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Where Did This Year Go?
Dear Joy!.
Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday I sat here reflecting on the past and picturing a new year full of promise. Yet here we are, once again, at the threshold of another annual report and meeting—a time to pause, to recount, and to celebrate the journey we have undertaken as a congregation.
As I ask myself “Where has the year gone?”, I am reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Indeed, the seasons have come and gone, and within each one, we have faced daunting challenges, witnessed remarkable growth, unwavering faith, and transformative moments that have shaped our shared Joy! narrative.
As time continues to move us into an unknown future faster than we anticipate, be reminded of the urgency to cherish each passing moment, to live fully in the present, and to make every day count in service to our Lord and savior, Christ. With years of masks and social distancing in the rearview mirror, let us stoke the flames of gratitude for the wonderful times we have shared together—the worship services that touched our souls, the fellowship that deepened our connections, your unwavering generosity, the acts of kindness that touched lives, and the sacred spaces where we found healing and wholeness.
We can be grateful for:
As we celebrate our collective accomplishments, we look ahead with renewed hope and vision, knowing that the best is yet to come. For it is through our faith, our unwavering commitment, and our shared dedication I believe God will continue to use Joy! to change lives. Where has the year gone? As the annual report takes us on a journey helping us remember the stories, experiences, and milestones from the past year that shaped our spiritual community, we will discover that the year has not simply vanished. No, it has become an indelible part of our collective story, etched upon hearts, and woven into the fabric of our shared faith. May this report inspire us to be present in the moment, to appreciate the wonders of our shared journey, and to continue forging ahead with unwavering resolve. Let us now turn the page and begin this remarkable journey of reflection, celebration, and inspiration together.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Mark
Dear Joy!.
Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday I sat here reflecting on the past and picturing a new year full of promise. Yet here we are, once again, at the threshold of another annual report and meeting—a time to pause, to recount, and to celebrate the journey we have undertaken as a congregation.
As I ask myself “Where has the year gone?”, I am reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Indeed, the seasons have come and gone, and within each one, we have faced daunting challenges, witnessed remarkable growth, unwavering faith, and transformative moments that have shaped our shared Joy! narrative.
As time continues to move us into an unknown future faster than we anticipate, be reminded of the urgency to cherish each passing moment, to live fully in the present, and to make every day count in service to our Lord and savior, Christ. With years of masks and social distancing in the rearview mirror, let us stoke the flames of gratitude for the wonderful times we have shared together—the worship services that touched our souls, the fellowship that deepened our connections, your unwavering generosity, the acts of kindness that touched lives, and the sacred spaces where we found healing and wholeness.
We can be grateful for:
- The Hope Starts Here Fall Stewardship Campaign – With the help of GSB Fundraising and your generosity, $631,658 was pledged (86% of budget) for 2023. This incredible outpouring of support has allowed us to allocate $11,400 towards our three vital stewardship goals: 1) Increase Partner Potential, 2) Invest in Young Families, and 3) Maintain Ministry Excellence.
- Celebrate Joy! Celebrating 25, 26, 27 Years of Changed Lives – With great joy we celebrated not 25, not 26, but 27 years of changing lives. In a truly uplifting worship service, we rejoiced in the profound impact our congregation has made over the years. Graced by the virtual presence of past leaders, we basked in their kind words, offering a testament to the enduring legacy of our faith community. A petting zoo brought smiles to young and old alike, while engaging games and activities fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie. And, of course, our hearts were nourished by a good ole Lutheran potluck.
- Active Shooter Training – In these uncertain times that we find ourselves in, our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our congregation remains steadfast. Acknowledging the pressing need to address the challenges of our modern world, we took proactive measures by organizing an Active Shooter Training session. With great resolve and a shared dedication to creating a secure environment, we welcomed 75 individuals from both within and outside the Joy! community.
As we celebrate our collective accomplishments, we look ahead with renewed hope and vision, knowing that the best is yet to come. For it is through our faith, our unwavering commitment, and our shared dedication I believe God will continue to use Joy! to change lives. Where has the year gone? As the annual report takes us on a journey helping us remember the stories, experiences, and milestones from the past year that shaped our spiritual community, we will discover that the year has not simply vanished. No, it has become an indelible part of our collective story, etched upon hearts, and woven into the fabric of our shared faith. May this report inspire us to be present in the moment, to appreciate the wonders of our shared journey, and to continue forging ahead with unwavering resolve. Let us now turn the page and begin this remarkable journey of reflection, celebration, and inspiration together.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Mark
