LOVE joyfully! CONNECT deeply! SERVE generously!
WE EXIST THAT ALL MAY KNOW JESUS CHRIST & BECOME HIS FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS.
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Chris Rocha and Nickolas Yotter attended the Delaware Maryland Synod Middle School Transformers Retreat at Mar Lu Ridge (and ELCA camp outside of Frederick) They were joined by Justin Yotter as an adult chaperone for the weekend of fun! |
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PRAISE WORSHIP
*LIVESTREAM IN-PERSON WORSHIP Sundays 9:30 am*
Tuesdays
THRIFT SHOP
Open every Saturday and Monday
9am - 12 pm
Volunteer-only days
Wednesday 9-12 pm
Donations accepted when open
BABY PANTRY
Every 1st Saturday of the Month
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EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS
Confirmation for Middle Schoolers
Tuesdays 6:30 pm
Bible Study with PSY
Thursdays at 7 pm on Zoom.
LGBTQIA+ Family Support Group
First Monday of the month at 7 pm
Next Meeting April 3rd
Monthly Marriage Care Group
3rd Sunday Evening of Month at 5 pm
Next meeting April 16th
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March 24 - March 31, 2023
THIS WEEK'S LESSON:
Matthew 25:31-46
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Curious about this week's meme? It generally has some connection to the weekly reading, which is: Matthew 25:31-46
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Mar 24 - Mar 31
FRIDAY
Jeremiah 35:14
SATURDAY
Matthew 5:9
SUNDAY
John 1:18
MONDAY
Matthew 10:7
TUESDAY
Psalm 103:14
WEDNESDAY
Acts 2:11
THURSDAY
Ecclesiastes 3:1
FRIDAY
Judges 3:9
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A Message from Pastor Sara
We are watching a lot of basketball at our house right now. I'm currently winning the household March Madness bracket! The winner receives a dinner of their choice made by the other members of the household. So, I really want to win! My secret to my bracket this year is not knowing any basketball information. I usually just pick a few teams I know, so this year Maryland (that was a lucky pick early on) and Michigan State because a dear friend worked there, and usually a few of the religious schools because I think its fun they are in the big tournament.
And then I went down a theological rabbit hole for fun. Maybe you do this sometimes too? What happens if two faith based schools are playing. What if both religious school teams pray to win? That lead to other questions.
- Who will God listen to?
- Would God influence the score?
- Does God already know the score before the final buzzer?
- Does one team think they will pray better or harder and sway God's way?
- Can we pray for victory?
- Should we pray for victory?
Although, I fully believe that we can and should ask God for anything that we want, it also makes me angry to think that victory is all that would be prayed for. I hope we will also pray for fairness from the officials and safety for all players. That all players would find their source of strength in God and play their best.
Faith and March Madness. And you thought it was just about basketball!
God's Peace,
Pastor Sara
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Join others for a daily bible verse and conversation each day through social media. Click here to sign up for "FAITH5 with PSY" on Facebook!
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Need the Joy Reigns app? Click here to download it today!
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Easter Flower Orders
It’s time to order flowers to beautify our worship space on Easter Sunday. If you would like to donate flowers in memory of or in honor of someone, or just for yourself, please use this form or you may email office@joyreignslutheranchurch.org by April 2nd. .Payment may be made through the mobile app Tithley, or by placing cash or check in an envelope clearly marked for “Easter flowers donated by…” in the offering plate in the worship space, or by mailing a check to Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, PO Box 1436, Edgewater, MD, 21037. Cost is $20 per plant.
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Holy Week and Easter Worship Opportunities
Thursday April 6th Maundy Thursday Worship at 7 pm onsite and online
Friday April 7th Good Friday 7 pm onsite and online
Sunday April 9th Easter Sunday
Sunrise Worship 6 am at Davidsonvile United Methodist Church (819 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville) outside at the green cathedral.
9:30 am Worship at Joy Reigns onsite and online
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Egg Drop!
Watch out! Here comes the EGGS!
The Youth Group will fill plastic eggs with candy and small treats and deliver them to your door for Easter Sunday!
Please use THIS LINK to sign up, Deadline March 31st. Funds will go towards upcoming youth events!
Please note, this year is a little different in that we will deliver the filled eggs to your door Friday evening, April 7th, to give you the opportunity to hide them where its most convenient.
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Property Team Volunteer Projects - Could You help with one?
Would you be willing to help with one of these fall property projects?
- Clean and Sanitize Water Heater
- Remove leaves from Journey to Joy basement stairs (outside)
- Weed Front Bed
- Organize Youth Room for Shared Community Group Meetings
- Power Wash Sidewalks
- Drywall Patching
- Gutter Clean Out (once leaves are down)
- Mayo Street Garbage Pick Up - THANKS TO BOB YATSUK!
- Hang Artwork at Journey to Joy
- Hang Artwork in PSY's office - THANKS TO JACK PARLON!
- Touch Up Paint on PSY office doorframe
- Empty and Defrost Kitchen Freezer - THANKS TO MELISSA F and DEBBY K!
- Branch Clean Up at Tree line - THANKS TO BOB YATSUK!
- Winterize Playground
- Weed Removal in Front of Storage Shed - THANKS TO BOB YATSUK!
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Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Anti-Transgender Legislation
As we approach March 31, many people are preparing to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility, an international day to celebrate the contributions of transgender people and raise awareness about the deadly injustices they face. Click here to read the rest of letter from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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Synod Assembly - Early Bird Registration March 31st
The 36th annual Assembly of the Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA will meet Friday, June 9 through Saturday, June 10, 2023. Synod Assembly will take place in person at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster, MD. Joy Reigns can have: clergy, 2 voting members, and each congregation entitled to one additional Youth (under 18 in age) or Young Adult (18-30 in age). If you are interested, please contact the church office to register at office@joyreignslutheranchurch.org.
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Midweek Lenten Worship
This year’s theme is Faith Practices: This or That? Each week we will be given two options of faith practices and you will have the opportunity to choose one. One that feels comfortable to you or one that you want to stretch yourself. One that seems like what you would naturally do or one that is opposite of you. One that is familiar or one that is new. This or that? You decide. Dinner onsite is at 6 pm. Worship begins onsite or online on Youtube at 6:30 pm.
This Week's Meal: Mac & Cheese (GF and vegan option available)
Tuesday 3/28: Direct Support or Policy Change: God’s Work Our Hands
Thursday 4/6: Maundy Thursday (no meal, worship at 7 pm)
Friday 4/7: Good Friday (no meal, worship at 7 pm)
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Joy Thrift- Assistant Manager Applications
We are now accepting applications for the New Assistant Manager Position at Joy Thrift. We will be expanding the hours open for volunteers and shopping soon! To learn more about the job description, click here. If you are interested, please send a letter of inquiry to Pastor Sara no later than March 29th. |
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VBS Save the Date - July 24-28
Spin the spinner, beat the clock, skip ahead, level up, and play to win! Twists & Turns™ is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to strategy games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS in fun locations such as the Bible Study Game Room, Wild Card Crafts, Multi-player Missions, and Skip Ahead Snacks! But more importantly, they’ll see Jesus through the eyes of one of His closest friends and discover that trusting Jesus as Savior and following Him changes the game entirely!
Jesus guides us through all the twists and turns of our lives. He helps us know His ways and teaches us His paths. (Psalm 25:4) Following Jesus changes everything!
Registration opens soon! Save the date and keep an eye on the weekly for registration!
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Joy Reigns Vegetable Garden
Do you have a green thumb? Do you like growing vegetables to share with others? I'm looking to put together a team of volunteers to help plan, build and grow a garden to provide fresh veggies to our community on Saturdays while the thrift shop is open. If interested, let Lori know (laladue@aol.com or 410-979-0080).
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Upcoming Youth Events
March 24th - Paint Night! 6:30-8PM
Come do a guided paint night! All youth and friends are invited to paint a sea turtle during a guided paint session! RSVP by March 20th. Once supplies are purchased, late RSVP's may not be able to be accommodated.
April 5th- Volunteer Opportunity!
Youth are encouraged to help STUFF items from our Easter Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 5th.This is a perfect opportunity for volunteer hours for those who need it! We will stuff from 12-1:30 (or until the job is complete). Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Monday, April 3rd.
April 7th- Volunteer Opportunity!
Youth are encouraged to help drop off items from our Easter Fundraiser- perfect opportunity for volunteer hours for those who need it! More information closer to date.
April 30- Skate Zone
All youth and friends are invited to Skate Zone in Crofton on Sunday April 30th for roller skating from 1:00-3:30! Admission is $8 and skate rental is $5. RSVP by Friday, April 28th.
Questions or to RSVP contact Danielle at youth@joyreignslutheranchurch.org!
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Online Moderators Needed
We need a few people to be a part of our regular online moderators to help greet and provide information to those watching live on our YouTube channel. You can do this while worshiping in person or while you are also watching online. If you are interested in helping please contact Tina in the office for more information on training and getting started!
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PRAYERS
Sustained by God's abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.
You have breathed into us the breath of life. Enliven your CHURCH. Deepen our partnerships with our companion churches around the globe, and bless the work of missionaries who accompany them.
Your spirit brings life to CREATION. Enliven the natural world and restore ecosystems in need of healing. Uplift prophetic voices that turn us to the needs of the soil beneath our feet and the air all around.
You redeem the world and its peoples. Free us from systems of oppression. Unbind nations and societies from the sins of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Raise up LEADERS at all levels of government who worked to promote the dignity of every human life.
You weep when we WEEP. Be present with those who grieve or who are troubled by illness. You hear us when we call to you. Deliver us from the depths of our despair, and free us from worries that bind us.
Your Spirit of life dwells in our assembly. Bless the MUSIC ministries of this congregation and all who lead us in hymns of praise and thanksgiving and in songs of lament and prayer.
We lift our unique prayers you now, God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promised to renew your whole creation.
HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR:
...Prayers of thanks that Arwen is free of leukemia after a bone marrow transplant and prayers for continued health
...Please pray for Dave Leimbach, father of one of my co-workers, as he begins chemo today for leukemia
Prayers from the Joy Thrift Prayer Wall:
...Prayers that an assistant manager for Joy Thrift is found quickly and that they want to be part of the team with joy and hope for Joy Thrift.
To have your prayer included in this list, please add it to the mobile app or contact the church office.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
AA/NA MEETINGS
Looking for a meeting?
Call 410-268-5441
for virtual NA meetings
for a list of virtual AA meetings.
FRIDAY March 24th
AA Meeting
5:30-6:30pm
SUNDAY March 26th
Livestream In-person Worship
9:30 am
MONDAY March 27th
ACA Meeting
7-8:15pm
TUESDAY March 28th
Midweek Lent Worship
6:30 pm - dinner
7 pm - worship
WEDNSDAY March 29th
Band Practice
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY March 30th
Women's AA meeting
6:30-7:30pm
FRIDAY March 31st
AA Meeting
5:30-6:30pm
SUNDAY April 2nd
Palm Sunday
Livestream In-person Worship
9:30 am
MONDAY April 3rd
ACA Meeting
7-8:15pm
WEDNSDAY April 5th
Band Practice
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY April 6th
Maundy Thursday
Service 7:00pm
FRIDAY April 7th
Good Friday
Service 7:00pm
EASTER SUNDAY April 9th
Livestream In-person Worship
9:30 am
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Deadline for Additions to the Weekly
All information to be included in the Weekly must be received by Wednesdays at 12pm, or it will not be included in that weeks Weekly. If you have information to include in the weekly, please email Brittany.
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JOY REIGNS LUTHERAN CHURCH
AT JOY REIGNS WE ARE CALLED TO...
LOVE joyfully
Joyfully embracing each person, as beautifully created in the image of God, we accept and affirm all with the love of God!
CONNECT deeply
Seeking deep connection to Jesus and each other, we strive to be transformed through our questions and relationships with all ages!
SERVE generously
We are called by the Holy Spirit into generous service to bring hope, joy, peace and justice to the world!
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CONNECT WITH US
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: vacant
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JOY REIGNS is a congregation of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) that is empowered by God’s grace. Liberated by the good news of Jesus Christ, we are sent by the Holy Spirit to love and serve others and to work boldly for justice and peace.
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For more ELCA news visit:
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