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Dear Joy!,
As I reflect on the journey we’ve been on together, my heart is filled with gratitude, excitement, and hope. Beginning this 12th year as your Lead Pastor, I’m as energized as ever by the work God is doing through our church and by the bold 2025 Goals we’ve set together:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God is indeed doing something new, and as we step into 2025, let’s first pause to celebrate the incredible ways He worked through us in 2024. Together, we made a difference, building connections, serving others, and living out the gospel in ways that matter. Here’s how your faithfulness, creativity, and dedication came to life this past year:
Initiative #1: Seek the Searching - We committed to reaching beyond our walls, increasing Joy!’s visibility in Lake County, and creating safe spaces for people to connect, explore, and grow. The impact was undeniable:
Initiative #2: Increase Connections & Inspire Engagement - Creating meaningful relationships within our church family was at the heart of this goal, and the results were beautiful. From shared meals to shared laughter, Joy! became a place of deeper connection:
Initiative #3: Refresh the Foundation - We invested in our physical space and ministry resources, laying the groundwork for a vibrant future:
And here’s the best part: our journey is only beginning. As we closed out the year, we saw unmistakable signs of God’s hand at work. In November and December alone, worship attendance increased by 11% year over year, a testament to the new life and growth emerging within our church family.
Joy!, our best days truly are ahead of us. With God’s guidance and your partnership, we are poised to make an even greater impact in 2025 and beyond. Together, we are making a way in the wilderness, bringing streams to the wasteland, and shining Christ’s light into the world.
Here’s to all God has done—and to all He will do through Joy!
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Mark
As I reflect on the journey we’ve been on together, my heart is filled with gratitude, excitement, and hope. Beginning this 12th year as your Lead Pastor, I’m as energized as ever by the work God is doing through our church and by the bold 2025 Goals we’ve set together:
- Increase Youth Engagement
- Cultivate a Culture of Service
- Enhance Our Digital Outreach
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God is indeed doing something new, and as we step into 2025, let’s first pause to celebrate the incredible ways He worked through us in 2024. Together, we made a difference, building connections, serving others, and living out the gospel in ways that matter. Here’s how your faithfulness, creativity, and dedication came to life this past year:
Initiative #1: Seek the Searching - We committed to reaching beyond our walls, increasing Joy!’s visibility in Lake County, and creating safe spaces for people to connect, explore, and grow. The impact was undeniable:
- Community Outreach Events:
- Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, Donuts with Santa - Over 1,195 Adults and children
- Colby Martin Event – A powerful gathering with 100 participants from both within and outside our congregation.
- Small Groups that Welcomed New Faces:
- UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality
- The Color of Compromise: Exploring the Church’s Role in Addressing Racism
Initiative #2: Increase Connections & Inspire Engagement - Creating meaningful relationships within our church family was at the heart of this goal, and the results were beautiful. From shared meals to shared laughter, Joy! became a place of deeper connection:
- Dinner with Jesus Potluck – 70 people gathered to break bread and share stories.
- Young Adult Gatherings – A growing space for fellowship, averaging 10-12 participants.
- Women Serving Women – 35 women came together in service and support.
- Game Nights – Four evenings of fun and fellowship, with 68 participants in total.
- Lunch Bunch – Monthly meals averaging 18-22 attendees each time.
Initiative #3: Refresh the Foundation - We invested in our physical space and ministry resources, laying the groundwork for a vibrant future:
- Sent 5 staff members to The Beyond Conference in St. Louis to grow in inclusivity and innovation.
- Updated Connections Café with new visual and audio technology to enhance small groups and fellowship.
- Refreshed Kids Adventure Klub spaces with bright, welcoming designs and functional furniture, creating a fun and engaging environment for our youngest members.
And here’s the best part: our journey is only beginning. As we closed out the year, we saw unmistakable signs of God’s hand at work. In November and December alone, worship attendance increased by 11% year over year, a testament to the new life and growth emerging within our church family.
Joy!, our best days truly are ahead of us. With God’s guidance and your partnership, we are poised to make an even greater impact in 2025 and beyond. Together, we are making a way in the wilderness, bringing streams to the wasteland, and shining Christ’s light into the world.
Here’s to all God has done—and to all He will do through Joy!
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Mark
