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: Mark 6:14-29
When Amos told what he saw when God held up the plumb line of justice next to Israel-that the poor were being trampled-he was a threat to the power of priests and king. John the Baptist also spoke truth to power, and Herod had him beheaded. In Herod's fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: that all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them.

From Intern Pastor Kate...
As my internship comes to a close this month, I'm reflecting back on the year- what I've learned, things I've done (well and not so well), and what there still is to learn and do. But learning, and sharing and using that new knowledge are lifelong processes that cannot be limited to one year, even a year of rapid growth and development. Developmental psychologists talk about the first three years of a person's life being the time when our brains develop the most. The care we are given in those years lays the foundation for how we will be as we grow. It isn't determinate; many other factors play a role. So it is with internship. A foundation has been laid for my continued growth and development as a pastor.

Thank you for the care, welcome and love you have shown and given to me this year. I will remember you well and continue to thank God for you. Continue to care for the neighbor as an expression of your love for and thanks to God. The grace and peace of Jesus the Christ be with you always. Amen.

Tale of the Yellow Lanyard
If you've ever noticed the yellow lanyard hanging from IPr. Kate's alb pocket on Sundays, she's not being sloppy. It reads, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE Carline 877-266-HELP" and hangs intentionally to let you know that if thinking about suicide and/or are experiencing a crisis, the Alaska Careline is available 24/7/365. (If you prefer texting, the Crisis Text Line is national. Text HELP or HOME to 741741.)

Know that you are a beloved child of God, and that nothing- life, death, or anything in between- can separate you from that love. (Rom. 8:38-39)

Other Joy-full News...

The Fifth Sunday
One of the suggestions from our June 10 congregational brainstorming meeting was an emphasis on service in and for our community.  It was suggested we could dedicate the "5th Sunday" (there are 4 months each year that have 5 Sundays), as Sundays for Service - the thought being that we will gather for a short worship, then do some service project together.

Sunday, July 29th is a fifth Sunday So even though we haven't had a lot of time to prepare or promote this, we are planning to kick off Sundays for Service that day.

We will have a brief worship service at our regular time, then head to the Eagle River Nature Center.  There we will be helping the Nature Center with some grounds maintenance, moving and bundling firewood, and cleaning up the wood cutting and storage area.  If we have more than 10 people, they will have us up pick garbage along the trails.  There will be places to park down below, as well as access to water and bathrooms.  People should bring a picnic lunch, Joy Lutheran t-shirts, rain gear and water bottles.

Chugiak/Eagle River Food Pantry Needs
    Tuna,  Vienna Sausage
    Cereal,  Ramen,  Saltines,  Ravioli
    Rice-A-Roni,Hamburger Helper  Pasta/Rice Mixes
    Peaches,  Mandarin Oranges
    Toothpaste & Brushes
    Laundry, Dish & Bath/Hand Soaps,  Shampoo

Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday - 
August 19
Even though we are busy enjoying our Alaskan summer, it won't be too long before school begins again.

This year, we will start the school year off right with a "Blessing of the Backpacks" on Sunday, August 19.  We invite all students to bring their school backpacks to church that Sunday and we will have a time to bless them and pray for our students as they begin a new school year.  There will also be prayers for our teachers, administrators, and all other school staff members, so please bring your briefcases, lunch bag, or tote bags.

Love INC Backpack Giveaway - August 11
Rev. Gracie Jackson is looking for volunteers to help during the annual Backpack Giveaway at Harvest Christian Fellowship on Saturday, August 11.  If you'd like to help organize and distribute school items for this event, please call Rev. Gracie at 250-1735.

The Spitfire Grill
Branching out from opera a bit, Pastor Martin has been busy this month rehearsing for a musical at Cyrano's. "The Spitfire Grill" is a musical adaptation of the 1996 film of the same name. It centers around Percy Talbot, a recent parolee from prison who seeks to escape her troubled past by traveling to Gilead, Wisconsin, a little town she saw in a magazine while she was in prison.  What she finds is a town not as idyllic as it might seem, but a place in need of a new hope and healing.  


Love INC Annual Backpack Giveaway
Joy Lutheran Church is a partner with Love INC and other area churches in the Eagle River's Annual Backpack Giveaway.

Each church is given a collection wish list.  This year our goal at Joy Lutheran is to gather the items listed below.  Please deliver any contribution to Joy Lutheran by Sunday, August 5.  We are also looking for a volunteer to deliver our gifts to Harvest Christian Fellowship on Wednesday, August 8, or Thursday, August 9. 

School Supply
Goal Received
Backpacks 15 4
Tissue Boxes 15 -
Boxes of Crayons 25 4
Packets of Loose Leaf Paper 20 -
Composition Notebooks (stitched) 100 -
Pencil Pouches 25 -

Coming Week's Calendar
Sunday, July 15
9:30 AM
10:45 AM
6:00 PM
Worship
Faith Family Breakfast  - Hosted by the Internship Committee
Boy Scout Troop 219
Monday, July 16 6:30 PM
6:30 PM
Boy Scout Troop 219 - Eagle Project Work Session
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesday, 
July 17
Noon
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous - Upper Narthex
Alcoholics Anonymous
Wed., July 18
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Thurs.,
July 19
9:00 AM - Noon
Noon
6:30 PM
Intern Pastor Kate's "Office Hours" at Jitters
Narcotics Anonymous - Upper Narthex
Alcoholics Anonymous
Friday,
July 20
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Sat.,
July 21
6:30 PM
Narcotics Anonymous
Next Week:
Sunday, July 22
9:30 AM
10:45 AM
11:00 AM
6:00 PM

Worship
Faith Family Breakfast Hosted by TBA
Church Council Meeting
Boy Scout Troop 219


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!

The Joy of Reading Book Club


No Book Club meeting in July as our members are out and about enjoying all that Alaskan summers have to offer.  

We will resume out meetings in August.  We meet the 3rd Monday of the month for a light dinner and book discussion. Meetings start around 6:30PM.

Here are our upcoming books:

August 20 - A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton.  This will be at the home of Kathy Burek Huntington.

September 17 - This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.  Our meeting will be at the home of Kathy Howell.

October 15 - The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood.  Meeting at the home of Karen Johnson.


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