An Electronic Newsletter by the Community of Christ known as Joy Lutheran Church

Our Mission Statement

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



Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
On the fiftieth day of Easter we celebrate the Spirit, through whom and in whom the people of God are created and re-created. Pentecost is sometimes called the church's birthday, but might more appropriately be called its baptism day, since the gift of the Spirit is the fullness of baptism. Ezekiel's vision shows the Spirit resurrecting and re-creating not just individuals but a whole people. Romans makes it clear that God is in the process of re-creating the entire cosmos; yet the Spirit is also at work in the most intimate and personal way, praying in us "with sighs too deep for words" when we do not know how to pray.

From Our Pastor

First the waiting and the wondering. Then the rushing and the blowing. Then the flames and the speaking. Then the going out and proclaiming.  The first Pentecost was a complex, wondrous, chaotic event: from the gathering in the Upper Room -- doors locked in fear, to the outpouring of the Spirit -- bringing gifts and speech and courage, to the leaving the room to engage the community at large - bringing good news of God's love for people of all nationalities and languages.
 
Pentecost is often called the "birthday of the church. By Luke's account in the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit fills and transforms men and women from a mere gathering into a living community - the Body of Christ.  While the details of the day may seem chaotic and perhaps even fantastic what remains is the reality that after that first Pentecost, nothing would ever be the same.  Jesus' first followers, who had wondered what would happen to them after Jesus had left just ten days before, were now filled with the power of God and sent out into the town and into the world to share the love of Christ.
 
Pentecost is not merely a historical event that we remember, but an ongoing promise that we recognize and celebrate in our own midst. The Spirit continues to breath faith and gifts into the followers of Jesus. The Spirit still sends God's people into the larger community to share Jesus' love, in word and in deed. The Spirit still guides and empowers communities of faith who, although not always certain of the details of the future, live in the faith that the Promise and the Power of the Holy Spirit will be with them always.
 
As the people of Joy Lutheran Church, we are gathered, called, embraced, and empowered by the same Holy Spirit that transformed and guided those first Christians. We celebrate God's faithfulness in our journey. We celebrate the gifts each of us has been given, gifts that are our tools for our vocation/calling in the world. We celebrate the unchartered course of faith and service before us, trusting in the One who, as Luther's Small Catechism reminds us, "calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth."
 
In Service With You,
 
Pastor Martin


Bring your household electronics to church for recycling this Saturday, 10am-2pm


This week we also celebrate the Affirmation of Baptism 
for five of our young people: 

Finn Beer, Frankie Beer, William Jackson, Joey Knopke, and  Teila Saarenen. 


Other News...


Evangelism Class
Anticipating a drop in summer attendance, the last session of the evangelism class will be held after worship May 27. I know it's Memorial Day weekend, but I'm hoping some of you will be able to stay, and we'll do a quickie version of the remaining sessions. Whether you can attend or not, the rest of the readings will be available outside the sanctuary after worship May 20. Help yourself, and if you need more, let me know. 

Thanks, IPr. Kate


A Special Opportunity -
Sunday, June 24 During Worship
Join NPR featured guest speaker and National Cathedral countertenor singer, Mikah Meyer, as he shares about his world record, 3-year road trip to all 417 National Park Service sites. Hear how being a Lutheran pastor's kid inspired it, and the huge, unique role Alaska plays (*hint, it has to do with bush planes!). Mikah's journey has also been the subject of a recent story on NBC's, "The Today Show."

Mikah has been living in a cargo van while traveling across the U.S. for the past 26 months becoming the youngest person to visit the entirety of the National Park System--using the media and platform to share a message of carpe diem, hope, and acceptance for LGBT Christians. To keep this project going, he "sings for his supper" and receives donations to fuel him to the next park. Come hear him speak/sing, learn more about his ministry, and ask your questions in person.

Mikah is also the son of the late, Rev. Larry Meyer, who was internship supervisor for Pastor Martin and over 25 other Pastoral interns.  His journey is one way in which he is honoring his father's legacy, ministry, and love of travel. Mikah will sing with us and share his story of faith and acceptance. 


Congratulations Graduates!
Thomas Huntington and Ian Soellers graduated from Eagle River High School on Tuesday, May 15.  We are so very proud of you both!  Congratulations and God's blessings in the next stage of your life's journey.

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

The Joy of Reading Book Club


The Joy of Reading Book Club meets on the 3rd Monday of every month around 6:30 PM.  Everyone is invited to come join us for a light dinner, plus fun and lively book discussion.  
 
Our next meeting will be May 21st at the home of Mona Mitton.  The book is -  Origin  by Dan Brown.  (I know!  Book Club is reading Dan Brown!)
 
Our 8th anniversary party is coming up!  The book club/ celebration will be Friday night, June 8th  at the beautiful Willow lake home of Gerry Norene.  The book is Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck.  For those who can stay overnight the celebration will continue at breakfast the next morning.
 
No Book Club in July, as we are out and about enjoying those great Alaskan summer days!


Benefit for Linette Cook's Nephew in Minnesota
Coming Week's Calendar
Sunday,
May 20
9:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
2:00 PM
6:00 PM
Worship - Confirmation Sunday
Church Council Meeting
Troop 219 Return from Rapids Camp
Theroux Music Student Recital - Sanctuary
Boy Scout Troop 219
Monday, May 21 6:00 PM
6:30 PM
6:30 PM
Martinson Piano Student Recital - Sanctuary
Joy of Reading Book Club - home of Mona Mitton
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesday, 
May 22
Noon
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous - Upper Narthex
Alcoholics Anonymous
Wed., May 23
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Boy Scout Troop 219 Committee Meeting
Thurs.,
May 24		 Noon
2:00-5:00 PM
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous - Upper Narthex
Intern Pastor Kate's "Office Hours" at Jitters
Alcoholics Anonymous
Friday,
May 25
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Sat.,
May 26
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Next Week:
Sunday, May 27
9:30 AM
11:00 AM

Worship
Adult Bible Study - Evangelism Class

Joy Lutheran Church and Joy Child Development Center will be closed 
Monday, May 28, for Memorial Day.

Weekly Worship Assistant Schedule
Please take a moment to consider serving in one of our 
Worship Assistant positions.   
Thanks for your service throughout the year!

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