Notes of Joy for the Week of December 8, 2019

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

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

Calling all Children!  Christmas Eve Play Meeting Sunday! We will be meeting briefly at 10:45am after worship to select the cast for our annual Christmas Eve Play, telling the story of Jesus’ birth. There will not be casting auditions; just show up and let us know if your children wish to participate and we will assign them a part in the play! All ages welcome - We have roles for toddlers, school age kids and teenagers! Costumes will be provided by Joy Lutheran Church. Christmas Play Rehearsals will be held December 15, December 22 at 11am. Rehearsals will be about an 60-90 minutes long. All play participants should plan to arrive at Joy at 5:00pm on December 24 dressed in their costumes.  The play will be held at the 5:30pm Christmas Eve Service at Joy Lutheran Church. We’re Putting Up the Christmas Tree Sunday! We are looking for help putting up the big Christmas tree that graces our Sanctuary. We need a few people comfortable on a ladder to help with the top and lights.   Everyone is welcome to stay and help decorate! Thank YOU! Many thanks to all who have been helping with: warm accessories, Advent Workshop, Sailor gifts, and Christmas lights and decorations!

Advent Soup Supper & Wednesday Evening Worship Our midweek Advent worship is Wednesdays until Christmas. The next ones are Dec. 11 and 18. We begin with a meal at 6:15pm followed by worship at 7:00pm using the Holden Evening Prayer service. The signup sheet to provide soup or bread is on the bulletin board. New Member Sunday, Dec. 22 Are you interested in becoming a Member here at Joy Lutheran Church? Pastor Karen would like to talk with you as we will be having new members join on Sunday, Dec. 22nd. Her address is ksonray@gmail.com or please call her. Short Confirmation Class This Sunday There’s a meeting directly after worship for those interested in being in the Christmas Eve play. There are parts for teens too! Stop in there, if interested, then join us in Brause Hall for a short confirmation class. After, you’re welcome to go back to the Sanctuary to help decorate the big Christmas tree.

Choir and Special Music Pastor Karen would like to assemble a choir for the Christmas season. We'd like to practice after the Wednesday Advent service (at a minimum). All are welcome! No formal training required!  Can we figure a way to do this even without a director? Or is someone willing to direct? Accompany? (Thanks, Kathy H. for volunteering to accompany!) Also, if you'd like to play or sing some special music during a worship service, please let Pr. Karen know.

Holy Communion Training     Saturday, Dec. 14  11:00 am - Elementary age               12 Noon - Kindergarten and under  Would you like Pastor to talk to your child about the meaning of Holy Communion and how we receive this special gift of Jesus? Or is your child in need of a refresher?  You can bring your child Saturday, Dec. 14 th for a short class. We will meet in the Sanctuary and Narthex area. Thank you. If you cannot attend at that date and time, speak with Pastor for a time that will work for you! She is also available by request before or after the midweek Advent soup supper or worship (Wednesday evenings in December before Christmas).

Poinsettias for Christmas Eve The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board to sponsor a Poinsettia plant for Christmas. The poinsettias beautify our sanctuary for our Christmas Eve worship.  You are welcome to take yours home after the service. Cost is $15.

Quilt Auction The Sew with Joy quilt group is holding a silent auction for this amazing quilt as a fundraiser. Money raised will go towards the replacement cost of our new hot water heater. The bid sheet is on the sideboard in the upper narthex. Bids will be accepted until December 22. This would make a lovely Christmas gift or for YOU! There is also a red container next to the bid sheet if you’d like to make a donation towards the quilt rather than bid on it.

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 then move on to our book discussion. It’s fun and thought provoking! We have all grown from it. December 16 - The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates - Sue Weimer will host. For our Christmas Party merriment this year, we will have a sock exchange! If you would like to participate, please bring a wrapped pair of socks. January 20 - Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck - Wayne & Judy Rush are hosting.   Everyone is welcome! If you haven’t read the book, just come and enjoy the evening with us.

Joy Church Council Members Sue Weimer Scooter Bentson Clarke Hemphill Tom Bird Debby Bird Dina Torres, Treasurer The next church council meeting is Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00pm.

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