One of the ways you can tell the Holy Spirit is at work in a congregation is by the fruits of the Spirit.  At JOY, I see many fruits.  One of the fruits I see time and time again is JOY’s sensitivity when you see a need, and your generous response to those needs.  This year alone JOY gave:

• $1200 to Luther Springs
• $1800 to Rock of Ages (mission church)
• $600 to Interfaith
• $15,000 to Mission Support
• $500 to Lutheran Support of Florida
• $4400 to World Hunger
• $6400 to Global Mission
• $6,000+ to Haiti, Cuba & Suriname in response to need from Hurricane Matthew
• $5000 to Pastor Ed and Marsha for their retirement and travel funds
• $ for Pastor’s discretionary funds
• Shoes for school
• Backpacks for kids
• Personal care kits
• Food pantry items
• Interfaith volunteers (time and serving)
• Little dresses/little shorts made and given to children in Guyana
• Quilts lovingly made and donated
• Food drive produced food overflowing in our narthex!
• Warm clothing drive produced an entire nursery full of warm clothing!
• Super Sale – donations and time
• Stephen Ministers giving time and care
• Vocal and Bell Choir members give time and talent regularly

And, of course, people give time and talents in the altar committee, ushering, praying, in ministry teams, on council, giving home communion, writing for the blog, supporting and running JOY Soccer, repairing floors for shut ins, helping to repair and maintain the rental house, in Bible studies, special music, WELCA, LMM, assisting at worship in communion, reading and all the other little things that need to be done and add up to a whole lot!  We couldn’t have done it alone, but together we made a difference.  I don’t think we say it enough- Thank you!  Thank you for your time, talents and treasures.  Thank you for being open to the Holy Spirit and allowing God to work through you.  Thank you for sharing the love of Christ.  Thank you for being the hands and feet of a loving and gracious God to a world in need.  Thank you for sharing God’s Word, grace, and love with all through worship, fellowship and service.  Read Matthew 5:14-16, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A14-16&version=NRSV