an electronic newsletter of Joy Lutheran Church,  Prescott, WI
www.joy-church.org    715-262-5800    office@joy-church.org
Relevant + Hopeful + Generous                                       April 8-15, 2018

Upcoming Events at a glance (and quick links)
  

Check out...
  Faith5 home devotional resource God's Story Our Story 
A legacy of Hope

On Wednesday I had the privilege of marching from the MLK memorial to the shadow of the capital to remember and renew our commitment to continuing the important work that Martin Luther King Jr inspired us to do.  I am still processing the whole experience but will share some first impressions on Sunday during our faith formation hour between services.  As a primer I invite you to view this powerful song by James Taylor:







Welcome to the world Aksel

Our new grandson, Aksel Max Eliason, was born on Tuesday.   10 poounds 1 oz.  everyone is doing well.


Faith Formation Video

This week, we look the visit of Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection.   Our theme on Sunday will be faith and doubt and we will look at the story of Thomas.  The video here is about one of my other favorite stories from John, when Jesus and Peter talk.

 


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Weekly Home Devotion Resource

God's Story...Our Story
Click here for this week's home devotion.
Change in Financial Secretary

Many thanks to Sue Hood for the 10 years she has served as bookkeeper and financial secretary.   Sue is taking a job with an accounting firm.  

Ed Glaubitz and Jim Flatz will be taking over her Financial Secretary duties (tracking income), and Shannon, our parish administrator will taking the bookkeeping duties (tracking expenses).


Wednesday Suppers  

Wednesday Night Suppers ~
All are welcome to enjoy a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship at Joy.  Supper time is from 5:15 to 6:30 pm.  A vegetarian option is also offered as an alternative at each meal.  Bring your friends and neighbors to the table and experience JOY!

APRIL MENU  
April 11 ~ Ham Balls
April 18 ~ Cheesy Potato Soup and Sandwiches
April 25 ~ Stroganoff

MAY MENU 
May 2 ~ Picnic Celebration BBQ, Sandwiches, Salads, Hot Dogs, Dessert
Pastor Steve and Diane's Trip to Malawi 
Between the Loaves of Love, Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction Events, the net is approximately... $7,115.00!
What an amazing show of support for Pastor Steve, Diane and the ministry that they do!!
 
All Women are Invited to the April 10th Bible Study
The monthly women's Bible Study will be held on Tuesday, April 10th at 1:30 P.M. in the Fireside Room at the church. Please join us as we study the final lesson in a series of four Bible studies on "Multiple Meanings: Learning from Other Interpretations," or the way in which Bible stories come to mean different things to different people.This study is written by Dr. Mark Alan Powell, New Testament Professor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.   This month we will focus on the parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32. We will consider how this story is understood by believers-indeed by Lutheran believers-in different parts of the world. Pastor Steve Meyer will lead this month's Bible Study. Do join us!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
 
Thank you to all the people who responded to the request for more prayer shawls. We are now able to expand our ministry. A display has been set up on a ladder in the narthex of these prayer shawls that have been made by the people of Joy. You are invited, if you know of a family member, neighbor, friend or co-worker that is experiencing some sort of crisis in their life and could be comforted by the gift of a prayer shawl, to take a shawl to that person. Each shawl has a tag attached explaining the shawl that they are being given. We will need to have shawls made on a continuing basis so that this ministry will be able to touch the lives of all people in need. If you complete a shawl or if you need supplies to make a shawl, please contact Emilie Horken 262-4728.
JWELCA UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE:  
Biennial Convention of the Northwest Wisconsin Synod Women to be Held in Rice Lake, Saturday, April 21, 2018, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
All women are invited to attend the Synod Women's Organization Convention on Saturday, April 21 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake. The theme is "Transformed Anew." There will be singing, praying, fellowship, laughter, keynote speakers, awareness sessions, Take Faith Home Action Tables and more! The cost is only $35 until April 7th. Late registration and same day registration is $40. Special speakers include Deacon Amy Hartman, founding director of "Cherish All Children," and Rev. Laurie Skow-Anderson, Assistant to our Bishop in our Synod. Six Awareness Sessions will be held on topics such as Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Conversation with Bishop Hoyme, Water Quality Issues, and the Doctrine of Discovery. For more information about the Convention or for a Registration Form, consult the Special Convention Issue of "The Northwester" newsletter on the JWELCA bulletin board in the narthex hallway at church or call Marcia Lindseth (715-262-3498) or Emilie Horken (715-262-4728). Special Bonus: Any woman who attends the convention is invited to stay overnight at Deanna Roen's cabin in the Rice Lake Area on Friday, April 20th so join us for this extra time of fellowship with Joy Women!
More information about the SWO Convention can be found on the JWELCA bulletin board in the narthex hallway or by accessing the SWO website:  www.nwswiswo.org.  
 
Mark Your Calendars: JWELCA Spring Banquet Coming Up on April 29th, 5 PM

Tickets will soon be on sale for the annual JWELCA Spring Banquet. This is a fun evening of fellowship and we invite all women and girls to join us for a special meal, followed by speaker, Stephanie Landsem, a Minnesota author who writes historical fiction inspired by the Bible, archeology, and anthropology. She's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles and majestic cathedrals around the world. Tickets for the banquet are $10.00 for adults and children over 5 years of age. Tickets will go on sale between and after services beginning on April 8th. Don't miss this special evening!
Please Donate to the Spring Mission Project: Turning Point Shelter
It's time to begin donating to the Spring Mission Project. Our church will be collecting items for the Turning Point Shelter which provides support and resources for victims of domestic and sexual violence through its two centers-one in River Falls and one in New Richmond. One in three women will experience domestic violence so the need for services is great. The more sites and resources that are available to people, the more likely people are to get help and find safety for themselves and their family. Turning Point provides a number of services including a crisis shelter, sexual assault crisis support, 24-hour hotline and text hotline, safety planning, individual advocacy, support groups for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, legal system advocacy, and prevention education programs. Some of the items that are needed for the shelter and support groups include the following: baby formula, baby wipes, bleach, clipboards, pencils, construction paper, craft supplies, diapers, deodorant, hair conditioner, Kleenex, magazines, markers, hand sanitizer, and underwear for women. Thank you for your help with this project!
Take Stock in our Youth (literally)

7 of our youth will be traveling to Houston this summer to participate in the ELCA National Youth Gathering (a life transforming experience where they will join with 30,000 other youth from around the world to deepen their faith).

 To help offset the cost of this trip Joy youth will be selling "stock" to raise funds for this trip. Those who purchase "stock" will be investing in the future of our youth. As part of your investment you will receive exclusive and personal status reports before, during, and after the National Youth Gathering from those you invest in along with access to our online blog. You will also be invited to a stockholders appreciation event 
on Wednesday, July 11 at 7 PM  the youth will share video, stories, music, and much more. 

Pick up a stock prospectus on Sunday and look it over to get to know the youth who are going and determine how you support them.  Questions? contact Christy, our Youth Director.

Welcome 2018 Joy Vision Council Members!
President-Joan Northouse
Vice President-Chris Stanke
Secretary-Bobbie Flatz
Treasurer-Kristin Tibayan *not voting member of Council
Faith Education-Josh Pender
Fellowship-Krista Mitzuk
Giving-Wayne Lundgaard
Outreach-Renee Braun
Service-Peter Gray
Worship-Phyllis Hoffmann
JWELCA-Hope Olson
 
Thank you for your service and commitment to Joy Lutheran Church!
Be part of a Thrivent Action Team

Thrivent Financial Updates...
Updated YTD numbers as of April 1st for Thrivent and Joy activities are as follows:
  • Thrivent Action Teams:  30 projects approved and $7,500 received.
  • Thrivent Choice Dollars received:  $1,833.
Thrivent is looking for ways to give away millions of dollars with its non-profit status. Let's help them, which in turn supports Joy, the community and many of our outreach programs.
 
Action Team Projects: During this past year (2017) 60 Action Team projects were completed by members of Joy who are also Thrivent benefit and associate members. Thrivent provided $250 seed money for each of these events, thus giving us $15,000 that was used for service and outreach activities. Some of that money was used to offset budget expenditures and the rest used for programs that were not included in the 2017 budget. This surpassed our goal of 50 events and we have set our goal for 2018 for another 60 projects. As of March 1st we have already been approved for 20 projects for this year ($5,000) and are well on our way to meet our goal. Thank you to Thrivent Financial and everyone at Joy who has supported this program. I will update this message on the 1st Sunday of each month with new numbers. You can view all of last year's projects and 2018 projects that have been approved and anticipated for the entire year posted on the hallway bulletin board.

Choice Dollars: This is another Thrivent program available to eligible benefit members where they can direct Thrivent dollars to one or more non-profit organizations (including Joy Lutheran Church). These dollars become available throughout the year and you simply indicate where you would like the money to be sent. The process is easy and quick - either by phone or on-line. Remember, this is Thrivent's money (not yours) and they are giving it to a non-profit organization of your choice. During 2017 Joy members directed over $3,000 to Joy Lutheran Church of which over half was used to support the Capital Improvement Fund. This was a huge increase of Choice Dollars from previous years and is different from Action Team seed money in that the money can be used for whatever need we have at Joy. Thank you to Thrivent Financial and all Joy members who participated in this program. Let's make 2018 another great year with your continued involvement. Our goal for 2018 will again be $3,000. Please note: Choice dollars accumulated in any year must be used by March 31st of the following year or you will lose the dollars (e.g. money earned in 2017 must be used by 3/31/2018).

If you would like more information about Action Teams or Choice Dollars, check the weekly newsletter, Joy's web page, posted information in the church narthex & hallway bulletin board or contact Jim & Bobbie Flatz.

Thousands of dollars are available for our use to fund projects in our congregation and community...come find out how you can be part of it. Joy has prepared a 1 page informational and guidelines document that will explain the program and ease you through the application process. If you would like to view this, click on the link below.
CLICK HERE

Also, please read the Thrivent document called "101 ways to spark action in your community", click on the link below to view.
 CLICK HERE 
   
Be sure to check  Thrivent page on our church website for more information.

The Senior Gathering Place
The Senior Gathering Place along with Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is offering the "STEPPING ON" fall prevention series starting Thursday, April 12th.  The sessions will be held at the Gathering Place starting at 1:00 PM. Everyone is welcome. The series runs for 6 weeks. Even if you cannot attend all 6 sessions, you can enroll and attend as able. Preregistration is required. Call 715-273-6780 (ADRC) to preregister.  More information is posted on the bulletin board in the kitchen hallway.
Youth

JOY YOUTH
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School will take place at Joy Lutheran Church in Prescott, WI, June 11-15. This event is offered in partnership with Luther Park Bible Camp. Luther Park Counselors will essentially bring the camp program to us. All children from the community are invited to participate in this great event!
The Luther Park Staff will be leading the program along with some volunteers from Prescott. The children will be involved in crafts, games, singing, recreational activities, Bible study, and MORE! June 11-15, 2018
Monday - Friday 12 noon -5pm for children going into 1st-6th grade,
Monday-Friday 12noon -3pm for children going into Kindergarten.
All children are asked to bring a sack lunch.
Luther Park Bible Camp
June 10-August 10
Pick your week! 
Time to sign up for BIBLE Camp!! Kids 1st-12th grade can sign up for Bible Camp and get 1/2 off the price of camp by using our Joy Church sponsorship coupon code.

JOYPRESCOTTFW-(FW = FULL WEEK)
JOYPRESCOTTHW-(HW = HALF WEEK)
*please note sponsorship code is LAST STEP for online registration.

Check out the link below for more details on dates and programs offered and to register.
Click Here

If you want to know who the other Joy kids are that are going, please contact Christy for a list of dates and programs Joy youth will be attending at 715.441.6366 .

SUMMER MISSION TRIP TO CANADA
Thunder Bay, Canada June 15th - 21st Cost $325 includes transportation, camping fees, meals, service sites, and entrance fees.
(Passport or Pass card fees not included..Students 18 and under only need a birth certificate)
Deposit $40 Non-refundable due March 15th.
We will do 2 fundraisers to help with the cost.
Several students last year were able pay for their entire trip with fundraisers.
If assistance is needed please let Christy know ASAP.
We will be camping at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay Canada.
While at Sleeping Giant we will be spending time helping the park rangers care for
God's creation. This may include painting tables, clearing brush, trimming trees, breaking trails, digging trails, or hauling fire wood. We will also have some FUN hiking, swimming, campfires, visiting tourist attractions, fishing, canoeing, learning about God's creation and much more.
This trip is for students going into 9th grade to adult.
Space is limited so sign up on the youth Bulletin Board, online, or Text Christy 715-441-6366
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR CANADA MISSION TRIP 2018!
Church Directory
**Updated as of October 2017, directories (both picture and address) are ready to pick up...they are also available on the church web page on a password protected page (please call the office for the password).
If you have corrections please let the office know. 
**If you would like to update or add your picture, please send it to the office at any time.  It will be included in the next print!**

Name Tag s... are a great way to help people remember your name.  We are working on a system to have more permanent name tags available, but for now any time you can wear one helps the rest of us get to know you. Thank you.

Did You Know... Joy's Worship Services are broadcast live on 88.7 FM??? If you are having trouble hearing the service as it happens or just want to listen along, you can bring in a small radio with a headset or ear buds. Or, please feel free to speak with Lee Northouse, we have them available for use at Joy!
If you miss a sermon...

and want to catch up or share it with someone who might appreciate it. We record our worship each week and post it on our web page as well as the bottom of this weekly electronic newsletter.  Just click on the YouTube button.                   
Worship Attendance
Date
8:15 Traditional
10:15 Contemporary
6:30 Wednesday Lent

TOTAL
Mar 4
51
86
March 7-85

222
Mar 11
76
65
March 14-81

222
Mar 18
53
74
March 21-74

201
Mar 25
61
69
March 29- Maundy Thursday-43
March 30-Good Friday-68
241
April 1
132
144


276

WEEKLY GIVING



WEEK OF
REGULAR
ELECTRONIC
TOTAL
OTHER
February 25
$1,968.28
$ 8,088.25
$10,056.53
$885.25
March 4*
$2,332.00*
$1,314.50
$3,646.50*
$1,695.50
March 11
$2,118.00
$4,609.50
$6,727.50
$1,807.27
March 18
$1,729.16
$3,712.93
$5,442.09
$1,209.79
March 25
$1,969.00
$1,208.97
$3,177.97
$5,601.92
N/A=Not Available     *=Updated Information
If you would like to give electronically you can do so through our web page

  Set up or manage my electronic giving

If you have a QR reader on your phone you can also access the page by scanning here

If you don't have a QR reader and still would like the convenience of working from your phone.  
We also have a church giving app called Give+  available as a free download.     How it works

WiFi Joy Guest Password:  WelcomeToJoy!73  
Worship Leaders for April, 8:15 & 10:15 Worship Services  
worshipleaders
GREETERS
READERS
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
USHERS-All Month
April 1, Easter
8:15AM
Laurie Fetzner

10:15AM
The Shelstad Family
April 1, Easter
8:15AM
Tom Peterson

10:15AM
Diane Meyer
April 1, Easter
8:15AM
Jim & Bobbie Flatz, Marv Lindseth

10:15AM
Krista Mitzuk, Ed Glaubitz, Ron Stanke

April
8:15AM
Mike & Pauline Volkman

10:15AM
The Kleinschmidt Family

April 8
8:15AM
Jayne Parmeter

10:15AM
Susan Metcalf

April 8
8:15AM

Carol Peterson

10:15AM
OPEN
April 8
8:15AM
Bobbie & Jim Flatz, Carol Peterson

10:15AM
Hope Olson, Diane Meyer, OPEN
April
8:15AM
Mike & Pauline Volkman

10:15AM
The Kleinschmidt Family

weekWeekly Calendar 

APRIL
8 Sunday
Blessing of the Quilts and Mission Kits
8:15-9:15am Traditional Worship Service
9-10am Youth Band Practice
9:25-10:10am Faith Formation
10:15am Contemporary Worship Service
10:15am Sunday School

9 Monday
No Joyful Bells Rehearsal
2:15-3:15pm Prescott HS Cleaning Crew
 
10 Tuesday
1:30-3pm JWELCA Women's Bible Study
7pm Plant Market Meeting
 
11 Wednesday
5-5:30pm Sing 4 Joy Rehearsal
5:15-6:30pm Wednesday Night Supper
5:30-6:15 Joy Unlimited Rehearsal
6:30-7:30pm Shift 6/7
6:30-7:30pm Confirmation Class
  7-7:30pm Joy Choir Rehearsal
 
12 Thursday
1:30-2:30 Joy Cleaning Crew
7pm Spirit of Joy Band Rehearsal
 
13 Friday
5-8pm Amy Pieper Piano Recital at Joy
   
14 Saturday
 
15 Sunday
CAMP SUNDAY
8:15am Traditional Worship Service
9-10am Youth Band Practice
9:25-10:10am Faith Formation
10:15am Contemporary Worship Service
10:15am Sunday School
 


 
Joy Lutheran Church  1435 St Croix St. Prescott, WI 54021
715-262-5800   office@joy-church.org   www.joy-church.org
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