JANUARY 2015 - Joy Lutheran Church

JANUARY 2015
“Celebrating and Sharing
the Love of Jesus Christ”
Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 25, 2015
9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:15 a.m. Annual Meeting with potluck following
www.JoyLutheranTulsa.org
Flunking Sainthood
It is a new year—and time for those New Year’s Resolutions, right? Personally, I am not a big fan of
resolutions, but I do make a list of goals each year—both personal and professional. Every year on that
list is a goal to develop one or more spiritual practices, and I’ll be the first to admit to having varying
degrees of success when it comes to achieving these goals. So when I saw a book entitled Flunking
Sainthood by Jana Riess, I thought it might be an interesting book to begin the year with because it
recounts her attempts to tackle twelve spiritual practices—one a month—over the course of a year.
Riess acknowledges on page one that though it was not her intention, she failed at everything she tried.
She writes, “I didn’t set out to write a book about spiritual failure. This project originated as a lighthearted effort to read
spiritual classics while attempting a year of faith-related disciplines like fasting, Sabbath keeping, chanting, and the Jesus
Prayer. It culminated in a year-end meeting with my editor, Lil Copan, in which I tried to steel her for the fact that I had
fallen short in every single spiritual practice I’d tried. I felt dejected—what kind of loser fails at the Jesus Prayer? I mean,
it’s twelve words long and takes about four seconds to recite” (pg. 1).
Can you relate to Riess? Maybe you’ve tried to commit to a spiritual practice or two over the course of a year—something
like reading the Bible more, praying regularly, tithing, attending worship regularly, fasting, etc., and maybe some spiritual
practices have come easily to you, but others have been more of a struggle. I know some come more naturally to me than
others, and I suspect that is true for all of us. But one thing that I am certain of is that we won’t grow unless we are willing
to step out of our comfort zones and try to live it (even if you fail in it) instead of simply reading about it.
Riess references a book by Lauren Winner, Mudhouse Sabbath, to illustrate this point. She writes, “Winner points out a
scene in Exodus 24 where the Israelites get the Ten Commandments and promise to obey God. The odd part of the story is
the word order of their response: ‘All that you have said we will do and hear.” Wait a minute, we think. Shouldn’t that be
the other way around? How can we do what God commands until we’ve heard it first? Some biblical scholars say this is
just a scribal error, and it’s certainly possible that we’re all reading too much into this
particular bout of biblical dyslexia. But I prefer the rabbinic explanation Lauren gives:
Mark your Calendars!
some rabbis have thought that we can’t really hear what God is saying, or let it sink
Jan. 5 - Family Art Night
into our souls and beings, until we have tried to do what God is saying. The practice
precedes the belief, not the other way around” (pgs. 6-7).
Jan. 17/Jan. 18 - Youth Gathering
Continued on the next page...
Jan. 25 - Annual Meeting
Over the course of the year, Riess learned a lot, but one of the main lessons she learned was that it is impossible to truly
master any spiritual practice in a month—especially by herself—without the support of a community. With that in mind,
are you willing to commit to a spiritual practice in the year ahead—maybe with another person or a group of people who
could provide accountability and support? Maybe it is devotional time as a family, or attendance at Bible Study or Christian
Education, or daily prayer or Scripture reading. There are a multitude of spiritual practices; if you need some ideas, the
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook is a great resource (http://tinyurl.com/SpirDisciplines). Remember, it is not so much about
doing it perfectly in order to become "holy" as much as it is about being open to what God is doing through the process.
In a culture that stresses perfection, I sometimes hear it said, "good is the enemy of perfect"; in other words, when we aim
for anything short of godliness we miss the mark. But Riess would argue the reverse is also true. She says, "perfect is the
enemy of good. I may have spent a year flunking sainthood, but along the way I've had unexpected epiphanies and wild
glimpses of the holy I would never have experienced without these crazy practices. A failed saint is still a saint. I claim that
S-word for myself, even with all my let-downs" (pg. 171). It was Dorothy Day who said that we are all called to be saints,
"and we might as well get over our bourgeois fear of the name. We might also get used to recognizing the fact that there
is some of the saint in all of us. Inasmuch as we are growing, putting off the old self and putting on Christ, there is some of
the saint, the holy, the divine right there."
Six weeks after she turned in her book, Riess received a surprising phone call—her father, who had abandoned their family
twenty-six years earlier, was dying, and the hospital was asking her if she wanted them to discontinue life support. With a
multitude of different emotions manifested during this difficult time, Riess realized something important. She writes,
"Here is what I learned from my father's sudden reappearance and death: all of those unsuccessful practices, those
attempts at sainthood that felt like dismal failures at the time, actually took hold somehow. They helped to form me into
the kind of person who could go to the bedside of someone who had harmed me and be able to say, 'I forgive you, Dad. Go
in peace.' Although I didn't see it while I was doing the practices themselves or even while I was writing the chapters in this
book, the power of spiritual practice is that it forges you stealthily, as you entertain angels unawares" (pg. 168).
This year, I encourage you to build in some time for a spiritual practice if you don't engage in one already, or try something
new in addition to what you already do. And above all, don't be afraid to "flunk sainthood"—because with the grace of
God, you'll do just fine.
Council Corner
At December’s Council meeting we continued our devotions with a discussion about worship as the work of the people and
how worship at Joy can more fully affirm, equip and support members and visitors.
The council praised the many talented members involved in the Christmas program – it was a great production!
We approved the motion to bring the next phase of the Capital Campaign to the congregation for a vote at the annual
meeting on January 25th. New LED lights are in the office and new energy-saving lighting will soon be in the sanctuary as
well. Use of our church by another church group was also discussed, as well as plans for the narthex and a possible hosting
of the Augustana College Symphonic Band on February 21-22.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Augustana College Symphonic Band Concert Host Families Needed!
On Saturday, February 21, the Augustana College Symphonic Band will offer a free
concert at Fellowship Lutheran. However, prior to the concert, Joy will host a meal for the Symphonic Band, and we
need families that can pick up two, three or four students for an overnight stay after the concert, and then return them
to Joy Lutheran before the 8:30 worship service on Sunday, February 22. Please contact the church office if you can host
students, and/or are willing to help with the supper at Joy before the concert.
Finance
What is the General Offering?
Sometimes we’re asked, “What does the church do with the General Offerings?” In short, the General Offering is used to
pay all expenses of the church. These expenses include educational materials, building and property maintenance, repairs,
utilities, office supplies, kitchen supplies, ELCA benevolence, church staff payroll and compensation packages, substitute
Pastors and organists, and insurance premiums. Some interesting financial facts:
 Joy Lutheran Church tithes 10% of our General Offering to the ELCA/Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod for their work. So
far this year we have given $31,066.
 Our average General Offering for 2014 is $26,767 per month.
 It costs only $4 per day for water, but more than $22 per day for electric at the church.
 Joy pays over $9,800 annually for insurance coverage.
 It takes approximately $895 per day to conduct the day-to-day operations of Joy Lutheran Church.
And remember, sometimes we have to use General Offerings to help pay the $4,893 monthly debt reduction
mortgage statement. Thanks for your offerings!
The Simply Giving Program
2015 is a New Year! Are you interested in a more convenient way to provide Joy Lutheran Church offerings for the New
Year? Have you ever forgotten or missed an offering to Joy Lutheran Church? Are you looking for a way to never have to
write another offering check? Joy Lutheran Church has the solution and members already enrolled love the program.
Simply Giving is a simple, safe and practical way for members of Joy Lutheran Church to provide their church offerings
through electronic funds transfer from their checking or savings accounts. Offerings are deposited directly into Joy
Lutheran Church’s account. It’s safe and simple. If you would like to enroll, have questions or need further information,
contact the church office or Bob Young, church treasurer at 918-691-2088.
Financial Report
Following is a financial summary of contributions and expenses for the month of November and a January 1 – November
30, 2014 year-to-date summary.
Finances For The Month of November 2014
Actual Income
Actual Expense
Net
General Offering
$30,628
$23,737
$6,891
Mortgage Reduction
$12,995
$4,893
$8,102
November 2014 Totals
$43,623
$28,630
$14,993
Finances Year-To-Date January 1 – November 31, 2014
Actual Income
Actual Expense
Net
General Offering
$307,622
$246,903
$60,719
Mortgage Reduction
$54,514
$53,823
$691
Year-To-Date Totals
$362,136
$300,726
$60,410
Thank you from the staff...
From all the staff at Joy, we wish to express our thanks to the congregation for the
Christmas gifts we received. We all count ourselves as blessed to minister to and with the
members of Joy, and pray God’s blessings for us all as we begin 2015!
Children’s Education
On the Sunday after Christmas, our GrandBuddy pairs
worked together on their annual service project. This
year, we made cross suncatchers for the windows of
kids at Saint Francis Children's Hospital.
Younger Elementary students
as Mary & Joseph
Kids at the
Altar
Little Dingers
Thank you to everybody
who made our
Christmas program,
“A Paper Bag Christmas”, a
fun and interactive evening
of retelling the
Christmas story.
Older Elementary Readers
Older Elementary Readers
The Congregation at the end
Community Outreach Update
An Update on Brenda, whom we helped with furniture for her apartment this fall
Brenda is 66 years old and is a graduate of the Going Places Career Preparation program at Dress for Success Tulsa that I
coordinate. She was incarcerated and moved to Turley Residential Center due to good behavior to serve her last 6
months. During that time she blessed many of the young women in her barracks. She was a mother, teacher, and
counselor. She was a leader during the GPN classes learning everything she could during the time she was there and
assisting others. She graduated from the program and was released from Turley in September 2014. Because of her
exemplary behavior at Turley, an advocate was able to secure a low income apartment for her, but she had nothing to put
in the apartment. She purchased a second-hand blow-up mattress and was given a pillow and blanket. When I visited her,
she was proud of the apartment, but sad we had to sit on the living room floor. Due to the generosity of several members
of our congregation, Brenda now has a comfortable, furnished living room, kitchen with table and chairs and microwave,
and bedroom with bed sheets, blankets and handmade quilt. After loading the car with wonderful donations at church, my
sons and I met Rosie Hinkle at her parents' home and loaded up three rooms of furniture and much more which we
delivered to Brenda late one night. After getting everything unloaded Brenda was beside herself with gratitude! So many
people at Joy offered to donate to Brenda, and I am sorry to say I either did not get back with you or was unable to pick up
the items so generously offered. If you still have something you wish to donate please let me know. She still needs a
dresser for her bedroom. To those whose donations she received, and you know who you are….your gifts changed a
life. God's Work Our Hands - His love when shown is such a blessing! Thank you!
-Martha Lowe
Ministry of the Month
Memorial High School - Hoodies for Excellent Attendance
As part of the Adopt-A-Worker program that Joy Lutheran is participating in through the Oklahoma Dept. of Human
Services, our worker, Regina, has requested our prayers and our help. Regina is stationed at Memorial High School and
works with many students who have family problems that prevent them from attending school regularly. The reasons are
too numerous to list. Regina informed us that the only hoodies allowed on the high school campus are Memorial High
School hoodies (because of gang related issues), and the students she works with cannot afford these hoodies which puts
them in a bad position, because it is a big deal to have this hoodie. We all remember high school, right? Regina would
like to be able to send her students to the bookstore to get a hoodie when they have earned it through excellent
attendance for a specific period of time. The hoodies are $22 each, and you can make a check payable to Joy Lutheran
Church with “Memorial HS” in the memo line. Please pray for the students at Memorial HS and consider supporting this
ministry this month and/or in the months to come—as hoodies can be earned in the months ahead, but are obviously
more beneficial in the winter months. Regina says this would be such an incentive and such a blessing! If you have
questions, talk to Martha Lowe.
2015 Flower Chart
The new chart has been posted on the bulletin board on
the way to the fellowship hall. However it is slow to fill
up–we all like to see beautiful flowers on our altar, but
unless the chart is filled up, that does not
happen. On the days that no one has signed
up to provide flowers, we put the cross on
the altar. Please consider providing the
beauty of flowers on our altar. Flowers are
$40.00 and are yours to take home after the
11:00 a.m. service.
Annual Reports
Committee annual reports are
due to the church office as soon
as possible, but no later than
Thursday, January 8. If you are
a committee chair or a council
liaison, you are responsible for submitting an
annual report. Email reports to
[email protected].
Youth Group
More great pictures from
Christmas Eve Services...
Youth Singing Group
Adult Education
Our Sunday mornings, learning opportunities include classes and discussion on:
 the book of John in the fellowship hall with Pastor Norm
 a study of "In and Out" - a study on grace in daily life in rooms 106/108 with Pastor Nathan & Roger Meyer
 the lectionary readings for the week in rooms 105/107 with David Humphrey
The Bible study during the weekday needs your input – if you’re interested in a class, let Pastor Nathan know what day/
times/topics would work for you!
Christmas Eve Service
JMC
Building the Nativity
Sing for Joy
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - New this year for Christmas Eve was a 5:00 p.m. service
led by children and youth. Thank you to the kids and youth that read, sang, played
instruments, and built our nativity.
Bishop Mike Girlinghouse
Small Groups Ministries
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Women’s A.M. Prayer Group meets the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
Stitchers Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m.
DOT Spot - Dining Out Together (DOT) will be Jan. 10, 2015 at 5:30 PM located at Charleston's, 6839 S. Yale Ave.,
Tulsa. Everyone is invited. Please RSVP to Jean Dearhamer at 918-258-0219 or 918-232-7730, or email
to [email protected]. See you on Jan. 10, 2015!
Property Team Plans for 2015
First, a big thank you to everyone who helped maintain the church property this year. We accomplished a lot! As we look
ahead to 2015, there are already a few projects being planned, so if you would like to help with any of the following, even if
it is not on a regularly scheduled work day, please let the church office know, and we will make sure you have the supplies
needed!
Projects for 2015 include (but are not limited to):
-Painting the sound booth and the storage closet off the Fellowship Hall
-Cleaning out and reorganizing the storage closet
-Using leftover stone to create a spill-way to the retention pond
-(Possible) construction of a storage shed on the northwest corner of the property
Hospitality
Please pick up your 2015 Hospitality schedule from your mailbox.
Jan. 4 - Jerry & Barbara Walser, Morrie & Brent Picking, Jon Nell Anderson, Robert & Carol Bird
Jan. 11 - Bob & Auverne Raatz, George & Carol Graham, Tresa Helm, Marshall & Miya Boyken
Jan. 18 - Mike & Martha Lowe, Alnoma Flachshbarth, Nicole Pellegrino
Jan. 25 - Annual Meeting Potluck—please bring a dish to share
January Celebrations
Birthdays Continued
Birthdays
Ed Snyder
Mary Green
Ben Reyes
Craig Prestegord
Linda Moody
Renee Pigg
Walt Larsen
Shonda Studtmann
Janice Lovelace
1/3
1/4
1/11
1/12
1/14
1/14
1/18
1/19
1/20
Malcolm Tracy
Ben Smith
David Van Stine
Holly Case
Zack Scovill
Colin Thomas
Anniversaries
Chuck & Sandy Gardner
1/23
1/24
1/25
1/30
1/30
1/30
1/20
Don’t see your celebration here? Contact the church office with the dates of any
birthdays and/or anniversaries not included in this listing and they will be included next year.
2014 CROP Walk Results
(Communities Responding
to Overcome Poverty)
It was another successful year with the
Tulsa area CROP Walk.
The final total raised in 2014 was
$25,231.45.
Thank you for your support!
Call the Church When…
you or someone you love is in the hospital
you receive bad news that can affect your health, financial wellbeing, or home situation
 there’s a death in the family
 there’s a wedding, birth, graduation, new home, new job or other
reason to celebrate & bless
 you’re unable to drive and need a ride to church
 you are homebound and want to have communion brought to you
 you need to place an announcement in the Sunday
announcements
 you need prayer or anointing
...And just in case you need it in a “pinch”, please save church phone
number in your cell!
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Church Staff:
The Rev. Nathan Allen—Pastor
Alicia Stephens—Dir. of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Denise Claybaker—Office Manager
Dr. Alice Brook—Interim Dir. of Music Ministries
Melissa Ward—Nursery Attendant
Church Office Hours: Mon. — Fri. from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Church office phone: 918-299-3292