God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

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1 SPIRIT OF JOY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1159 N. GREENFIELD RD., GILBERT God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 As I sat down in a staff meeting this week I opened our usual Our Daily Bread devotion and read the title aloud. Able and Available. Then I stopped, looked up and commented about how timely and appropriate this was. It was only 48 hours earlier that we had received the news of our daughter s accident and were on our way to the ER in Tucson, praying that the Lord would be present and be our strength to face the challenges ahead! This isn t an unusual prayer for me, but usually my prayers are for strength to be God s vessel in ministering to others who are facing crisis in their lives. The devotion continued with a story about a cancer diagnosis and a woman who reached out to family and friends, but no one was available. The devotion continued to describe a woman who sobbed, with her hands covering her face, pleading, Help me, Lord! She continued to describe the feeling of God s peace, presence and comfort she received over the next hour before loved ones arrived, which became a testimony to the promise of God s presence in our lives. We all face life challenges that are steep, be it an injury, a diagnosis, catastrophe or even the death of a loved one. But regardless of the challenge, God remains our refuge and our strength, and is present in our troubles. That is the steadfast promise of the love of God for us that never changes, ever. And this is a great reminder for us to turn first to the Lord placing our trust in The Almighty before anything else. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to Be still and know that I am God! It is in our stillness and our cry to God that we experience our God who doesn t wane, and is a steadfast presence that truly is our stronghold to face each day s challenges. Knowing that God is our refuge and strength is only the first step in our calling upon our Lord. To know this promise is the gateway for us to live into it by seeking and receiving the refuge and strength that God promises. And perhaps the most beautiful thing is our ability to tell others about the promise of which we partake. Our experiences become the testimony of our faith to our friends and neighbors about God s very real presence in our lives. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, know of God s promise, live into it by calling out to God, seek God s refuge and presence, and tell others about God s unfailing, unfaltering real presence in your life. Thanks be to God! See you in Worship! Pastor Brian 1

2 LENT AND EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE Ash Wednesday Worship Service is February 14 th. at 6:30 On Feb. 21 st & 28 th, March 7 th, 14 th & 21 st join us for our Lenten Soup & Salad Suppers at 5:30 PM followed by Worship - Holden Evening Prayer with Video Series Journey to the Cross at 6:30 PM. Palm Sunday Services, March 25 th at 8:30 and 10:30 Maundy Thursday Service, March 29t h at 7:00 PM with Holy Communion & First Communion Good Friday Service, March 30 th at 7:00 PM Easter Sunday Services, April 1 st Sunrise 6:30 AM Traditional 8:30 AM EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNTIY - DIAKONIA CONTINUES here at SOJ every TUESDAY evening! The next course offering is Christian Doctrine Class B-2 DATE: 2/6/18 3/6/18 and will be taught by: Bishop Rev. Dr. Peter C. Orlando. This course has several main objectives: to introduce students to Systematic Theology, present a vision of the coherence of Christian beliefs to each other, help identify foundational doctrines, give an understanding of orthodoxy and heresy, gain an understanding of the communal and historic nature of doctrines and their spiritual foundations, and to help students understand and express why disciplined thought and faithful confessions is crucial for church leaders. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! More information at the information center by the front doors! PRAYER IS FOR EVERYONE! And prayer is a way to create and nurture our relationship with God. Using Protestant Prayer beads as a prayer discipline, we can grow our relationship with God. They help us talk to God in new ways. Through the prayer beads, we can discover simple ways to practice awareness of God's presence to bring spiritual balance in the busyness of our daily lives. Nancy Zine from Desert Cross Lutheran Church will be helping us to make Protestant Prayer Beads this Lent as we unite our hands and hearts to connect with God. Please visit Nancy in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 11 at 9:30 and 11:30 to find out more information and to order beads and then again on Sunday at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall to make your custom prayer beads and learn a new prayer practice. 2

3 Finding Your Bold RIO SALADO CONFERENCE SPRING GATHERING Saturday, February 24, :00 AM 1:30 PM Our Savior s Lutheran Church 662 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, AZ Registration: $10 Includes: Lunch & Materials For More Information, Contact Donna at By: 2/19/18 Katie Luther wife of Martin Luther Key Note Speaker: (Jean Bradford) Bible Study Leader: Pastor Tina Mills Offerings received will be shared: 50% to WELCA Churchwide AND; 50% to I-Help (spotlighted organization, presented by LSS). In-kind gifts (new) requested for women of I-Help -- Suggestions: Hats; Gloves; Socks; Large sizes Underwear; Sanitary products; Snacks; Bus passes; Gift cards (for health & wellness, clothes; suggested value $25) CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart; Gas cards (for church van drivers) Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness! 2 Corinthians 3:12 3

4 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY There is a definite need for an active Prayer Shawl Ministry here at SOJ again. We have many members that would benefit from it. The purpose of a shawl or lap afghan is to provide comfort, peace, warmth & prayer to those in need during a difficult time. If you crochet and/or knit and are interested in being part of this ministry, please contact Suzanne Morehead or Mary Virden and let s get going! Come and enjoy a great evening with your friends and acquaintances at Spirit of Joy. Bring a friend! All are welcome. Bring a potluck dish to share for supper and then enjoy some games and conversation. Contact Ruth Kessler at for more information. Our Men s group meets every S a t u r d ay m o r n ing f rom 7:30-8 : 30am in t h e F e llowship H a ll a t S p irit o f Joy. We will have time for food (of course), fellowship, and Bible Study. Please come and bring a friend. C ontact B ra d V en H u i z e n if you ha v e q u e s t io n s ( ). WOMEN OF THE ELCA We will meet on Saturday, February 10th at 9AM in the Fellowship Hall for our regular monthly meeting. Please come and join us for Bible Study and Fellowship! 4

5 Diakonia! Pronounced dee-ak-on-ee'-ah. And it means service, ministering to others. You also might have heard this called the Lay School of Ministry. Diakonia is an exciting opportunity which provides a spiritual journey to lay (anyone other than Pastors) individuals who wish to become more involved in their church or who want to better understand their faith. This is an exciting series of 12 different classes, in 5 week segments that are offered over 2 years and are taught by ordained clergy. Classes start here at Spirit of Joy on January 2, 2018, at 6:00 PM. For more information and to register go to DIAKONIA PROGRAM Rio Salado Conference Christian Doctrine Class B-2 DATE: 2/6/18 3/6/18 Series B Courses All Classes at: Sprit of Joy 1159 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ Time: 6-9pm INSTRUCTOR: Bishop Rev. Dr. Peter C. Orlando This course has several main objectives: to introduce students to Systematic Theology, present a vision of the coherence of Christian beliefs to each other, help identify foundational doctrines, give an understanding of orthodoxy and heresy, gain an understanding of the communal and historic nature of doctrines and their spiritual foundations, and to help students understand and express why disciplined thought and faithful confessions is crucial for church leaders. Faith in the American Context Class B-3 DATE: 3/13 4/24/18 (no class 3/27 or 4/3) INSTRUCTOR: The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the history of the Lutheran church in America over the last 385 years, comparing past struggles and themes with issues in our church today, paying special attention to themes of immigration and assimilation inclusion/ exclusion/language), mission and outreach, authority, and identity. Practical Ministry III: To Communicate the Gospel Class B-4 DATE: 5/1/18 5/29/18 INSTRUCTOR: Deacon Dr. Janice L. Zimbelman This class will explore the role of the parish community of Word and Sacraments as the context for ministry, the source from which the Christian witness flows. Attention will also be paid to identifying 21st century situations where communication of the gospel is essential and how this communication may occur. The focus of this course is to look at opportunities within the parish for communicating the Gospel (Bible studies, teaching, youth ministries, etc.) as well as in the community (various forms of Evangelism, welcoming visitors and new members, etc.). Students will share personal ministry experiences of how they uniquely communicate the gospel in their lives, and reflect on them both Biblically and theologically. Christian Worship Class B-5 DATE: 6/12/18 7/10/18 (no class 7/3) INSTRUCTOR: This course surveys major aspects of the Sacraments, Lutheran liturgical worship, and the seasons of the church year, with special emphasis on the cultural settings in which worship occurs. The course provides a practical understanding of the words, actions, and items involved in the services by giving a close examination of what is in our service books. It also ties the content of the services to its biblical roots. This course also looks at the wide diversity of worship practices within the ELCA, including traditional and contemporary, multi-cultural differences, etc. Themes and Issues in Christian Ethics Class B-6 DATE: 7/24/18 8/21/18 INSTRUCTOR: Students will reflect on the implications of the Ten Commandments for con-temporary life. They will be introduced to concepts and systems by which the Christian tradition has taught personal and public morality, for example, the Deadly Sins and Cardinal Virtues, the Just War theory vs. Christian Pacifism, human nature and human sinfulness, and Luther s Two Kingdoms theology. The course provides opportunity for disciplined reflection on vexing ethical issues such as sexual ethics, sanctity of life, political witness, and economic justice. This course presents the opportunity to review and study some of the ELCA s Social and Teaching Statements. 5

6 Our Alphabet Groups host our Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship from 9:30-10:20 each Sunday morning. Our Alphabet Groups are members of the congregation who help with fellowship two weeks out of each year based on the first letter of their last name. Thank you for helping! This is how it works: 1) Each letter of the alphabet is assigned 2 weeks. This letter is announced in the weekly Joynotes. All people attending church with the current letter are asked to bring in a treat or bottle of juice, if they are able. If you bring in a treat after the coffee hour is finished, please put your treat in the freezer for the following week. All of C & D is hosting February 4 & 11 All of E & F is hosting February 18 & 25 2) An is sent to those assigned to assist in the kitchen a couple of weeks before the assigned Sundays. This gives all the instructions necessary for a successful coffee fellowship. If you do not receive an and your last name is the current letter, please feel free to just show up; the more help the better & also the merrier! PLEASE LIFT UP THESE INDIVIDUALS IN PRAYER THIS WEEK: All individuals recovering from recent hurricanes and wildfires. For Healing: Wes, Olivia, Matt, Ron & Lynne, JoAnn, Corinne, Cuda I, Nikki G., Linda & Steve, Scott, Dale, Colette, Dorothy, Kristy, AJ, Chip Pettit, Claudia, Becky, Shari,. Our Mission Partner: Maricopa Lutheran Church. Other Partners: Lutheran Social Services, the Women Participants of I- HELP: Nan, Patti, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Ramona, Sylvia. All the individuals participating in recovery and support groups here at SOJ: AA, NA, OA and Healing Waters. In order to stay current, incoming Prayer Requests will be published for two-week time periods. Please update us on how you are doing and how we can be praying for you. Requests can also be renewed by calling the office or submitting another prayer request at SAVE THE FAMILY MONTHLY FOCUS FOR FEBRUARY IS NEW UNDIES & SOCKS FOR YOUNG KIDS. For larger items, Save The Family has changed their drop off address to 444 N. Country Club Drive (just north of University), Mesa, AZ Phone is They are accepting clothing, food, furniture, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, baby supplies and kitchen supplies. They will no longer be accepting knick knacks due to space restrictions. The items will be given to the families STF serves and they will no longer sell to the general public. We will continue to collect items for our monthly focus, Back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas Angel Tree items. Thank you all for your past and continued support! c.charlesworth@juno.com or phone for more information. 6

7 BIRTHDAYS Terry Williams Marilyn Mahn Viviane Piaget Norm Behrend Trudy Haguewood Diane Seibold Lauren Duty Candy Kruse David Mack Marion Bergstrom Liz Rivera Susan Drake Brock Bailey Spirit Of Joy Lutheran Church is a Stephen Ministry Congregation What are Stephen Ministers? Stephen Ministers are laypeople who receive 50 hours of Christian caregiving training for their congregation and then provide one-to-one Christ centered care to hurting people. Each Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour. They also meet with their Stephen Leaders twice a month for ongoing support and continuing education. If you would like more information in regard to Stephens Ministry or know anyone that might be in need of this Christian caregiving, please contact Pastor Brian, Margo O Rourke at dmoro85210@cox.net or Don Teply at birdsofaz@yahoo.com We are also looking at the possibility of joining other churches in the area for a class to train additional Stephen Ministers. If you or anyone you know would be interested in attending this training class, please contact Don or Margo. ANNIVERSARIES None This Month 7

8 ALTAR GUILD DATE : COMMUNION SET-UP February 2018 Sunday 2/4/2018 Karen and Warren Sunday 2/11/2018 Randi Stephi ASH WEDNESDAY 2/14/2018 Ina Kay Ina Kay Sunday 2/18/2018 Rosemary Jennifer LENTEN SERVICE 2/21/2018 Ina Kay Ina Kay Sunday 2/25/2018 Lynn Solveig LENTEN SERVICE 2/28/2018 Ina Kay Ina Kay FEBRUARY 2018 WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS COMMUNION CLEAN-UP EARLY SERVICE LATE SERVICE READERS 2/4 Sandy Edwards Dawnelle Peterson 2/11 Chris Mack Anna Acevado 2/14 Carol Reichert (Ash Wednesday) 2/18 Viviane Piaget Tina Bakalis 2/25 Cheryl Francis Brent Strickland COMMUNION ASSISTANTS 2/4 Chip Stoecker Bill Nestmann Diane Stoecker SuAnne Pinoniemi Cheryl Winklbauer Jennifer Haidle 2/11 Grace Hannan Brent Strickland Nancy Hannigan Heather Markel Suzanne Morehead Corinne Charlesworth 2/14 Judy Conway (Ash Wednesday) Holly Elmore James Elmore 2/18 Chuck Newton Jennifer Haidle Rosemary Newton SuAnne Pinoniemi Mike Snyder Belle Geyer 2/25 Helen Anderson Les Jones Joel Anderson Anna Acevedo Tara Pauls Bill Nestmann USHERS 2/4 Terry Williams Kim Burton Marilynn Williams Bill Nestmann 2/11 Ed Bergo Troy Haidle Connie Sahadi Les Jones 2/14 Brad VenHuizen (Ash Wednesday) Randi VenHuizen 2/18 Darrell Duty John Guinn Brian Jones Anna Acevedo 2/25 Keith Mahn Brent Strickland Dawnelle Peterson Heather Markel 8

9 J O Y N O T E S : H O M E E D I T I ON PLEASE PLACE STAMP HELP US GO GREEN! IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY RECEIVE YOUR JOYNOTES VIA AND ARE WILLING TO DO SO, PLEASE CAROLYN AT SOJ@SPIRITOFJOYGILBERT.ORG. THANK YOU! 9