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Our Mission Statement

We of Joy Lutheran Church foster 
grace-filled relationships with Christ
through worship, fellowship, and service.
Notes of Joy - Week of January 17, 2021
Gospel: John 1:43-51
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and... the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.
Sunday, January 17 Worship
- Online -

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday School also cancelled. Both In Person Worship and Sunday School will resume Jan. 24th

Our Sunday virtual worship will be on Facebook at 9:30 am.  
See below for links for virtual Worship and Sunday School:
Congregational Annual Meeting
Sunday Jan. 31st, 1:00 pm
On Zoom
(invitation will go out soon) 


Business:
  • Approval of Minutes from 2020 
  • Approval of 2021 Budget
  • Election of new Council Members 

Per our constitution, we hold an annual meeting on the last Sunday in January. This year due to Covid restrictions and concerns, we will conduct the meeting over Zoom on January 31st. We will miss our traditional potluck meal but we can do this! More information will be forthcoming but we wanted to give you a heads up. In order to keep the meeting streamlined, agenda and reports will be sent out prior to the meeting in electronic form. If you want a hard copy packet mailed to you, please let us know by calling or emailing the office. 
Star Words - Last Sunday
Last Sunday we had an opportunity to choose a “Star Word” and let it be a word we follow, ponder, reflect and “chew” upon in this coming year of 2021.  

If you would like Pastor or Jan to draw a word for you and send it, please let us know.
JOIN THE TEAM!
VOLUNTEER FOR JOY COUNCIL

We are beginning an exciting chapter at Joy as we look toward calling a new full time pastor sometime this year. What better time to consider joining the Council and being a part of this next chapter in our history! Our constitution allows for up to 12 council members and we will vote in new members at the annual meeting on January 31st.  

We currently have 7 members and only my 3-year term is ending. I’m throwing my name back in the pool for another term, why don’t you think about joining me?! We meet once a month for approximately 2 hours to conduct the business of the church. It is important work and with a new pastor coming on board sometime this year, it is an exciting time. If you have questions, would like more information or would like to be considered, please talk to Pastor Karen or any council member.

-- Sue Weimer, Church Council President
Can you take our Food Bank Donations to the ER Food Pantry This Week?
If so, please let us know.
Tuesdays are usually best.
The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.

By: Howard Thurman
Food Pantry Donations Needed! 
This can be a very difficult time for families. Bring your food donations to church on Sunday or you’re welcome to call ahead to drop them during the week. 

The first Sunday of each month is First Fruits Sunday.  We give special thanks for the gift of food and bless our offerings before they are delivered to the Chugiak Eagle River Food Pantry by the Soellers family.
Adult and Youth Readers
This year as a way to include more ages, we will be aiming for 2 Readers per Sunday - one adult and one youth. Does your young person like to read? Consider signing up! Lately we have had some fantastic readers - young and old! The sign-up Worship Assistant Schedule is on the Opportunities bulletin board in the upper narthex. 
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE RECORDERS NEEDED
We would like to increase our pool of people willing to record our Worship services LIVE. Please let us know if you are willing. 
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Children's Message - Saturday at Noon
Pr. Karen records a 3-5 minute message for young people each week. The Children's Message is available on Facebook every Saturday at noon. Click the Facebook link above.
Joy of Reading Book Club
January’s Book club meeting will, once again, be a ZOOM Meeting.

Marty and Lori Atrops will be sending out the ZOOM information.   The date will be Monday, January 18 and will start at 6:30 PM.   

Our book for January is Jimmy Bluefeather by Kim Heacox.

Please bring any recommendations you have for books as we make our reading plans for the new year.