A Message from Pastor Sara - Joy Reigns Lutheran Church

 WE EXIST THAT ALL MAY KNOW JESUS CHRIST AND BECOME HIS FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS.
A Message from Pastor Sara
Last weekend, we traveled to
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It
was amazing and I won't bother you
with travel pictures (unless you ask!) but
there were breath taking waterfalls, rock
scrambles, scenic overlooks, all giving
glory, in their splendor, to the God who
created them. It reminded me of a
quote of a Wisconsin native, and the
founder of the Sierra Club, John
Muir, “Everybody needs beauty...places
to play in and pray in where nature may
heal and cheer and give strength to the
body and soul alike.”
In the next few days the world will
have celebrations for the 45th
anniversary of the first Earth Day. We
often in the church talk about
stewardship to the congregation, or the
stewardship of our time and talents, I'd
encouraged you this week to also think
of your stewardship of God's creation.
How are you generous already to the
care of God's creation? Are there ways
that you would like to improve your
home and natural surroundings to be
places as John Muir said to play in and
pray in where nature can strengthen
our body and souls?
God’s Peace,
Pastor Sara
TECH TEAM MINISTRY
Do you like technology? Do you like worship
enhanced with exciting screens?
Would you like to be part of the team that creates visually appealing worship
experiences? Bob Yatsuk is training this summer
those interested to add
members to the team. Contact him at 410-991-4213 or Pastor Sara if you are
interested in joining this ministry!
JOY KIDS FAMILY 5K FUN RUN, WALK AND CARNIVAL
Please join the families and friends of Joy Kids Learning Center for our first
Family 5K Fun Run & Walk on May 2, 2015. By running or walking in our Family
5K you will help us raise awareness of the importance of preschool education
globally and locally. Once you have finished running or walking the course plan
to stay and enjoy the carnival! Portions of the proceeds will go to help support
Acres of Hope in Liberia.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 22-26
Mark your calendars for “Catch the Buzz!” for another fun week of VBS. Online
registration is NOW OPEN as well as paper registrations available on the back
table!
April 17 — April 23, 2015
THIS WEEK’S LESSON
Luke 24:36-53
CHURCH AND OFFICE
35 Mayo Road
Edgewater, Maryland 21037
PHONE
410-266-5691
EMAIL
info@joyreignslutheranchurch.org
WEBSITE
www.joyreignslutheranchurch.org
PRAISE WORSHIP
Sunday at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM
Nursery starts at 9:10 AM
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday at 9:15 AM
THRIFT SHOP
Open Monday and Saturday
9 AM — 12 PM
PASTOR
The Rev. Sara Yotter
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Lenore Liller
TRANSITIONAL OFFICE
ADMINISTRATORS
Jen Mabe
Sonya Connolly
YOUTH LEADERS
Ali & Scott Purvis
JOY THRIFT COORDINATOR
Michelle Poole
Free Registration As Host Congregation: Join the Fun Saturday, May 2!
Come explore what it means to be faithful stewards in your
congregation, home and the greater world on Saturday, May 2 from
10 to 2.
This is a lively, fun Saturday interactive experience for all ages that
will explore attitudes and behaviors around money: earning, saving,
spending and sharing.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
One’s age and stage in life shapes one’s attitudes, habits and financial choices. Grounded in God’s generosity,
participants are invited to explore what it means to be faithful stewards of God’s abundant grace in the congregation
and in the home.
This event will be led by Linda Staats from the National ELCA. Linda’s Master’s degree in Human Development and the
Family from the University of Nebraska combined with her own infant baptism into Christian faith formed the foundation
for nurturing faith at church and in the home. With minor degrees in Child Development and Gerontology, she brings a
life-span approach to congregational ministry. Her hope is to engage, equip and empower all generations for serving
like Jesus at home and in the world. Her depth of experience is impressive. Read her complete bio at
http://www.homegrownfaith.net.
To make this event successful for others, as host congregation, we are being asked to provide 10 families of all ages,
young and old. Also we have some hosting responsibilities as well such as hospitality for meals and snacks as well as
nursery care. If you are interested in participating and/or helping please contact Pastor Sara ASAP.
Other Announcements
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
* National Youth Gathering Meeting - Sunday, April 19th 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM for all participants and at least
one parent
NEW OFFICE HOURS
The transitional office hours will be Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 4 p.m. Friday hours will be by
appointment. Thank you for your understanding!
Prayers
We keep in prayer Rita Dunbar,
Connie Ward, healing prayers for
Lauren and David Edwards,
Tony Thurston, and for God’s
beautiful creation.
* If you'd like a prayer added to this list
please email officejrc@gmail.com.
Congregational Giving Snapshot for the Week Ending Sunday 4/12/15
General Giving received last week
$2,640.00
Total General Giving received in April
$7.784.35
Total needed for each month
Thrift Shop received last week
JOY REIGNS
$18,098.00
$918.75
is an ELCA church that shares a living, daring confidence
in God’s grace. For us, this faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ
and gives us the freedom and the courage to wonder, discover and boldly
participate in what God is up to in the world. Liberated by our faith, we
embrace everyone as a whole person—questions, complexities and all.