IN THIS ISSUE:

Christian Cupboard: Donate Online

Complicated Grief: Communities & Suicide Symposium

Thrivent Choice Dollars

Spirit of Joy Summer Bingo

Compass Summer 2026 Registration

SOJ Featured Photo

and much more!

Supporters of the Christian Cupboard can now make an even greater impact by setting up a recurring monthly donation through an automatic bank account debit. These ongoing gifts help the Cupboard continue its mission of serving neighbors experiencing food insecurity.


While generous food donations provide about one-third of the items we distribute, the remaining two-thirds must be purchased from vendors. During many months of the year, our food costs exceed the monetary donations we receive, creating a financial shortfall.


The members of Spirit of Joy have always been faithful supporters of the Christian Cupboard, and we invite everyone to consider establishing a recurring monthly gift. Simply click on the DONATE TAB on the Christian Cupboard website to get started.


The Cupboard uses Zeffy as its donation platform, ensuring that 100% of your donation goes directly to the Christian Cupboard. During the donation process, Zeffy will ask for a tip to support its service. This tip is optional, and you are welcome to adjust the amount to whatever you feel comfortable giving.


Thank you, Spirit of Joy, for your continued generosity and for supporting the Christian Cupboard with your love, your financial gifts, and, of course, your pasta sauce!

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DIRECT ALL 2026 CHOICE DOLLARS NOW!


Thrivent Choice has made it even easier to make an impact. Your full 2026 annual Choice Dollars® balance is now available upfront, giving you the flexibility to direct your entire amount anytime through December 31.


Don’t wait—share the love by supporting an organization that’s close to your heart!

SPIRIT OF JOY SUMMER BINGO:


This summer, complete the activities across the board to grow in faith and build community!


Once you've got a BINGO, bring your card to church on any Sunday to receive a small prize and be entered into the grand prize drawing. Bingo cards and dot stickers are on the resource table.


BINGO's can be claimed until Sunday, August 30. The Grand Prize will be drawn and awarded then!

COMPASS Summer 2026: The deadline to register for Music Camp is July 12!


This summer, we’re diving into our theme “Created to Care”—exploring God’s amazing creation and how we can be faithful stewards of it. You won’t want to miss everything we have planned!


  • Vacation Bible School (VBS) | June 8 to June 12 | 9am to 12:30pm | Kindergarten to 5th Graders
  • God's Explorers | June 29 to July 2 | 7:30am to 4pm | 3rd to 8th Graders
  • Music Camp | August 3 to August 5 | 9am to 1pm | 2nd to 5th Graders (at Spirit of Joy!)


Join us for an unforgettable summer—through fun, faith, music, and adventure!

SOJ Featured Photo: Caption me this, Spirit of Joy! What in the world are these three guys finding so fascinating???

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SEGUIN EVENTS:


Want to know what's going on Around Town? Be sure to add these Seguin websites to your "FAVORITES" list: 


Seguin Community Calendar

Visit Seguin: www.visitseguin.com/events


Texas Lutheran University Events

Calendar & Events:: www.tlu.edu/events


Texas Lutheran University Athletics

TLU Official Athletics: www.tlubulldogs.com


The Texas Theater: www.thetexas.org


The Mid-Texas Symphony: www.mtsymphony.org/tickets

SCHEDULE TIME WITH PASTOR MEGAN:


You may now use the following link to schedule a meeting (personal or business) with Pastor Megan.


This links directly with her schedule, so no worries about duplication. Contact Chris with any questions.

SAFE CAMPUS

NOTICE:


Spirit of Joy is a welcoming and inclusive community. For everyone's safety, our campus is gun-free, smoke-free, and drug-free both inside and outside of all buildings.


The use of alcohol is restricted and permitted only with prior Council permission.


VISIT

US:


Monday through Thursday:

9:00AM to 4:00PM


Friday: by appointment only.


Worship is held Sundays at 9:30am in our Worship Center.

Prayer Requests:


Government and Elected Officials


MEMBERS:

Lynna Kraus

Bob Cantu

Patsy Heckmann 


MILITARY:

Jordan Kranda (Grandson-in-Law of Craig & Lorna Wagner)


FAMILY OF MEMBERS:

Lane Ongstad (Father-in-Law of Claire Ongstad), Dan Clark (Brother of Stephen Clark), Randy Cushatt (Husband of Rhonda Cushatt), Sean Stevens (Son of Debbie and Ken Stevens), Judy and John Semmler (Sister & Brother-in-Law of Chris Frels), Donald Olson (Grandfather of Pastor Megan), Jennifer Bulgerin (Niece of Bobbie Maddox)


FRIENDS OF MEMBERS:

Cindy Scheffel (Friend of Sharon Frels), Mike Burris (Friend of Marvel and Bobbie Maddox), Ardis Maxwell (Friend of Claire Ongstad), Sherry Moltz (Friend of Martha Rinn), Jeanna Black (Friend of Alfrieda Leiter)


If you would like to add any name, please send an email to chris@spiritofjoylc.com. We will include all individuals with health, emotional or family/work issues for a period of two weeks. At the end of that period, their name will be removed if a call/email has not been received regarding their continued inclusion.

SUNDAY WORSHIP LIVESTREAM LINK:


Can’t make it to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church for worship?


THE 9:30AM Service streams LIVE every Sunday on YOUTUBE.

BREEZE:


Having issues accessing your BREEZE account? Stan Meyer is here to help!


Email Stan if you want to change something in your profile, or update your password.

SOJ

CALENDAR:


Want to know what’s going on at SOJ this month?


Click on the link below to access our PUBLIC calendar.

VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE:

July 5:

Assisting Minister: Leah Matocha

Lay Reader: Becky Geinzer

In-Person Greeter: Milly Watson

Online Greeter: Mark Shellard

Ushers: Chris Frels, Christa Strauss

PrayGround: Caitlin Andima, Cathy Cordes

Altar Setup: Rhonda Westerfield, Nancy Doerr

Communion Assistants: Liz Greinke, Emily and Xander Khalil

Worship Slide Technician: Sharon Frels

Flowers: Mike and Marj Peters

Refreshments: Mike and Marj Peters

Kitchen Manager: Heidi Franzen

Council Members Lock-Up: Helen Mycue

Council Member Count Money: Karen Jones

July 12:

Assisting Minister: Jim Germann

Lay Reader: Lorne Davis

In-Person Greeter: Helen Mycue

Online Greeter: Patti Buckley

Ushers: Nick Franzen, Craig Wagner

PrayGround: Kellsey Ballard, Jennifer Terry

Altar Setup: Rhonda Westerfield, Milly Watson

Communion Assistants: Pat Hoppe, Jennifer and Rick Ehlers

Worship Slide Technician: Heidi Franzen

Flowers: Bobbie and Marvel Maddox

Refreshments: Bobbie and Marvel Maddox

Kitchen Manager: Heidi Franzen

Council Members Lock-Up: Xander Khalil

Council Member Count Money: Bruce Clark



YARD MAINTENANCE:

*Friday, July 3, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 3)


*Saturday, July 4, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 3)

*Friday, July 10, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 1)


*Saturday, July 11, from 7:30am to 11:00am

(GROUP 1)

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:


Caregiver Cafe: 2nd Tuesday of the month at Argent Court Assisted Living from 6pm-7pm and 3rd Sunday at Emanuel’s in the Family Life Center from 2pm-3:30pm.

SOJ Women’s Circle: Every 3rd Tuesday at 2:00pm.

Location: SOJ La Casita

Wednesday Morning Bible Study: 7:00am, Location: El Olvido Hacienda Restaurant, 623 E. Kingsbury Street

Pastor’s Bible Study on Zoom: Wed. afternoon at 3:00pm

(Contact Pastor Megan for link).

Choir Practice in the SOJ Worship Center: Wed. evening at 6:30pm

Yoga in La Casita: $5.00 per class—Bring your

mat. (See calendar for schedules)

2026 SPIRIT OF JOY COUNCIL:


Bruce Clark: President

Karen Jones: Vice President

Helen Mycue: Treasurer

Martha Rinn: Secretary


Members:

Lois Hartzog

Lorne Davis

AJ Sjolander

Xander Khalil

CONTACT US:


REVEREND MEGAN D. ELLIOTT:

Cell: (614) 353-4270

EMAIL PASTOR MEGAN


ADMINISTRATOR: Chris Vogt

EMAIL CHRIS


MUSIC DIRECTOR: Luke Leverett


AV COORDINATOR: Tim Clark

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS:

Hospitality: Patti Buckley

Worship & Congregational Life: Cathy Cordes

Faith Formation: Diana Ball

Mission and Outreach: Grace Mueller, Christa Strauss

Finance Team: Heidi Franzen, Jim Germann, Ken Stevens

East Campus Phase One: Cathy Cordes, Sharon Villalpando


FACILITY TEAM LEADERS:

Facilities: Tobin Hoffmann

Facility Use: Patti Buckley

Grounds: Arlynn Hartfiel

Maintenance: Andy Fisher and Calvin Points


2026 SWT SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS:

Nancy and Arlynn Hartfiel


RESILIENT FOUNDATION:

Pam Sagebiel, Karen Clark

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