The Results Are In!

Dear Family and Friends of Joy,

I am eager to share some good news with you. On Sunday afternoon, June 28, a victory for the ultimate authority of God's Word was enthusiastically and overwhelmingly supported by God's people who participated in our congregational gathering. A defining Bible verse for what God did is recorded in Romans 8:37: "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us."

The result of the vote to end our affiliation with the ELCA was 174 in favor and 11 opposed. Imagine, 94% of those present were eager to move into relationships and partnerships that are more aligned with Joy's vision, values and mission. This is a significant step into a future filled with unlimited opportunities to experience God's blessings of obedience and righteousness.

Three other major decisions were made. Joy committed to enter into a relationship with a spirit-filled Lutheran association known as the LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) by a 98% margin. This part of the Body of Christ is very closely aligned with Joy's vision, values and mission.

Another important exciting, nearly unanimous decision was calling Derik Hines as our Teaching and Leadership Development Pastor. Derik arrives on the Joy scene August 1. Derik is a dynamic man after God's own heart. Everyone will love him as well as another new face at Joy, Mike Thedford. Mike arrives on July 5. Mike has the humble servant's heart of Jesus. Joy called Mike as Joy's Community Life Pastor, making sure that everyone who comes to Joy will be discipled, connected and fully employed in advancing the Kingdom of God. These two ministers, along with all the staff, volunteers, saints and servants, will continue to bring the joy of Jesus to the world and to the heart of God.

Get ready...the best is yet to be!

With joy and enthusiasm,

Pastor Walt