Notes of Joy for the Week of March 1, 2020
Our Mission Statement

We of Joy Lutheran Church foster 
grace-filled relationships with Christ
through worship, fellowship, and service. 
Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Sunday's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.
From the Pastor...
“I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
L’chaim!  To Life! 

This Hebrew phrase salutes life. Heard often at gatherings in the Jewish community, it is a toast to being among the living. It is recognition of the One who gives life.
Jesus’ words in scripture cited above (John 10:10) resonate with “L’chaim!”. To life! Jesus came into the world not to condemn but that we might have abundant life. 
During the season of Lent, we have a time to reflect at what great cost Jesus has given us this abundant life. We walk toward Easter in the shadow of a cross. Our Lord gives his Life that we might have Abundant Life.

What makes for an abundant life? Not a show of cars and possessions, homes and a rich bank account. Abundant life streams out of the soul; abundant life is grounded in a solid relationship with God. Having a good shepherd throughout our earthly journey will lead us to spiritual nourishment and abundant life.

This Lent, I invite you to think what makes your life abundant.   What things, practices, attitudes might you want to take on? OR, what things, practices, attitudes might you want to let go?  Lenten disciplines can help shape a deeper awareness of what makes us truly satisfied. 

I hope to see you throughout Lent taking opportunities to deepen your faith and draw close to our Lord!

-Pastor Karen 
Join us for Midweek Lenten Services! 
When:  Wednesday evenings 
Theme: Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land


6:15 pm Soup Supper
7:00 pm Worship (using Haugen’s Holden Village Service)
CHANGE FOR CHRIST during LENT   
Bring your coins to church during Lent!

We will be collecting them to go toward FOOD for the hungry. Let's restart this great way to include children in the Offering!
What is MSP?
MSP stands for Ministry Site Profile.  A Ministry Site Profile is created by a congregation as part of the process in seeking a new pastor.  

It is a description of our congregation and the qualities we are looking for in a pastor. (It’s also 10 pages long!)  Potential candidates will be looking at this document to gain an understanding of who we are, where our passions lie and what type of leadership we are looking for, to see if he/she might be a fit.

What it is not- - It is not the Call Committee!  That comes later in the process.
There is a 3-person team working on this:
            Jim Hemsath
            Kristi Swain
            Betty Veldhuis

Their goal is to prepare a DRAFT of the MSP which will 1) be reviewed by the Bishop and 2) be voted on by Joy’s congregation.

Some of the information such as Eagle River’s population and demographics will be taken directly from online resources, etc.  But, much of the MSP requires input from our congregation. Your MSP team will be using surveys and discussion groups to draw out your ideas and opinions.

We are hoping you will thoughtfully consider the questions and joyfully participate in the process!

Children’s Ministry Planning Discussion
When: Sunday, March 15th after Worship
What: Discussion on
1. Starting a Children's Education Ministry
2. Planning a Vacation Bible School this summer
Upcoming Lutheran Youth Event
WHAT: ELCA Youth Retreat at Birchwood Camp
WHEN: March 20 - 21
Friday evening through Saturday afternoon  
AGES: Confirmation Ages through High School  
THEME:  Walking in our Baptism Promises 
COST:  $50 - some scholarships available, see Pr. Karen
Pastor Karen will need to know who can attend and have applications received by March 3rd. This should be fun! It will also satisfy Make Up classes your confirmand may need (up to 5 classes worth). There will be good food, games, and fellowship and of course class time!
Warm Accessories
It’s definitely cold outside!  Bring mittens, hats, socks, etc. of all sizes. Place them on our accessories tree or in the orange bin and we will make sure they get to folks in need! See Scooter Bentsen for more info.
Do you have a Sleeping Bag?
Do you have a sleeping bag we could borrow this summer for July 18 - 25? We are looking for 25 sleeping bags. There will be a Youth Group from Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn, Wa. visiting the Anchorage area. They will be doing some mission work.  

Borrowing bags will cut down on the bulk of their baggage. More information will be posted as the dates get nearer. Contact Kelly Mullin or Pastor if you can help.
JCDC Playground Equipment Fundraiser
Joy Child Development Center has a GoFundMe.com account now. 

They are in need of new playground equipment! This center has served the Eagle River and Chugiak community since 1979, providing quality care for children. It is one of few centers/ preschools offering healthy meals to children and is constantly working to improve the early education experience for our kids. Unfortunately, the playground equipment had to be removed due to safety concerns and the kids need and deserve a new source of play and exploration! We all know the importance of play and would appreciate very much your investment in this playground that in turn directly affects youth!


OR , write a check to JCDC (for “playground”), and we will make sure it gets there!
Joy of Reading Book Club
The Joy of Reading Book Club meets the 3rd Monday of every month and gets started around 6:30 PM. Even if you haven’t read the book of the month you are still welcome to join us. It’s a fun evening of discussion, sharing of ideas and respectful listening. And lots of socializing and laughter!

  • March 16 – Akin by Emma Donoghue. Sue Weimer will host this one.
  • April 20 – The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri. Karen Johnson is hosting.
  • May 18 – We are Called to Rise by Laura McBride at the home of Mona Mitton
  • June 5 – Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This is also Book Club’s 10th Anniversary Celebration! Once again our anniversary party/sleepover will be at the beautiful lake home of Gerry Norene on Nancy Lake.
  • August 17 – Overstory by Richard Powers
Joy Church Council Members
Sue Weimer
Scooter Bentson
Tom Bird
Debby Bird
Corrine Finnie
Kelly Mullin
Heather Slocum
Clarke Hemphill, Treasurer


The next church council meeting is
Tuesday, March 10th
at 7:00pm.