What can I expect?
Spirit of Joy is an eclectic faith community of residents, “snowbirds,” RVers, and visitors. You will find us warm and welcoming. Our attire is comfortable (from shirts and ties to shorts and tennis shoes).
Parking
There is ample parking nearby. If you need a handicapped parking space, enter the driveway closest to the worship hall.
Greeters
There will be a smiling face to greet you just inside the door. There is a guestbook if you’d like to sign.
Getting what you’ll need for worship
An usher will hand you a worship bulletin. Hymnals are on shelves under the seats. We also have available ‘special’ worship bulletins that have all the liturgy and hymns embedded in the bulletin so no hymnal is required; many in our congregation prefer these bulletins. For those with vision problems, we also print a bulletin with pages twice the size of the other bulletins; only a very limited number of those are printed based on the number of people requesting them. If you would like to use this larger worship bulletin, notify an usher or Pastor Mari and one will be available for you the following Sunday.
Regarding worship bulletins: we have started a new and well-received practice of making the last Sunday of the month a ”paperless” Sunday wherein no bulletins are printed and all worship information is displayed on a monitor at the front of the sanctuary.
If you would like an introductory brochure about Spirit of Joy or a blank offering envelope, an usher can assist you with these as well.
Entering the worship space
This space is usually buzzing with conversation and activity prior to worship. There are no reserved seats; you are free to sit anywhere.
Traditional Worship
Our 8:30am Sunday worship includes several hymns, multiple Bible readings, a sermon, and a formal spoken and chanted liturgy. Most Sundays we use The Lutheran Book of Worship for the liturgy and hymns. The page numbers and hymn numbers are printed in the worship bulletin. There is usually a time of “sharing the peace” or greeting those near you. Hand-shaking, hugging, and friendly waves are all acceptable forms of greeting.
Holy Communion is served on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. All are welcome to come forward for Communion. The ushers will let you know when to come forward. You will be given a piece of bread and a cup of wine or grape juice. If you prefer to not receive Communion, you may come forward for a blessing.
Following the worship service, you may greet the pastor as you leave the sanctuary. Coffee and treats are always served after worship in the fellowship area.
Praise Worship
Our 10:45am Sunday worship uses contemporary praise songs displayed on a monitor and led by a team of singers and instrumentalists. There is usually one Bible reading and a message by our pastor. There is usually a time of “sharing the peace” or greeting those near you. Hand-shaking and hugging are both acceptable forms of greeting. All are welcome to come forward for Communion. You will be given a wafer and invited to dip it into the cup of grape juice. Following the worship service, you are welcome to join us for fellowship, coffee and treats.
Healing Worship
When there is a 5th Sunday of the month, there is a service of healing in each of the worship services. This is an opportunity to receive an anointing of oil and prayers for healing (for you or for someone else).
Other Facilities
Two restrooms are available; one of them is at the back of the sanctuary.
