LOVE joyfully! CONNECT deeply! SERVE generously!
WE EXIST THAT ALL MAY KNOW JESUS CHRIST & BECOME HIS FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS.
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Families and youth of Joy Reigns got into the Christmas spirit with a fun fellowship event decorating cookies. Monthly events happen for elementary youth and their families, as well as middle school and high school youth, led by Danielle LaDue, Joy Reigns Youth and Family Coordinator. |
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PRAISE WORSHIP
*HYBRID WORSHIP 9:30 am*
THRIFT SHOP
Open every Saturday and Monday
9am - 12 pm
Volunteer-only days on Wednesday and
*Sunday January 23*
Donations accepted when open
BABY PANTRY
Every 1st Saturday of the Month
*January moved to 1/8 due to holiday*
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
Confirmation for Middle Schoolers
Meets again in January
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DEC 24th - DEC 31st, 2021
THIS WEEK'S LESSON:
Christmas Eve:
Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20
Sunday December 26th:
Various Readings for 12 Days of Christmas
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Curious about this week's meme? It generally has some connection to the weekly reading, which is: Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20
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DEC 24th - DEC 31st
FRIDAY
Luke 1:68
SATURDAY
1 John 3:23
SUNDAY
Psalm 109:21
MONDAY
1 Peter 1:13
TUESDAY
Jude 20-21
WEDNESDAY
Psalm 30:1
THURSDAY
Psalm 74:16
FRIDAY
Jude 22
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A Message from Pastor Sara
There's no room in the inn. It seems on the first Christmas the thing everyone was looking for was lodging. This Christmas, thousands of years later, the thing we are looking for is home rapid tests. And like a place to stay, there are none to be found. I wish it wasn't so but that's the reality. We are on our second COVID Christmas, yet we are not here without hope. We've journeyed through the Old Testament together this fall, seeing all the challenges and struggles God's people have had along the way. The past gives us hope for the future and Jesus in the manager, God with us, Emmanuel, gives us hope for not just the future but today here and now. See you tonight! Either online or 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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Christmas Eve Worship Times
Join us to welcome the Newborn King at Christmas Eve worship on December 24th at 4:30 or 7:30 pm! These will be hybrid worship experiences, so join us from church or the comfort of your own home. Please see the email from late Thursday about updates related to COVID contact tracing from worship on December 19th.
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Hybrid Worship!
On December 19th, we transitioned to one hybrid worship experience at 9:30 am on Sundays. Services will continue to happen in-person at 9:30 am, and will be livestreamed to viewers at home who are unable to attend in-person. We hope you are as excited for this new adventure as we are!
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Thank You
Thank you to those who provided poinsettias, also known as cuetlaxochitl, to beautify our space for Christmas worship.
In memory of Harry Talbott and Harold and Alice Melby - Naomi Talbott
In memory of my grandmother, Martha Louise Graham - Melanie Graham
With gratitude and blessings to Pastor Sara for her leadership and unending dedication to the Joy Reigns family - Debby Kaempf
In memory of my mom, Krista Card- Tina Moreland
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Diaper Packing Event Tuesday January 4th
Our next Diaper distribution is Saturday January 8th and volunteers are desperately needed to pack diapers on Tuesday January 4th. All are welcome to help pack and to help distribute diapers on Saturday January 8th from 9am-12pm. We can always use additional people who can speak Spanish, you don't have to be fluent, just enough to know what sizes and how many babies. Please contact Dee Thoren if you are available /interested in helping. |
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Youth Ice Skating
While school is closed on January 18th, come ice skating with Danielle! All youth are invited to come to Quiet Waters Park on January 18th from 12:30-3:30 PM. Cost is $10 for ages 12 and above, and $9 for children under 12. All elementary age youth will need an adult chaperone! RSVP to Danielle by January 10th.
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Thrift Shop Closed Dec 25, and Jan 1
As we celebrate the coming of the Newborn King, and the turning of a new year, please note that Joy Thrift will be closed on Saturday, December 25th, and January 1st so that our wonderful volunteers can spend the holidays with their families. We will be open for regular hours on Monday, December 27th, and January 3rd, as well as volunteer hours on those Wednesdays.
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Lucifer Theology Study begins
The hit series Lucifer was part mystery, part fantasy, part theology. Join Pastor Sara
for a six week series, to focus each week on a biblical character or theological theme
from the hit show. The group will meet via zoom at 8pm on Thursdays starting January
20th.
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Baby Pantry Jan 8th
Due to the holidays, Baby Pantry will be moving to January 8th to best serve our community. Please consider helping out, email Dee Thoren for more information!
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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:
- Proofreader
- AV Tech Team
- Joy Thrift cashiers
- Worship volunteers: communion helpers, greeters, worship leaders.
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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Joy Reigns Job Postings
Joy Reigns is currently looking to fill two part-time positions: Audio/Video Tech, and Joy Thrift Coordinator. More information for both positions can be found on our website, and applications can be sent in via FaceBook. If you, or anyone you know are interested, please check them out!
Joy Reigns Lutheran Church in Edgewater, MD is seeking an energetic and positive Thrift Shop Coordinator. Responsibilities include coordinating operations of the store and volunteers (community, congregation and recovery). The Thrift Shop Coordinator is also responsible for our unique Recovery Rental Assistance Program that runs as part of Joy Thrift. This position is 15 hours per week every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm. To see full job description go to our website. Please send inquires to officejrc@gmail.com.
Joy Reigns Lutheran Church in Edgewater, MD is seeking an Audio Video Technician to produce the best possible atmosphere for worship through sound and video. This includes, but is not limited to, creating the best music mix possible, creating an audio mix that meets the mood the pastor/worship leader wants to convey, and supporting the audio needs of the people involved with the church service. To see the full job description to to our website. Please send inquiries to officejrc@gmail.com
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PRAYERS
Joining our voices with the heavenly host and Christians throughout time and space, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
Your spirit calls your church to rejoice in Christ’s birth. As we gather at the manger, help us see your face in all babies needing comfort and care. EQUIP the church in the nurture and encouragement of all children.
The rocks and streams proclaim your praise. Attune us to the joyful sounds and groaning of your creations. STIR us to tend the earth wisely, that the whole earth may dwell in abundance and peace.
Your messengers declare your joy to the world. Embolden leaders and nations to make your justice and peace known throughout the earth. UPHOLD justice advocates and social service providers who risk their safety to help others.
You chose those regarded as lowly to tell the good news of your love. Pour out your mercy and care on all who are sick, grieving, struggling, and the elderly who live alone.
You abide with your people in times of trouble. ACCOMPANY families and children who have nowhere to turn. Strengthen this congregation and local ministries in their care for those feeling danger, abuse, or neglect.
HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR:
... Healing prayers for Sara Starry's sister who has been hospitalized with a bad case of shingles and is being tested for the return of cancer
...prayers for those struggling during this joyous season
...Prayers for all those longing for children, including those struggling with infertility, waiting on adoption news, or processing miscarriage. Be with them, Lord.
...Healing prayers for John Osborn who tested positive for COVID and For his family to continue to have negative test results.
...Healing prayers for Davis Kaye who has tested positive for Covid and that his family remain healthy.
...Prayers for Ursula Rocha's mother who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and for health concerns for Ursula as well. Healing prayers for Ursula's grandmother who has been in the hospital.
Prayers from the Joy Thrift Prayer Wall:
...prayers for peace, hope and love
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 Dec 24th
Christmas Eve worship
4:30 pm
7:30 pm
SUNDAY Dec 26th
**NEW WORSHIP TIME**
9:30am
SUNDAY Jan 2nd
**NEW WORSHIP TIME**
9:30am
TUESDAY Jan 4th
Diaper Packing 6pm
SUNDAY Jan 8th
Baby Pantry 9am-12pm
SUNDAY Jan 9th
**NEW WORSHIP TIME**
9:30am
MONDAY Jan 17th
Youth Ice Skating
12:30-3:30pm
THURSDAY Jan 20th
Lucifer Study Begins
8pm on Zoom
SUNDAY Jan 30th
Annual Congregational Meeting
Following Worship
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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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