FEBRUARY 2020 Community of Joy Lutheran Church

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Living in God’s amazing grace

“Stewardship is - taking care of

God’s creation!”

110 Balboa Road

Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

501-915-9569

Church E-mail: cofjoy@sbcglobal.net

Office E-mail:

office.cofjoy@sbcglobal.net

http://www.community-of-joy.org

Star Words: A Spiritual Practice for Epiphany (and Beyond)

Epiphany is the celebration of God’s presence breaking through to shine as

a light in the darkness. On the weekend of January 4-5 everyone in worship was invited to receive a “star word.” If you weren’t able to be here, we still have a few star words in a basket at Community of Joy waiting to

be selected. The premise is this: the Magi followed the star to find baby Jesus, bringing their gifts. We are also seeking Jesus, trusting God can/

does use many signs (or stars) to guide us closer to the Divine presence. As many of you know, my star word is “quiet”. I take this star word as a

gift and I’m trying to keep my eyes open (and my mouth shut!) as I ponder what it might mean for me. The quiet has allowed me to see God in

unexpected ways and places. It’s been challenging as well as life-giving.

Like any other gift, star words can either be received with joy or discarded and forgotten. I invite

you to be intentional about your response to your star word. Will the star be stuffed into a pocket or dropped into the bottom of a purse, never to be considered again? Or will that word be

considered an opportunity—a chance to reflect on how God speaks to God’s people? What might we learn from one word? What new ideas might evolve, what treasured wisdom might resurface? Consider these questions:

What synonyms are there for your word? Where can you find your word in Scripture? Go to www.biblegateway.com and see!

Which Scripture is your favorite and which one is more challenging? What is the antonym for your word? It may also be important to understand the void that

exists when your word is not present.

What hymn expresses your word? How does your word enhance your worship, devotion, spiritual formation or discipleship?

God, we acknowledge that we are not always ready to receive your best gifts for us. It is often our habit to turn aside, stumble over, or even reject experiences and encounters that we later

understand to have been precious gifts. Help us to be open to the gift that you offer us through our star words. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand what this word might mean for our

faith, but we receive it with gratitude and pray that your Spirit will enable us to live into our word with intention and faithfulness. Amen.

Pastor Mary Beth

Page 2 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

COMMUNION CARE VOLUNTEERS

Please see the bulletin board in the Narthex

for a complete list of Saturday and Sunday Worship Leaders and Communion Care

Volunteers.

WORSHIP NUMBERS

WE’RE “COUNTING” ON YOU

The Attendance average for weekends in December was:

71

Worship & Music Karen Sterzik

General Fund Contributions

December , 2019

2018 $23,249

2019 $14,288

Change in 2019: <$8,961>

Treasurer's Report

Through December, 2019

Budgeted Expense $17,605

Actual Expense $15,991

Actual Income $14,345

Difference <$1,646>

Budgeted Expense YTD $212,069

Budgeted Income YTD $211,160

Actual Expense YTD $202,764

Actual Income YTD $199,454

Difference YTD <$3,310>

Rob Kasten - Treasurer

EVANGELISM CHALLENGE:

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Carry a $5 gift card with you and

randomly give it to someone.

JUST CURIOUS What do you think God is inviting Community of Joy to do...in the next

6-12 months? ….in the next 3-5 years?

Eileen Miller - Evangelism

Dear COJ family,

When I opened my mail recently, I discovered

a generous financial gift from you; the

congregation. I am writing to thank you for

this offering which will be used to increase

my personal church piano music library.

Please accept my warmest thanks to all. It is

truly a blessing for me to share with you the

musical talent God has given me.

Warmest thanks,

Eileen Miller

SOUND SYSTEM - Training

We will be having a “sound system” training

session on: Monday, February 3rd. – 4:00 to 4:30 pm.

Thank you, Tom Funk

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 Page 3

JOYFUL VERSE FOR FEBRUARY 2020

Where were you when the morning stars sang

together and all the heavenly beings shouted for

joy?

Job 38:4a,7

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thank you for the most

generous , g rac ious financial gift! “Whenever you cross my mind, I

thank my God for you and for the gift of knowing

you. My spirit is lightened with joy whenever I pray for you (and I do

constantly) because you have partnered with me

to spread the gospel since

the first day I preached to you. I am confident

that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but

will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world. It is only right that I should feel such

admiration for you all—you hold me close to your hearts.”

Philippians 1:3-7 The Voice Pastor Mary Beth

Altar Flowers during Lent

Ash Wednesday is Feb. 26th and means the

beginning of the season of Lent. During this season we do not have flowers on the altar.

Instead of ordering flowers during this time, please consider bringing an Easter lily or other blooming spring plant to adorn the sanctuary for

the festival of Easter on April 12th.

Last year, due to crop failure, Easter lilies were

not readily available, but hopefully this year will

be different. Contact Karen Sterzik or Pastor if

you have questions about flowers during the

Lenten season.

MARDI GRAS

SHROVE TUESDAY

GAME DAY Sponsored by the E-Team

WHEN: Tuesday, February 25

WHERE: COJ narthex

WHAT TIME? 10-2

PANCAKE/ SAUSAGE LUNCH @12

Come one, come all!

Members, friends, and all who like to play

cards, Mahjong, board games, active games,

etc. are invited to enjoy “Fat Tuesday” lunch

of pancakes & sausages. A sign up sheet

will be in the narthex so we will have a

good count for tables and food preparation.

Remember! INVITE A FRIEND

Unfinished Objects Day Success The first quarterly UFO Day happened on

January 8. There were seven of us that accomplished quite a bit towards finishing

projects or sharing expertise. There was crocheting, cross stitch, recipe organizing, quilting, wedding gown deconstruction and

beading. Lots of visiting and snacks.

The next UFO Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 9 AM to 4PM. This is a great opportunity to ask a friend for help,

learn a new skill from an expert, invite a neighbor or a friend to join in. Bring your

lunch, snacks and drinks are provided. Stay for the day or only part of the day as your schedule allows.

Thank you,

Char Maeda

Page 4 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

SINGLES GROUP

The Singles Group met on Wednesday, January 8 at El Jimador’s. Ten (10) people showed up,

Including a few guys!!! A great time was held by all.

Our next adventure will be at Blue Springs Grill

(Hwy 7 N) on Wednesday, February 12 at 4:00 pm. Call Sally Johnson at 922-3360 if you will be attending. Hope to see you there!

Thank you!!!

I just wanted to thank Community of Joy

for the most generous gift at Christmas. You are all so amazing and I am truly

blessed to be part of this caring congregation.

Peace & Love,

Sheryl

COMMUNITY OF JOY WEBSITE

Our website has been on-line for over 13 years now, and various improvements and

changes have been made over the years, not only by me but by others, to make it

both more informative and interesting to

all members. I always like to think of new items, features or other changes to make it

even more interesting and informative for everyone. With this in mind, if anyone has

any suggestions for changes, additions or other features, please let me know your

ideas and I will consider each and every one for feasibility within the scope of both

my web design knowledge and the web creation program. Please contact me at

joejean2715@gmail.com with your suggestions.

Thanks,

Jerry Mostrog – C of Joy Webmaster

OUR MISSION

TO BE A FAMILY OF LOVING,

CARING DISCIPLES -

BOLDLY SERVING GOD WITH JOY”

We Would Love for You to be Part

of Our Celebration

On February 8th and 9th we will be celebrating

our 60th Anniversary. Please join us for cake and punch on Saturday or Sunday before the church services.

Help make our day special!!!

Mary & Lee Cordes

Training sessions for review of

GREETER DUTIES will take place prior

to the following church services:

Saturday, February 1 at 4:30

Sunday, February 2 at 8:45

These training sessions are for ALL members

who currently serve as greeters as well as

those who might wish to serve in the future.

We will discuss guidelines, possible problems

and any other questions that may arise.

Please try to attend one of these sessions.

The E-Team (Evangelism) appreciates your

help.

2020 GREETER

TRAINING REVIEW

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 Page 5

Women of Joy - February Connection

First - a big thanks to all the members who contribute to make our Tuesdays a touch of

faith, fun, & fellowship. Fellowship is my STAR word. Let's share on February 18th how we are making our word an active part of our daily life.

Extra big thanks to Melanie Pederson for the new insight on OIL - Biblical and

essential...taking home a homemade product was very nice! Thanks to Karen Sterzik for the word and nourishment!

Here comes February 18th - 9:00 AM - tables are set, come fill the chairs. Dianne

Degner will share a devotion and Judy Kastel will have some treats with coffee.

Our program presenter is Evelin Morgan, who works with "Hospice Home Care". I met Evelin during my years when I Worked at Good Samaritan. After many years with

Southwestern Bell, her calling took her to a whole new field. She spent 14 years in Non-

Medical home care services. She then teamed with Hospice for Medical services, allowing patients to stay at home their final journey. Evelin has now found this to be a

Calling and was led to a position to educate families and patients about Hospice and Palliative care services. She has been with Hospice Home Care for two+ years. Her

topics will cover the availability of care and the many options that are now covered by Medicare.

Other items, issues, and reminders.

We will discuss programs for March, April, and May. Bring your thoughts and suggestions.

Shawl Ministry Assist with the Last Sunday of the month dinner at Safe Haven

Cut out your cancelled stamps SCAT and Habitat Restore need volunteers

When possible, drop a note to our sick members

Want to plan a picnic or movie outing someday? -for fun- Also, Kathi Mielke knows lots of fun things to do. She must get well!

Help with "Tiny Angel Gowns" No time for boredom - read a new book and share it....

Passage for the month: "For I know the plans I have for you,

Declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not evil, to give you a future and hope". Jeremiah 29:11

Have a happy productive month - see you the 18th.

Neala Gunderson

Page 6 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2

Time to get your smiles ready!

It is once again time to take updated pictures for the Community of Joy Member Directory. Our policy has been to re-do the pictures for the directory every four years

and this is the year! Where have the four years gone sine 2016? But just think, we are all four years more beautifully seasoned. What a wonderful record of our journey

here at Community of Joy.

In previous years, we have taken these pictures in-house and have generated the Member Directory from our computer system using a program called Servant Keeper.

We are thinking of trying one of the Church Picture Directory companies this time so we would like to have your in-put on this.

If we use an outside company:

Everyone getting their picture taken by this company would receive a FREE 8 x 10 of

their chosen picture. There is no additional cost to you for this sitting and photo. Poses will be available for viewing when you come in for your sitting. Oh, the

wonders of technology!

You will have multiple poses to select from. You can order additional pictures to give to family and friends. There will be a cost for these additional prints. If we choose

this option, we will be doing it in the fall so that the pictures would be available for Christmas giving. There are also picture Christmas Cards available from the

company.

These will be professionally done portraits. How long has it been since you and your family have had a portrait taken?

If you have questions, comments or additions, please email or call Jan Folstad. We

really would like to hear from all of you with your thoughts on using an outside

company to generate our Member Directory this year.

Jan Folstad: 915-0270 Email: janfolstad@sbcglobal.net

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 Page 7

ANNIVERSARY

Lee & Mary Cordes February 7 (60 yrs.) Don & Glenda Baker February 14 (28 yrs.)

Bruce & Shelby Niebergall February (48 yrs.)

BIRTHDAYS

Don Baker February 1 Moonyean Smarzinski February 3

Bruce Niebergall February 5 Kathi Mielke February 11 Peggy Farnsworth February 12

Ray Ice February 12 Chad Schaefer February 15

Wanda Lassiter February 25 Marcia Underwood February 26 Phyllis Ekstrand February 27

February MAHJONG Schedule

Tuesdays: Meet at Community of Joy

at 9:30 AM Dates: February 4th - 11th - 25th

(18th is Women Of Joy Meeting - 9:00)

Friday Home Hosted Dates: February

7th - 14th - Meet at 10:00 AM

PLEASE NOTE THE DIFFERENCE IN TIME!!!!!!!!

Watch for email, E-Blast, or Bulletin for hostess information for the

week. Any questions - call Neala at 922-1358

Valentine’s Day Gifts ELCA World Hunger is offering some cute Valentine’s Day cards you can send when you make a contribution to World Hunger. They are

postcards with a note about your gift in the recipient’s honor and a place for you to put

their name and address. You will also need to add a stamp if you wish to mail them.

Karen Sterzik will have these cards available for

you before services on Feb. 1 & 2. Or contact

her to get your cards. Gifts to ELCA World

Hunger may be made at elca.org/hunger.

Community of Joy will have an Ash Wed Service on February 26

Community of Joy Lutheran Church

110 Balboa Road

Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

February 2020 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Greeter Training

4:30 pm

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

2 Greeter Training

8:45 am

Coffee 8:45 am Worship 9:15 am

3 Property 3:00 pm

Sound System

Training 4:00-4:30 pm

4 Missions 11:00 am

Mahjong 9:30 am

5 6 Finance 10:00 am

7

Home Hosted Mahjong 10:00 am

8 Newspapers

Celebrating the Cordes’ 60th

Wedding Anniv.

Coffee 4:30 pm

Worship 5:00 pm

9 Newspapers

Celebrating the Cordes’ 60th

Wedding Anniv.

Coffee 8:45 am

Worship 9:15 am

10 Evangelism Team

11:00 am

11 Mahjong 9:30 am

Council 10:00 am

Book Club at

Suzanne’s 1 pm

12

Worship & Music 10:00 am

Singles Group at Blue Springs Grill

4:00 pm

13 AR-OK Synod Anti-Racism

Diversity Training at Faith in L.R.

14 Valentine’s Day

15

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

16

Coffee 8:45 am Worship 9:15 am

17 18

Women of Joy 9:00 am

19 20

Property Enhancement

Committee 10 am

21

Home Hosted Mahjong 10:00 am

22

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

23

Coffee 8:45 am Worship 9:15 am

24 25 Mahjong 9:30 am

Mardi Gras Game Day 10-2 pm

Men’s Breakfast at Debra’s 8:00 am

26 Ash Wednesday Worship 5:00 pm

27 28 29 Leap Year

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm