JOY TO THE WORLD Joy Lutheran Church, Richmond, TX

Joy Lutheran Church, 717 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406Office Phone: 281-762-3310 Office Fax: 281-232-2899

E-mail: office@joyrichmond.org and pastor@joyrichmnd.orgWeb site: www.joyrichmond.org

SEPTEMBER 2015INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2 Prepare for Worship

3 A Must Read from Pastor Tim

4 Up coming Events

5 Christian Ed Staff Commissioning

6 NALC Convocation Report

7 Rally Day Progressive Picnic Pool Party

8 Prayers

Joy Welcomes our new Intern, Chris Metze and wife Alyssa

"Alyssa and I are grateful for your kind hospitality this past Sunday. We come to you from Columbia, SC. where I just graduated from Seminary, and where Alyssa has taught

grade school the past three years. We look forward to being part of the Joy Lutheran family for the year and are excited

about the opportunities God has blessed us with. Thank you.” Chris & Alyssa

NALC WEBSITE For information or or the NALC Newsletter visit their website at www.theNALC.org. If you have not been receiving the emails please notify the church office at: office@joyrichmond.org

Page 2 JOY TO THE WORLD

9/3 Tim & Betty Christ 38 yrs 9/12 Eddie & Jennifer Kolojaco 40 yrs 9/21 Larry & Marsha Bower 47 yrs 9/23 Don & Emily Sattler 26 yrs 9/24 James & Brenda Goates 27 yrs

PREPARE FOR WORSHIP Prepare for worship each Sunday by reading through the assigned lesson prior to worship. Take sone time to pray and

reflect upon what God might be seeking to say to you in worship.

15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 16TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST September 6 September 13 Isaiah 35:4-7a Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 146 Psalm 116:1-9 James 2:1-13, 14-17 James 3:1-12 Mark 7:24-37 Mark 8:27-38

17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST September 20 September 27 Jeremiah 11:18-20 Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29 Psalm 54 Psalm 19:7-14 James 3:13-4:3,7-8a James 5:13-20 Mark 9:30-37 Mark 9:38-50

JOY TO THE WORLD Page 3

A MUST READ FROM PASTOR TIM We welcome our new intern, Chris Metze and his wife Alyssa, to our community of Joy! As this year of internship begins, it is helpful for us, as disciples of Joy, to review the congregational role in this very vital process of preparing Pastors to serve in Christ’s Church.

What is the role of the congregation in the internship process?

The congregation… • is expected to provide the broadly diversified training opportunities and resources called for by the

program, but is free to indicate those special areas of ministerial need for which an intern is requested; • must assure the provision of competent supervision;• needs to know that the intern’s only supervisor in the congregation is the pastor, and that requests for

the intern’s services ought to be cleared through the pastor;• should provide for an internship team;• shall provide supervised opportunities for the intern to examine and experiment with emerging personal

and professional identities while experiencing the full range of professional decision-making roles andresponsibilities;

• shall recognize that the intern comes as one who, at the start of the internship year, is normally onlyhalf-way through the theological training process;

• should remember that each intern is different from any and all others;• should expect the intern neither to be controversial nor to avoid all controversial matters; should be

open to a person with some fresh ideas, new approaches, and different perspectives;• can through their love and understanding ease the stress of an intern’s having left friends and familiar

routines and the need to adjust to a new and strange situation;• should not expect the intern’s spouse to function as an assistant pastor, though inviting the spouse (and

family) to participate in various congregational activities is always appropriate and appreciated;• should plan to tell the intern their names before being asked each time you meet for at least the first

three months;• should provide for the intern an adequate stipend and package of benefits, in no instance below stated

minimums;• shall not terminate the internship without prior consultation with the NALC Candidacy Committee;• is assisting in an important, vitally-needed benevolent work of the church.

Joyful Women Retreat @ Quintana Beach ParkJoyful Women Fall Retreat - Let Go and Let God Calling all women at Joy – please join us for a women’s retreat on October 16 – 18 with the main part of the retreat being during the day on October 17th. Quintana Beach Park is a reasonable drive for the day. The theme for Joyful Women during 2015 has been ‘relationships’. We will continue this theme as we Let Go and Let God. Plans are in the works for a great time of rest and reflection. Sign up in the narthex. Women’s ministry speaker, Lori Hatcher writes about: Why We Need Women’s Retreats: 1. Because it’s hard to hear God’s voice above the noise of everyday life. (Mark 1:35) 2. Because we need each other. (Hebrews 10:25) Women’s ministry speaker, Lori Hatcher writes about: Why We Need Women’s Retreats: 1. Because it’s hard to attended a retreat, or you haven’t in a while, why not make plans to attend one? You’ll be glad you did.” hear God’s voice above the noise of everyday life. (Mark 1:35) 2. Because we need each other. (Hebrews 10:25). She continues: “I’ve never regretted attending a retreat, but I’ve often regretted not attending. If you’ve never attended a retreat, or you haven’t in a while, why not make plans to attend one? You’ll be glad you did”.

Page 4 JOY TO THE WORLD

UPCOMING EVENTS

Joyful Women Fall Study

Joyful Women Fall Book Study will begin Tuesday, September 15th at 10 AM - 10:30 AM and also the same evening from

7:30PM - 9:00 PM. This fall we will be reading “Sandcastles and Fortresses: Bible Study on Relationships” by Lois Qualben. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you would like to

participate. Books have graciously been provided by Mrs. Qualben.

Will resume Thursday, Sept. 17th, at 7:30pm. We will be doing a 12 week study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Book ‘Creation Fall And

Temptation”

Ready, Set, Build!

On July 12th the expansion plans for the fellowship hall and bathroom/kitchen renovation plans were overwhelmingly approved during the congregational meeting. Discussion about paying for this plan was a concern but the PPB feels that Joy is up to the task and with such a positive vote it looks like the majority of disciples also feel this is a need for us to complete and are willing to participate financially. A letter with a faith promise card enclosed should be to you soon. This faith promise would be in addition to and not replacing current general fund faith promises and intern faith promises. Please prayerfully consider and return to the basket in the narthex by Sunday, August 30th.

JOY TO THE WORLD Page 5

FDIC

Christian Education Staff Commissioning

Sunday School Teachers K-3rd - Tammy Soward & Hazel Leith 4th-6th - Denyse Bray & Matt Lyons

Jr. High - Mary Budd & Paula Curry Sr. High - Mike & Tracy Posey

Page 6 JOY TO THE WORLD

NALC Convocation – August 2015

The 2015 NALC Convocation focused on the reality of Christians suffering for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel. About 600 people attended the Convocation Tuesday afternoon & Wednesday morning: The Women of the NALC: Gathering of Witnesses: Secure in Christ’s Love, Christians Tried and True Keynote Speaker Pastor Don Miles of India Transformed “Power Evangelism vs. Persecution: A new Mission Model in India” Mission: To Glorify God by Going and Making Disciples Establishing Self-Sustaining Worship Centers & Communities. The model is to fulfill the Great Commission. Identify targeted people/groups; Train nationals in their location to reach their own people; Visit families and share the Gospel; Guide new believers in Prayer cells and study groups; establishing self-sustaining Worship Centers. Keynote Speaker Bishop John Bradosky – Shaping Our Faith Life Must have our own story to tell; must be certain of our conviction – Who Jesus is; Be Bold in your witness – trust the Holy Spirit; Keep the focus on Jesus; Be ready for rejection; Have compassion for others; Avoid spiritual blindness Theological Conference The Carl Braaten – Robert Benne Lectures in Theology Martyrdom and the New Testament – Dr. Judy Stack-Nelson Theology of the Martyrs – Dr. Paul Hinlicky The First Martyrs of the Reformation – Dr. Hans Weirsma The Great Divide: Muslim and Christian Notions on Martyrdom - Raymond Ibrahim A Martyr for What Cause? Reconsidering “Bonhoeffer and the Jews’ – Dr. Michael DeJonge Martyrdom: An Obligation or a Choice? Stories of Gudina Tumsa and Tsehay Tolessa – Lensa Gudina A Mission Intensive Event – began the Convocation Wednesday afternoon The focus: What it means for the NALC to be a Mission-Driven church – Bishop John Bradosky Who is Driving? – Congregational Mission Team - Gemechis Buba The Joys of the Journey – success stories Roadblocks or Detours? Roadblocks to mission may be an opportunity to see and do new things Develop a Road Map Business: Constitutional amendments – change in the relationship between Lutheran Core and the NALC. Earlier this year Lutheran Core amended its constitution to remove all references to specific Lutheran denominations. The proposed amendments are simple deletions. The amendments were approved by the Convocation will require ratification by 2/3 of the NALC congregations voting within 6 months of the conclusion of the Convocation. 2016 Budget was Proposed and approved Elections: Bishop John Bradosky was reelected as Bishop of the NALC Elected to the Executive Council – Rosemary Johnson, Brian Sutton, Pastor Carl Rasmussen, Carolyn Nestingen and Pastor Marty Ramey Bishop Paull Spring was honored on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ordination. S. Texas Mission District - Pastor Tim Christ was elected as Dean of the S Texas Mission District Check the NALC webpage for videos and reports. Beth Horstman – Joy delegate

SHADE TREE MINISTRY Shade Tree provides food for the day laborers in Richmond and Rosenberg on Tuesday and Friday mornings. If you would like to help distribute food, contact Doris & James Goates. Sandwiches are prepared Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:00 (5:45) in the fellowship hall @ Joy.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The Prayer Shawl Ministry group meets every Friday at 10:00 a.m. @ Mugs Coffee Bar on FM 359. This wonderful ministry brings comfort and support to those who are experiencing illness, trails, etc. They are symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. All are welcome to join our group!

JOY TO THE WORLD Page 7

THANK YOU NOTES Helping Hands - We received your generous gift of $426.00 and want to thank you so much for support of our general operations. Big Heart Orphanage - Thanks you for your generosity, faithfulness, prayers and support! Cross Trails Ministries - Thanks you for your generous expression of support of $213.00. It is because of gifts from congregations like yours we are able to continue that we provide! North American Lutheran Seminary - Thanks you for your gift of 6,366.00. Your gift will assist us un continuing to purse our goal, financially, and will also support our efforts to educate NALC Seminarians and to form Pastors who are driven by our core values! Its the Pits Cookers - thanks you for your support and participation in the Fish Fry Auction!

Rally Day Progressive Picnic/Pool Party!

SEPTEMBERSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

7:30p Praise Band

2 10a P.G Quilters

7:30p Joy Choir

3

6p Shade Tree 7:30p Men’s Bible Study

4 10a Prayer Shawl Group @ Mugs

5

6-7p Open AA Mtg

6 PENTECOST 15

7

Office Closed 6p Shade Tree

8

7:30p Parish Planning Board 7:30p Praise Band

9 10a P.G Quilters

7:30p Joy Choir

10

6p Shade Tree 7:30p Men’s Bible Study

11 10a Prayer Shawl Group @ Mugs

12

6-7p Open AA Mtg

13 PENTECOST 16

14

6p Shade Tree

15 10a & 7:30 Women’s Bible Study

7:30p Praise Band

16 1 10a P.G Quilters

7:30p Joy Choir

17

6p Shade Tree 7:30p Men’s Bible Study

18 10a Prayer Shawl Group @ Mugs

19

6-7p Open AA Mtg

20 PENTECOST 17

21

6p Shade Tree

22 10a & 7:30 Women’s Bible Study

7:30p Praise Band

23 10a P.G Quilters

7:30p Joy Choir

24 6p Shade

7:30p Men’s Bible Study

25 10a Prayer Shawl Group @ Mugs

26

6-7p Open AA Mtg

27 PENTECOST 18

28

6p Shade Tree

29 10a & 7:30 Women’s Bible Study

7:30p Praise Band

30 10a P.G Quilters

7:30p Joy Choir

Every Sunday 8:00 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

STS RETREAT

SERVING AT JOY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DATE SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 13 SEPTEMBER 20 SEPTEMBER 27 Altar Flowers In Memory of Justin Swisher &

Ryan Kimich In Celebration of Kristen

Curry’s Baptism To the Glory of God In Memory of Les Shipp

Usher 8:00 10:30

Cliff & Shelly Halvorsen Corinne Light & Judy Ronning

Darwin & Bev Marvin Laura & Amy Cabato

Mike & Kathy Gann Paula & Kristen Curry

June & Melissa Meyer Mike & Hayden Posey

Acolyte 8:00 10:30

Daniel Parnell Ashley Budd

Daniel Parnell Ashley Budd

Daniel Parnell Ashley Budd

Daniel Parnell Ashley Budd

Assisting 8:00 Ministers 10:30

Chris Metze Chris Metze

Bill Bray Chuck Canterbury

Chris Metze Chris Metze

Bill Bosse Dan Strode

Lector 8:00 10:30

Jill Kunzlzer John Garrou

Tammy Soward Vickie Schoppe

June Tesch Amy Cabato

Becky Bruce Lori Hamner

Cantor 8:00 Chris Metze Bill Bray Chris Metze Bill Bosse Communion 8:00 Assistants 10:30

Weldon Faucett Susan Krabbe

Bill Bosse Betty Christ

Kathy Gann Kathy Strode

Weldon Faucett Marilyn Blaschke

Altar Guild Bev Marvin, Betty McDow, June & Melissa Meyer, Jill Kunzler &

Bob Jahn

Bev Marvin, Betty McDow, June & Melissa Meyer, Jill Kunzler &

Bob Jahn

Bev Marvin, Betty McDow, June & Melissa Meyer, Jill Kunzler &

Bob Jahn

Bev Marvin, Betty McDow, June & Melissa Meyer, Jill Kunzler &

Bob Jahn Children’s 8:00 Sermon 10:30

TBD TBD TBD TBD

Communion Visitors Bob & Sue Jahn Bob & Sue Jahn Bob & Sue Jahn Bob & Sue Jahn

A/V 8:00 10:30

Peder Serkland Hayden Posey

Beth Horstman Matt Lyons

Peder Serkland Hayden Posey

Beth Horstman Tim Hamner

Counters Allen Schoppe/Tammy Soward Lori Hamner/Ron Light Paula Curry/Mary Budd Kathy Gann/Fred Kunzler