JWELCA will have a General Meeting on Tuesday, July 12th at 7:00 PM, to plan for the 2016-2017 program of activities. All women of the church are welcome to attend and provide input into the JWELCA program for next year. The meeting will be held in the Fireside Room at church. Marcia Lindseth will provide devotions. 

All women are invited to the St. Croix Conference Summer Retreat on Thursday, July 14th, 8 AM - 12 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Star Prairie, WI. The theme for the Retreat is "You Shall Be Like a Watered Garden", based on Isaiah 58:11. (The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."). The speaker is Mary Segersrtom, who loves to uplift and inspire her listeners. She'll make us laugh, maybe make us cry a little and she will share a song or two (or more)-doing it all to the glory of God. The $5 registration fee will be paid by our JWELCA. An offering to benefit the Synod's Women Organization and the quilting guild at Bethany Lutheran will be taken. Make plans to join us on July 14th as we travel to Star Prairie for inspiration, fun and fellowship with our sisters from the St. Croix Valley Conference WELCA! For more information or to arrange to car-pool, please call Emilie Horken. Note also the posters at the church.

Stonehammer Road is a Rock/Blues Power Trio and an Outreach Music Ministry to families that are dealing with loved ones who are incarcerated, who are in drug recovery and those suffering depression. Loving and encouraging everyone to lay their burdens down. On a mission from God, this band rocks hard and loud giving glory to the King of Kings.

Thrivent is deeply saddened about the tragic loss of life that occurred in Orlando on June 12th, 2016. When heartbreaking events of this magnitude occur, Thrivent members often want to know how they can make a difference. In addition to continuing to hold those affected by this tragedy in our prayers, other opportunities exist to support the victims, their families and their community during this difficult time.
Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Choice Dollars-One way eligible Thrivent members can help efforts is to direct Choice Dollars to one of the following organizations working diligently to support the victims and their families: Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS), Orlando, Florida, St Stephen Lutheran Church (ELCA), Longwood, Florida. Thrivent will be matching all Choice Dollar directions made to these two churches on Thrivent.com through July 31st, 2016. If you have designated Choice Dollars, visit Thrivent.com to find a list of organizations helping the victims and their families. 
   
• Personal Donations-Thrivent members can help further by making a personal donation to the churches listed: Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS), Orlando, Florida, St Stephen Lutheran Church (ELCA), Longwood, Florida. All personal donations made through Thrivent.com to these two churches will also be matched by Thrivent through July 31st, 2016.
• Local Support-Thrivent members can help support those affected in Orlando by forming a Thrivent Action Team. For more information, visit Thrivent.com/actionteam.

 

 

At the Northwest Wisconsin Synod Assembly on May 21st, several Resolutions were discussed and voted upon. One of the resolutions centered around a Synod Capital Campaign. It was called "Bold Generosity," and it passed almost unanimously. It will commence on June 1, 2016 and celebrate a successful conclusion at the Synod assembly in 2019. Because we will be hearing more about this Campaign, it is good to note what some of its provisions are.

 

The "Bold Generosity Resolution" acknowledged that, in the partnership of the people and congregations of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin (NWSWI), we are better together than alone; and that there are ministries we share in common, for which we are able to accomplish more together than we can by ourselves; and, trusting in the generosity of our God and the faithful response of God's generous people, we can accomplish the following things IF we are able to raise $1.2 million during a three-year fundraising appeal.

 

CONNECT: Technology Grants to Congregations

We live in the age of instant communication, where the internet is a vital tool utilized to find information, to access, to ask questions, or to engage. Without a robust and engaging presence on the internet, congregations are at a distinct disadvantage. Websites provide congregations a "face" to those who don't know them, instant and consistent communication, a way to stay connected to others, the ability to stream inspirational videos and participate in online educational programs. Many congregations in the NWSWI do not have adequate technology or websites. Funds from this appeal will provide grants to congregations to obtain both modern technology and assistance in developing and improving their websites, and the access necessary to engage people, learning and partners online.

 

EQUIP: Walking Together Ministry

The annual "Walking Together" event is recognized as an exception educational tool for both clergy and laity in our synod. Currently the Synod reaches over 500 people with engaging speakers and congregational Best Practices to energize people as they return to their congregations and their homes. Funds from this appeal will help to expand the reach and scope of this event. Funds will be used to take "Walking Together" on the road to more than one location in our Synod and to recruit top quality speakers and resources in order to double the participation and increase the impact. We will all be better equipped to proclaim Jesus' message of love and reconciliation for the world.

 

LEARN: Leadership Development

An endowed fund will help rostered and lay leaders access leadership development grants. Congregations are looking for leadership, but often do not have the funding to send their pastors and leaders for the inspiration and learning they need. These grants can be used to better prepare and equip them to lead their communities of faith as they live out God's transformational Word in the world.

 

SUPPORT: Financial Health of Seminary Graduates

Seminary graduates enter our synod with a vitality and energy for ministry that is enviable. They also enter our Synod with debt that frightens and cripples them. How can one lead others in generous living when one's personal finances handcuff and limit options? Through a synod managed fund, educational debt reduction funds will be made available to recent seminary graduates who serve at least five years in the NWSWI and who engage in both first call theological education and a financial management course.

   

PARTNER: Malawi

The rapid pace of change is not only true in Northwest Wisconsin, but it is also true throughout the world. We are reminded of the power of God's word to bring about dramatic change through our partnership with Malawi. The Christian church in Malawi is exploding in size as more people hear the stories of Jesus. They need leaders who are educated and equipped to empower this dynamic Christian community. Through an endowed fund established by this appeal, pastors, professionals and lay people will be educated for the church in Malawi for generations to come. This appeal helps us engage with the Christian church throughout the world as, together, we proclaim Jesus' message of love and reconciliation to the world.

 

SHARE: 10%

In our desire to model generosity, 10% of all monies raised in this appeal will go to the Campaign for the ELCA. This campaign is raising millions of dollars through individual donors, congregations, and Synods to assure the vitality of our church and expand the reach of the gospel.

 

The church of the future will require new and imaginative ways to fund ministry, leadership, and evangelism. Our Synod wants to be on the forefront of this movement. As you hear more about this appeal, lend your support so that we are enabled to reach people with the love of Jesus in ways we cannot do with our current models of funding. Let us work together, as a Synod, to unite our collective will and resources together as one, for the sake of God's church. Here at Joy Lutheran Church, let us be a part of an important resolution that states "that the people and congregations of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin will give high priority and generous support to Bold Generosity: Intentional - Inspired - Impactful, combining our collective will and financial resources in support of the goals of this appeal."

Giving your offering by electronic fund transfer is easy and convenient and a great way to ensure consistent, faithful, regular, first fruits giving.  But if you are like me, I miss being able to put something in the plate as an act of worship.  So we have created laminated "I give electronically" cards for you use at worship.  Just pick one up from the basket at the back of the church and use it like you would use an offering envelope and we will recycle them back to the basket to be used again next week.

If you are not using electronic fund transfer but would like to get started, or would like to modify the amount you give please contact the church office or our bookkeeper, Sue Hood to get you started.

Have you noticed the new trash and recycling enclosure in the Youth Room? It was built by Paul Steger and it has helped clean up the area where we collect our trash and recycling items.  Thanks, Paul, for making the area look a LOT better!!

Have you noticed the new wooden container for food donations in our Narthex? Thanks to Aaron Lubich who made it and other containers like it to collect food donations for the Prescott Food Shelf. You will notice his containers all around town. This was a part of Aaron's Eagle Scout project. Help us fill our container by bringing food donations that will be given to the Prescott Food Shelf. 

Date: June 28th, 2016 (And other Tuesday's throughout the Summer!)
Time: 6-7 PM
Location: Pioneer Park, 801 15th St W, Hastings, MN, 55033
For adults with disabilities; ASL will be used as needed.
For more information, please contact: Jean Correll at jncorr18@gmail.com or (507) 456-8204