In worship this Sunday (9/8) we begin a new journey through the Bible using the Narrative Lectionary! We begin in Genesis, which literally means “beginning”. Over the next few months, the Old Testament stories we will read reveal a God of promise, relationship, mercy and new life. God’s faithfulness will shine through the rocky relationship with God’s covenant people. Even when promises are broken, God renews the promise again and again.

As we get closer to Advent, we will hear readings from the Old Testament prophets who look back on the history of Israel’s relationship with their Creator and forward toward the coming of the Messiah. God is then shown to us fully in this promised Messiah – Jesus – through whom comes hope for a redeemed world.

The Narrative Lectionary reading schedule helps the church see the arc of God’s unfolding story of love and redemption in Christ Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit across generations in the people whom God calls.

• Presider: Pastor Sean
• Assisting Minister:  
• Readers: Nancy H. & Hazel S.
• Pianist: Nancy W.
• Altar Care: Lori S.
• Communion Assistant: Jan O. 
• Acolyte: Jack S.
• Ushers: Sue W. & Heather S.

*Bold and underlined names are unconfirmed volunteers

• Presider: Pastor Sean
• Assisting Minister:  
• Readers: Nancy D & Blake P.
• Pianist: Kathy H.
• Altar Care: Wayne R.
• Communion Assistant: Becky A.  
• Acolyte: Harper P.
• Ushers: Sue W. & Henry H.

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

The Saturday Work Group will meet on Sept. 14, beginning with coffee at 9am and wrapping up no later than noon. We'll start by attacking our usual tasks, then talk more about some upcoming projects. Feel free to connect with Nancy Hemsath if you have questions or want to add a project to the list.

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. 

Pastor Sean and Pastor Marcia will be offering a time to prepare for worship. We will be using the meditation practice of Centering Prayer for twenty minutes and then there will be a time to sink into the Scripture for that Sunday together. Please come and join us and see how the Spirit moves!

The bible is complicated. We are going to explore some of the most common questions about the bible: Where did it come from? Who wrote it? Why are there so many translations? Why is it so complicated? Why do people interpret what the bible says differently? 

If you have these questions - you are not alone! This group study is for you. Come and join us. 

Come and join us for the Blessing of the Animals! After worship, we will meet in the front parking lot where Pastor Sean will offer a blessing for each pet (please keep your pet in your vehicle until the blessing). Also, if you cannot bring your pet bring a picture instead or if you do not have a pet, kids are invited to bring a stuffed animal for a blessing!

Also, this year we are partnering with Lutheran Social Services of Alaska to collect dog food and divide it into smaller bags for distribution at the food pantry for those who cannot easily afford food for their pet. This is a great way to help the vulnerable pets and owners in our community!

The food we collect must be regular dry kibble food that is unopened. Bring a bag to donate on October 6th!

This year we are partnering with Lutheran Social Services of Alaska to collect dog and cat food for vulnerable pets and owners in our community! Donate an unopened bag of dry kibble food for either dogs or cats on October 6^th. After worship on this day, we are blessing animals and working together dividing dog food into smaller bags for distribution at the food pantry for those who cannot easily afford food for their dog or cat.

Eagle River Elementary School really appreciated your donation of school supplies and dropped off this lovely thank you note!

Our group from Joy walking the Anchorage Out of the Darkness Community Walk put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We joined a team of Lutheran participants along with several hundred others in our community. The walk raised over $27,000!

…please consider bringing back a cross to mark your visit - we love seeing where your journeys take you! Joy’s collection of 142 crosses now spans three walls, with the latest gifts from Wayne and Judy Rush and Henry and Kathy Huntington (in the Narthex).

We are seeking a Director for our Joy Child Development Center (JCDC) who is responsible for ensuring effective and efficient operations of the center. JCDC provides quality education and childcare services for the local community and maintains an excellent reputation among local elementary schools. Come join our team!

If you want to learn more, click the link below and download the job description.

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

We are currently in need of boys and girls size 5 (pants and shirts) and any Halloween costumes!  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!

 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.

• 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)
• Eric & Margie Hall & family (as they grieve the loss of Erics dad John)
• 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)
• Trudi (for healing, wisdom for doctors)
• 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.