LOVE joyfully! CONNECT deeply! SERVE generously!
WE EXIST THAT ALL MAY KNOW JESUS CHRIST & BECOME HIS FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS.
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The weather changed plans for ice skating this past week when the rink was filled with water and 30+ mph winds. Instead on this scheduled day off of school there was plenty of games and fun to be had.
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PRAISE WORSHIP
*ONLINE WORSHIP 9:30 am*
THRIFT SHOP
Open every Saturday and Monday
9am - 12 pm
Volunteer-only days on Wednesday 9-12pm and
*Sunday January 23*
Donations accepted when open
BABY PANTRY
Every 1st Saturday of the Month
EDGEWATER ELEMENTARY WEEKEND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Distribution Every Friday
Packing Events will be announced soon!
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EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS
Bible Study with PSY
Lucifer Theology Study
Thursdays at 8 pm on Zoom
Starting January 20th
Confirmation for Middle Schoolers
Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM
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JAN 21st - JAN 28th, 2022
THIS WEEK'S LESSON:
John 3:1-21
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Curious about this week's meme? It generally has some connection to the weekly reading, which is: John 3:1-21
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JAN 21st - JAN 28th
FRIDAY
John 15:16
SATURDAY
Luke 1:78-79
SUNDAY
Psalm 104:33
MONDAY
Luke 4:40
TUESDAY
1 Thessalonians 5:9
WEDNESDAY
Psalm 90:16
THURSDAY
Hebrews 13:8
FRIDAY
Matthew 11:15
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A Message from Pastor Sara
One of the things I like about this week’s bible reading, that I often call Nick at Night (f you aren’t laughing at that PSY retitle, then I know you were not a kid in the 80’s like me) is the great conversation that happens between Jesus and Nicodemus when they physically gather together. Yes, it could have happened over text, or email or even a zoom video call, but there is something special about being in person together.
We continue to look at the hospital metrics as our guide to gather back in person. There was good news this week as AACo Health Officer, Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, plans to lift some restrictions at the end of January. We continue to live into our gospel mandate to be a good neighbor. Not physically gathering for worship right now with the hospitals still at crisis capacity is an action we do for our neighbor. To limit our church in-person high risk activities like worship with singing is an act of faithfulness and an expression of the Greatest Commandment: to love God and love neighbor. I see hope on the horizon. Thanks for your patience dear church. Soon we will go from Nick at Night through YouTube to Joy Reigns on Sunday mornings, together again in person.
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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Budget Deep Dive
Join Ross Moody on Sunday, January 23 on Zoom directly after worship to hear about our 2022 budget, and to discuss any questions or concerns you might have ahead of the annual meeting.
You can see the FY2022 budget document by clicking the button below.
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Thrift Shop Volunteer Sunday
Join us this Sunday, January 23rd starting at 11am to help tackle our donation pile! We will work until 2ish, but even if you only have an hour we would still love to have you! Families and kids welcome!
Can't make it this month? We have a Sunday workday every month on the fourth Sunday after worship.
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Annual Meeting
Mark your calendars for the Congregational Annual Meeting on Sunday January 30th following worship. This is a great opportunity to see how we have lived out our core values in the past year and to look ahead to 2022. We will also be electing new council members and approving our annual budget. Format will be on zoom.
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Want to Name a House?
Are you good with words? Do you like working creatively with others? Would you like to be part of the Recovery House Naming Team? A small team will be gathering soon to pray, brainstorm and make a name recommendation to the Recovery House Team. If you are interested in joining in for a few (likely two) short yet productive meetings, please contact Rich Wolf or PSY.
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Team Jordan - Join the Fun
While we are online only for worship, would you like to join Jordan for the Children’s Message? Jordan likes to talk with kids of all ages as well as adults who are young at heart. Contact Tina in the office at officejrc@gmail.com
to Join Team Jordan for an upcoming Sunday.
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Church Council for 2022
The church council is seeking open recommendations for individuals who are interested in serving on the newly structured council. If you are interested in serving and/or would like to nominate someone, please do so by Sunday January 23rd to Council President Sarah Adams or Pastor Sara Yotter.
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Fellowship Events
Please see the Fellowship Events link for upcoming 2022 ideas. If anyone has any ideas or is interested in implementing something fun, please get in touch with Lori LaDue at laladue@aol.com or 410-979-0080.
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Joy Reigns SERVES Generously
Joy Reigns serves generously with volunteers giving their time and without the assistance of our volunteers, many of the wonderful ministries that make Joy Reigns what it is wouldn't be possible. That said, we need your help in these specific areas:
- YouTube Moderator (every 4-6 weeks)
- Proofreader
- AV Tech Team
- Joy Thrift cashiers
If you are interested in learning more, or volunteering, or know someone who would be interested in serving in a ministry, please email Tina.
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PRAYERS
The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon us in abundance; so we are bold to pray for the church, the world, and all that God has made.
You reveal yourself to us in the reading of scripture. FULFILL your word through the faithful witness of your church. Send us out to bring your liberating good news to all people.
All creation proclaims your handiwork. Teach us to love the intricate and beautiful bodies that you have created. BLESS tiny insects, enormous whales, and every creature in between. Sustain species at risk of extinction.
You desire that there be no dissention among us. Where we are divided in our society, nation, or world, come quickly to REUNITE us into one body. Ease conflict, dispel violence, and bring an end to war.
Anoint with your Spirit all who seek your favor. GRANT provision and justice for people living in poverty, people living with disability, those living with pain, or those living under oppression.
Build up the body of Christ in this place. Bless the variety of ministries in this congregation. EMPOWER us to freely welcome and deeply value each person who enters into worship and ministry among us.
HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR:
...Prayers for healing for Gerda Parr following her mastectomy this week.
...Prayers for the family and friends of Bonnie Buckner as they grieve her loss from cancer this week.
...Prayers for the family of Cheryl Mason who passed away on 1/17/22
...Prayers for those suffering seasonal depression
Prayers from the Joy Thrift Prayer Wall:
...prayers for a community member diagnosed with Lupus
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.
SUNDAY Jan 23rd
Online Only Worship
9:30am
SUNDAY Jan 23rd
10:30am
SUNDAY Jan 23rd
Thrift Work Day
11am-2pm
WEDNESDAY Jan 26th
Youth Confirmation
7pm-8:15pm
THURSDAY Jan 27th
8pm-9pm
SUNDAY Jan 30th
Online Only Worship
9:30am
SUNDAY Jan 30th
Annual Congregational Meeting
Following Worship on Zoom
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The Strategic Planning Team and Congregational Council are currently working on the Strategic Foundation Plans to help Joy Reigns thrive. If you are interested in helping with this work or future visionary work, please let PSY know. To see the plan, click here.
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Steps 1-4: Building a Foundation
A team has been set up by the JRLC Council to explore the RIC (Reconciling in Christ) process. Team members are KL Broom, John Williams, John Osborn, and Hannah Rosekrans.
Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
JRLC’s strategic plan, announced in June 2020, explores the process of becoming a RIC congregation. As the 11+ step process continues, your input will be sought and valued. The steps include education and testimonials as well as the crafting of a Welcoming Statement with congregational involvement throughout. The process includes a congregational vote to publish the statement and officially be considered a RIC Congregation.
The RIC process will begin by offering the congregation opportunities for engagement and input, and for understanding together what calling ourselves “RIC” means—and doesn’t mean. Look for more information and opportunities for engagement in the coming weeks. To learn more go to: https://www.reconcilingworks.org/resources/ric/
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Community Crisis Line Available To You
The Crisis Response System known as the "Community Warmline" is a service that provides Anne Arundel County Residents in crisis with supportive assistance and linkages to resources within the community.
The "Community Warmline" can receive calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at
(410) 768-5522. Non-emergency calls are handled by staff and will provide the caller with information, support and referrals. The Crisis Response System Staff intervene with callers who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use disorder emergency. Also, the Crisis Response System "Community Warmline" coordinates calls with the police, fire and community agencies that are requesting information on crisis matters.
The Crisis Response System also provides service to the community through Mobile Crisis Teams, Homeless Outreach Services, Urgent Care Clinic, Sexual Assault Clinic, Community Education and Crisis Beds.
Tips from the Domestic Abuse Hotline for Staying Safe during COVID-19
While people are encouraged to stay at home, victims and survivors may feel isolated from friends and family. Click here to learn more. For any victims and survivors who need support, 24/7, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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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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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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