Notes of Joy for the Week of March 8, 2020

Our Mission Statement We of Joy Lutheran Church foster  grace-filled relationships with Christ through worship, fellowship, and service. 

Gospel: John 3:1-17 During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In this week's gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.

Worship Committee Meeting this Sunday after worship

Exchange of Peace

The Peace of the Lord be with you!  During this time of being careful due to flu and covid19, we ask people to refrain from shaking hands, and instead exchange peace with a peace sign, wave, elbow bump, bow.

There will be no Confirmation Class on Sunday, March 15 th

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 Evening Prayer 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!

Church Shopping List * Case of letter size paper * Case of legal size paper * Toilet paper * Roll of First Class stamps We'd be so grateful if you're out shopping and would be willing to pick up one or more of these items. You may bring the receipt to the office for reimbursement.

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! Attached is a copy of our timeline.

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.

Thank You... for your outreach, especially to the Chugiak Eagle River Food Pantry!

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! JCDC Playground Equipment Fundraiser at GoFundMe.com OR , write a check to JCDC (for “playground”), and we will make sure it gets there!

National Youth Gathering planning meeting is coming up! Stay tuned!

Worship Assistant Schedule

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.

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