Notes of Joy for the Week of August 18, 2019
Our Mission Statement

We of Joy Lutheran Church foster 
grace-filled relationships with Christ
through worship, fellowship, and service. 
Luke 12:49-56
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Notes From Our Council President

Summer in Alaska is always busy, busy, busy and too fleeting. We are all traveling or stocking the freezer with fish or just enjoying this record breaking weather but as summer winds down, it is time to look forward. I will be meeting with Bishop Shelley next Wednesday, August 21 st . Foremost in our discussion will be a status report on securing our interim pastor. Are there other issues you would like me to discuss while I have the Bishop’s ear? Please feel free to email me at slweimer@gci.net or catch me after the worship service. Thank you.

-Sue Weimer
Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, August 18

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 18. 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 briefcase, lunch bag, or tote bag!
Mark Your Journey With a Cross
We now have two walls of crosses donated by members of Joy, and we love to trace their steps vicariously. If you have plans to travel yet this summer and fall, we'd love to have a memento of your trip. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Hemsath,  nancyhemsath@gmail.com . Safe travels to all!
Volunteer Opportunities

Lawn Rangers Needed
Love the gentle purr of the lawnmower? The tidy lines in a well cut lawn? Love to serve your church with some physical labor? We are in regular need of volunteers to mow the lawns at church. You’re welcome to provide your own mower, or you can use the church one. You’re also welcome to bring a weed trimmer and leaf blower if you like to really manicure a lawn!

Worship Assistants Sought
Our Worship Assistant Schedule is extremely empty.  Please take a few moments to consider if you can help with future worship services. It’s hard to scramble at the last minute to fill openings. There are many positions and training is available if you have never volunteered or it has been awhile. Just add your name to the schedule on the Opportunities bulletin board in the narthex. Contact the office if you’d like training.  THANK YOU!
JCDC is Hiring
Joy Child Development Center is accepting applications for new teachers. They are losing some of their summer staff members as current high school and collage students return to school. Must be 18 y.o. or older. They are most in need of staff that can start when the center opens at 6:30am or work later in the day until closing at 6:30pm. If interested, please contact the director, Robin O’Mara at 694-2755.
Weekly Worship Assistant Schedule
Joy of Reading Book Club
The Joy of Reading Book Club meets the 3rd Monday of every month and gets started around 6:30 PM. We share a light dinner and discuss the book of the month with open minds. We have learned a lot!  

  • August 19 – Marcia Hegna is hosting and the book is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
  • September 16 – Lois Lester hosting and the book is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
  • October 21 – Betty Veldhuis is hosting; the book is Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

All are welcome, even if you haven’t read the book. We will enjoy your company!
Joy Church Council Members
Sue Weimer
Scooter Bentson
Ami Soellers
Clarke Hemphill
Richard Dana
Tom Bird
Debby Bird


The next church council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28.