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

Notes of Joy - Week of March 29, 2020

Sunday March 29th, 9:30 a.m. Join us for a Mini-Worship Service! It will be online at our Joy Lutheran Facebook Page. Click link.  [ Joy Lutheran Facebook Page ] Not a Facebook user? That's ok....just click link and you can find it! (Click "not now" on pop-up window that asks you to sign up.) NOTE: If you missed any of the previous services (March 18, 22, 25) they are all still available on Facebook page.

From Our Pastor... Shalom! This Hebrew word for Peace is much bigger than our typical understanding of "peace" in English. In Hebrew it means 'may it be well with you spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally.' Hebrew people are very keen on viewing humanity in this wholistic manner.  God cares about our whole being! I've been especially thinking about mental health. During these times of uncertainty , it is easy to find ourselves anxious and fearful. Or we may be close to people who are struggling with these very things. Here are some tips, that I find helpful as I navigate through high stress.  Remember we are going through a strange time right now! Don't guilt or judge yourselves that you are having a hard time with it.   In addition to routine changes, many of us have had to let go of plans, upcoming celebrations or events. There is disappointment of course . It is not wrong to feel some grief over these things even though they seem "small" compared to the big picture. It's tempting to worry far ahead into the future but it is not helpful. Ask yourself - is there something my worrying is pointing me to do (ex. stock up on food, call someone, etc.)? Or is my worry a needless use of energy in this case? If the latter, ask God to help you pray and release your burden to the Lord. As much as you are able, be in the moment. See, hear, smell- allow your senses to stimulate an awareness of " here and now." Practice deep breathing. Inhale deeply...hold the breath for 4 seconds. Then slowly exhale for 5 seconds. I find if I do this several times it can be quite calming! Shalom to you all. Pastor Karen Sonray

Pray and Fast Saturday 1 p.m. until Sunday 1 p.m. Pray for solutions and care during the Covid-19 Crisis Sponsored by many Eagle River churches

Palm Sunday and Easter Worship ...in the PLANNING STAGES Meet at the Joy Lutheran Parking Lot, 9:30 am We hope to have some sort of "parade" with palms April 5th and some sort of mini worship on April 12th. We will remain in cars and practice physical distancing. More details forthcoming!   Yes, Pastor Karen hopes to have a Bullhorn.

Sewing Masks Several of our Sew for Joy (Thx Jan O, Nancy D and Mona!) members are sewing health masks. There are directions in various places - one website is  https://deaconess.com/how-to-make-a-face-mask , or check with Mona. She also has extra elastic and pipe cleaners. Her email is monamitton514@gmail.com . They are giving them to folks in need of some protection. (not suitable for hospital emergency wear)

Card and Letter Writers Want to make a picture or write a card?? We still could use some children volunteers! Send it to someone in our Congregation Contact Pastor or Office for Addresses and suggesions!

Little Free Library If you need books, remember the Little Free Library at Joy Lutheran Church!

Gospel: John 11:1-45 In Sunday's gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism.

Consider Giving Online Thank you for remembering your Church during this time when we cannot gather! You can give Online one-time or as a reoccurring gift. This helps us tremendously. Or, send in your offering by mail (10111 E. Eagle River Lp. Rd., 99577)

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Joy Church Council Members Sue Weimer - slweimer@gci.com Scooter Bentson - sbentson55@gmail.com Tom Bird - tbird@mtaonline.net Debby Bird - andy2@mtaonline.net Corrine Finnie - corrinefinnie@hotmail.com Kelly Mullin - mullinkm260@comcast.net Heather Slocum - heather_slocum@yahoo.com Clarke Hemphill, Treasurer - mrs_mousie@hotmail.com The next church council meeting is Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00pm.