results are meaningful to you, what you value most about our church, and where you feel God may be calling us next. We thank you for being willing to participate and share your time, thoughts, and experiences—your input truly matters.

Each focus group will begin with prayer, grounding our conversation in faith and reminding us that this work is about discernment, not decision-making. The goal is to create a safe, respectful space where participants can speak openly and honestly. We will ask guiding questions and, when helpful, invite you to go a little deeper by asking follow-up questions such as “Tell me more” or “What does that mean to you?” This helps us better understand not just what you think, but why you feel that way.

As we listen, we may rephrase questions or adjust the flow of conversation to ensure clarity and comfort. Notes will be taken carefully, using your words as much as possible, so that the feedback shared reflects the true voice of the congregation. Those facilitating the focus groups are there to guide discussion—not to share personal opinions—so the focus remains on listening and learning. Together, these conversations will help inform thoughtful, prayerful planning for the future of our church.

Questions? contact Strategicplanning@joy-lutheran.com 

Kid's  Closet | February 1st

Kid's Closet | February 1st

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
News and Information

News and Information

2026 Spending Plan Questions?

2026 Spending Plan Questions?

Meet with our Treasurer!

Sue W. will be available Sunday February 8th after worship for anyone who would like to go over the 2026 proposed spending plan prior to our Annual Ministry Meeting the following week February 15th.

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

2026 Annual Minitstry Celebration

Join us for our annual Minisitry Celebration Sunday February 15th following worship. 

A Meaningful Way to Serve

A Meaningful Way to Serve

Become a Member of the Joy Council

Serving on Church Council is a meaningful way to support our ministry through leadership, administrative decision-making, and strategic planning. Council members provide guidance for the mission and direction of the church, including strategic planning, financial oversight, and support for the staff and ministry teams. We value a variety of perspectives and invite you to consider participating in this shared work. Our constitution allows for up to 12 council members, serving 3-year terms. We will vote on new council members at our Annual Celebration on February 15th. Council meets once a month for about two hours to guide the ongoing work of the church. If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to be considered, please talk with Pastor Sean or any council member.

 

Updated Email Addresses for Joy Lutheran Communication

Updated Email Addresses for Joy Lutheran Communication

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

Pastor Sean: pastorsean@joy-lutheran.com.

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

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

Blessings,
Pastor Sean & Ericka 

Looking for LEGOs

Looking for LEGOs

Pastor Sean is looking for used LEGOs for a Confirmation project. Do you have some stored somewhere that you're willing to donate to Joy?  These are specifically the smaller legos not duplos or larger legos. They can be from any variety of sets or just a bin of miscellanous LEGOs! Please let him know (pastorsean@joy-lutheran.com). 

2025 Giving Statements

2025 Giving Statements

The 2025 Giving Statements have been emailed. If you did not recieve an email please check your spam folder. If you still have not recieved it or need adjustments made please contact Ericka in the office. 

2026 Offering Envelopes

2026 Offering Envelopes

If you are wanting to use offering envelopes they are located on the counter under the TV in the narthex. 

Synod Monthly Prayer Partners

Synod Monthly Prayer Partners

February- Joy prays for: Christ Lutheran Church - Fairbanks | St. Mark Lutheran Church-Anchorage prays for Joy

Christ Lutheran Prayer Request: Currently we are in the Call Process; praying for that would be amazing; and have a part time Interim Pastor. 

Each month, Joy will pray for another ELCA congregation, as part of the Synod Prayer Partner mission. 

It’s simple, and it’s powerful. We lift up their joys, their challenges, their ministries—and the same is done for us. In this way, we remember that God’s work doesn’t stop at our doors. We are part of something bigger: a church that stretches across towns, states, even countries, united in prayer and love.

We invite each of you to join in. Let’s be faithful in holding our partner congregation before God, trusting that God is holding us in return. This is our prayer for one another, and for the world God loves.

 

 We Need Your Photos!

We Need Your Photos!

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. 

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!

Regularly Scheduled Events

Regularly Scheduled Events

Saturday Work Group

Saturday Work Group

Saturday, February 7, 2026

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.

For more infomation visit:

http://joy-lutheran.com/events/saturday-work-group--114/2026-02-07

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Sunday School

Sunday School

**Reminder that there is no Sunday school on the 2nd Sunday of ea. month

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

Confirmation

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

Holy Grounds

Monday's @8:30 am

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. 

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

  • For Christ Lutheran (Soldotna), our January Prayer Partner.
  • Swain-Kotlarchuk family as they mourn the loss of Donald, Kristi's father.
  • 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)
  • 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.)
  • Justin Dailey (Chris Dailey’s brother, for continued strength and healing)
  • Diana Flaherty (for pain and healing)
  • Stella Scamman (Kristi Swain’s aunt)
  • For all those who continue to grieve the loss of loved ones.
  • 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