Breaking News!!!!

A contingent went to Washington DC to plea Pastor Ed's case!  

Unfortunately, they were told that due to recent budget cuts, they would not be able to help. It will be up to Pastor Ed's church family to raise his bail to release him from jail.  

So, Spirit of Joy family, we are relying on YOU to come out Saturday night and help raise the bail we need to free Pastor Ed.  The monies will go to help get our mission team to Belize to build a house for a family who is currently does not have a roof over their head!  

Fall Fiesta

Bail Pastor Ed Out!!!

Join us this Saturday Evening for a Tex-Mex flavored potluck.

Corn Hole Games + Country Music + Bake Walk

Best West Dress + Best Cowboy Hat + Face Painting 

And to support missions, help "bail out" Pastor Ed

5-8pm at the church

NEWS ALERT!!!

Pastor Ed Thomas being escorted out in handcuffs. 

Officer Hyland arresting Pastor Ed Thomas in front of his congregation.

Pastor Ed Thomas covering his head in shame. What are the charges? What is he guilty of?  

Alert!!! Pator Ed Thomas was arrested Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Weddington, NC.  Charges are not known at this time.  However, rumor has it that the missions team is collecting money for bail and one representative is in Washington DC to get this overturned.  We will post updates as they come available!

Window Clings

The new SOJ Window cling. Join us this Sunday to get one for your car! 

Holy Week Activities 2011

Special Worship Services

Palm Sunday, April 17

8:30am + 11:00am Worship

Wednesday Worship, April 20

7:30pm, Wednesday evening 

Join us for a short devotion, prayer time and praise!

Maundy Thursday, April 21

7:00pm Worship & First Communion

Healing Service

At the conclusion of Maundy Thursday Service

For those who would like prayers.

Good Friday, April 22

7:00pm Tennebrae Worship Service

Saturday Prayer Vigil beginning April 23

Sat, Apr 23 Noon through Sun, Apr 24 Noon

Meditate on the Stations of the Cross as you pray!

Our goal is to have someone praying throughout the entire 24 hours. 

Sign up for a time with Lissa Roseman 704-778-1511

Easter Sunday, April 24

8:30am + 11:00am Worship

9:50am Church Breakfast by the GUYS

10:00am Easter Egg Hunt

An Invitation From Your Choir!

To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. ~ Martin Luther

Please join us on October 31st for reformation Sunday, one of our Lutheran High Holy days. In addition to our always spirit-filled worship, we will have special musical offerings and a special musical guest.

Martin Luther once said, "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." My friends, the gift of music is a gift from the Lord. Using this treasured gift to praise His Holy Name is our gift to Him. 

Please join us on Reformation Sunday as we gather in united adoration of our Heavenly Father, and in celebration of salvation by grace through faith.

In Christ’s Love,

Rhonda Mauney

Music Ministry Director

P.S. Remember to wear red! We wear red on Reformation Sunday as a reminder that the Holy Spirit descended on Christ’s followers in tongues of fire on Pentecost. 

Poverty Simulation

Could you survive a month in poverty?

Over 34 million Americans, 12 million of whom are children under the age of 18, live in poverty every day. Many more have incomes above the poverty line, but their incomes are still low enough to qualify for programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid. The recent economic downturn has seen unemployment rates rise and the use of emergency food pantries increase. It is difficult for those of us who have enough to truly understand the situations that families living in poverty experience every day – the decisions they have to make, and the fears and frustrations they feel.

Spirit of Joy's Mission Committee is inviting you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Poverty Simulation. During the simulation participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. The task of each of family is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15 minute weeks with the help of community services. Services include a Bank, Food Pantry, General Employer, Pawnbroker, Grocery, Welfare Office, Police Station and Utilities and Rent Payment Centers. Scenarios are created based on real time poverty statistics, cost of living, average rent, etc. The activity includes an introduction and briefing, poverty simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer staffers share their feelings and experiences. As one participant commented,

"This simulation dramatically demonstrates how much time and energy many families have to give just to survive from day to day. It quickly dispels the myth that people would do fine if they would only go out and get a job!"

Please join us for this incredible experience.

· When: 5 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, October 3, 2010

· Where: Spirit of Joy Fellowship Hall

Please RSVP by signing up at a table in the Narthex at church by September 27.

We look forward to your participation!

If you have any questions, please contact

Mary or John Hejka (704) 846-4426

or

Bill Roberts 704-821-1894.