OCTOBER 2019 Community of Joy Lutheran Church

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10

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

O day full of grace that now we see

appearing on earth's horizon, bring light from our God that we may be

abundant in joy this season. God shine for us now in this dark place;

your name on our hearts emblazon.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship 627

copyright (c) 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship,

admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reproduced by permission.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you!

While grace is a familiar and beloved word for us

Lutherans, have you ever noticed that it's not

something we have as our own possession? You can't carry grace in your pocket, or put it

in a paper bag, or keep it safe in a china closet for future generations to inherit. Grace is God's attitude toward creation; it is the nature of Christ that results in our salvation. Grace

has the power to enlighten the darkness, remove the power of sin, and give life in the place of death. But we still can't hold it in our hands.

So what does it mean to have a "Day Full of Grace?" It means, first of all, that our eyes

and minds have been opened to see God's favorable nature for us and our world in the events of the day. And, second, it means that we respond with an attitude of thanks. In

languages that descend from Latin and Greek, "grace" and "thank you" are related to each

other. "Thank you" is another thing you can't have as your own possession, even if someone gives it to you. Like grace, you can't put it in your pocket or keep it for later.

Thank you and grace are matters of the spirit that establish relationships and change the world without any observable physical substance. So in our stewardship of God's creation,

and in our use of relationships and physical possessions, we look for days of grace and days of thanks to be our way of life. Lives of Christian stewardship are formed first by

learning to see that all we have is a gift of God's grace. They are made complete as we learn the habit of returning thanks for all that we have.

May God bless you with Days Full of Grace!

Pastor Mary Beth

Page 2 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10

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 AUGUST was:

66

Worship & Music Karen Sterzik

Joyful verse for October 2019:

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together,

running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure

you get back.” Luke 6:38

From the President…..

Since the Greater Church Meeting in Milwaukee

this summer, there has been great angst among many of the members of Community of Joy.

Hearing from the news media that ELCA is a

Sanctuary Church caused several members to leave Community of Joy, believing that the

term sanctuary was being used as a political term. It may have been.

Pastor & I have had many conversations with members and continue to do so.

Many were upset that nothing was presented to the congregation about the business to be

handled. The march on the federal building in Milwaukee was appalling to many. There were other issues voted on dealing with the matters

afflicting the nation that concern people. At the same time, some members were excited

about the actions taken. While these do not really affect us in the Village, per se, they are

hot button issues.

Several members have said they do not agree with the positions taken and they have resigned from Community of Joy. I disagree

with some of the positions taken, but my church family is here. I will stay to try to work

things out. The Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod and the Greater Church are always open to hearing

from the membership. I would encourage all that have concerns to email either at ELCA.org.

Pastor Mary Beth and I are always available to

you. Larry Griffin – Council President

General Fund Contributions

AUGUST, 2019

2018 $18,015

2019 $14,354

Change in 2019: < $3,661 >

Treasurer's Report

Through AUGUST, 2019

Budgeted Expense $17,608

Actual Expense $15,555

Actual Income $14,399

Difference < $1,156 >

Budgeted Expense YTD $141,447

Budgeted Income YTD $140,773

Actual Expense YTD $134,502

Actual Income YTD $133,136

Difference YTD < $1,366 >

Rob Kasten - Treasurer

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10 Page 3

OCTOBER MAHJONG DAYS

Tuesdays at 10:00 am

Community of Joy October 1, 8, 22, 29

Fridays Home Hosted - 10:00 am October 4 & 18

Neala

JUST CURIOUS

What can you learn from other

religious traditions?

EVANGELISM CHALLENGE:

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

YOU have been challenged to spread random

acts of kindness this month.

Make a point to tell someone how important his/

her job is.

Are YOU up the challenge?

A word of thanks! An unexpected gift was placed in my church “mailbox”. Thank you, whoever you are, for this pleasant surprise! Eileen Miller

I’M RETIRING!

I have come to a point in my life where it is necessary to cut back on some activities and now feel the need to retire as the choir director.

I have proudly served COJ as the “Sing for Joy Choir” and “Joy Boys” director for more than 10

years.

I want to express my love and gratitude for the pleasure of serving God through appropriate anthems of praise and glory. I feel blessed

beyond measure that I was guided by the Holy Spirit to witness in this manner.

Thank you ALL for your love and support.

Eileen Miller

A reception will be held before worship on

Oct. 19-20 to thank Eileen for her years of directing the “Sing for Joy Choir” and the

“Joy Boys”.

OCTOBER

COMMUNITY FAIR GROVE PARK

COJ will once again provide family fun at the HSV Community Fair at Grove Park (located east of the Woodlands Auditorium).

Come and help with

“SIDEWALK CHALK” Saturday, October 26

11a.m.- 4p.m. See the sign-up sheet in the narthex

On Wednesday, October 9 at 1:00pm bring your pet to Community of Joy for a

Blessing! We’ll gather under the portico for a short service of prayer including a

“hands-on” blessing for each pet. This blessing witnesses to God's love, care,

and concern for creation. It’s an opportunity to recognize our mutual

interdependence with God's creatures.

Page 4 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10

SINGLES GROUP The Singles Group met on Wednesday,

September 11th at The Saint at Isabella Golf Course. Twelve (12) of us showed up and had a great time and conversation.

Our next gathering will be on Wednesday

October 9th at El Jimador’s at 5:00 pm. Call Sally at 922-3360 if you will be attending.

Thank you, Sheryl

OUR MISSION

TO BE A FAMILY OF LOVING,

CARING DISCIPLES -

BOLDLY SERVING GOD WITH JOY”

PART TIME JOB OPENING With the recommendation of the business service committee, the church council has approved

changing the office manager position to a two-person, job-sharing position. (Sheryl will remain as one of the two employees.) We believe having

two people trained and job sharing this position will strengthen our mission and ministry by having

double the talent (broader range of skills, perspectives, and experience.

One person will be scheduled at a time from 10 to 2 Tuesday through Friday (alternating weeks).

With this work schedule, Sheryl and the new employee will have more flexibility for planning their time outside of work (vacations and

appointments) while ensuring that the office has continuous coverage with a trained staff member.

We are looking for someone with excellent computer skills as well as the ability to operate our

office equipment. This person must possess good communication and organizational skill and perform the job in a professional, friendly and

courteous manner. If you are interested in applying, please send your resume to be received no later than October 4, 2019 to Pastor Mary Beth

at cofjoy@sbcglobal.net or mail to: Community of Joy, 110 Balboa Road, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.

FLU SEASON

The flu season is fast approaching. There will NOT be a flu vaccine clinic at Community of

Joy this year.

There are many options for obtaining the vaccine in the area. Most pharmacies, ie., Health Mart 1 & 2, Walgreens, CVS and Wal-

Mart. Also, most doctors offices have the vaccine available. Stay well.

Alexis Funk

Bible Study Classes

We have several exciting learning oppor-

tunities this Fall. Pastor Liz Albertson will be coming to COJ on October 16th and 17th.

On Wednesday the 16th from 1:00 until

about 3:30, we will be showing the video Traces of the Trade, and Pastor Liz will lead

a discussion following the video. Movie treats will be provided.

On Thursday, the 17th of October, we will

begin a four-week class on “Multiple Meanings: Learning from Other Interpretations”. Pastor Liz will be

facilitating the first discussion on “Washing Hands with Distant Hearts” based on Mark

7:1-8.

The other classes will be as follows: Thursday, October 24th: Prepare the

Way of the Lord (Luke 3:3-17) Thursday, October 31st: The Good

Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) Thursday, November 7th: The

Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

All classes will run from 9:00 a.m. until about 10:30.

Joan Plautz – Christian Education

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10 Page 5

Women of Joy – October

October - the month to join in with

the garage sale, bake sale, visit the sick, deliver a meal, send a greeting card, play mahjong, golf, or cards, iron some tiny

gowns, and finally, walk a path all by yourself. The choices are endless. Now we added cut plastic bags.

Thanks to Deedra Berkemeyer and Cloe Bayer for

joining their program into a big event. Deedra shared her story of her visit to the Orphanage in Tanzania, and Cloe shared the plastic crochet

techniques, which she taught the African ladies. The point of the presentation was seeing pictures of our past support for the orphanage,

and how the ladies of the Village have taken the plastic crocheting for mats to the homeless or needy of our local Hot Springs Area.

Learn more about "The Mat Group". They

meet at the UU Village Church, 403 Barcelona Rd. 501-922-1255. The contact person is Marilyn Matzek, 922-4909. They meet the 1st and 3rd

Wednesday, 9:00 - 11:00. A project to do on your own or with a friend to cut and roll

balls. Meet at the UU Church to learn detail on the mat making. Call Neala if you have additional questions.

On Tuesday - October 15th - 9:00 am, we will

start the day with a short meeting before carpooling off to the city. "Our Day Away" will be a tour of the exhibit of "Washed Ashore" at the

Clinton Library/Museum. The collection was created by widow, Angela Pozzi, who moved to the West Coast, and discovered endless debris on

the shore-line. Day Trip Information: Ticket - over 65 yr. - $8.00, other $10.00. Wheel chairs $0. Lunch: at 42 Cafe. Sign

up chart.....for attending or car pooling.

Thoughts for future programs - sorry this item was not discussed at Sept meeting. These are some ideas that were suggested via email.

*Washed Ashore Exhibits in Little Rock - Sue Fisher.

*Lynda Grasse has met an author who wrote a

book on Prayer. *Vis it from the "Garvan Garden

Lady". History of how it started - is most

entertaining - Char Maeda. *Tiny Gowns workshop by Colleen (ask if she

would like to do this)

*Tour of the Tiny St. John's Chapel on Hwy 5 and then visit The Call Facility in Benton - Neala.

Christmas Event - planners, host, who would like to take this project?

Would someone like to organize collecting “CAREER Clothes" for Potters Clay or Goodwill?

Remember: Save cancelled stamps, they can end

up as funds for Spanish Sunday School material. This month's quote: "Of all created things, the

loveliest and most divine are children." William Canton

Neala Gunderson – Women of Joy Chair

FAITH-IN-ACTION READERS CLUB

Our Faith in Action readers club met on Tuesday,

September 10. For October and November, we’ll be reading and discussing Jacqueline Bussie’s

book Love Without Limits. Later this year we plan to read a mix of essays

from Living Lutheran, short fiction from Listening for God, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by

Anne Lamott, and maybe a few poems and Psalms.

If you missed our first meeting but are interested in what we’re doing, you’re welcome to join us on

October 8, either to join the discussion or just listen in. What: Discuss readings that encourage us to

think about how faith impacts our daily lives When: The 2nd Tuesday of each month, 1:00-

3:00 p.m. Where: Suzanne Bratcher’s home at (5 Lanza Ct)

All are welcome, including friends! For more

information, call Suzanne at 209-9792.

ADDRESS / E-MAIL / PHONE

UPDATES

Christine Hanses chanses60@gmail.com

501-204-4565

Page 6 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10

2019 Stewardship Drive

Oh, Day Full of Grace

O day full of grace that now we see appearing on earth’s horizon, bring light

from our God that we may be abundant in joy this season. God shine for us now in this dark place; your name on our hearts

emblazon.

(Evangelical Lutheran Worship 627; Lutheran

Book of Worship 161. English Text Copyright, (c) 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Admin.

Augsburg Fortress. Reproduced by permission.)

The theme for our Stewardship Emphasis comes from a wonderful old Luther hymn. It’s a hymn for all seasons, for all circumstances

and for all ages. The first verse speaks of God’s grace shining over all the earth, and also

burning in our individual hearts. It praises God for seasons of light and joy, and also for God’s light that shines in the dark and difficult times.

The opening words evoke the first rays of dawn’s light—God’s grace flowing over us with

hope, warmth and light.

O Day Full of Grace began as an ancient

Scandinavian folk hymn, and is recorded in a manuscript from about 1450. The verses tell of God’s grace active in Jesus’ birth, death and

resurrections, and at Pentecost. The last verse looks forward to that day, “when we on that

final journey go” to our heavenly home where we will dwell in the fullness of God’s grace.

When Martin Luther wrote about the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, he frequently used the words in, with, and

under to describe how it is that God’s grace comes to us through the water, bread and

wine. God’s grace is in, with, and under those earthly elements.

In, with and under—just three little words, but they convey the wideness and depth of God’s

grace, not only in the sacraments, but also in

our lives. All of us who have been baptized and fed most certainly live in God’s grace

every day. Acknowledging that our days are indeed full of

God’s grace is the beginning of stewardship. Because we live in, with, and under God’s grace, our response to God is one of

gratitude, and our response to our neighbor’s need is one of graciously sharing all that we

have.

2019 Stewardship Committee

This year for our celebration of All Saints (November 2/3) we will not be lighting

candles to remember loved ones who have died. Instead, we will remember

them by name. If you have a loved one

you would like remembered by name, please call the office @915-9569 or e-

mail office.cofjoy@sbcglobal.net by October 10 and tell us the NAME of your

loved one to be included in the celebration of that “great cloud of

witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Thank you.

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10 Page 7

BIRTHDAYS

Anne Kasten October 1

Kathy Barnoske October 5 Greg O’Brien October 6

Richard Lord October 12 Eileen Miller October 14

Sandy Mostrog October 15 Carol Schlachtenhaufen October 15

Dick Gunderson October 17 Steve Legel October 22

Corinne White October 22 Carolyn Daniels October 25

Debbie Meagher October 26

Howard Olson October 30

Anne King October 31

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Eugene & Christine Szathmary Oct 5 (40 yrs.)

Chad & Cheryl Schaefer Oct 9 (48 yrs.)

Greg & Melanie Pederson Oct 22 (26 yrs.)

C of Joy Annual Picnic

The annual C of Joy picnic was held Sat Sept 21 at Cortez Pavilion. We enjoyed an amazing meal provided by Clampit's

(Clampit's Country Kitchen & Meat Market 501-204-5030) and the weather

was perfect. We sold 80 tickets. Bishop Mike was in attendance and answered any questions from guests.

A huge thank you to Colleen Angel for

the beautiful centerpieces and to the members of the fellowship committee for making it a success.

We learned a few things to do differently

but overall we're very pleased with the turnout. Extra food was donated to Safe

Haven. (Thank you Melanie for delivering it).

Thank you to everyone that took time out to tell us how much they enjoyed the

food & fellowship. Peace and Love,

Kathi and Jean

National Make a Difference Day Project

The Altrusa Club of HSV is sponsoring

a National Make A Difference Day at CJOY on Saturday morning, October

26th from 9-noon. Join us to help w i t h t he T iny Ange l Gown Project. There will be gowns, diapers,

vests and bow ties to turn and iron. No sewing experience needed. We will

also be cutting sleeves and collars off shirts to get them ready to be turned into tiny gowns. If you have a rotary

cutter and mat, please bring that. Questions?

Contact Doris Harder or Colleen Angel CJAngel@hotmail.com

Community of Joy Annual Picnic

Bishop Mike Girlinghouse waiting to be served by Greg O’Brien.

Great BBQ from Clampit’s Country Kitchen was enjoyed by all !!!

Community of Joy Lutheran Church

110 Balboa Road

Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

October 2019 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Missions 9:30 am

Mahjong 10 am

ERT Cmte 1:30 pm

Learn Liturgy 2 pm

Garage Sale Setup

2 Garage Sale Setup

3

Mutual Ministry 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Garage Sale Setup

4 Garage Sale

8:00 - 2:00 pm

Mahjong Home Hosted 10 am

5 Garage Sale 8:00 - 12:00 pm

Children’s Bible & Confirmation 4 pm

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

6 Coffee 8:45 am

Worship 9:15 am

7

Property Committee 3:00 pm

8 Council 9:30 am

Finance 11:00 am

Mahjong 10 am

Book Club at Suzanne’s 1 pm

9 Pet Blessing at C o J 1:00 pm

Singles Group at

El Jimador’s 5:00 pm

10

11 12

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

13 Coffee 8:45 am

Worship 9:15 am

14 15

Women of Joy Field Trip 9:00 am

16

Pastor Liz “Traces of the

Trade” 1:00 - 3:30 pm

17

Bible Study 9:00 - 10:30 am

18

Mahjong Home Hosted 10 am

19 Children’s Bible & Confirmation 4 pm

Coffee 4:30 pm Worship 5:00 pm

20 Coffee 8:45 am

Worship 9:15 am

21 Evangelism Team

10:00 am

22 Men’s Breakfast at Debra’s 8:00 am

Mahjong 10 am

23 24

Bible Study 9:00 - 10:30 am

25 26 Newspapers “Make a

Difference Day” 9-12 noon

HSV Fall Fair 11-4 Coffee 4:30 pm

Worship 5:00 pm

27 Newspapers Coffee 8:45 am

Worship 9:15 am

28 29

Mahjong 10 am

30 31

Bible Study 9:00 - 10:30 am

Office Hours Monday- Friday 10:00 - 2:00

501-915-9569