Who we are
Spirit of Joy is an open and affirming congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that celebrates God’s incredible grace and welcomes others to join us as we worship, study and serve.
Our Mission
God has called us to reach out with JOY to nurture all people with the faith, love, and hope of Jesus Christ.
That's our Mission Statement, and those are not empty words! Everyone — neighbors, friends, and strangers — are welcome to participate in any of the ministries and activities of the congregation. We are an open and affirming faith community!
Taking our mission seriously, we are very active in local, regional, and international social ministries. We also love to invite our neighbors (of all faith traditions and no faith tradition) to come to concerts, support groups, and activities we host.
Our Commitment to the Community and Beyond
Spirit of Joy is a congregation dedicated to sharing our time, talents and finances to make a difference in the lives of others, whether it is here in our community or beyond.
You'll see us at: Rising Hope Food Pantry, Old Town Mission, Oak Creek and Clarkdale schools delivering JoyPacks of food. Our members volunteer at Cottonwood Elementary, Cottonwood Library, Clarkdale School, Verde Valley Homeless Coalition, and the Verde Valley Medical Center.
If you like to be involved, there are ample opportunities to serve in our In-Reach/ Outreach team activities such as:
Joy Packs is a program we started to help local “food insecure” students from area schools. During the school year we create packs of weekend food and deliver them to the schools to be shared with the students who need this ministry.
Annual Red Cross Blood Drive is held in November in honor of veterans.
Taste of Christmas is a yearly bake sale along with crafts and recycled holiday items. The women’s group, WELCA, sponsors this event and raises funds at this one-day event for various social service organizations such as Navajo Mission School at Rock Point, Verde Valley Homeless Coalition and Luther Social Services of the SW.
Science and Religion Series occurs every Sunday in February with fascinating topics discussing the co-existence of Science and Religion.
Nationally and internationally we support the mission of the ELCA through their relief and hunger agencies.