IN THIS ISSUE:
5th Sunday Benevolence: RIC Celebration
Graduate Sunday
Ball ECC End of School Year Breakfast: May 29
East Campus Project Update
Compass Summer 2026 Registration
Complicated Grief: Communities & Suicide Symposium
and much more!
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RIC CELEBRATION SUNDAY:
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) will be our next 5th Sunday Benevolence on May 31st.
Join us as we reaffirm our commitment to welcoming, including, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people!
Please remember that 5th Sunday benevolences are above and beyond regular giving.
ReconcilingWorks is an independent non-profit organization funded by the generosity of individuals, faith communities, grants, and from curated resources and trainings. ReconcilingWorks does not receive funding from any Lutheran denomination.
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Graduate Sunday: We will also honor and celebrate our graduates on May 31st. Join us!
2026 Graduates:
Wes Cain - Eleanor Crettenden
Tiffany Denham - Peyton Silvius
Graduate Spotlight:
| | Wes Cain graduated with his Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Lutheran University on May 9, 2026. | |
Eleanor Crettenden is graduating from Seguin High School and will be attending Trinity University in the fall to study Theatre. In high school, she was involved in theatre, choir, the SSAT (Superintendent’s Student Advisory Team,) Destination Imagination, and Girl Scouts. This year, she served as the Matador Theatre president, musical choreographer, and co-captain of the Harold’s Angels Improv Troupe, as well as the SSAT Chair. Eleanor is currently working on her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Eleanor also served as the Youth Representative on Church Council this past year.
| | Tiffany Denham graduated with her Master of Education in Special Education from Sam Houston University on May 7, 2026. | | Peyton Silvius graduated with her Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University on May 16, 2026. | |
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CHRISTIAN CUPBOARD:
The Christian Cupboard has asked us to be the Church of the Pasta Sauce, to help keep their shelves stocked with this important item.
If we all tried to get one or two cans (aisle 6 at HEB) whenever we go to the store and bring them to church, the Cupboard would be grateful!
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END OF SCHOOL YEAR BREAKFAST:
May 29 at 8:00am
Hosted by Spirit of Joy
Ball ECC Cafeteria
Want to bring a dish? (by 7:45am)
Questions? Contact Grace Mueller
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GOING ON VACATION?
In order to make scheduling volunteers go more smoothly this summer, please let Sharon Frels know your vacation plans when you're going to miss a Sunday.
Thank you!
Email Sharon Frels
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EAST CAMPUS PROJECT UPDATE:
We have received all of the requested estimates and have forwarded them to the council for review.
We are also continuing to develop a list of volunteer projects aimed at improving the exterior appearance of the property. If there is a specific task you would like to oversee, please let
Sharon Villalpando or Cathy Cordes know.
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COMPASS Summer 2026 Registration:
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!
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Vacation Bible School (VBS) | June 8 to June 12 | 9am to 12:30pm | Kindergarten to 5th Graders
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God's Explorers | June 29 to July 2 | 7:30am to 4pm | 3rd to 8th Graders
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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!
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SPIRIT OF JOY SUMMER BINGO:
This summer, complete the activities across the board to grow in faith and build community!
Mark off each square as you go; don't forget the free space in the center! 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. You can work as an individual or household. Multiple entries accepted; one prize and entry per row/column/diagonal; one card per individual/household. 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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
Mike Burris (Friend of Marvel and Bobbie Maddox), Ardis Maxwell (Friend of Claire Ongstad), Sherry Moltz (Friend of Martha Rinn), Gail Damerau (Friend of Sharon Frels), 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.
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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.
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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.
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SOJ
CALENDAR:
Want to know what’s going on at SOJ this month?
Click on the link below to access our PUBLIC calendar.
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May 31:
Assisting Minister: Pat Hoppe
Lay Reader: Sharon Villalpando
In-Person Greeter: Stephen Clark
Online Greeter: Emily Khalil
Ushers: Marvel Maddox, Mike Peters
PrayGround: Caitlin Andima, Jessica Cain
Altar Setup: Grace Mueller, Helen Mycue
Communion Assistants: Nick and Heidi Franzen, Nancy Doerr
Worship Slide Technician: Sharon Frels
Flowers: Karen Jones
Refreshments: Sandra Moline, Rhonda Westerfield
Kitchen Manager: Nancy Doerr
Council Member Lock-Up: Martha Rinn
Council Member Count Money: Lois Hartzog
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June 7:
Assisting Minister: Karen Wallock
Lay Reader: Liz Greinke
In-Person Greeter: Jennifer Ehlers
Online Greeter: Mark Shellard
Ushers: Craig Wagner, Nick Franzen
PrayGround: Kellsey Ballard, Diana Ball
Altar Setup: Heidi Franzen, Cathy Cordes
Communion Assistants: Rhonda Westerfield, Bobbie Maddox, Patti Buckley
Worship Slide Technician: Heidi Franzen
Flowers: Rodrick and Elly Shao
Refreshments: Rodrick and Elly Shao
Kitchen Manager: Jennifer Ehlers
Council Member Lock-Up: Bruce Clark
Council Member Count Money: Xander Khalil
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*Friday, May 29, from 7:30am to 11:00am
(GROUP 1)
*Saturday, May 30, from 7:30am to 11:00am
(GROUP 1)
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*Friday, June 5, from 7:30am to 11:00am
(GROUP 2)
*Saturday, June 6, from 7:30am to 11:00am
(GROUP 2)
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